Madden NFL 17

EA Sports granted Madden fans their biggest wishes within the franchise mode. Leading with Play the Moment and new running play innovations Madden 17 is the best balanced NFL game ever.

There likely will never be a perfect Madden NFL game, but this version comes very close to that ideal indeed.

If you’re used to buying Madden every other year or every few years, 17 is certainly worth your money. The jump from 16 to 17 isn’t drastic but the proof is certainly in the running back pudding, and boy is it good. Everything else is elementary at this point.

Madden NFL 17 turned a corner. While it hasn't overhauled its entire system to the point that it looks like a game-changer, the little aspects make the follow-up more polished. Kudos to EA Sports to stepping up its game.

The developers seemed focused on bringing the best Madden NFL title in the last 10 years and they have very much accomplished that feat. This is a must-have, folks.

The community’s gameplay wishes were granted with a new focus on Franchise mode, led by the Play the Moments feature. Outside of its mood-killing commentators, Madden 17 is just about everything we’ve been waiting for since EA Sports took full control of the NFL license. Football is back, and it’s only a yard or two short of becoming an all-time great.

A number of big, but subtle improvements put Madden NFL one step closer to perfection, even if they're not quite there yet.

Madden NFL 17 is more immediate, more accessible and funner. Franchise Mode is deeper and really complete now. Madden NFL 17 is a turning point for the saga.

Madden 17 is a football game that speaks to everyone, pleases most and delights the hardcore fans. It doesn't shine for its technical prowess or for the presence of new ideas, but everything works just great, and the new Play the Moment feature lays the foundation for a bright future for the series.

Crazy to the newcomers; big to the veterans. Franchise mode puts a lot of effort showing to the church of the NFL to the foreigners like us. Ultimate Team offers lots of hours for all the players and Ignite holds the pulse one more year.

If you’re looking for a detailed and accessible American football game, this is it. Along with fantastic gameplay and a Franchise mode showcasing clear improvements, you won’t be disappointed.

While I agree Madden 17 isn't a leap forward, the fact that it rides Madden 16's coattails while creating its own (thanks to the commentary system and some of the trench play) doesn't make it a bad title. If you asked me which I'd rather have – a new franchise mode or the improved line play that's now in the game, it's hard to ignore what I've actually experienced versus a hypothetical. The game is better because of it, and there's no going back.

This may not be the best Madden title ever, but it is definitely the most promising entry this console generation.

More accessible than ever for new players, thanks to new options such as Play the Moments and Big Decisions. Now it is time to revamp the graphic engine, though.

A new madden that genuinely feels fresh rather than a half-hearted, contractually-binding annual roster update. [Nov 2016, p.91]

Quite simply, Madden NFL 17 is the best Madden game to date. The adjustments in the offensive and defensive gameplay mechanics really improve the realism and enjoyment of the game.

If you love NFL this will be a great addition to your collection with the depth available and the control given.

EA has shown a desire to create a more welcoming Madden for beginners, which is admirable and works as newbies can learn advanced techniques by playing the game rather than studying a manual. Just make sure you don’t leave the stabilisers on for too long. Let the real fun begin.

A sterling upgrade that has taken the fine work of its predecessors, and ran with it.

Madden NFL 17 retained its must play title status among sport games. Small progress was expected but this new episode is full of convincing novelties such as its new easier gameplay and its "Franchise" mode.

Madden NFL 17 is an incredible game of football, however it feels like the safest step forward in a while.

Madden NFL 17 is not a perfect game. You still have a handful of oddball AI and animation moments, but they are far fewer between than in years past and this year's iteration delivers a much more authentic experience than any football game has to date. Is Madden NFL 17 worth upgrading to if you already own last year's version? I believe so as it is a step forward in just about every area and there were no discernible steps backwards.

All is not perfect — there are still some visual glitches and long load times to contend with — but for a title routinely derided for not improving enough between titles, Madden has really raised its game this time around.

The new kick meter and ability to block kicks and punts makes comebacks and upsets feel possible, while the presentation is as excellent as ever thanks to the new commentary team. Franchise mode is the standout star here, though, with new trading features and the Play the Moments mode ensuring that the game doesn't chew the clock.

If Franchise mode is your bag, then yes, you’ll want the new model. The upgraded run mechanics and countless small improvements certainly keep it a step ahead of Madden 16. But those looking for a game-changing, highlight-reel play should hold off. EA has moved the needle again, but not the final score.

Save for the aforementioned play-calling bug and the loading times, this is the most accessible and welcoming Madden in this console generation, which is an accomplishment for a sport that can appear complicated at first glance.

Madden NFL 17 is a game made for football fans, although those who aren't into the sport will find a helping hand in its tutorials. Ultimate Team shows off in all its might, and only a Spanish translation and the scarce online modes weigh down one of EA SPORTS' best games.

Much of what’s been altered are small steps to further enjoyment, because EA has the fundamentals down. Is it unrecognisable from Madden 16? No. Is it more playable? Yes. Ultimately, that’s all that matters, and all that’s needed to make this title a success.

Madden NFL 17 feels like more Madden NFL 16, which isn’t always a bad thing.

Madden NFL 17 is all about not fixing what isn’t broken. Unlike last year, not a whole lot is radically different for better or for worse. If there was something that bothered you about Madden in your last go around, you might find that those problems still exist. With each passing year though, Madden continues (albeit slowly) to be more authentic and immersive.

EA Tiburon has done a great job of rehabilitating the fading Madden brand, with Madden 17 being the culmination of their efforts. Everything they've tried to accomplish over the past couple years is on display, from the revamped blocking to the smarter franchise mode. There are certainly plenty of issues left to address; but for now, Madden NFL 17 is a very solid football game.

The trenches have never had this level of attention, so the hard-nose side of the game holds proper presentation alongside its vertical counterpart.

Good gameplay improvements and a much needed change in commentary have made the in-game experience feel fresh, but the offline game modes have largely been ignored with the same boring options except for the minor inclusion of game planning that is generally determined by the CPU anyways. Madden is fun, but running game improvements aren't enough to suggest that this is worthy of another $60 purchase.