It's that inevitable time of year again: spring has sprung, rainy days turn to warm, sun-filled visions of perfection and the NFL season returns to my glorious weekends. Like the inevitable arrival of the seasons, EA's sports goliath Madden NFL returns on time this year.

It's that time. Madden NFL 17 is here and with it the official (in my own head at least) start of the video game season. After a couple of truly stellar releases from the guys and gals down in Orlando, we have this year's release of Madden promising a better running game, improved defense, and a...

It's been a long time since I laced up and took to the field… I may actually have a 3.5 inch floppy disk in the original box out in the garage somewhere of the last Madden game I played. So to say it's been a while would be an understatement.

Madden is back for another NFL season, continuing its impressive run to over 30 years, the majority have been decent games. Even though we have had some great Madden titles in the past, there's a few that stand out and Madden 17 is one of them.

Improvements to defensive running; Beautiful presentation + Franchise mode is back on form with cutbacks and helps notify who to sign; Commentary is a massive improvement

Bad loading times; May be a bit too overwhelming for new comers

Together with FIFA, the Madden NFL franchise is one of EA Sports' most popular series. It may not seem that way in Europe as we mostly care about soccer-ball over here, but in the US the coin is flipped the other way.

There is no question EA Sports NFL franchise has been on the upswing for a few years now. Ever since Madden 25 dropped a few years ago, the series has made steady improvements. The Madden community is booming and tournament payouts are growing. The franchise is in great shape.

Gameplay remains rock solid; Franchise mode expanded; The defence has improved; Most authentic NFL experience yet

Kick meter blows; No real visual upgrades; No new modes; Lacks innovation; Soundtrack stinks

Great indeed! And here come two facts about the game: 1. Why is it called 'football' when the ball is not being kicked very much around at all It is because the oval ball is in fact about one foot in length! 2. Where did the name Super Bowl have its origin

I could make a million jokes about infamously conservative LA Rams coach Jeff Fisher calling for two with time expiring and a playoff berth on the line in Madden 17's prologue. It's a flatout crazy moment that could potentially say all kinds of unflattering things about Madden's realism.

Way back in 1988, Electronic Arts released the very first Madden NFL Football title, which actually bore the iconic coach's full name and not just the abbreviated title. It's hard to believe that, since 1988, the franchise has evolved the way it has.

great game