Madden NFL '96 is an American football video game released by EA Sports in 1995 for platforms including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Set during the 1995 NFL season and officially licensed by the NFL, the game features John Madden on its cover.
In Madden NFL '96, the artificial intelligence (AI) received significant upgrades: it can execute quick two-minute drills, spike the ball, and cover receivers more effectively. The game also adds a "Create a Player" feature, where players determine a new athlete's abilities through position-specific minigames.
This installment first introduced secret "classic" teams. Each time a player wins Super Bowl XXX, a code is displayed to unlock a corresponding classic team, representing the best historical seasons of franchises like the 1960 Philadelphia Eagles and 1986 New York Giants. Notably, the 1995 expansion teams—the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers—are also included in the game.
Madden NFL '96 earned widespread acclaim upon release, with critics particularly praising its improved AI and new gameplay features. Regarded as one of the best American football games of the 16-bit era, it laid a solid foundation for subsequent entries in the Madden NFL franchise.
