Madden NFL 16 is an impressive display of a developer consistently keeping fans satisfied

In a report by EA Sports, it cited that issues regarding the "encroachment penalties" that are being given to AI defenders as well occasional calls despite no contacts were addressed in the new patch. "Quarterback locomotion warps" were similarly resolved for the gameplay aspect of the hit video game franchise. Glitches such as the absence of images on certain items and repetition of commentary lines and presentation were repaired along the bugs that could cause the game to crash when using multiple controllers or when exiting the game.

Speaking of animation, part of the reason the game feels different to me is that it moves differently, especially when it comes to the running game. Anyone who played last year's version can probably supply a year's worth of YouTube footage of guys bending or falling at impossibly strange angles due to the EA engine's approach to tackling. It's a lot cleaner this year, and at the expense of sounding too anal about detail, I found myself nerding out slightly about some of the more nuanced animations in the running game. Even the way the quarterback hands off to the tailback for between-the-tackles running plays has changed.

On some plays, QBs will take the snap, pull the ball close to their chests, hop slightly and spin around, place their feet and hand the ball off. It's textbook QB footwork for run plays, and I don't remember it being there before. On the right difficulty settings, you'll rarely see wide-open alleys, running lanes or even pancake blocks. Creases and cracks are more likely, and there's now a button (right shoulder button) to make yourself "small" to fit through those cracks. Running has always been a bit of an art, and while it proves to be more difficult, Madden 16 at least gives you the right brushes.

Similarly, you now have options as the defender. When the ball is in the air, you can hold one of two buttons to either “play the receiver” or “play the ball”. Playing the ball is similar to the aggressive catch option, in that you’re attacking the ball to either make an interception or bat the ball out of someone’s hands. Playing the receiver is usually used when you’re not going to be able to stop the guy making the catch, but you will be able to stop them gaining any more yards afterwards. These three simple button presses for both offense and defense really do change the way each throw turns out, and it’s a great addition.

This was supposed to be the part of the review where I listed my reservations. Well, early in my play of the game, I intercepted a pass, and then my team committed a penalty. I should have kept the ball, but the game gave it back to the other team. Additionally, defenders often kept accidentally straying into the offense right after each team had called their plays, and getting called for encroachment. Unfortunately for my complaints, both of these issues have already been patched out of the game. There were also some issues at launch where receivers seemed to too often win one-on-one battles with defenders, even when it was the Patriots’ number 4 guy against Darelle Revis. This has also been rebalanced after launch, and makes a lot more sense.

Madden is the digital sport’s go-to brand, and unlike other sports series that would pass off outdated versions with a shoddy spit-polish (just wait for the second review down the page), Madden NFL 16 is an impressive display of a developer consistently keeping fans satisfied. EA could have taken the easy money-grubbing route through a simple roster update and shiny new cover, but it’s cleverly built on its franchise to welcome both fresh faces and seasoned fans. Toss in the disc (available for the PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One) and you’re immediately thrown into a fictionalised Super Bowl 50 match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. Its semi-scripted drama is a little corny, but the starting match gets you to grips with the updated gameplay dynamics, including the spanking new receiving game.

While the franchise mode additions are greatly appreciated, the Be a Player segment that allows you to strap on the cleats of a specific football superstar, still weighs heavily behind every other feature in the game. It is a barren wasteland of what the mode was in previous games. You no longer get drafted, you no longer have agent interactions, and you must call all the plays - something no player does. While the franchise mode has taken a huge step forward, the Be a Player mode needs that focus next year.