Madden NFL 17

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The gameplay of Madden NFL 17 received widespread acclaim for its refined mechanics and immersive features, with many critics highlighting significant improvements over previous entries. The running game saw substantial upgrades, including enhanced player movement, tackle battles, and context-sensitive controls, which added realism and strategic depth. Destructoid praised the improved locomotion physics and precision button (LT) for flashy maneuvers, while IGN lauded the "beefier running game" and realistic offensive line interactions. Defensive AI also saw notable refinements, with critics like GameCritics noting more realistic gap assignments and defensive strategies. The introduction of Play the Moments in Franchise mode was another standout feature, offering streamlined gameplay and tactical focus, as highlighted by Yahoo! and Post Arcade. Additionally, tutorials and training systems, such as the Skills Trainer, were praised for making the game more accessible to newcomers, with GameSpot and Push Square noting their effectiveness in bridging skill gaps. Despite these positives, several critics pointed out persistent flaws that detracted from the experience. Issues like inconsistent AI behavior, particularly in defensive play, were a common concern. Trusted Reviews criticized the imbalance favoring offense over defense, while Brash Games highlighted frequent fumbles and dropped passes that disrupted immersion. COGconnected and Arcade Sushi noted problems with mechanics like run path assist, which felt redundant or distracting, and automatic skill moves that caused errors on higher difficulties. Forbes and GamingTrend also pointed to lingering issues such as flawed fourth-down AI and inconsistent clock stoppages, while Yahoo! mentioned the lack of groundbreaking changes, describing the game as an incremental update rather than a revolutionary leap. These flaws, though varied, collectively suggested that Madden NFL 17 was not without its shortcomings, even as it built on previous iterations. Overall, the majority of critics viewed Madden NFL 17’s gameplay as a strong step forward, with its improvements in running mechanics, defensive realism, and accessibility earning widespread praise. While some reviewers, like Gaming Nexus and Gameblog.fr, acknowledged minor flaws, they emphasized that the game remained "fun" and "cohesive," with many praising its balance of depth and approachability. The consensus was that Madden NFL 17 delivered a polished, engaging experience that catered to both veterans and newcomers, even if it fell short of being a groundbreaking entry. As IGN noted, the game’s "realistic offensive line interactions" and "team-specific play styles" elevated its immersion, while GameRant and Shacknews acknowledged its ability to retain core appeal despite lacking a standout innovation. Ultimately, the critical reception underscored that Madden NFL 17 was a solid, if not revolutionary, addition to the series.

The graphics and visual design of Madden NFL 17 received generally positive feedback, with many critics highlighting improvements in realism, attention to detail, and presentation. Shacknews praised the dynamic jersey dirt and nuanced on-field animations, while GameSpot and The Digital Fix lauded detailed stadiums, player models, and crowd simulations. Vandal emphasized realistic physics, helmet lighting, and weather effects, calling the game’s visuals "visually striking," and IGN Spain noted the engine’s ability to showcase attention to collision details and aesthetics. Others, like LevelUp and XGN, celebrated refined camera angles, broadcast-style presentation, and improved animations, with TheSixthAxis hailing it as the "sharpest Madden we’ve ever had." These elements collectively underscored a polished, immersive experience that elevated the series’ visual standards. However, several critics pointed to technical limitations and missed opportunities. SpazioGames criticized the outdated Ignite engine for lacking the polish of competitors like Frostbite, while PlayStation LifeStyle and AusGamers highlighted issues such as model clipping, unrealistic animations, and repetitive crowd effects. Shacknews and COGconnected noted persistent glitches and a lack of significant graphical upgrades compared to Madden NFL 16, with the latter observing that the game "looks nearly identical" to its predecessor. Additionally, Gaming Age and others lamented the absence of authentic NFL broadcast elements like ESPN/NBC graphics, while Areajugones and DarkStation pointed to texture flaws and awkward collision physics. These critiques revealed a tension between incremental improvements and lingering technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus leaned toward cautious optimism, acknowledging Madden NFL 17 as a visually refined entry in the series but one that failed to fully capitalize on its potential. While critics like GameCritics and Vandal celebrated its "gold standard" presentation and cinematic quality, others, such as IGN Italia and The Games Machine, noted that the graphics struggled to keep pace with industry benchmarks. The game’s reliance on the Ignite engine sparked mixed reactions—some saw it as stable and functional (LaPS4), while others viewed it as a barrier to innovation (SpazioGames). Ultimately, Madden NFL 17 was praised for its authenticity and incremental refinements but criticized for not delivering groundbreaking visuals or addressing persistent technical flaws.

The sound design and music of Madden NFL 17 received mixed but largely positive feedback from critics, with several highlighting significant improvements in commentary and immersive audio elements. Multiple reviewers praised the new commentary team of Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, noting their natural rapport, dynamic dialogue, and weekly updates that enhanced authenticity (Brash Games, Digitally Downloaded, GamingTrend). The Games Machine emphasized the "colonna sonora è sempre di altissimo livello" (soundtrack is of the highest level), while XGN highlighted the lifelike NFL atmosphere achieved through sound design recorded in Pinewood Studios. GameCrate and Post Arcade also commended the realistic crowd reactions, arena music, and seamless audio integration, with some noting that the commentary added depth to the gameplay experience. These elements collectively created a more immersive broadcast-like environment for fans. However, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly regarding the soundtrack and musical elements. Arcade Sushi lamented the absence of Sam Spence’s iconic NFL Films scores, which had been a hallmark of previous titles, while COGconnected criticized the soundtrack as "underwhelming" compared to prior years. Gaming Age called the in-game music "HORRIBLE," expressing frustration over its lack of engaging content, and TheSixthAxis noted repetitive musical refrains that could annoy players. Destructoid also remarked that the soundtrack felt unoriginal, with EA Sports taking fewer creative risks. Additionally, some critics, like God is a Geek and GamesRadar+, found the commentary lacking in enthusiasm or authenticity, further undermining the overall audio experience. These critiques suggest that while technical aspects improved, the musical identity of the game fell short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics was split between appreciation for enhanced commentary and sound design and disappointment with the soundtrack’s lack of innovation. While many praised the realism of crowd noises, collision sounds, and the new announcers (XGN, GameCrate), others felt the music failed to meet the series’ potential or evoke the same emotional impact as previous entries. The Games Machine’s high praise for the soundtrack contrasted sharply with Gaming Age’s harsh criticism, reflecting a broader divide in opinions. Despite these contradictions, most agreed that Madden NFL 17 made strides in audio immersion, even if its musical elements did not fully satisfy all fans. The mixed reception underscores the challenge of balancing authenticity with creativity in sports game sound design.

The voice acting in Madden NFL 17 received widespread praise, particularly for its revitalized commentary team of Brandon Gaudin and Charles Davis, who replaced Phil Simms and Jim Nantz. Critics highlighted their dynamic, contextually updated delivery, which brought a fresh and engaging experience to the franchise. Arcade Sushi noted that their inclusion "revitalized the stalest aspect" of Madden, while DarkStation and Gameblog.fr emphasized their accuracy, entertainment value, and real-studio authenticity. GamingTrend and Hardcore Gamer praised their "engaging and knowledgeable delivery," with the latter calling it a "significant improvement over previous years." The duo’s chemistry and ability to provide immersive, play-by-play insights were frequently lauded, as seen in comments from GameSpot (their "rapport, timing, and professionalism") and GamingTrend (adding "authenticity and variety"). Even critics like IGN Italia and Yahoo! acknowledged the reduction of monotony and the improved broadcast experience. However, several critiques pointed to limitations in the voice acting. GameCrate and PlaySense noted occasional line repetition, while GamesRadar+ criticized the "unnatural dialogue" and artificial voices that detracted from immersion during intense moments. Attack of the Fanboy and Areajugones questioned the decision to use less recognizable announcers, with the latter highlighting accessibility issues due to a lack of subtitles. LevelUp and Gaming Age also raised concerns about the "youthful tone" of Gaudin and Davis compared to veteran analysts, while GameCritics noted their "lack of spark" compared to previous teams. Additionally, some reviews, like Polygon’s, mentioned that the commentary felt overly scripted at times, despite its conversational tone. These criticisms underscored the balance between innovation and the expectations tied to established NFL broadcasting voices. Overall, the consensus leaned positive, with most critics agreeing that Gaudin and Davis represented a meaningful upgrade for Madden NFL 17’s audio experience. While not without flaws—such as repetition or accessibility gaps—the new commentary team was widely seen as a step forward in terms of energy, realism, and engagement. GameSpot and Polygon praised their "natural" and "conversational" style, while GamingTrend and Hardcore Gamer emphasized their role in enhancing immersion. However, the mixed reactions to their lack of star power and occasional shortcomings reflected a broader debate about balancing innovation with tradition in sports gaming. Despite these nuances, the majority of reviews framed the voice acting as a significant improvement, marking it as one of the game’s standout features.

Positives for Each Platform: For the PlayStation 4, critics highlighted several technical strengths, including improved online stability and gameplay mechanics. 3DJuegos noted "uncomfortable crashes" in Franchise mode but praised the game’s overall online performance, while LaPS4 commended the Ignite Engine as "stable and high-quality," acknowledging its reliability despite risks associated with new technology. The Games Machine emphasized clean netcode and prompt updates, particularly for European players, and IGN Italia observed "improved technical performance" compared to prior years. On Xbox One, IGN Spain lauded the game as "técnicamente impecable" (technically flawless), while The Digital Fix stated there were "no real problems," and ZTGD noted smoother onscreen updates and reduced lag. EGM also praised fewer animation bugs and stable online servers, indicating a generally polished technical foundation across both platforms. Negatives for Each Platform: Technical issues plagued both the PS4 and Xbox One versions, though with distinct nuances. On PS4, critics like Arcade Sushi criticized inconsistent kick-blocking mechanics and a "frustrating three-click kicking meter," while Brash Games pointed to receivers dropping balls and quarterbacks fumbling frequently. DarkStation noted animation chugging and unrealistic tackle sequences, and PlayStation LifeStyle condemned the "exploitative" grind in Ultimate Team. For Xbox One, Areajugones highlighted "unrealistic collision physics" and long load times, while AusGamers criticized duplicated player animations and unstable gameplay. COGconnected and Destructoid cited issues with the kick meter and framerate drops, respectively, and Forbes raised concerns about flawed CPU decision-making and injury mechanics. Both platforms faced criticism for persistent load times, with Yahoo! calling PS4’s "brutal" load times a major flaw and LevelUp noting unresolved long screens on Xbox One. Overall Consensus: While Madden NFL 17 received mixed technical reviews, the consensus leaned toward incremental improvements over previous iterations. Both platforms faced criticism for specific glitches—PS4’s Franchise mode crashes and Xbox One’s collision physics—but many reviewers acknowledged broader stability. The Ignite Engine was a focal point: praised by LaPS4 as reliable yet criticized by SpazioGames for being "outdated," while Xbox One’s Frostbite engine (used in FIFA) was contrasted unfavorably. Load times remained a universal pain point, with Yahoo! and LevelUp highlighting their impact on player experience. Despite these flaws, critics like The Games Machine (PS4) and IGN Spain (Xbox One) emphasized overall polish, suggesting that technical shortcomings were often overshadowed by gameplay refinements. Ultimately, the game’s technical performance was seen as a mixed bag, with both platforms benefiting from iterative updates but still grappling with persistent issues.

The majority of critics highlight Madden NFL 17’s replay value through its robust modes and features, particularly Franchise Mode and Madden Ultimate Team (MUT). Many praise the "Play the Moments" feature, which streamlines gameplay by focusing on key highlights, allowing players to skip tedious segments while maintaining engagement. Game Informer and IGN commend the Connected Franchise mode for its roster management and weekly updates, while PlayStation Universe and GameSpot note MUT’s Chemistry system as a deep, addictive experience despite requiring time or investment. Additional modes like Draft Champions, Skills Trainer, and customizable playcalling (as highlighted by Post Arcade and Shacknews) add variety, catering to both casual and dedicated players. Critics like ZTGD and Push Square emphasize the game’s ability to sustain long-term engagement through iterative improvements and flexibility in gameplay styles. However, several critics point out significant drawbacks that limit replayability. GamingTrend and Gaming Nexus criticize Franchise Mode for lacking innovation, with stagnant mechanics and unenjoyable training systems undermining long-term appeal. DarkStation and Areajugones note that while features like "Play the Moments" enhance accessibility, they fail to address deeper issues such as repetitive gameplay or a lack of new modes. Destructoid raises concerns about MUT’s microtransaction-heavy structure, which could deter players, while USgamer and Yahoo! mention that solo campaigns lose momentum after winning the Super Bowl. Additionally, some critics, like LevelUp and Arcade Sushi, argue that the game’s complexity and reliance on established formulas may alienate newcomers or those seeking fresh experiences. Overall, the consensus leans toward Madden NFL 17 offering strong replay value through its diverse modes and incremental improvements, though opinions diverge on its innovation. Critics like IGN and Push Square celebrate the game’s depth and accessibility, while others, such as GamingTrend and Areajugones, feel it falls short of significant evolution. The balance between familiarity and refinement is a recurring theme, with many acknowledging that the game’s strengths—particularly in MUT and Franchise Mode—make it a compelling choice for fans, even if it doesn’t fully break new ground. Despite mixed critiques, the majority agree that Madden NFL 17 remains a durable entry in the series, capable of sustaining engagement through its varied content and iterative design.