I don't know if there is a more praised and, simultaneously, criticized franchise in the world of gaming than Madden NFL Football. American football fans wait every year for their sport to return from a seven-month hiatus, not just for the regular season to start again, but for the launch of yet another title in the franchise owned by EA Sports. The next-gen versions have been rather up and down, with the fanbase decidedly split on how to view the titles since Madden 25 was released upon launch for the Xbox One. Tiburon has listened, though, and has come out with one of the most complete titles in the long-running franchise with Madden 16.

 

Madden NFL 16 was just released on August 25, 2015, and it is available for both Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4. Madden 16 is packed with new features but one of the best features of Madden 16 is the Ultimate Team feature, which has been something that has stood out in the past few Madden games because people love the Ultimate Team feature. While the Ultimate Team feature is not new to Madden 16, it is the most beloved part of the game, and there are new additions to the Ultimate Team to make it even better this year. Between the new packs you can unlock to new legends you can add to your collection, the Ultimate Team feature is definitely one part of the game you want to play. Here are some of the best tips that you can use in order to create your Ultimate Team and make it better this year than it ever has been before.

 

“Draft Champions” loosens one of Madden’s traditional constraints. The game has long insisted upon a modicum of realism in its alternate football universe. Sure, Tom Brady can play for the Kansas City Chiefs in the season and franchise modes of Madden NFL, but he can’t play for all 32 franchises at the same time. In “Draft Champions” mode, however, multiple teams are very likely to have some of the same players on their rosters. In one game I found myself in, Joe Flacco of the Chiefs was in a quarterback duel with Joe Flacco of the Patriots. (In the real NFL, Joe Flacco plays for the Baltimore Ravens.) Both Flaccos kept throwing balls to a multiverse Reggie Bush.

 

With the inclusion of Draft Champions, there’s now more depth for those who might be deterred by the pay-to-win nature of Ultimate Team. Though it is possible to get ahead with the latter through the grind, the temptation to part way with a few extra notes to progress quicker is always there. It’s not a practice I particularly agree with in any EA Sports game, but it’s easy to see how some players can get sucked into it. There’s a lot to delve into here still as you can gradually build your team up with depth for every position until you’re comfortable enough to take to the field. You can supplement your coins - the currency used to buy new packs - by competing in matches or completing solo challenges. The variety here means that it’s very easy to get sucked in and I often found myself debating whether or not to pay real money for packs.

 

In combination with the increased complexity of passing comes the introduction of new ways to receive the ball showcased by one of last year’s standout wide receivers, Antonio Brown. There is the RAC (run after catch), possession and aggressive catches that allow players to maximise the yards gained from a throw or just make sure they hold on for a first down. Whilst complex, these new passing and catching controls when mastered make throwing the ball incredibly dangerous. In Madden 15, throwing a deep ball would more often than not end up being intercepted but the emphasis has switched now from a conservative defensive-minded approach (not necessarily a huge amount of fun) to a risk/reward mindset. If you are prepared to throw up touch passes or high balls combined with aggressive catches, then the end zone will start to become a familiar place for you.

 

Madden NFL 16 is a fine addition to the series that started way back in 1989. Draft Champions adds a lot of replayability to a game already jam-packed with content, the new in-match mechanics give you a greater sense of control than ever before, and Madden Ultimate Team is steadily growing bigger and better. Sure, loading times are long, but the presentation and the way that the crowd reacts to every move is well worth it. All in all, it seems as though Madden as a series won't be deflating any time soon.