Madden NFL 16 Review – A Coin Toss
Game Reviewed: Madden NFL 16
Date Released: August 25th, 2015
Developer: EA Tiburon
Publisher: EA Sports
Platform: [Reviewed: XBOX ONE], Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Genre: Sports
Rated: E for Everyone
A little disappointed I didn’t see Kevin Hart pushing Madden this year but it’s fine. The game is more important at the end of the day and it’s officially the season where talking is cheap and winning is everything. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Madden season!
This might be petty to some, but Madden NFL 16 kicks off with a simplistic, yet gorgeous start menu of Odell Beckham Jr. Let’s just talk about what to expect from this one screen. Graphics are to notch, from player recognition and face models to the tattoos; we’ll get back to it shortly! So what’s Madden all about this year?
Steelers and the Cardinals are Madden’s prelude, but my, oh my the presentation. The coach, the quarterback, the interactions; OMG. Antonio Brown and Roethlisberger show their chemistry and what it takes to win. In short, you learn how to throw different variations of trajectory passes and catches. Madden gave us an intro to remember, but will the overall experience keep the hype on cloud nine?
After winning or losing the Super Bowl, it’s time to learn the basics and new mechanics then it onto the field to play some football. The very first thing that sticks out is the pre-game coin toss that was pulled since Madden NFL 15. It felt awkward not seeing the coin-toss as it’s NFL opening ritual when it comes to that first key possession.
There’s a handful of new mechanics that compliments Madden NFL 16 and makes it without question one of the best Madden’s in their entire 
development cycle. A few years back Tiburon focused on the read and react and the basic concept was there, but it’s not only there in NFL 16, it’s completely balanced. And yes, that’s important as Madden normally focuses on either offense or defense one at a time.
The QB can better time his passes as the receiver than decide how they want to catch the ball. If that’s not enough as you player react to the pass you now have the ability to aggressively or run and catch passes thrown. But while being aggressive makes for amazing highlights, it can cost you as the defenses have the similar abilities.
On paper, reading the phrase be the playmaker doesn’t mean much until you’re experiencing it hands-on. You truly have no clue what to expect as your player navigate the field as in a moment’s notice it can be snatched, batted away or even intercepted. All very exceptional mechanical updates that enhance the overall feel of the game and presentation.
Jim and Phil are still on commentary, and while the chemistry have always been there, this year play-calling was a bit more repetitive than usual. It’s more noticeable during the 3rd and 4th down conversions.
Other modes in Madden NFL 16 include, Connected Franchise, Madden Ultimate Team and Draft Champions. Draft Champions is the newbie in the series allowing you to select a coach and players to take the field and attempt to win al. Madden Ultimate Team is essentially the same as the previous years, taking your unique dream team and challenging others online. Connected Franchise as well continues down the same path as Madden 15 as well.
Madden NFL 16 could be called Madden 15 if you’re simply looking at trailers; you have to put the controller in your hand and take on the competition. The first and only word to describe this year’s Madden is presentation. I for one am again saddened that the GameFace feat has been excluded yet again, but the overall experience is so realistic it’s hard to hold that one thing against them. Madden NFL 16 proves why it deserves the recognition this year… It’s Madden Season!
The Scores:
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Visuals: 4.5/5
Controls: 4.25/5
Audio: 4/5
Replayability: 4/5
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