Madden NFL 17 Review

Game Reviewed: Madden NFL 17

Release Date: August 23rd, 2016

Developer: EA Tiburon

Publisher: EA Sports

Platform: [Reviewed:Xbox One], PlayStation 4

Genre: Sports

Rated: E For Everyone

Football fans can’t help but to feel the excitement and allow those juices to flow as Madden NFL sets the tone for each and every year. It’s Madden season again ladies and gentlemen and Gronk is the man of the hour. But there’s definitely one player that can take him down, you! Welcome to Madden NFL 17.

It kicks off in Los Angeles as the Rams take on the Redskins in a 4^th quarter situation. There’s so much to discuss based from just this teaser that will be hit on later in this review. But there was so much to take in at once; I couldn’t help but smile thanks to the overhaul in Madden NFL 17. But the questioned to be answered is can you lead the RAMS to victory in this NFC Wildcard.

Madden then prompts for you to select your favorite team and difficulty similar to old school Madden rather than NFL 16. From there you can test your abilities in the skills trainer before playing exhibition or online.

But it’s all about what happens when you get on the field that matters including the awesome presentation this year during pregame, real NFL related commercials from Head and Shoulders, Snickers and more. And for whatever reason EA Sports again have decided to keep the coin toss out of the game which is one of the biggest and traditional kickoffs in every NFL game.

Madden this year feels like the game fans have waited years for and deserves every bit of attention. On offense you have the ability to truly be the playmaker regardless if you are passing or rushing your way to the end zone. Every juke, stiff arm and spin move looks magnificent and feels like an ultimate achievement unlocked as you embarrass the competition with the new ball carrier locomotion.

Defense is just as refined as they can read and react much better to routes and ball movement, meaning players can now stop offense from making big catches by deflecting or even intercepting more frequently. When playing against A.I. expect routes to be better defended as well, increasing the challenges throughout each stadium. Gap assignments also allow you to penetrate the offensive line and sneak in for a QB sack.

Madden Ultimate Team is still presented as one of the biggest features of Madden NFL 17. Collect cards with the hopes of obtaining your favorite players to make your ultimate fantasy team to play against others head to head. When upgrading your team this year you can utilize the best lineup option to find the best players or team chemistry. It’s up to you to find that ultimate dream team that dominates the turf.

Highlighted as new and improved is Franchise mode. Here you have the choice of playing as coach, player or owner. Coaches have earnable XP this year to upgrade your coach in addition to signing, trading and cutting players. Personally I prefer being the player on the field rather than the sideline. Madden NFL 17 allows you to play what matters to you more in-depth this year as you can choose where to start the season and setting your season goals. Play the moment is also an option pushing you exactly where you want to start, allowing a better option in simulating gameplay or games to the precise moments your player is on the field or simply the most critical moments in-game.

Draft Champions makes a return as you choose your coach and team in 15 rounds. After making your suggestions it’s time to take what’s hopefully your best picks on to a victorious run.

New facial scans and animations are a marvelous addition to Madden this year, but unfortunately even with NBA Live and UFC allowing Game Face, Madden for whatever reason keeps the feature out for another year. Instead you are forced to choose from presets based on the skin tone.

Commentary this year received a massive overhaul as EA moves from Jim Nantz and Phil Simms to the team of Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis. With a new team providing fresh dialogue Madden feels refined, at least until you’re playing with the same team in Franchise mode. While Brandon and Charles is less repetitive the halftime report and pregame is need of weekly updates as well. Here’s to hoping EA Sports focus on all aspects of commentary.