→ August 24, 2015
Editor’s Note: We’re holding off on the final review until we have a chance to play some multiplayer matches after the game is released. Stay tuned soon for the final score!
The new mechanics of Madden NFL 16 are useful tools that allow you to control every aspect of the passing game. Some are more useful than others, and long time Madden players might need to retrain their brain to take full advantage of these mechanics, but to be sure, it’s a positive step in the right direction.
Right as you start Madden 16, you’re thrown into an overly cinematic, somewhat ludicrous prediction of Super Bowl 50. You’re forced to play as the Pittsburgh Steelers, who face the Arizona Cardinals in Madden’s prophetic big game. This isn’t only meant to anger non-Steelers fans though, but to serve as a tutorial for the new passing/defending mechanics, most importantly, how you catch and throw the football.
For example, you can now catch the ball exactly how you want, instead of hoping the computer can figure out what that is. If your receiver is being guarded closely by a defender who is directly contesting the ball, you can use the “Aggressive Catch” to leap high into the air, and reach for the ball with both hands over his head, or if your man is left wide open, you might opt for the the “Run After Catch” option to catch the ball in stride, maximizing the amount of yard you can gain. If you aren’t sure which option would be the most useful, a button prompt conveniently flashes above your receivers head, so you can just treat it like a quick time event.
That’s not to say there isn’t any decision-making involved though, as every option has a logical drawback.. It’s important not to overuse the Aggressive Catch, for instance, as your receiver will be left more vulnerable, and susceptible to big hits and injuries. Where the Possession Catch might seem like the safest option, defenders actually have a better chance of cutting off the ball and making an interception.
All told, these receiving options are a breath of fresh air, and add a level of nuance that hasn’t been seen in the franchise since the hit stick was first introduced.
On top of the new receiver mechanics, QBs have also been given a few new weapons. Your QB can now attempt a touch pass by double tapping your receiver’s icon. These are great for putting enough air under the ball to get it over the head of a linebacker, but not enough as to where the safety can get to it.
Some new passing mechanics aren’t as useful as others, though. If you want to throw the ball high, you must hold L1 (or LB on Xbox) as you press the receiver’s icon, and for low throws, it’s L2 (or LT on Xbox). In theory, these sound like good options to have, but in the heat of the moment, it feels too cumbersome. You only have a few precious seconds from the snap of the ball to the time you actually throw it. In that time, you have to keep track of the pocket to make sure you don’t get sacked, watch your receivers to see when they’re open, and gauge how hard you want to throw the ball. Attaching this new high/low throw to shoulder buttons is just too much. It would feel more natural if you could determine the height of the pass with the analog stick instead.
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Quarterbacks and receivers aren’t the only ones with new tools to play with though. Defensive backs can now toggle between playing the ball or the receiver at the touch of a button. Like the new catching mechanics, there’s a risk/reward to each. When playing the ball, provides the optimal path to the ball in an attempt to intercept or break up the pass, but if your defender is out of position you’ll most likely miss the opportunity to make a tackle. Playing the receiver has the opposite effect. Rather than trying for an interception, your defender will ignore the ball altogether. There’s less of a chance for a big play, but you’re practically guaranteed that the tackle will be made.
So those are my thoughts on Madden NFL 16’s big new gameplay features. Be sure to check back here later this week for my final verdict once I’ve tested the online components.
