Madden NFL 16

 Xbox One
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Attack of the Fanboy
    Aug 24, 2015
    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. DarkStation
    Aug 24, 2015
    90
    Madden has never played better. The game is smooth, strategic, and a lot of fun. If you slept on last years’ game or are just ready for some football, Madden NFL 16 is another great entry into the series.
  3. EGM
    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.
  5. IGN
    Aug 27, 2015
    88
    Madden NFL 16's new throwing and passing game ramps up the risk, reward, and realism in new, exciting ways.
  6. COGconnected
    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.
  7. Game Informer
    Aug 24, 2015
    88
    Changing Madden's modes isn't the priority this year, but you shouldn't skip this year's game. After years of fitful progress, Madden 16 finally puts its gameplay pieces together and delivers a truly dynamic on-the-field experience.
  8. Gaming Nexus
    Sep 17, 2015
    85
    A revamped gameplay system allows players to take more control than ever, making Madden 16 feel like a polished product. Career mode still has some holes in it simply because of stale options, but the game truly shines online. Overall, a great experience and one to build off of for the future.
  9. Atomix
    Aug 31, 2015
    85
    Madden NFL 16 is a good game, worthy in the Madden series with several new add-ons that work great. If you haven't played Madden in a while this one is a most.
  10. Xbox Achievements
    Aug 30, 2015
    85
    A few new gameplay mechanics and the Fantasy Draft mode might not seem like enough to make you part with your cash, but the subtle changes are enough to make every game feel like a new challenge.
  11. ZTGD
    Aug 28, 2015
    85
    Once again Madden comes highly recommended for fans of the pigskin, and as always, kicks off the best time of year to be a gamer.
  12. 4P.de
    Aug 28, 2015
    85
    At first glance the changes are as little and subtle as in the previous years. But they have big impact delivering the most dynamic Madden on current systems yet. And Draft Champions alone is almost worth the admission.
  13. Worth Playing
    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.
  14. NZGamer
    Sep 3, 2015
    84
    Madden 16 offers plenty to core gamers, and now caters to those wanting to pick-up-and-play.
  15. Gaming Age
    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.
  16. IGN Spain
    Sep 9, 2015
    82
    One great game that may be too easy for Madden experts and that doesn't have enough game modes.
  17. LevelUp
    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.
  18. games(TM)
    Oct 25, 2015
    80
    It’s a nice mix of team building, draft tactics and instant gratification that shows off some of the best side of this area of the game.
  19. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Oct 6, 2015
    80
    Smart alterations to the throwing and catching game shake up the Madden formula enough to pass the taste test, without necessarily adding any new ingredients. [Nov 2015, p.84]
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  20. Giant Bomb
    Sep 10, 2015
    80
    For the second year in a row, Madden makes smart, interesting changes that genuinely improve the experience.
  21. Telegraph
    Sep 4, 2015
    80
    There are still problems when it comes to balancing realism with spectacle, but Madden NFL 16 manages to get the mix mostly right. Certainly, when compared to previous releases, there's a far greater sense that what you're playing tallies with what you see on Sundays.
  22. New York Daily News
    Aug 25, 2015
    80
    The overall package is a solid Madden title, and a franchise that, while still imperfect, is finally trending in the right direction.
  23. Game Revolution
    Aug 24, 2015
    80
    Madden NFL 16 isn’t perfect. None of them ever are, but it’s always been about finding that balance of what sounds good and what looks good. For those familiar with the franchise, jumping back into the swing of things will be a breeze. New users could benefit from the training gauntlet.
  24. Sporting News
    Mar 3, 2016
    70
    Madden NFL 16 continues an upward trajectory for the series, just maybe not at the rate that consumers would hope.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Xbox One Game of 2015
31
#31 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2015
41
#41 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 137 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 69 out of 137
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 137
  3. Negative: 44 out of 137
  1. B5HARP
    Sep 8, 2015
    2
    Another rear end violation without lube from EA. EA still expecting us to shell out 60 bucks for what should be DLC. Biggest complaint-Another rear end violation without lube from EA. EA still expecting us to shell out 60 bucks for what should be DLC. Biggest complaint- LOAD TIMES. I mean come on. I just want to play football and not look at that ridiculous CGI of Beckham taking a dump or farting, whatever that is he's doing. Secondly, if you have a Kinect, get read for frustration. The game will sporadically call time outs and audibles on you and there is no way to turn off the Kinect feature that i could find. I would stay away from this one if at all possible. I know how hard it is for football lovers. I had the game for 24 hours before i returned it to gamestop.… Full Review »
  2. DrTobiasFunke
    Aug 26, 2015
    0
    NFL 2K5 is still a better game. Madden is the same thing every year with new rosters. The game play never changes at it's core. PeopleNFL 2K5 is still a better game. Madden is the same thing every year with new rosters. The game play never changes at it's core. People continue to be sheep shelling out $60 every year for the same trash.… Full Review »
  3. heisenberg88
    Aug 25, 2015
    7
    Its a good game... but the problem I have with Madden and most EA games is that all their games are always just "good". They never go theIts a good game... but the problem I have with Madden and most EA games is that all their games are always just "good". They never go the extra mile to really bring a better experience to people even though they make enough money to easily achieve that. The new catching is more realistic, but the tackling is worse then Ive seen and they just miss out on so many things to enhance the game. Why not hire more then one TV crew to do voiceovers instead of using Nants and Simms who are just awful at authenticity. Everything they say reminds you that you are playing a video game. Even just two announcer groups would keep the presentation fresh, and they have the money to easily do this. The tackling is still a mess. None of the tackles look anything like an actual NFL player making a play. I do like that they slowed the game down a little bit though, because Madden has always been way too fast(as are other EA games). Yea some of the new additions are good, but aren't they expected to do this? They always seem to just add a few new wrinkles to the game, while keeping the rest of the game exactly the same. I always compare NBA Live to NBA 2k because I feel like EA would have the same problems if 2k was still making NFL games, but we have nothing else to compare it too so we get excited when they even put the smallest amount of effort into making the game better. Hopefully one day somebody will find a way to create another NFL game, just so EA will really put their effort into the tackling and presentation. Its tough to change too much when you have to come out with a game every year, but they aren't an ordinary company with average funds.… Full Review »
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