Play Madden NFL 97 Online

Madden NFL 97 came out for the Sega Genesis in 1996, developed by EA Sports. It was one of the later football games on the system, arriving when the 16-bit era was winding down but still offering a solid, familiar experience for anyone with a Genesis and a love for the sport. The presentation was straightforward, with team rosters updated for the season and a clear focus on the core game of football without a lot of the extras that would come in later console generations.

You control all eleven players on the field, one at a time, as you call offensive and defensive plays from a list of formations. The main objective is to outscore your opponent by moving the ball downfield, either by running with your halfback or passing to your receivers. Key mechanics include using the d-pad and buttons to juke, spin, or stiff-arm on offense, while on defense you switch between players to make tackles or attempt interceptions. The pacing is quick, with games that can feel either methodical or frantic depending on your play style and the difficulty setting. It feels responsive and direct, like you are genuinely directing the action on every snap.