Madden NFL 97 on Genesis brings a classic view of the series with updated features and options compared to its SNES counterpart. The game features the 30 regular NFL teams from the 1996 season, as well as the 1996 All-Madden team and 68 classic NFL teams. The gameplay offers various standard modes including exhibition, a full season, and playoffs including the Super Bowl. Players can choose to play or simulate any game, with the exception of the Super Bowl which must be played. Special modes include Custom League and Custom Tournament, allowing for flexibility in team selection and competition format. A custom league can be set up between 4 to 10 players, while the custom tournament supports single elimination mode for 4, 8, or 16 players competing for the Madden Bowl.
Players can customize gameplay options such as quarter length, weather conditions, skill levels, commentary, and penalty settings. The game also features a play calling mode that allows for bluffing, manual offense, and automatic pass catching. Additionally, all-player mode enables control of any player on offense, even those with no direct part in the play.
Madden NFL 97 also includes custom roster creation through player creation, trading, and signing of free agents. The game saves player records and season/playoff progress via battery, allowing for continued progress tracking between gameplay sessions.
The game supports multiplayer mode via 4-Way-Play, enabling team or versus play with one player calling the plays and controlling the quarterback, while others select which player to control.
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