Quote:This is said about every single Madden to have come out but its usually the same albeit a tweak or too. What's different about it this year?
Not sure which Madden was the last you played, but graphically, its basically the same as M15 and looks like they just made the crowd/stadium look more real. For the gameplay, the players are a lot slower and can't run 80 yard routes in 3 seconds, and I've also noticed there is footwork when they're making cuts, or changing angles. Also, your running back doesn't fall over because he slightly bumped into someone, that was aggravating. You can no longer make a player ice-skate and do 360's. The WR's and DB's fight for the ball and is awesome to watch, but I've noticed WR's winning most of the time, especially if they have the height or strength advantage. If you have Calvin Johnson going against a player like Gratz, it's not even fair. The only way to win the matchup is by usering the player, having an elite DB, or putting double coverage on him. There's basically just a huge gap between bad, average, good, and elite players, which makes the game better in my opinion. The offensive line seems to be smarter and actually finishes blocks, but once again, if you have an elite player like JJ Watt going against Joeckel (oh god), you're doomed and you'll need your TE or RB help out. There's different throwing mechanics and you can choose whether to throw it high, low, or shoulder. If you didn't like playing online, its difficult to cheese and there aren't any unstoppable plays now, so it makes it more enjoyable. The new game mode 'Draft Champions' is fun to play, you choose 1 of 3 players that are completely random for 15 rounds, and you play against other people. If you win, you get better players to draft like Elway, Faulk, Barry Sanders, etc..
QB's are insanely inaccurate if rated low, and you won't see Clipboard Jesus turning into Joe Montana, but some quarterbacks like Bortles are rated unfairly and its not even fun to play with at certain times due to him being unable to make the most easiest throws. They rated Jurrel Cassey at an 89, but put Sen'Derrick at an 81, and they also put Gratz as our best CB, so i'm pretty sure they don't watch the Jags and just throw random ratings. Julius Thomas was a 92 last year, but magically went to an 85, how lol? Aside from ratings, tackling still seems to be silly and you have ragdolls flying all over the place on some plays, but I've learned to accept that. Penalties will kill you and are completely out of your control, but some like this feature. The commentary(Nantz/Simms) which is the same and has been since Madden 13, so that gets old quick. If you're able to look past the problems I mentioned, its a fun game to casually play. If you're going for a realistic football game, you'll be disappointed. It still has a way to go before being considered anywhere near realistic. So that's my honest review for it, if you want to know more just ask.
