Madden 16: EA Access Release Date and Highlights from Gameplay Video Trailers

Seven days.

No, this isn't a re-enactment of a scene from The Ring. It's the amount of days left before the official release of Madden 16 on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. Gamers who own the latter console and also subscribe to EA Access will get an opportunity to play the newest Madden even sooner.

Per Samit Sarkar of Polygon.com, EA Access announced that Madden is scheduled to be available for a 10-hour preview for its subscribers, starting on Aug. 20.

Madden 16 will be the third straight title to release with a 10-hour time trial as opposed to the usual six-hour period. Per Sarkar, who gained additional information from EA Sports, this isn't necessarily going to be the new standard for EA Access trials, but Madden fans probably won't be complaining.

We've seen a few gameplay trailers leading up to launch, but perhaps the most revealing one highlights the new passing game. It's being touted as Air Supremacy, and it will impact gamers on both sides of the ball. Take a look at the trailers for the new feature:

Graphics Are Slick

The first thing that jumps out in the trailer is the superb graphics. Players like the Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson and New York Jets' Darrelle Revis, and others look awesome. It's a little difficult for a game that already looks solid to get much better, but the obvious increase in accurate face scans is a good step.

The variety of body types and on-field gear also helps augment the visual package. We'll need to see the game in all its glory before we can make a surefire judgment, but this trailer definitely has some visual sizzle.

The Variety of Throws

After we get over the eye candy, we can then get to the meat of the trailer. The touch throws and ability to throw low or high should be deadly weapons for the experienced and skilled virtual quarterback.

Once you learn the mechanics and have a dependable target, beating defenders on all types of routes should become a gratifying experience. Thankfully, the offense isn't the only side of the ball that has received an injection of strategy.

The Defensive Strategy

The defense will have some nice new weapons at its disposal. Although it's not mentioned in the videos, Madden 16 will feature increased QB Spy logic, the ability to play the receiver or the ball and a new mechanic where you can direct any player to chase the QB at any time mid-play, per EA Sports.

Remember that scene from The Program where the defensive player just keeps saying, "Kill the quarterback"? I envision it being something like that, only less dramatic.

It's all coming together as an intriguing new package of gameplay features. Stay tuned for more pre- and post-release coverage on Madden 16.

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All images provided by EA Sports directly or embedded from EASports on Facebook or Twitter unless otherwise noted.

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