Madden NFL 16 Image
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84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 137 Ratings

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  • Summary: Whether playing alone or online, your mission to build an NFL dynasty begins with Connected Franchise. Interact and build your team with more control with Game Prep. Want to develop your backup QB? Between matchups, spend extra time on him each week to earn training points without having toWhether playing alone or online, your mission to build an NFL dynasty begins with Connected Franchise. Interact and build your team with more control with Game Prep. Want to develop your backup QB? Between matchups, spend extra time on him each week to earn training points without having to force him into the real games before he is ready. Build your teams' confidence through performance and front office transactions. Balance keeping player's confidence up, to increase abilities and build player XP. Expand
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Madden NFL 16 - First Look Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. 90
    Madden 16 proves that it is far from a mere roster update, with some of the best gameplay improvements in a long time and the incredibly fun and addicting Draft Champions mode.
  2. Aug 24, 2015
    90
    New gameplay mechanics and the new Draft Champions mode mean Madden NFL 16 finally delivers a complete football experience that both casual and hardcore fans should be able to enjoy right from the start.
  3. Aug 24, 2015
    88
    Overall, I am quite happy with this year’s installment in the Madden NFL franchise. While the changes may not be as sweeping as we have seen in the past, Madden NFL 16 feels like the most complete Madden I have played in well over 10-years.
  4. Sep 9, 2015
    84
    Madden 16 feels like EA has finally caught up to the current generation of gaming and can now start to improve the venerable football franchise by even greater strides.
  5. Aug 24, 2015
    83
    I’d definitely say the good outweighs the bad with Madden NFL 16 however, thanks in large part to the excellent addition of the Draft Champions mode, and the overall positive changes made to passing and receiving.
  6. Aug 25, 2015
    82
    Draft Champions and the improved passing game confirm Madden NFL 16 as one of the best sporting experiences out there. Having said that, this is not the revolutionary title it was last year.
  7. Mar 3, 2016
    70
    Madden NFL 16 continues an upward trajectory for the series, just maybe not at the rate that consumers would hope.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 43
  2. Negative: 16 out of 43
  1. Aug 29, 2015
    10
    The emphasis on WR/DB interaction, combined with the new catch mehcanics, gives this madden a refreshing feeling the franchise hasn't producedThe emphasis on WR/DB interaction, combined with the new catch mehcanics, gives this madden a refreshing feeling the franchise hasn't produced since Madden 2005. One title at a time, the game is moving in a great direction. Expand
  2. Sep 15, 2015
    9
    This years game of madden is a huge step in the right direction. The gameplay has added a ton of new options on both sides of the ball giveThis years game of madden is a huge step in the right direction. The gameplay has added a ton of new options on both sides of the ball give the user the ability to make adjustments and changes to match what you see in the NFL. Draft Champions game mode added a new experience to the game and if your a fan of MUT or fantasy football this mode will likely intrigue your interest as well. The gameplay & visuals has made a significant jump in progress from previous years. This year's game is the most fun I've had with Madden since 2009. This could go down as one of the best versions of the game in it's history and is a strong indicator that the current development team is moving towards simulation football. Expand
  3. Oct 5, 2015
    9
    I like the direction madden took this year but there are some things that need attention. MUT is growing and the addition of draft championsI like the direction madden took this year but there are some things that need attention. MUT is growing and the addition of draft champions was a good idea for the series hopefully they continue it. I do understand some of the negative feedback but these additions to the passing game add depth to the gameplay. If they throw it deep play good D dont complain because someone goes over the top like an idiot all the time. Most players I have encountered are sporting players so dont listen to the nagging response of players throwing bombs all the time. Connected franchise is still a solid mode and I think they made it deeper and more fun. They still have much work to do in the future but it is worth the up grade. Expand
  4. Aug 28, 2015
    8
    I would like to see a decimal system added in the future for more precise scores. With that being said, my actual score for Madden 16 is 8.5,I would like to see a decimal system added in the future for more precise scores. With that being said, my actual score for Madden 16 is 8.5, I gave 15 a 7.5, I see enough improvement in one year to justify a full point increase. The first thing that will stand out to most people familiar to the series, is that the speed of the game has been slowed down. This creates better flowing animations and more realistic movement on the field. The next thing that stands out are the WR/DB interactions, they have been done very well and you will see things never before seen in any football video game to date, and definitely never in Madden. You will see WRs and DBs reach out their arms to feel where each other are at on the field while the ball is in the air, you'll see DBs grabbing WRs arms and wrists to break up passes, they will fight for the ball on simultaneous possession catches, swat the ball out of wrs hands, safeties will come from over the top and knock the ball out, DBs can punch out the ball and will tip the ball in the air, and many other interactions like you expect to see on Sundays. The other side of this feature is that there are 3 different catch options for a WR to choose from. They are aggressive, RAC, and possession, the aggressive catch has the biggest risk/reward to it, and the other two are best used to either try to gain a few extra yards after the catch or simply make a safe catch to move the chains. Penalties are back and in some cases working properly for the first time, you'll see pass interference on both offense and defense, defensive holding, etc... There are many other new gameplay additions, but to me the WR/DB interactions and penalties are the big difference makers on the field.

    As far as presentation, there are no major improvements this year, but a few nice additions in terms of crowd models(females), towels, signs, hd face scans for players, improved night and indoor lighting, and drive starters and finishers in commentary that help tell the story of the game and what happened in previous drives. The play by play commentary is still Nantz and Simms and it is still fairly dull and lifeless. There needs to be a new direction and focus in this area of the game, as it is severely holding back the presentation in game. There were no improvements of any substance in the halftime show, there is still no weekly wrap up or post game show or even a scores & stats ticker in CFM. These are things the community has wanted for years and they cannot go unnoticed another year if Madden wants to deliver a true next gen presentation. They still haven't achieved their goal of "Living Worlds", there is no major improvement on the sidelines, other than less generic faces and they added cold weather gear for camera and other sideline personnel. The sideline players and coaches do not interact with the players much if at all and sideline players react to plays like you would expect on a Xbox 360 or PS3, it's very dull and repetitive. These areas must also be addressed to get presentation up to par with the best in class sports titles presentation.

    As far as CFM goes, there were a few nice additions with a new scouting system, and they added combine results, but the biggest difference is in the interface and menus. Everything flows much smoother, they added a visual depth chart now which allows you to make roster adjustments much easier. Player cards have been added to allow you to see a quick overview of your players stats, ratings, and other info, you can also edit your player(not appearance or ratings), and make roster moves with this card. The other improvements in CFM are not as major and overall I was disappointed with the lack of improvement in CFM, it still doesn't create a lot of immersion as far as presentation and doesn't do a great job representing the excitement and brilliance of the nfl season. Stadium atmosphere doesn't change much depending on the stadium or time of year, Playoff and Super Bowl presentations are still lacking and virtually unchanged. Overall CFM is what it has been in the past, so if you're familiar with the mode then you know what to expect.

    Draft Champions is a new mode this year, it's basically fantasy football meets Hearthstone, there are 15 rounds to select your team, coaches and players, which you can then use to compete against the CPU in a "gauntlet" type mode or head to head online. I highly encourage everyone to try this mode even if you are not a fan of MUT, this is a new, fun, addictive experience and something that I would like to see all sports games introduce in the future.

    Overall, Madden 16 shines brightest on the field and it truly is the best playing Madden in a decade IMO. would like to see a lot of innovative improvements in presentation and CFM going forward, as noted, but if gameplay is king for you, like it is for me and you can overlook the lack of immersive presentation elements that are lacking, this is the Madden you have been waiting for
    Expand
  5. Sep 4, 2020
    5
    Game is very limited in what you can actually do but gameplay is actually much more realistic compared to Madden 20 or 21. Gameplay feels aGame is very limited in what you can actually do but gameplay is actually much more realistic compared to Madden 20 or 21. Gameplay feels a little more fluid but all the characters faces are almost all the same and don’t look like the actual players. Still better than the stuff is releasing nowadays. Expand
  6. Apr 2, 2016
    3
    I understand that EA doesn't need to value its customer base, because they own exclusive rights to the NFL and haven't had competition sinceI understand that EA doesn't need to value its customer base, because they own exclusive rights to the NFL and haven't had competition since NFL 2K. So as a non-loyal, but still a dumb ass that has played Madden 2003- 20016 I am officially done. There are numerous reasons to list, but I don't need to repeat what numerous people have already said. This game is as fresh as the announcers tiresome statements (Jim Nanz and Phil Simms again) They're repetitive, asinine, and like the Madden franchise should be chucked in the garbage.
    My complaints other then that are all with Online and here they are:
    - I can no longer see my opponents DNF. So there is no reward for not quitting. Some turd with a DNF of 50% that quits as soon as he throws an interception and falls down by one score will be matched with me. So much for rewarding good sportsmanship... this has been the case for at least the last two maddens.
    -In the same vein, I can also no longer see who I'm playing. It's so fresh to get stuck playing someone 8/10 times who picks Carolina all the time b/c they have one of the best QB's and defenses in the game.
    Like I said, I could go on but almost everything's been said already. EA knows we're the same public that shells out $15 to see the new Fast and Furious, its titled Furious. No need to make a compelling game, too greedy and complacent for that.
    -
    Expand
  7. Apr 25, 2016
    0
    This game is horrible all you have to do is run 4 vert and throw it to you star receiver and hold Y or triangle and that's how you winThis game is horrible all you have to do is run 4 vert and throw it to you star receiver and hold Y or triangle and that's how you win considering that a 75 ovr WR can moss 99 deion it's ridiculous. There's no point in having a good o-line becausee 3 people blocking will still get blocksheded by base elties, and speed doesn't even matter in this game, youtubers are saying that 99 GT Bo is a dissapointment because he doesn't feel like 101 speed considering he gets SUCTION TACKLED by d-linemen. I'm Just waiting for I hope ea fixes this or don't make madden 17 at all JUST LET 2K MAKE A FOOTBALL GAME Expand

See all 43 User Reviews

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