Players can also scout opponents in online head-to-head games to gain a competitive advantage.

One reviewer noted, Johnson's "penchant for the dramatic in real life keeps you on the edge of your seat as you turn the corner for a RB sprint or heave a desperation Hail Mary."

As the user gains more coins, they are able to buy better packs of players, eventually building their "Ultimate Team".

The choices were Alex Smith, quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers; Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints; Jared Allen, defensive end of the Minnesota Vikings; and Reggie Wayne, wide receiver of the Indianapolis Colts.

[15][20] GamePro gave the Xbox 360 version a score of four-and-a-half stars out of five and said that "hardcore Madden players may not appreciate all the changes, but those of us who are more casual fans have a lot to like.

Club gave the same version a B+ and said that it "offers a refreshing change of pace, making it a fine point of entry for newcomers and allowing stat-obsessed veterans a chance to peel away some of the layers added over the last few years.

"[43] However, The Daily Telegraph gave the same version a score of eight out of ten and said, "What I've taken away from my time with NFL 11 is a new appreciation for the sport itself.

It is thus extremely difficult to keep a good team 'in contract' without spending real money, and players risk being unable to play the mode if they are low on coins.