Madden NFL 16

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 198 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 89 out of 198
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 198
  3. Negative: 67 out of 198
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  1. dougas2
    Sep 10, 2015
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolute garbage. That pretty much sums up this game.

    Here are the Pros: the graphics are stunning. The soundtrack is varied, yet can wear on you pretty fast.

    Cons: Too many to list. I'll ty to list a few here.
    1. The new WR/DB mechanic means that your WR will catch the ball about 90% of the time provided you use one of the catch types (aggressive, RAC, Possession)
    2. The AI will find a way to score no matter what. I was up by 21 points going into the fourth quarter against the AI on All-Pro. I thought I had the game won. Nope - the AI threw deep routes and connected every single time. My DB's were either caught way out of position or the AI receiver made the catch then broke the tackle. My DL suddenly was getting tossed around like a bunch of rag dolls. When I did get the ball back I wasn't able to move downfield at all. My OL missed blocks, my WR's dropped wide open passes. Since the OL missed blocks my RB had nowhere to run.

    Here's Stafford's stat line from two different games: 211 yards 1TD, 10-19, 11.1ypa, 36longest pass, 52% completion rate. That was from an All-pro game that I lost by 3 points.

    Here's Stafford's stat line on PRO level after the latest update: 405 yards, 3 TD's, 17-18, 22.5ypa, 52longest pass, 94% completion rate. Now mind you I dropped down a level just to test out this garbage pile of a game and was absolutely shredded by the same team. My DB's were beat on EVERY single play. I lost that game 38-33. How is it that I can come within 3 points on All-Pro mode and hold Stafford t0 around 200 yards, yet I drop down a level, play the same game using the same team and get ripped apart?

    3. The menus are total garbage. Why do I have to jump through three different menus just to complete a trade? If you want to upgrade your coach you have to jump through two menus.

    4. Load times are long. When you start the game you'll be waiting at least 3 minutes (depending on your internet speed) while the game downloads roster updates, community play recommendations, play calling data and probably several other things I'm forgetting.

    5. Everyone keeps talking about 'drive goals'. However, I have not seen this feature once on the PS4. I play franchise mode for the most part, so either that was left off the PS4 version or it's not in franchise mode.

    6. When you first load the game you're forced to play pivotal moments of Superbowl 50 between the Cardinals and the Steelers. This would have been ok had EA decided to make it a tutorial. However, it is nothing of the sort. It's unneeded and unwanted.

    All in all this game is total garbage. I can not recommend the game if you're a football fan. You'll find it frustrating and will most likely be trading it in at your local GameStop for a better game.    … Expand
  2. Beeb1
    Sep 23, 2015
    0
    In my opinion this game is awful in some areas. For one the ai is always going to make amazing plays and the one handed catches are ridiculous. Honestly the game looks exactly like 15 and it seems glitchy at times. If there was another option out there i would never purchase another madden title. Bottom line this is a big letdown to a lifetime football lover.
  3. BigRagu76
    Aug 25, 2015
    4
    Watch out for fake reviews. Once again madden is garbage. Legacy issues still in the game. Running game is damn near impossible. Aggressive catch is op and is abused to hell online. Franchise is better but it wasn't coming from much. The confidence is annoying because scrub players can earn well over 100 confidence. This years games is the same old one step forward and two steps back. IfWatch out for fake reviews. Once again madden is garbage. Legacy issues still in the game. Running game is damn near impossible. Aggressive catch is op and is abused to hell online. Franchise is better but it wasn't coming from much. The confidence is annoying because scrub players can earn well over 100 confidence. This years games is the same old one step forward and two steps back. If you own 15 don't bother. Any rating over a 6 for this game is bs.… Expand
  4. solsunforge
    Aug 30, 2015
    3
    Another year and another madden. I gave this game more then a fair shake. I streamed it on twitch for 42 hours straight from day 1 over at twitch.tv/smokerjoesteelers. Ok so lets get into it.

    Pros The controls seem more responsive especially with running the ball. Spins and jukes execute a lot faster then they did in years past. The menus look really cleaned up but they arent there yet    Another year and another madden. I gave this game more then a fair shake. I streamed it on twitch for 42 hours straight from day 1 over at twitch.tv/smokerjoesteelers. Ok so lets get into it.

    Pros
    The controls seem more responsive especially with running the ball. Spins and jukes execute a lot faster then they did in years past. The menus look really cleaned up but they arent there yet but getting closer. Draft champions is a lot of fun and was a really great addition.

    Cons
    The gimmick catching that has been added makes it so any scrub can now throw it like a skilled player without the need to read the defense and in fact the defense is almost useless anymore and is just there to slow down the pinball scoring. Seriously any skill you had in past maddens on D doesnt mean anything. When a 64 overall receiver can aggressive catch (i.e face catch) on triple coverage consisting of 2 85 ovr and a 91 ovr then you know you been had. The game is full of bugs often with your defense breaking huddle and one of the defenders making a run right to the offense to get a encroachment penalty. This has happened to me 2 or 3 times in a row more then a few games and has resulted in a free 4th down conversion several times. It seems whenever I go into a cover 3 the corner on the right side will go all the way to the left side so that when the ball is snapped he has to book it all thew way across the field to cover his man which results in giving up tons of yards. Seriously how is this even a issue at this point ea? Ive played madden since I was 10 years old and I am 32 now and this is possibly the worst madden I have ever played in that it not only is full of bugs but actually encourages cheating play abuse. So if you are a play abuser with no skill you will probably enjoy this game but if you are a skilled player in all previous maddens then please just save your money for other games. I so wish I did especially since I got the 75.00 ultimate edition    … Expand
  5. brandoncargill1
    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 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    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.    … Expand
  6. BuffGAYmer
    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 a coincidence. EA would never do something like plant fake reviews, would they?
  7. jwewan
    Aug 27, 2015
    0
    Every year it is the same game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  8. theburitodude
    Sep 10, 2015
    0
    Hike. Throw ball deep to Calvin Johnson. Mash the triangle button while ball is in air. Another 50 yard completion. This is basically what Madden has become. If you are looking for a complex football simulator do not get this game. The developers have really catered to the "casual audience" as it plays more like NFL Blitz. It has also gone down the same route mobile gaming has gone, if youHike. Throw ball deep to Calvin Johnson. Mash the triangle button while ball is in air. Another 50 yard completion. This is basically what Madden has become. If you are looking for a complex football simulator do not get this game. The developers have really catered to the "casual audience" as it plays more like NFL Blitz. It has also gone down the same route mobile gaming has gone, if you want to succeed at MUT you better be ready to fork out cash because the grind to unlock new better players is overwhelming.… Expand
  9. ZombieCo
    Sep 15, 2015
    0
    Same problems as the last 15. I wish we had 2K games to make these guys earn that 60$ they charge for this TV dinner quality game every year. It really is sad that people still buy it.

    Dont fall for these fake reviews from the "critics" on here.
  10. ineedapyt
    Sep 2, 2015
    4
    Can you have fun with this game? Yes... Draft Champions is a great mode but will wear thing after a while and with all the game play issues. Defenders that just stand there, high rated defenders at that who refuse to make a play on the ball or ball carrier. End of the day this the same madden you either hate or love with a shiny new coat of paint.

    Also 3 years in and still no real time    Can you have fun with this game? Yes... Draft Champions is a great mode but will wear thing after a while and with all the game play issues. Defenders that just stand there, high rated defenders at that who refuse to make a play on the ball or ball carrier. End of the day this the same madden you either hate or love with a shiny new coat of paint.

    Also 3 years in and still no real time physics for a next gen title... a next gen football game with no real time physics. I can't be the only one who thinks that's a problem. This game would have been great 4 years ago, but the standards are way higher now and it is not even close to meeting them.    … Expand
  11. Playstation_fan
    Sep 3, 2015
    4
    The new mechanics in the receiving is not worth 70+ dollars and draft champions is a good idea but a little more development would have made it somewhat enjoyable to play more than once or twice. If you didn't buy last years edition I might recommend it but if you had the restraint to not buy last years you might as well wait for Madden 17
  12. riley794
    Aug 28, 2015
    0
    Same game as last year except for new features that no one asked for. Now instead of just having to hit a button to try and make an acrobatic catch you have to hit a button just to make a possession or run after the catch play. Music is back but wow it is terrible. Every year this game makes me hate my favorite sport a little more. Good news is Ultimate team and all the microSame game as last year except for new features that no one asked for. Now instead of just having to hit a button to try and make an acrobatic catch you have to hit a button just to make a possession or run after the catch play. Music is back but wow it is terrible. Every year this game makes me hate my favorite sport a little more. Good news is Ultimate team and all the micro transactions that come with it are back! Also lots of Phil Sims! He even repeats the same great lines from last year over and over again! Please NFL end your exclusive deal with EA and let some competition come in to show them how a football game should be made.… Expand
  13. dallas2869
    Aug 26, 2015
    3
    Every year, they make Ultimate team harder and harder to get coins. Im not the type to waste my money, on something so pointless. I love building a team, off coins i can make in gameplay. Every year they make it more and more challenging to get coins, promoting spending Real cash to get in game currency. They make sniping cards nearly impossible, and have ruined solo challenges. I wouldEvery year, they make Ultimate team harder and harder to get coins. Im not the type to waste my money, on something so pointless. I love building a team, off coins i can make in gameplay. Every year they make it more and more challenging to get coins, promoting spending Real cash to get in game currency. They make sniping cards nearly impossible, and have ruined solo challenges. I would advise anyone who buy these to play ultimate team, to not buy this game. Madden 13 ultimate team was better than this trash.… Expand
  14. Jarbear28
    Sep 12, 2015
    4
    If you're looking for a realistic football game, then do not play Madden 16. If you've played football on any level you would know that the game is not realistic and not fun. The game is the same thing with minor tweaks every year, and every year the creator of the game says "this one will be better". Well I'm sick of it, madden is ruining what football is and isn't giving other companiesIf you're looking for a realistic football game, then do not play Madden 16. If you've played football on any level you would know that the game is not realistic and not fun. The game is the same thing with minor tweaks every year, and every year the creator of the game says "this one will be better". Well I'm sick of it, madden is ruining what football is and isn't giving other companies (2K) a chance.

    EA Sports needs to scrap Madden as whole and restart with a new director and new staff. I feel like the game was created by people that didn't play football and don't know how the sport is. It bugs me that EA Sports can release the same game every year with an updated roster. This game feels empty with no love put into it.    … Expand
  15. taroko
    Oct 16, 2015
    0
    Of course EA puts out the same garbage sports game every year, add a guy to the roster and charge $60 all over again. Would it really hurt anyone to buy last year's version in the bargain bin for $10?
  16. Nick419123
    Aug 28, 2015
    0
    Terrible game. The mechanics in this game are so terrible. I have had plenty of times where a ball would go through a defenders hand in instant replay. I have also had many times where the ball was spotted at least 2 yards off of what it should have been. The camera angle is disgusting as well. Passing takes a lot of work as well.
  17. jkm730
    Aug 28, 2015
    0
    Bluntly, Madden sucks again. They have no competition, so they have no incentive to try and make the game better. They stubbornly refuse to allow custom draft classes or player editing, which would make franchise mode fun like in MLB the Show or NBA 2k, and the gameplay is gimmicky. It's far too complicated with all these different types of catches and throws. EA is terrible. TheBluntly, Madden sucks again. They have no competition, so they have no incentive to try and make the game better. They stubbornly refuse to allow custom draft classes or player editing, which would make franchise mode fun like in MLB the Show or NBA 2k, and the gameplay is gimmicky. It's far too complicated with all these different types of catches and throws. EA is terrible. The statistics are unrealistic. Despite passing being more important than ever in the NFL, passing numbers in Madden are artificially low. It just isn't any fun to play Madden anymore.… Expand
  18. michaelg2014
    Aug 31, 2015
    4
    Still not supposed to be on ps 4 and xbox one,doesn't belong on this genation of constols.game sucks,the reason is the ncaa rule about player likness being put into the Madden game, MADDEN AIN't college football.ea sports nfl liense should be removed and the xclusive rights because of o bannon saying about ncaa bowl games,the other reason it should have been against the Madden Nfl game.
  19. DontbuyfromEA
    Dec 30, 2015
    1
    I just have to say that the critics reviewing games don't spend enough time with them. It's like a car getting an initial quality award but costs the most down the road. I had mixed hopes for this game, and after seeing it on sale during Christmas, I gave in. I have put probably 20 hours into playing this and these are the issues I have.

    User controlled receiver gets melded to the CB    I just have to say that the critics reviewing games don't spend enough time with them. It's like a car getting an initial quality award but costs the most down the road. I had mixed hopes for this game, and after seeing it on sale during Christmas, I gave in. I have put probably 20 hours into playing this and these are the issues I have.

    User controlled receiver gets melded to the CB and the CB drags him across the field. Unacceptable.

    Running back has clear lane up the middle but takes off to the left or right and runs straight into the defense. Unacceptable.

    I drop my user controlled receiver back for a screen pass and he stares at the sidelines. Unacceptable.

    User controlled player catches ball five yards in bounds and the controls are so sluggish that he continues to run straight and goes out of bounds. Unacceptable.

    Franchise team goes 9-7 and I get awarded the legacy award for going undefeated. Unacceptable.

    Popup shows up on screen during game saying back on track. completed three passes in a row. It's was three straight run plays. Unacceptable.

    Owner franchise. Build new stadium. Do you get to pick the stadium or it's features like you used to? No, of course you don't, because this is an EA game and they take stuff out as time goes on and gives the people who only want online more junk. The rest of us can apparently suck it. Unacceptable.

    Players constantly trip over and get tangled up together. Unacceptable.

    A player on my team got a touch down and got high fives by the other team. What? Unacceptable.

    These are just some of the too numerous to keep track of glitches, misses, lack of wanting to put out a good game directives from EA. I shouldn't be surprised. This is every game they put out. The last time i really enjoyed a good football game was ESPN NFL 2k5. That was the year before slEAzy got a monopoly on NFL licensed games. That was the last time there was a good NFL game. It's high time for this monopoly to end. The user reviews for this game are still averaging a little high, but that is because there are a lot of fan boys out there that refuse to admit how awful some things are. Oh, don't mention these issues on the EA forums. They will ban you in less than ten hours.    … Expand
  20. Inxcredible
    Jan 17, 2016
    0
    Worst madden ever. The animations are great madden franchise is ok but the game play is terrible. I've been playing madden since madden 2004 and after this year I'm done with madden . They bought all the rights so they have no competition, which = a **** game. the players are way too hard to control, th Qb in the pocket is unresponsive and running the ball more stupid than ever before. whoWorst madden ever. The animations are great madden franchise is ok but the game play is terrible. I've been playing madden since madden 2004 and after this year I'm done with madden . They bought all the rights so they have no competition, which = a **** game. the players are way too hard to control, th Qb in the pocket is unresponsive and running the ball more stupid than ever before. who ever the engineers are,that have been making the last 3 maddens, should be fired. their just stealing our mine every year. This is the only video game I play and sadly I'm officially done buying madden.… Expand
  21. Jakerex
    Mar 28, 2016
    0
    More of the same from EA. Not much has changed with this game in the last decade. Same rehashed garbage year after year. Shoddy route-running AI, poor blocking, and constant forced replays and close up views of players dancing and celebrating that it forces you to watch.
  22. Kiyo
    May 13, 2016
    1
    I don't know anymore, what is madden about, Why does it exist? Honestly the game is a mess, keep in mind the only other Madden game i have played was Madden 08 and Madden 13. And I can tell you my favorite mode is the mode in which you are the nfl player, I play online alot but the fact is most of the 500+ hours I spent in game were fun. But in truth after madden 16 I just got sick of it,I don't know anymore, what is madden about, Why does it exist? Honestly the game is a mess, keep in mind the only other Madden game i have played was Madden 08 and Madden 13. And I can tell you my favorite mode is the mode in which you are the nfl player, I play online alot but the fact is most of the 500+ hours I spent in game were fun. But in truth after madden 16 I just got sick of it, it may be long overdue but the games mechanics are so broken that it basically is unplayable to play it as a legit sim of football. I like realism, so I made a qb and set the game time per quarter to 15 minutes, I play and manage to get atleast 700 yards per game and 80000 yards per year. That is something that I shouldn't get. Now alright, that makes me legendary qb right? HA! I have 234 legacy points after twenty years in the league, Im a failure despite being a 20 time probowler 18 time MVP and 60 time NPOW. Da Faq?… Expand
  23. BillaryClinton
    Aug 17, 2016
    2
    Madden 17 is a cool game, I think. I love the part when the aliens come down and grab Gronk and make him their intergalactic champion. That doesn't avtually happen, but think about how cool that would be! I rate this game 12 stars out of 14 loaves of bread
  24. Spartan91
    Dec 5, 2018
    2
    Not an american football fan, so just looking at this as a game. It is entirely pointless, one of the worst things i've ever played.
    You don't actually influence the game, have fun sitting back and watching things happen without you. Watch tons of unskippable cutscense that are supposed to make it feel like you're watching a real game. Surprised EA hasn't put Commercial breaks in there.    Not an american football fan, so just looking at this as a game. It is entirely pointless, one of the worst things i've ever played.
    You don't actually influence the game, have fun sitting back and watching things happen without you. Watch tons of unskippable cutscense that are supposed to make it feel like you're watching a real game. Surprised EA hasn't put Commercial breaks in there. Just let the number generator do it's work and pretend like you're doing something.
    And instead of buying this, you might as well watch one. There is nothing good about this game. Luckily I picked it up for barely any money.    … Expand
  25. DunkonMadden
    Aug 30, 2020
    1
    Most recent Madden to get a non-zero rating from me. Still an absolutely horrible game, barebones, dry, and has no substance. EA, should be ashamed.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best PS4 Game of 2015
48
#48 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
63
#63 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. XGN
    Oct 26, 2015
    85
    Madden NFL 16 returns with a greater focus on receivers and quarterbacks, throw and catch the ball like you really want to throw it. The gameplay combined with the all new Draft Champions mode makes this the best football game over the last few years.
    Read full review
  2. Play UK
    Oct 25, 2015
    80
    A solidly-built, good-looking and immensely fun American football experience. Madden is only let down by a few engine gripes and the limitations of the sport it emulates. [Issue#262, p.72]
  3. GameCritics
    Oct 12, 2015
    95
    The sheer immersion of Madden NFL 16's gameplay makes this the best football video game since the series's salad days, and the most improved football experience since NFL Gameday first graced the PS1.
    Read full review
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