Last year Madden NFL 16 offered a much improved product as a whole but work done to the game's Franchise mode was underwhelming and in some cases actually detrimental to the experience. Make sure to check out that extensive review for details on why that was the case. While it'll be some time before a determination can be made on whether it's for the better or the worse, Franchise in Madden NFL 17 is about to change in a more dramatic fashion.
In the first information to hit on the upcoming game a "renewed focus on Franchise mode" has been spotlighted for its significance. What that means, no one exactly knows at this point, but it's encouraging news to veterans of the series particularly given the shift in resources that has gone toward the revenue-generating mode Ultimate Team instead in recent years.
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Other features mentioned include "new ball carrier feedback cues, defender fake out mechanics, and an innovative authentic defensive AI system." Specifics on these have also not yet been provided and those details may not come until early-to-mid June. Screenshots have shown Nike gloves which would be new to the series as EA Sports hasn't updated the equipment in the game in far too long.
Various retailers have also inadvertently revealed that Rob Gronkowski may be the cover athlete. While normally that would be obvious given that he's featured in all the promotional art for the cover it's the very same image that was used in the campaign with Madden NFL 16. It would be unusual for art from one year to be recycled to the next. It's possible that the cover has not been finalized and what's been seen so far is instead a placeholder. In that case Gronkowski may still be on the cover but could be sharing the space with Antonio Brown and Von Miller. We'll find out for sure Thursday when the official announcement is made.
There will be three versions of Madden NFL 17 for consumers to consider purchasing. The standard $60 product includes a pre-order bonus of nine NFL Ranked tickets and seven Ultimate Team Pro Packs. The $80 Deluxe Edition provides 30 NFL Ranked tickets and up to 10 Ultimate Team All-Pro Packs. The Super Deluxe Edition will go for $100 and offers 30 NFL Ranked tickets and up to 30 Ultimate Team All-Pro Packs. Those on Xbox One will also receive a month free of EA Access for pre-ordering any of the three.
Madden NFL 17 is slated to release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 on Aug. 23. Subscribers to the EA Access service on Xbox One will get 10 hours with the game beginning Aug. 17.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com , has co-founded the site HitThePass.com , hosts the Press Row Podcast , and be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre .