
Not only that, but the story that QB1 does tell is hokey and clumsily unraveled. In general, QB1 moves at such a fast pace that it doesn't allow for thoughtful character development. That's too bad, because this character, in the limited screen time he gets, is far more interesting than the cookie-cutter, run-of-the-mill one you create. Without giving too much away, another major storyline in QB1 involves your college teammate and friend, and it ends abruptly, with the strong suggestion that the story will continue in Madden NFL 21. There is one storyline in particular involving a sick child rooting for you that falls flat it tries too hard to tug on your heartstrings, moody piano pieces and all, without earning any payoff. This delivery method makes conversations awkward and ultimately forgettable. At that point, the narrative beats play out through text messages you receive from fans and other players from around the league. In part, that's because QB1's cinematic cutscenes and Telltale-style choices end once you get to the NFL. That's the idea, at least in practice, it leaves much to be desired. After making it to the NFL, the game then disappointingly becomes the standard Franchise mode, except your character has more backstory that acts as fuel to drive you to succeed on the field.



There are some genuinely funny moments here with your aloof agent Les Moore, and interactions with him are some of the best character moments in the story mode. It's a treat to see fully licensed college football teams, complete with true-to-life jerseys, logos, stadiums, and marching band songs, but the gameplay experience in reality is limited to two games in the College Football Playoffs-and you can't play the college teams in quickplay later on.Īfter winning the National Championship against all odds, you're off to the NFL Combine where your performance in front of scouts and GMs determines how high you go in the draft. You select a school from 10 options, including heavyweights like Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and Clemson. However, the college football elements within Madden 20 are not anything significant. QB1's story picks up as you decide which college to attend and play for.
