Last year’s edition of EA’s yearly football sim, Madden NFL 15, proved to be a resurgence following a rebuilding year where the franchise had to take a step back and unload for next-gen — despite the fact it followed a really solid — and memorable — last-gen game. But now that EA Sports has proved they could please their tough-as-nails fans on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, how will they take their much adorned — and quite often scorned — franchise to the next level?
Allow the “Padre” Guy Copes and the “Monsignor” Travis Moody to throw on the shoulder pads, tie up those cleats, and strap on their helmets for a review face-off in EA’s latest iteration of their best-selling pigskin player, Madden NFL 16.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eVF9uBbuqc
***RAC ‘EM UP***
@travmoody
“Monsignor” Moody: The first thing a consumer asks themself before purchasing a sequel to a video games is this: Do the new additions make the $60 purchase (or more, if Deluxe Editions are your thing) worth it? I can confidently say that, while the majority of my issues with Madden 16 are that of the selfishly cosmetic — and we’ll get into those in a bit — there are enough gameplay improvements to buy this year’s installment. No, they haven’t included a code for an NCAA Football 16 DLC with the packaging just yet– but the new additions will certainly split the uprights, for now.
@guycopes3
“Padre” Guy: Indeed, Monsignor. Every year, Madden gamers, particularly old sim heads such as yourself and the Padre, pray to the altar of the football gaming gods hoping that this year is finally THE year–the year when the only football game in town finally gets it all right. Now, I can’t sit here and tell you that what you will hold in your hands is the perfect football game; but holy Gronk at an after party with a bunch of rowdy BU sorority girls, the gameplay this year has taken a huge step up. Gameplay is king and this Madden dev team seems to have gotten that.
Moody: For sure. And nothing impacts gameplay more this season than Air Supremacy. Basically, your receivers now have the option of making a timely RAC (Run After Catch), a safe Possession catch (think Wes Welker/Julian Edelman hitting the turf), and far more vulnerable, Aggressive catches; you know, those human highlight reel type one-handed snags you’ll only see about 3 or 4 times a year. The issue, then, with these big grabs are that you’ll see about 3 or 4 of them a game, if not more, and not just by the likes of a supreme wideout such as coverboy Odell Beckham Jr. The worst rated practice-playing receiver in the league can make these catches, too, and at almost any time during the game. Still, it’s fun to be able to do a lot more than merely get wide open, and these snags make a great addition to the high (LB/L1), low (LT/L2) and touch passes the QB now has the option of throwing. The passing game in Madden 16 is dynamite…
Guy: Receiver catch variations are a welcome addition, adding great variety, feel, and animations to receiving and defense. Big con is that it can be easily exploited, especially to those jerkfaces online. On a better note, stats truly matter this year more than any other I can remember. Yeah, occasionally, Bench Warmer #45 will break out and have a monster running game. But hey, scrubs don’t get drafted; no matter how much they maybe in full bust mode, every now and then they play like they did against Wassamatta U back in their glory days. For the most part, though, those shining moments are outliers for dudes who aren’t named Brady, Marshawn, or Cam. Throw that pass up high for Joe Scrub and he will more than likely drop the rock when hit by a safety not playing for the Jags. Throw that same pass to AJ Green and watch him, not only come down with it but even shake off that defender and take it up field for a few more yards.
***HATERADE***
Moody: If nothing else, playing the Gatorade Skills Trainer in Madden NFL 16 has tought me how to be a smarter football fan. Hell, for someone who’s watched football since he could hold one, I never actually realized how much went on during an actual game. No amount of late night NFL Matchup with Merril Hoge and Ron Jaworski could have informed me as much as the GST drills. They’re fantastic, and honestly nearly as much fun as playing 11-on-11. Because of this mode, I’ve learned how to read complicated cover schemes, blitz packages, and how to make sure my O-line prepares a “hat on a hat” for those tenacious D’s.
Guy: As the Monsignor said, this game forces you (in a good way) to study and learn the game of football. Building off what Madden 15 brought to the table, the latest game elevates Skills Trainer from a fun mode to a truly necessary mode. I won’t repeat everything the Mood-maestro said, but his analysis was dead-on. The run game is fluid and feels–well–it just feels like you are controlling a living, breathing NFL running back and not an ice skater in pads. Further, you’ll appreciate those drills since the catch controls and defensive playmaking takes time to get a handle on. It’s mostly about making it all comfortable and second nature, as opposed to thinking too much about what button to push when. Again: practice, practice, practice is key this year.
***FINDING THE HOLE***
Moody: I’m glad you brought up the running game, Padre, as now it’s not a matter of running the ball “easier”, but, rather, running more “realistic.” I’ve always been frustrated with Madden‘s up and down running game. Some editions of the game gave the ballcarrier some afterburner speed up the sideline like a cheat code in Nintendo’s John Elway’s Quarterback. Other versions saw the running back knocked with the flick of a flinger, never mind any chance to follow his blockers. Madden 16 offers a left-trigger stutter step, a more commanding but less exaggerated series of jukes, and banging or bending your back to the in-or-outside just got that much better — ‘specially since it’s key you read those run-stopping D-ends and zone coverage this year. My biggest gameplay issue — for the upteenth time in a row! — is kick returning. It still sucks. Good luck getting past the 30-yard line with even Devin Hester.
Guy: Hello offensive and defensive PI (pass interference), we missed ya. Welcome back. Yes congregation, penalties actually friggin work this year. There are a variety of them and thankfully, since the sliders also actually work (did the guys from 2K replace the EA devs this year?) you can tweak the ref whistle fun-time to suit your pleasure or frustration level as you see fit. Also, some little things that rock: Players scrapping after a play, stat overlays, realistic yards and attempts. That last one is really subjective and depends on how you set up your options. For me, 7-minute quarters, no acceleration clock and normal speed are the ’86 Bears. Anything else, for me at least, is just the Jets.
***THE MOODY BLUES***
Moody: You just pleased a Patriots fan. God bless you. I also see that EA is saving some budget with the return of the EA Trax soundtrack. Hey, at least you have an artist with the name Jimi Charles Moody, so that’s somethin’! But other than Yelawolf, The Weeknd, and Fresno’s finest on the mic, Fashawn, the music is an assortment of no-names, which might (or might not) be a bad thing. But after countless hours “boogie oogie-ing” while breaking sweat in the Skills Trainer, I’ll stick to my auxiliary cable and MP3s. Also, the in-game music is more or less the same…3-4 second snippets of popular songs EA can avoid having to pay a copyright of. More unfortunately, the stagnant in-game commentary from Phil Simms and Jim Nance is back. Not only do these buffoons fail to acknowledge in-game milestones (despite the sweet overlay that will pop up next to the celebrating player), they’re just way, way, way-the-fuck-off from everything that is happening on-screen. A “great game” was an actual 7-3 4th quarter borefest; the “margin increased” when I tied the game; the “blowout continue[d]” during a 30-28 game; and even the crowd at FedExField waved their towels ever-so-vehemently after the ‘Skins opponent scored a touchdown. Dumb.
Guy: Oh-my-fucking Phil Simms…STFU! Or at least pay attention to the game being played. On second thought maybe that is true to life. Bottom line, the commentary is stale and you’ll want to just do your own or make Mute your best bud. More little things that suck balls: Hey pre-game, post-game show…when are you coming back to the game? The so-called most powerful gen is wondering why you can’t get squeezed in. And really, the fucking load times are PS1 bad. Can I get an amen?
Moody: Well, Padre, they could have at least gave Larry “No relation to Stevan” Ridley his own package of in-game and weekly highlights. I mean, yeah–can we finally make our Franchises feel like weekly NFL telecasts, EA? Imagine if Madden included an EAS version of the NFL Red Zone, or something similar? Damn! But, hey, at least the replays are accurate (and finally don’t cut off the feet of a receiver on the sidelines we’re analyzing), menus are cuter (despite being more or less the same), and I absolutely adored the “RPG-style” notification overlays (Weekly Goals/Career Moments) during Connected Franchise Mode. They finally give purpose to all that sim nonsense we ignored.
***FRANCHISE PLAYAZ***
Guy: Speaking of the CFM (Connected Franchise Mode), we have to–again–play within EA’s tight structure. Yes, that means if you want to do a 32 team completely fictional relocated teams franchise you’ll have to jump through more hoops than Aaron Hernandez’ legal team. Your franchise, from that can feel like anything but. But, it isn’t all shit and no giggles, folks. The scouting overhaul is welcome and cool, combine results even more RPG elements to the mode that help to really immerse you in this fantasy franchise you are involved in. Actually taking players through the combine (wasn’t that in the game back in the PS2 days?) would have been even more fun, though.
(cont.) I started an Owner franchise, and while it was cool to relocate the rams to Mexico City (Hola Diablos!), I quickly realized why setting prices for everything from parking to the cocaine vendor inside the men’s room just wasn’t something I’m interested in. For those that like to immerse themselves in every aspect of team ownership, from the hiring and firing of coaches, to stadium renovations and contract negotiations, this mode is packed with off-field nuance to keep you busy. As a Coach, I do love free agency, the draft, developing playmakers, scouting players and, obviously, playing the game.
***HO– USE OF CARDS***
Moody: Franchise is the only way to go, bro…’til this year. As a Madden Ultimate Team virgin, be warned fellow newcomers: you won’t get very far, very fast. This mode is an absolute blast for the patient, and for someone who watches several shows and movies, reads 20 comics a week, and has other mammoth titles to explore in the near future (Mad Max, Metal Gear Solid V), this might not be me. Ehh–put it this way: I busted my ass in this mode, only to receive a “Gold” card for little known Raiders tight-end Mychal Rivera. Even with the Deluxe Edition that came packed with my review copy of Madden 16, the only player I picked up worth a mention was Steelers perennial wideout Antonio Brown. That’s ONE PLAYER from 13 total “pro” packs (although I am promised 33 more the next 11 weeks). It’s not fun playing with bums. That said, the challenge of finding those elite players and earning those legends could be addicting, and the various UT Challenges are fun.
Guy: Lest we don’t forget the new mode, cause Lord knows there’s a new one in Madden every year: Draft Champions. This one takes the best elements of MUT (Madden Ultimate Team) and condenses them into a fun, pick up and play mode. The crack of Madden 16, this is a highly addictive mode that kicks off with a coach playstyle selection, then a 15 round draft, with the last round reserved for legendary players. There is some strategy involved as you want to really think about who you want and what position you might be passing hoping for better in the later rounds. Once that’s over and you realize too late like I did that Matt “Dirty” Sanchez is your best QB, you’ll have to rely on the likes of Terrell Davis to carry the load to victory. But if you’re like me and your team is loaded on D, not even Mr. Redzone fumbles can cost you victory in this mode. Finished the mode? Dive back in and play again, building different teams and scoring more swag for MUT (which, I have to say, I didn’t play at all.)
#DEFLATEGATE
Moody: Because Brady was suspended for the first 4 games in my Connected Fra… ah, who am I fooling. It’s a great sim, but it truly isn’t that great! (And, I’m actually quite thankful for that). But, in case you’re keeping score at home — and I really don’t feel like placing Jimmy Garoppolo in my line-up for the sake of being “real” — I’m going with the Eagles this year. Although Sam Bradford’s 33 career games missed makes Mike Vick feel like Tony Stark (aka Peyton), I like his potential in Chip Kelly’s quick release West Coast spread offense, and DeMarco Murray is going to make Philly forget they ever had a guy named Shady. Personal preferences aside, Madden NFL 16 is a very solid and sound sports video game. It’s not going to “Save the World” with the Swedish House Mafia or anything, but the addition of DC, improvements in MUT, and exhilarating Air Supremacy gameplay make this a contender for Sports Game of the Year — until EA’s own FIFA 16 drops in just under a month (and NBA 2K16 one week later). Of course. 3.5/5 Deflated Pigskins.
Guy: Now I know what you’re thinking: Damn Padre, you’ve been blowing this game like a two dollar hooker on Century Blvd. So, greatest Madden ever? I’m not ready to say that. But for all the reasons we mentioned and so much more, Madden 16 is the Best Damn Madden in at least a decade though, and you can take that straight to the bank. 4/5 Bo Don’t Know Jack, Sons.