Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
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  1. Aug 24, 2015
    65
    Throwing, catching, and defending throws have seen some welcomed, long-ignored additions that get a couple yards closer to faithful simulation. You can decide if that's enough.
  2. Sep 10, 2015
    60
    Though Madden NFL 16 has some great ideas in the form of new modes or changes to existing systems, it feels less cohesive and finished than the franchise deserves.
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 198 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 198
  2. Negative: 67 out of 198
  1. Aug 25, 2015
    4
    Pretty suspicious that most of the positive reviews mention WR/CB interactions within the first couple of sentences. Maybe that's just aPretty suspicious that most of the positive reviews mention WR/CB interactions within the first couple of sentences. Maybe that's just a coincidence. EA would never do something like plant fake reviews, would they? Full Review »
  2. Aug 25, 2015
    10
    The game definitely lives up to its billing this year. The new additions to CFM have made the mode even more in depth and give users a trueThe game definitely lives up to its billing this year. The new additions to CFM have made the mode even more in depth and give users a true "team building" experience. Coupled with the much needed improvements made to the WR / CB interaction (as well as new animations), the game is definitely worth your hard earned money. And thats just scratching the surface. Full Review »
  3. Sep 17, 2015
    0
    Edited since the update:

    So I am not sure if I am playing the same game as the other people on this site, but this game is pretty bad. So
    Edited since the update:

    So I am not sure if I am playing the same game as the other people on this site, but this game is pretty bad. So if you want to see the ego stroke for EA, fine. If you want to hear actual reason not to buy this game, here it is my take.

    You cannot skip cut scenes, which prolongs gameplay. Long load screens... Very unrealistic, the new WR/CB system makes virtually every throw catchable, despite the coverage. If you throw deep to your number one WR, he will catch the ball in double coverage. EVERY TIME. (This glitch has been semi-repaired. Your WR will still catch it, meaning he will get both hands on the ball. However, the ball will be "popped out" and often times the ball is sent floating into the air for 2 secs.)

    When you kick a field goal, the kick glitch will apply every third kick. ( This glitch has been fixed, although still may happen rarely) When your kicker makes contact with the ball, the ball will fly straight to the sidelines. Terrible menu's: The franchise mode menu's got an overhaul, and it can very complicated. If you are an owner, be prepared to go through three menu's to make a trade. If you are playing "My player" and locked into the QB position on ALL-MADDEN, be prepared for lots...and lots... and lots... of wide open drops by your WR's. If the play is simply thrown to a wide open WR over the middle, the ball is often dropped. However if your WR is covered by 3 men deep, no worries, the ball will be caught....

    Same applies to defensive play. If your DB or Safety is in prime position to make a play on a deep ball, your DB will allow the WR to catch the ball. However, if your DB is two steps behind the WR on a short or intermediate route, he will do a cartwheel block on the pass.

    If you are playing My Player with a lock on the QB position, your offensive line will fail to block for a whole second before releasing the DT. However, if you are not playing My Player, this will not apply to you as much, so have fun throwing for 8 touchdowns. :)

    Now for online play, if you are facing a opponent who continually throws the ball to the slot WR on streak, the only play that will stop him will be COVER 4... that's right. The soft spot is in front of the free safety, above the linebackers. Man coverage, Cover 2, and Cover 3 will not work. You will need to drop back 4 players to stop that one man. (This glitch has been semi-repaired as well. Man coverage will put a stop to this, but the patch now effects the run game.)

    The run game online is a pretty simple glitch to stop. If your opponent does a HB dive or pitch, he will initially run straight then bounce out to the outside. Your LB's and CB's will over pursue and immediately run too deep behind the line. This will allow your opponent to run five yards backwards, while bouncing to the outside, and then turn up field for a very unreasonable gain in yardage. Your defensive players will not stay disciplined in their positions, and will not be able to take the appropriate pursuit angles. Same thing applies to kickoff's. Run straight and to the short side of the field, then run backwards and to the long side of the field, and I guarantee you will return a kickoff or two. You're welcome in advance.So, that will be helpful to some.

    On a positive note, the team building aspect is interesting. You will have goals to accomplish on each drive that benefit yourself, and your team. The patches will only apply to online franchise gameplay, and not to your offline franchise. Be prepared.

    The drills are a major waste of time, and entirely too long. In what you could learn in 3 plays, the game makes you attempt the plays 10 to 20 times, so that you really learn what you are doing. These act as mini games to unlock Ultimate Team cards, which are useless if you do not enjoy ultimate team.

    The gameplay, tackling system, and running are basically the same. The hitstick will still cause a fumble EVERY time the running back runs up the middle (this glitch has been semi-repaired), and running is still often stopped at the line despite your opponents playcall. Bubble screens still do not work to outside WR's. End around plays still do not work to outside WR's. PA passes on 3rd down often are for a major loss, and take too long to develop.

    The EA competitive engine is still there. If you are beating an opponent badly, the game will give the opponent an advantage by adjusting the game sliders. This allows the opponent to come back and keep the game competitive. This aspect should've been removed in Madden 25, but is still there today. Really frustrating when your opponent is mediocre, but still is hanging in there for no reason. Anyway, that's all I feel like typing, I hope I can at least give some realistic expectations for potential buyers.
    Full Review »