Madden 23 Patch #4 Review and Community Impressions

About two weeks ago, EA Sports released the latest patch update for Madden 23, and fans were intrigued as it promised to fix several vital issues that gamers were still experiencing. Not only would it fix the 32-team online franchise mode and some minor problems with Face of the Franchise, but it would also add the first update to EA’s highly touted NFL Live feature since the game’s inaugural release. And for us Dolphins fans, it even added a specific signature touchdown celebration.

Here’s everything we like and dislike about Madden 23 patch #4, plus some impressions from the Operation Sports community.

Madden 23 Patch #4 Review

Franchise Mode And NFL Live Update

One of the most significant updates from Madden’s patch #4 is the changes to franchise mode, which EA said will “fix multiple high priority issues via server-side fixes since the last Title Update. There is also an attempted fix going live today for the draft revert bug. The Draft Revert Fix is a server-side fix, and while it is deploying at a similar time to TU4, it is not part of the TU4 fix specifically.”

Gamers seem to be uncertain whether or not this issue is actually fixed, but it does appear many are now able to advance franchise mode. However, there’s still the offline glitch that won’t allow gamers to play more than 10 seasons.

Falcon1700 doesn’t really see the big deal with the inability to play more than 10 seasons, considering very few ever play through that many.

“I really don’t get this “broken” franchise complaint. Honestly, how many players actually play through the 10+ seasons needed to make the bug a 100% crash issue? I’d wager less than 1% of all players who exclusively play franchise mode do so. I exclusively play franchise, and I’ve gotten to eight seasons played only a couple times because eventually I get bored with my team and restart. For the bug to crash your Franchise with 100% certainty, you need to play 10+ seasons. It’s annoying, it sucks, but it’s not this major issue affecting a ton of players that the doomsayers say it is.”

I get this as someone who can barely finish three or four full seasons. However, it would be best if you were to play as many seasons as you’d like without jumping through hoops (after all, it’s promised to be 30 seasons). It’s not perfect, but with the new updates, many gamers can confidently continue their franchise.

For those of us anxiously waiting for the Live playbook update, it looks like EA finally answered the call. This makes things much easier for those looking to start a franchise in Week 11. That’s what I did. Instead of playing a CFM right out of the box, I waited patiently for the bugs to be fixed. This new update is a life saver.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses, as there is still an issue forcing users to manually adjust the depth chart before every game. Here’s what jfsolo had to say about the changes.

“Unfortunately, if you use the Live playbooks, you still have to go in and fix yours and the CPU’s before every game. Yes it sucks but it’s muscle memory for me to automatically do it now and it takes like 20 seconds.”

He would later correct himself and admit that users are unable to re-order the CPU’s depth chart, which can make for an extremely unrealistic experience at times. Nevertheless, beggars can’t be choosers. And I’d much rather have the latest update to NFL Live than have to continue starting from Week 1 with outdated features and commentary.

OS user mydownfall1185 didn’t see any changes with the depth chart issues, either.

“Doesn’t seem to be fixed. I just opened my franchise, made a depth chart change or two, signed a FA and saw the depth chart set back based on overalls.”

One of the major issues with Connected Franchise mode is that free agency continues to generate unrealistic scenarios from one season to the next. According to most gamers, the Los Angeles Chargers’ inability to re-sign superstar quarterback Justin Herbert is the most frustrating. Yes, LA indeed has a cap situation that isn’t the most desirable but allowing one of the better QBs in football to hit the open market is NOT something they intend to do. It can also send your franchise into a downward spiral for better or for worse.

Toodles2you90 was not happy.

“I’ve run a bunch of franchises, and the only player I see every time is Herbert. You will get other players sporadically, but Herbert is always there because the Chargers cap situation is terrible and the game probably isn’t smart enough/does not have the tools to figure out how to make the space to re-sign him. You can go in and edit his contract in Week 18 if you want him to stay on the Chargers.”

Gameplay Impressions Post-Patch #4

Like most sports video games, Madden 23 will never be perfect. But after the recent patch update, I was impressed with how much more realistic the game felt. Not only did EA add a bunch of new formations, but the gameplay improved as well. In my limited time playing the game post-patch, the offensive line seemed to protect better, and the defensive back/wide receiver interactions continued to impress. OS user gotmadskillzson noticed some changes immediately after the latest patch update, as well.

“I noticed it is a lot easier to pass and run the ball now. I think that is due to defenders having a natural delay to their actions now. Change of direction speed is more respected now — where as before, defenders could change directions on a dime and not lose a step. It definitely makes some passing routes look more natural. If a WR is going one way and then breaks the opposite direction, you now see the DB trail him and be a few yards behind.”

Another thing I’ve noticed, and one thing that Goducks1224 pointed out, is the CPU’s inability to commit to the run game.

“Anyone notice the CPU basically never runs the ball anymore? I just played against the Browns and they had 6 carries. 12 minute quarters. This has been a reoccurring theme for the past 5-6 games I’ve played, including games against Tennessee, Cleveland, and San Francisco who obviously all have feature backs.”

Ccdeville believes the game is a bit too easy now.

“For me, it’s too easy now. I used to find it a challenge when using placement and accuracy. I bit my nails with every pass because you had to be so precise. It was frustrating, but at the same time that was part of the challenge to get better, and it also reflected the ratings of the QB you were using. Now I’m cutting up defenses with Ryan Tannehill with no resistance. It feels like classic passing, and the game is helping me, and it’s taken the learning curve and challenge out of the passing game.”

Jaylen Waddle’s Touchdown Celebration Debuts In Madden 23

If you’ve read my work, there is a good chance you know I’m a hardcore Miami Dolphins fan. Knowing this, you could understand how frustrated I was to find out that Jaylen Waddle’s signature touchdown celebration (“The Waddle”) wasn’t in the game upon its release. How wasn’t this at the top of their list of things to do in Madden 23? All jokes aside, it was a little bit of a letdown not to have one of the most unique celebrations in Madden. But as they do every year, EA Sports adapted and added Waddle’s celebration with the latest update.

No, it’s not the most authentic-looking “Waddle,” but it gets the job done. And while it may not mean much to many people, Dolphins fans everywhere are excited. So is Jaylen Waddle. Now, if they could do a better job of making the uniforms 100 percent authentic and adding other player-specific celebrations, fans would genuinely be happy with EA’s progress on this front.

🐧 Today's Title Update brings the Waddle

Click the link to see all of the latest updates to #Madden23

➡️ https://t.co/LO3xeO6Ijw pic.twitter.com/vR53DhD8KN

— Madden NFL 24 (@EAMaddenNFL) November 17, 2022

What are your thoughts on the latest patch from EA Sports? Have you started a Connected Franchise? What would you like to see fixed in patch #5? Let us know!