This year, Madden has added some cool new features in the passing game. QBs now have specific ways to throw high, low, and "touch" passes. High passes are useful for slant and post routes across the middle while low passes will be useful for the comeback or curl routes. "Touch" passes are a brand new concept that acts a combination of a lob and bullet pass that's used mostly for back shoulder throws or fade routes. Receivers can now choose how they want to catch the ball between a possession, RAC (Run After Catch) or an aggressive catch. Possession catches will make it more likely for your receivers to come down with the ball but may not stay on their feet to turn up field. RAC catches are used when your receiver has plenty of open field ahead of him. Aggressive catches are used for receivers that will be in double coverage and deep down the field. These have a greater chance for the receiver to drop the ball, but the catch animations will look awesome. Defenders also have a new way to defend passes as they can choose to either play the ball or play the receiver. When playing the ball, defenders have a greater chance of picking the ball off but also risk the receiver coming down with it. Playing the receiver will have a better chance of breaking up the pass but less chance of getting a pick.
Madden also brought in a new game mode called "Draft Champions". This game mode gives fantasy football gurus a quick fantasy team build for the length of 3 games. Users will start by picking 1 out of the 3 coaches that our shown on screen. After that, the team is generated as a base team along with 14 more selections between 3 options for each pick. I haven't really messed with this much but the more I play it the more I enjoy it. Franchise mode has the same goal setup as in previous Maddens but they have added new in game goal progressions. As you play your franchise game, you'll notice that it'll track every players goals to let you know their progress. There are new drive goals that allow for more xp to your players if you wish to try for them. The only bad thing is that the game preps now offer very little xp and confidence than what last years offered. This makes achieving goals a new most if you wish to upgrade your players.
Overall I really enjoy playing this game minus some small faults. Penalties are very unbalanced and it seems like you either get none or way to many called. Commentary is still plain and dull which I don't see becoming any better. Something small taken out was the coin toss which to me personally is kind of stupid how you take out what starts a football game. The new passing system is nice but still needs some work as some times calling for a possession catch will result in an aggressive catch. The same thing will happen on defense quite a bit. I do, however, really enjoy the new animations they've added and the new small things in franchise mode. I still enjoy ultimate team and draft champions is growing well on me. I think Madden 16 is an improvement from last year but I really don't think its worth a full $60 unless you just don't want to wait it out....like me.