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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 82 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 46 | 92 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 49 | 333 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (34)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Madden NFL 17 is a game made for football fans, although those who aren't into the sport will find a helping hand in its tutorials. Ultimate Team shows off in all its might, and only a Spanish translation and the scarce online modes weigh down one of EA SPORTS' best games. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The new kick meter and ability to block kicks and punts makes comebacks and upsets feel possible, while the presentation is as excellent as ever thanks to the new commentary team. Franchise mode is the standout star here, though, with new trading features and the Play the Moments mode ensuring that the game doesn't chew the clock.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Save for the aforementioned play-calling bug and the loading times, this is the most accessible and welcoming Madden in this console generation, which is an accomplishment for a sport that can appear complicated at first glance.”
read full review ↗ - 86
“The community’s gameplay wishes were granted with a new focus on Franchise mode, led by the Play the Moments feature. Outside of its mood-killing commentators, Madden 17 is just about everything we’ve been waiting for since EA Sports took full control of the NFL license. Football is back, and it’s only a yard or two short of becoming an all-time great.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“A number of big, but subtle improvements put Madden NFL one step closer to perfection, even if they're not quite there yet.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“EA Sports granted Madden fans their biggest wishes within the franchise mode. Leading with Play the Moment and new running play innovations Madden 17 is the best balanced NFL game ever.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“All is not perfect, there are still some visual glitches and long load times to contend with, but for a title routinely derided for not improving enough between titles, Madden has really raised its game this time around.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Madden NFL 17 is an incredible game of football, however it feels like the safest step forward in a while.”
read full review ↗ - 88
“The developers seemed focused on bringing the best Madden NFL title in the last 10 years and they have very much accomplished that feat. This is a must-have, folks.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“There likely will never be a perfect Madden NFL game, but this version comes very close to that ideal indeed.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Quite simply, Madden NFL 17 is the best Madden game to date. The adjustments in the offensive and defensive gameplay mechanics really improve the realism and enjoyment of the game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A sterling upgrade that has taken the fine work of its predecessors, and ran with it.”
read full review ↗
Push Square
GameSpot
IGN
Post Arcade (National Post)
Darkstation
Digital Chumps
Arcade Sushi
Telegraph…and 22 more tracked reviews.