The 2015-16 NFL season is very nearly upon us and it brings with it, Electronic Arts’ American football simulator Madden 16, which is arguably the closest most Brits will ever get to suiting up and taking to the field for some good old-fashioned gridiron.
We are introduced to the latest iteration through EA’s prediction for Superbowl 50, which unsurprisingly has pegged this year’s AFC champions as the Pittsburgh Steelers and, somewhat more controversially, chosen the Arizona Cardinals as the NFC champions for 2015-16.
Nevertheless, what is immediately noticeable is how slick the action looks and feels on the field. With so many AI-controlled players it is impossible to escape the odd huge pile-up of bodies preventing you making even a short gain on a running play; but, that said, there is a marked improvement on the fluidity of the action, on both running and passing downs. We are also delivered offence statistics through pop-up boxes before the ball is snapped, which is nice touch just to give the player instant feedback on how well (or badly) he or she is doing. Off the field, even the soundtrack delivers a lot of high-intensity music to get you in the mood when it comes to game time.
In the opening tutorial we are immediately thrown into the action as the perennial gunslinger for the Steelers, Ben Roethilsberger, to learn the new throwing and catching pass mechanics EA has designed. When looking to throw the ball, you now have a wider variety of types of “body-relative” throws to choose from. The game has, thankfully, kept the tried and tested bullet pass and lob pass but introduced the double-tap touch pass to drop the ball in between defenders when throwing deep passes, the low pass to find wide receivers in tight spots and high jump throws.
In combination with the increased complexity of passing comes the introduction of new ways to receive the ball showcased by one of last year’s standout wide receivers, Antonio Brown. There is the RAC (run after catch), possession and aggressive catches that allow players to maximise the yards gained from a throw or just make sure they hold on for a first down. Whilst complex, these new passing and catching controls when mastered make throwing the ball incredibly dangerous. In Madden 15, throwing a deep ball would more often than not end up being intercepted but the emphasis has switched now from a conservative defensive-minded approach (not necessarily a huge amount of fun) to a risk/reward mindset. If you are prepared to throw up touch passes or high balls combined with aggressive catches, then the end zone will start to become a familiar place for you.
When it comes to the gameplay modes themselves, EA has stuck with its hugely successful Ultimate Team design that sees players build up their perfect roster over time. The depth on offer here is huge. You can recreate classic NFL moments through challenges or face-off against other players’ teams online. Just don’t complain when you’re spending time grinding for coins to improve your side and you get thrashed by someone who has just spent hundreds of pounds buying player packs.
You can also start your own NFL dynasty in the franchise mode where, again, the depth is incredible. Whether you want to play as individual player through an entire career or be a GM and control everything from ticket prices, the price of food in the stand and whether your team finally makes that move to LA, you can do it here. For the record, you can take a more sane approach and control your favourite team, improving their roster and if all goes right leading them to the coveted Lombardi trophy.
The only disappointment in Madden 16 is the hyped new Draft Champions addition to the game, a mode designed to resemble fantasy football – but fans of that concept should perhaps not get their hopes up. The mode complements Ultimate Team by letting you choose part of the starting line-up of players before challenging other human competitors or the CPU with your customised side in order to earn rewards. However, the fantasy element is limited, allowing you to select only one out of three players per draft over a series of 15 rounds.
Yes, it is nice being able to play online in an Ultimate Team setting where you aren’t completely outgunned but the draft process is arbitrary and that leaves the whole element feeling tacked on and a little pointless. The only saving grace is that you can play as elite players in a non-exhibition setting without spending a lot of money or grinding for hours.
Otherwise, Madden 16 is an authentic, challenging simulation that explores key facets of the sport in new ways and adds much to the experience in the process.
Electronic Arts; PS3/PS4 (version tested)/Xbox 360/Xbox One; £45; Pegi rating: £45
