This year’s Madden NFL 20 shakes things up a bit with some new, exciting additions. Among the new features are Superstar X-Factors and Superstars. The new gameplay abilities that are associated with these point towards a new future for Madden and one that is more immersive and fun for everyone.
Game Changing Superstars
One factor that draws crowds to the NFL are the superstars on various teams. Everyone wants to see a playmaker do their thing on the field. These players have the ability to take control of a game, dominate their opponents, change momentum of the game, and help lead their team to a victory. Madden NFL 20 wants to take that aspect of the game and incorporate it into its gameplay. The results are the new Superstar X-Factors and Superstars.
A total of 50 Superstar X-Factors are included in Madden NFL 20 and will have the ability to help lead their team to victory with unique abilities and attributes. This new feature is looking to take Madden to new heights and highlight the impact individual players can make on the field just like they do in the NFL.
What The Superstar X-Factors Can Do
These designated Superstars have the ability to completely take over the game and become X-Factors. This allows them to have the most impact on the field. For a player to unlock their X-Factor abilities, they need to be in “The Zone.” For a Superstar X-Factor to get into The Zone they must complete an objective. Once that objective is complete, the X-Factor unlocks their Zone ability and this is where they can really shine on the field. There are a total of 16 different Superstar X-Factor abilities.
Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chief’s star QB and this year’s cover athlete - is one type of Superstar X-Factor in the game. Mahome’s Zone ability is called the “Bazooka.” When you unlock his Bazooka ability you are able to increase your maximum pass distant by 15+ yards. To unlock the Bazooka ability you will need to complete just one pass over 30 yards (or two if you are in competitive mode). The increased passing distance imitates Mahome’s abilities on the field and can make a large impact by stretching out the defense to its limits. If you get sacked or throw an interception you get out of The Zone and must complete another pass over 30 yards to unlock Bazooka again.
Superstar X-Factors consist of both offensive and defensive players and represent many of the teams across the league. Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears becomes an “Unstoppable Force” when he sacks the opposing team’s QB. Other notable players include Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Ezekiel Elliot, AJ Green, Aaron Donald and a long list of other star NFL players. A reddit user highlights each player here.
Will This Be Implemented In Future Releases?
Madden NFL 20 hasn’t been out long enough to truly get a feel for the new Superstar X-Factors abilities and how they impact (either positively or negatively) the overall game. If you are able to get into The Zone you can certainly help your chances of winning any given match-up. Madden seems to have put a lot of effort in determining how this new mechanic will work and the players and abilities that will be utilized. It will most likely be included in the next few releases, but after that it’s hard to tell. The franchise has a history of adding and taking things out over the years.
Superstar X-Factors are an interesting way that Madden NFL 20 is trying to imitate the reality of the NFL. Superstar players can indeed take over at any time when they are playing at the top of their game and the X-Factors should be able to perform the same. While it is impossible to tell if Superstar X-Factors will be a permanent staple in the Madden franchise, it’s another wrinkle in a game that is trying to get as close to actual football as possible.
