Does Madden NFL 23 Have a Story Mode? Unpacking “Face of the Franchise: The League”
Yes, Madden NFL 23 features a story mode called “Face of the Franchise: The League.” However, it’s a significant departure from the story modes of previous Madden titles. Instead of starting as a rookie, your player begins their journey entering their fifth NFL season after their initial rookie contract has expired. This fundamentally changes the narrative structure and the overall player experience. You’re no longer building a player from scratch; you’re taking control of a seasoned veteran looking to cement their legacy.
Delving into “Face of the Franchise: The League”
“Face of the Franchise: The League” in Madden 23 places you in the shoes of a player who is now a free agent. You can choose to play as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, or cornerback. A major change is that your team choice is directly tied to contract terms. This means you’ll be negotiating your way onto a team that fits your desired role and compensation, adding a layer of strategic decision-making beyond just wanting to play for your favorite franchise.
The mode focuses on navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with being a veteran player, dealing with the pressures of expectations, and making crucial decisions that impact your career trajectory. It also involves interactions with coaches, teammates, and the media, adding depth to the off-the-field experience.
Is “Face of the Franchise” Worth Your Time?
Whether or not “Face of the Franchise: The League” is worth your time depends on what you’re looking for in a story mode. If you enjoy the early career progression from a rookie, this version might disappoint. However, if you’re interested in a more immediate, veteran-focused experience with added strategic elements like contract negotiations, it could be engaging. Madden NFL 23 emphasizes on-field gameplay and franchise depth; a more tailored experience for an advanced player can be rewarding.
The transition from the often-used rookie story to a free agent narrative adds a fresh twist to the formula. The ability to choose your position and team based on contract offers, combined with veteran-level challenges, can be an enjoyable experience.
Other Gameplay Improvements in Madden NFL 23
While the revamped story mode is a focal point, Madden NFL 23 also boasts improvements to the core gameplay experience. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the FieldSENSE gameplay system, which aims to provide more control over the game. This allows players to perform skill-based passing, make 360 cuts, and break through blocks realistically. These enhancements make gameplay feel more responsive and fluid, and contribute positively to the overall experience. The Games Learning Society also highlights innovative approaches to gameplay in sports games.
Addressing Criticisms
Despite the improvements, Madden NFL 23 isn’t without its critics. Some long-standing issues, such as AI behavior and animation glitches, still persist. However, the core gameplay and “Face of the Franchise: The League” offer enough new content and refinement to make it a worthwhile upgrade for many players. Overall, Madden NFL 23 provides some much-needed improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Madden NFL 23
1. What positions can I play in Face of the Franchise: The League?
You can play as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, linebacker, or cornerback.
2. Does Face of the Franchise in Madden 23 start with college games?
No, there are no high school or college games in “Face of the Franchise: The League.” You begin your career after your initial rookie contract.
3. Can I play Face of the Franchise offline?
Yes, “Face of the Franchise: The League” can be played offline.
4. What is the main difference between Madden NFL 22 and Madden NFL 23?
Madden NFL 23 features significant gameplay and animation improvements, as well as a revamped “Face of the Franchise: The League” mode. It also feels more realistic and the graphics and broadcasting are significantly better than the previous installment.
5. Is Madden NFL 23 worth buying?
According to many, Madden NFL 23 is a worthwhile upgrade, offering improved gameplay, updated graphics, and a refreshed story mode experience.
6. What is FieldSENSE in Madden NFL 23?
FieldSENSE is a new gameplay system that provides more control over the game, enabling skill-based passing, 360 cuts, and improved blocking mechanics.
7. How many seasons can you play in Franchise mode in Madden NFL 23?
You can play up to 30 seasons in Franchise mode in Madden NFL 23.
8. What difficulty levels are available in Madden NFL 23?
The available difficulty levels are Rookie, Pro, All-Pro, and All-Madden.
9. Does Madden NFL 23 have a Super Bowl mode?
Yes, Madden NFL 23 includes a Super Bowl program within Ultimate Team, featuring content and challenges related to the Super Bowl.
10. Why is Bill Belichick not in Madden NFL 23?
Bill Belichick is not included because he is not a member of the NFL Coaches Association.
11. What is the difference between the standard and All-Madden editions of Madden NFL 23?
The All-Madden Edition is a digital-only version that includes extra content for Ultimate Team and grants access to both last- and current-gen versions of the game.
12. Has Franchise mode been removed in Madden NFL 23?
No, Franchise mode is still available in Madden NFL 23, although there were issues with online franchises for players.
13. Do I need to purchase Madden NFL 23 twice if I upgrade to a next-gen console?
If you purchase the Standard Edition, you will need to purchase the next-gen version separately. The All-Madden Edition includes access to both last- and current-gen versions.
14. What is the difference between online and offline Franchise mode in Madden NFL 23?
Online Franchise mode uses live NFL rosters, ratings, and statistics, while offline mode uses the 75-man roster set at the beginning of the preseason.
15. Is Madden NFL 23 always online?
Madden NFL 23 offers both online and offline game modes. While some modes require an internet connection, others can be played offline against the CPU.
In conclusion, Madden NFL 23 does indeed have a story mode, “Face of the Franchise: The League,” but it’s a significantly altered experience compared to previous iterations. By starting you as a veteran free agent, the game allows for a focus on contract negotiations, team dynamics, and late-career challenges, while the rest of the game benefits from improved gameplay mechanics. Whether this new direction appeals to you will depend on your personal preferences as a Madden player, but Madden NFL 23 certainly offers some new features that make it a compelling entry in the franchise.