Madden NFL 97

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a game by Tiertex, and Tiburon Entertainment
Genre: Sports
Platforms: Sega GenesisGenesis, SNESSNES
Editor Rating: 8/10, based on 2 reviews
User Rating: 8.0/10 - 3 votes
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See also: Sport Games, Sports Management Games, Football Video Games, NFL Games, Madden Games, John Madden Games
Madden NFL 97
Madden NFL 97
Madden NFL 97
Madden NFL 97

Once again, the designers at EA Sports try to stay true to their core audience—Genesis sports gamers. And once again, they come through with an immensely enjoyable game with great action and stat-soaked strategy.

Gridirony

While other companies merely reissue their 16-bit games from year to year with only a few roster changes, EA Sports always adds some new features that make each Madden sequel slightly different from its predecessors. By now Madden '97 for the Genesis is so good that it's even more fun and easier to pick up and play than some 32-bit football games.

The options are really complete in this game. Madden '97 features full rosters for all 30 NFL teams (including the renamed Baltimore Ravens) and a full lineup of great teams from the past, like the '84 Niners and the '77 Cowboys. Of course, the lineup wouldn't be complete without an All-Madden team, but you also have full reign over free agents and draft picks to sign or trade away at your discretion.

Turf's Up

The graphics are more realistic than last year's game. Players stiff-arm, deke, and spin just like your favorite NFL players. However, it's a little hard to keep track of the players when the action crowds the screen. Running plays are especially affected because your running back gets lost in the crowd.

The sounds are a mixed tuft of turf. You have the option to turn off the Madden-isms—which you should exercise since they're repetitive and a nuisance. The other sound effects, particularly the bone- breaking sound when a player is injured, fit the game perfectly.

Control is as seamless as ever. Picking a play, throwing, and even dive tackling are easy. Control becomes a minor problem, however, in the running game. The players move too slowly to be effective, especially on sweeps and HB Toss plays.

If you've been licking your chops, waiting to buy a next-gen system so you can play football like a big boy, we have news for you. Madden NFL '97 for the Genesis is not for the peewee leagues. It packs the features, the gameplay, and the fun factor that make it a first-round draft choice for Genesis owners.

ProTips:

  • Crossing patterns are effective against teams that like to blitz.
  • Short passes, short runs, and an occasional long bomb are the keys to success.
  • Consider a team's all-around performance when choosing past greats. For example, although the '89 Niners were an awesome team, their running game was poor.
  • Keep track of injured players and watch the substitutes. Compensate for a star's injury by emphasizing alternate offenses (if a WR goes out for a quarter, concentrate on the running game).
  • The trick to putting the ball right into the hands of a wide receiver is to throw it as soon as possible and slightly ahead of him. Your receiver will run into the pass.
  • Avoid single-man defensive coverage on star receivers like Irving Kryar or Jerry Rice.

Download Madden NFL 97

Genesis

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
  • Game modes: Single game mode

Player controls:

  • Up, Down, Left, Right - Arrow keys
  • Start - Enter (Pause, Menu select, Skip intro, Inventory)
  • "A" Gamepad button - Ctrl (usually Jump or Change weapon)
  • "B" button - Space (Jump, Fire, Menu select)
  • "C" button - Left Shift (Item select)

Use the F12 key to toggle mouse capture / release when using the mouse as a controller.

SNES

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP
  • Pentium II (or equivalent) 266MHz (500MHz recommended), RAM: 64MB (128MB recommended), DirectX v8.0a or later must be installed

Game Reviews

Although Madden '97 brings some new features to the SNES field, it's plagued by an easy A.I., a loss of plays, and slightly slower gameplay than last season. While it's still a good game, it's definitely a step down from '96's All-Pro performance.

Madden Miscues

You can choose from more than 50 teams ranging from current teams to the all-time greats. There's a new play-calling interface loaded with more than 400 plays, but Madden-ites will notice the loss of significant plays like the wishbone, run and shoot, and 46 defense. Multiple skill levels have been added, but computer defenders still fall for the same plays all game long.

With all the moves of the NFL at your fingertips, including stiff arms and spins, multi-player competition is a blast. The new iso-cam lets you play as any player on the field, which adds to the two- player fun as you can match up wide receiver versus cornerback and see who's truly the best.

Players appear short and pudgy compared to last year's, and the throwing and kicking animations look awkward. Signs like "Captain Comeback Jr." hanging in the background of stadiums provide nice, detailed touches, though. All the grunts, whistles, and Fox theme music are the same, along with a crowd that chants "Defense!" for their hometown favorites. But Madden's voice is almost nonexistent, which will disappoint his fans.

Memories

Madden '97 fails to live up to the groundbreaking season it had last year. Stick with '96 for the best football action on the SNES.

ProTips:

  • The FB Screen is a great short pass play that often turns into big yardage.
  • Use the HB Toss/Pass to throw off the defense when it expects a run.

Snapshots and Media

Sega Genesis/Mega Drive Screenshots

SNES/Super Nintendo/Super Famicom Screenshots