Madden NFL 17, review: 'Significant improvements increase the fun factor'

EA Sports - £43.99

If there’s one repeated criticism of Madden, it is that there can there be too much to choose from, whether it be game modes, career options or online gameplay. Madden 17 is no different, but luckily the excellent in-match experience and realistic environments shine through to deliver yet another success.

Luckily, EA Sports may be on to something; cutting out all the jargon enables NFL novices to get down to business and enjoy the main purpose of the game – time out on the pitch.

Play The Moments means games are cut down by up to half the normal time by selecting the key moments during an hour’s match. Don’t want to run the hard yards for minimal gains? Or deal with a defensive, first down 75 yards from your own line? Then the Play The Moments is perfect for you.

Yet if you’re like me and want to try and immerse yourself in the American football experience, then the full match mode is just as exciting. The most realistic simulation yet means that you genuinely feel like the action if taking place in some of the finest stadiums in the world, and EA have introduced a new player control system that gives you that personal touch on every individual player on your roster.

While the franchise mode offers a welcome challenge on the pitch, it’s a bit of a nuisance off it. More time is taken dealing with free agents, draft picks, contract negotiations, and training drills that feel lethargic and over-the-top.

However, you do quickly forget that once a game kicks off. Beginners can learn how to spin, juke and truck over opponents with EA’s decision to allow in-game players of all levels to pull off skill moves, but once you move up to the big leagues and increase the difficulty, it suddenly becomes a case of utilising the key players at the right moment to make the most of any opportunity that comes your way. And they come few and far between when you take on all comers on the All Madden difficulty.

One last note: You’ll also need Playstation Network online pass in order to play a single-player franchise, which - while not uncommon - can always be frustrating for anyone not fortunate enough to have one.

Overall, the significant improvements introduced to the gameplay this year have one sole purpose – to increase the fun factor. It meets this demand and then some, and if you can look past all the off-field distractions, you won’t regret taking on Madden 17.