For our Madden 17 review, we will take a look at the latest iteration from the Madden game franchise.
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First released on August 23, 2016, Madden NFL 17 is available in both standard and deluxe editions on all major video game platforms, including Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. This Madden 17 review notes that the game is rated “E” for “Everyone.”
For our Madden 17 review, we highlighted the biggest changes that the new series offers. The most notable feature of the game is the return to franchise mode, which allows players to take control of their favorite franchise in an enhanced simulated environment.
The upgraded franchise mode allows players to experience their teams in a much more rapid pace than previous versions. The new Play the Moments super sim mode puts players in only the key moment’s of the game, allowing players to complete every single task quicker and win that championship faster.
Another unique feature of the game is the Ball-Carrier Feedback System. This new game-play feature provides players with new prompts and path assist to identify the best moves to elude any defender.
This Madden 17 review notes how they have made major improvements to its scouting system. Instead of waiting till after the completion of the entire draft, players can now receive immediate feedback following their first draft pick. The feedback system compares the first draft pick to the player’s overall True Talent ranking, so players get a more realistic game-play not far from the real thing.
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Much to the Madden 17 community’s chagrin, this Madden 17 review discusses the features of the full player editing and accurate equipment customization that is a clear upgrade from previous versions of the game. Besides that, the game also comes equipped with the in-game ticker to give players real-time score updates from other games.
Pricing
The review unit we used for our Madden 17 review can be bought online. It can be purchased for around $12 brand new for Xbox One at Best Buy, Amazon.com, and eBay.
For the PlayStation 4 platform, it can be purchased for around $7.99 to $13.89 at Best Buy, and Amazon.com.
For the Xbox 360 platform, the game can be purchased for around $23.39 used to $60.00 brand new at Lukie games, eBay, Gamestop, Rock 30 Games, Newegg.com, and Amazon.com.
For the PlayStation 3 platform, the game can be purchased for around $26.34 used to 39.26 brand new at eBay, Gamestop, Rock 30 Games, 1UP Games and Repairs, eStarland.com, and Amazon.com.
How It Compares
For our Madden 17 review, we picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare.
Madden NFL 17
Overview
In this Madden NFL 17 review, the game seems to have improved its overall game-play and features based on the Madden community’s feedback. Its integrated game-play gives players a smoother and more realistic simulation experience at a much more rapid pace.
The game’s emphasis on incorporating new play styles puts players in the center of the game, allowing them to change the offensive and defensive strategies as they see fit. The game’s return to Franchise Mode is also refreshing. Players can become fully immersed in creating the franchise of their dreams from scouting, drafting, training to full player customization.
Storyline
Madden NFL 17’s story mode allows players to choose how they want to play. They can either play as a player, coach, or owner. Depending on which one they choose, players can manage the franchise week by week by taking part in practice sessions, call plays, and study their opponent’s plays. This is all part of the Franchise Mode. In addition, players can make trades with other teams through the game’s “Improve Your Team” feature.
Graphics
Madden NFL 17 features visually pleasing graphics that are a huge step-up from previous versions of the game. Everything from intros to live-action player overlays looks crisp and lifelike. Small details such as sun reflection on helmets and visors make the game-play look impressively realistic. The players’ faces are also spot-on in likeness to their real-life selves.
PROS
- Dynamic control over catching mechanics, especially the receiver
- Franchise mode and its improved simulation game-play
- Enhanced ball physics and aggressive catch defense abilities
- Ability to speed up the game-play through Play the Moments Mode
CONS
- Lousy commentary that is sometimes irrelevant to the context of the game or is redundant
- Cannot skip cutscenes and replays
- Computer frequently makes unrealistic game-plays
- Slow and buggy connection to EA servers
[amazon link=”B006VB2UNC” title=”NCAA Football 14″ /]
[amazon box=”B006VB2UNC”]
Originally released on July 9, 2013, EA Sports’ NCAA Football 14 is available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The game is one of its kind in college football. The game boasts online multiplayer mode of one to two players and offline co-op mode of one to two players. NCAA Football 14 is rated “E” for “Everyone.”
Price
You can pick the game from various sellers through Amazon. Pre-loved ones fetch for around $9 while brand new ones sell for $30.
Overview
NCA Football 14 improves on the success of the previous installment for a more immersive and real college football experience.
Some of these improvements include better Quarterback controls: 20 dropbacks, sack avoidance moves, 25 pass trajectories, and 430 pass animations. Other stuff includes wide receiver awareness indicator, in which an icon shows the readiness of the receiver.
On the defensive side, coverage men can now “see” the ball before they swat or intercept it. Another is the “Reaction Time,” a feature wherein the game time slows down to allow the players to decide their next move. Available only for certain modes, this move is done by holding down the left trigger.
Storyline
NCA Football 13 reintroduces the “Road to Glory” story mode. Gamers can create their own players and coaches and track their career paths. Players begin in high school and develop skills and gain experience until they go to college.
For the coaching career, the players start as an assistant staff or high school coach before moving college ranks. Several features can be customized, such as teams, high school names, and stadium. Via the online feature, new high schools can be added for a more expansive experience.
Graphics
Several graphical changes have been added to enhance the experience. These include more player animations and controls. The graphics look fluid, and the players are believable, but the background details like grass and audience don’t offer much. Visual glitches sometimes happen, too.
PROS
- Better gameplay experience especially for Quarterback mains
- Immersive story mode offers a rewarding experience for players
- An expansive list of customization options allows infinite combinations and personalization
CONS
- Visual glitches can hamper the gameplay experience
- Bland graphic quality
- Could have used better online modes
- Commentary can be dull and repetitive
[amazon link=”B005OSFUOY” title=”FIFA Street” /]
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FIFA Street is a sports video game released for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2012 by EA Sports. It is a reboot of the first title in the FIFA Street franchise. It uses the FIFA 12 game engine for the “first true quality street football experience.” Football superstar Lionel Messi graces the cover.
Unlike other football games that focus on pro football matches, this game focuses on individual skills and tricks prominent in the street football scene. The game coincides with Messi’s deal as the new face of the FIFA game franchise.
Price
The physical game is available on Amazon for around $10 for pre-owned copies and $29 for brand new copies.
Overview
In FIFA Street, several features have been introduced to give the series a fresh reboot experience. The major change is the graphics; the series did a 180-degree turn from the cartoony appeal of the previous game to a more realistic look.
As the core feature of the series, the game focuses on the football skills and tricks. The trick list has twice as many tricks than the previous titles – over 50 new and unique moves – thus offering more play styles, customization and replay value. The game boasts superior ball control and responsiveness to replicate the touch and flair of the actual street football scene. These include one-touch pass, a new “ATTACK” mode, and “Street Ball Control.”
Another major new feature is the introduction of real-life players from all over the world and worldwide locations such as Rio Janeiro, Amsterdam, and London.
Storyline
The main story mode of FIFA Street is called World Tour Mode. Players can create their own street football team to compete around the world. Players can customize their team’s crest and team kit and the team members’ skills and looks.
The main goal is for the team to compete against AI-controlled teams to gain experience. The experience points are then used to level up the players, which unlocks new skills and abilities. The online mode is also supported as friends can play together or add their friend’s players to their teams via the EA Sports Football Club.
To stay true to the spirit of street football, several hotspots around the world are featured in this game. From the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to the streets of London, players can immerse themselves in settings that reflect the local ambiance of the place, as well as the native playing styles of the competitors. Both national and club teams are featured, which is a series first.
Graphics
FIFA Street rebooted the series for the PS3, so graphical improvements are very prominent. The most noticeable is the deviation from cartoon-style graphics to go for realistic looking graphics instead. The game offers a travel journal feel because of the places featured in the World Tour mode.
PROS
- Better passing and dribbling controls
- Advanced graphics
- An expansive list of moves and lists
- Wide customization options for real-life teams and player-created teams
CONS
- Graphics can be better
- More ambient sounds to add local flavor to World Tour Mode is preferred
- Some minor bugs and glitches affect gameplay
- Commentary can be improved by adding more local flavor
Pro Evolution Soccer 2018
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PES Productions and Konami are giving EA Sports’s FIFA a run for its money for many years now. With the release of Pro Evolution Soccer 2017, the rivalry has intensified, even more, hyping football fans around the world in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup.
The game is released in Autumn 2016 for multiple platforms: Playstation 3, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows, iOS, and Android. It marks the 16th title in the long-running series. Konami partnered with popular football clubs in Europe like Liverpool F.C., Altetico River Plate, Borussia Dortmund, and FC Barcelona.
Price
You can pick up a good pre-owned copy for around $14.95 while brand new physical copies fetch for around $24. It is available in Amazon and local games stores.
Overview
Pro Evolutions Soccer 2017, or PES, is full of enhancements and new features. These include gameplay adjustments such as responsive ball control, better passing and enhanced goal defense. Thanks to its licensed partnerships with professional teams, PES 2017 features these team’s properties such as teams, stadiums, and players like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Gerard Pique.
But the best improvement comes to its artificial intelligence or AI. The AI is said to have better learning and adaptation to the styles and tactics of the player who gives the game more challenge.
Storyline
PES 2017 introduces “The Journey,” the game’s new story mode. Players will follow the career of a pre-made character named Alex Hunter as he begins his career from school to the global stage. Players can impact the team’s success depends on Alex’s performance.
Graphics
Compared to older generation titles, PES 2017 is a step above. Its graphics have been maximized for high-resolution viewing without suffering from frame rate lag and glitches. Other enhancements include better 3D designs for all in-game elements like player’s body and faces, stadium designs, etc.
PROS
- Faster, better, more adaptive controls
- Improved AI makes the game more challenging
- An expansive list of customization options
CONS
- Graphics could use 4k optimization for PS4 Pro and PC
- Commentary can be repetitive and dull
- The online feature can feature more rewards
Comparison Table
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Conclusion
Our Madden 17 review highlighted the game’s outstanding features as well as its shortcomings. The new features are fresh and enjoyable, prompting us to give it 4/5 stars. We hope that this Madden 17 review has been the best Madden 17 review you’ve ever read.