Score: 83
Overall User Average: 8.29 / 10 (82.9%)
Gameplay User Average: 8.26 / 10
Graphics User Average: 8.00 / 10
Sound User Average: 7.37 / 10
bluef0x
Date reviewed: August 8, 2002.
Overall: EWWW! Nothing about this game is even close to good. And "Madden Cards," this alone is the st00pidest idea ever. Get NFL Fever 2003, and play it online.
Gameplay: Gameplay, basicly find a good play that works for you, one for the left side one for the right, and repeat. I like Fever's Dynasty mode better.
Graphics: Ugly graphics. Nothing better than the ugly P2 game.
Sound: Madden is annoying, somebody please stick an apple in his mouth and serve him to the queen.
Suggestions: Yeah, leave the xbox you fruitcakes!
We dont want ugly ports.
Also, I agree with the last reviewer in that everyone here gives good reviews.
Overall: 30 %
Gameplay: 40 %
Graphics: 20 %
Sound: 20 %
zhiwiller
Date reviewed: June 1, 2002.
Overall: I'm surprised that this game got as high of a score as it did. It is an OK simulation with a bevy of ;, but it is buggy and outdated already.
Gameplay: Port-tastic, batman. SOmeone needs to make a football game where you can't win choosing the same three or four plays over and over again, but arent slaughtered every time you step to the line.
Graphics: See also the PS2. Nowhere near as nice as Fever or even Nfl2k2 for that matter. Lazy lazy. No improvements seem to be made for the next installment either
Sound: The opening rap song is the most annoying opening song in the history of video gaming. I dreaded popping this game in simply for that alone.
Suggestions: Look, this game isn't terrible, but what it has potential to be is a lot more than what it is. If more people would give this tough scores and not buy this portastic waste of football, maybe they would get better at this.
When XBox Live comes out and Madden is the only football game not to use Xbox Live, we will see it fade like John Madden's real hairline.
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 50 %
Sound: 20 %
muscles4life
Date reviewed: May 21, 2002.
Overall: Madden has been #1 for ever, and for good reasons. But now there is a new sheriff in town, NFL Fever 2002. I'm not biased, so I will always buy the better game out at the time, and NFL Fever has the edge in almost every category. Madden is a good game, but for the same amount of money, buy the better one NFL Fever. Madden is just a port game, Fever is for Xbox only, so it uses the power of the Xbox.
Gameplay: I love to play football games, so the gameplay appeal will be strong no matter what name is on the cover. I had fun playing Madden, but I always went back to NFL Fever. Madden seems to dramatic, like alot of one handed catches, receivers don't drop the ball, or get hit and lose the ball very much. Still a fun game to play.
Graphics: The graphics are pretty good, especially for a PS2 port. They are better on Xbox. The graphics can't stand up to NFL Fever 2002, not even close.
Sound: I think Madden is getting to old to be announcing games, he says the stupidist things. I t gets old to listen to. Announcing on NFL Fever might not be the greatest, but is better than Madden.
Suggestions: Better graphics. Get rid of Madden's commentary, and spice it up a bit. Just copy NFL Fever, and yo would have a hit.
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 50 %
Sound: 20 %
Sidewinder727
Date reviewed: May 16, 2002.
Overall: Ea has done a real good job with the polish effects on the players. The body style looks good but some of the players look exactly the same. If you play with a low ranked team, it is impossible to beat higher ranked team.
Gameplay: Gameplay is the best i have ever seen. If your receiver drops a pass, your other receivers can catch the pass. Running plays work best in this game. If you get the hang of it you can be successful at running the ball. Zone plays designed in this game don't seem to work correctly but overall the gameplay is very good.
Graphics: I really like the polish effect that easports has done. Players can get grass and scratch marks on their helmet. You can even see the dome light on the helmets. Some player faces look the same but i don't really care much about it. coaches look very realistic.
Sound: I like the sound when a tiger roar at the bengals stadium and the sound when crowd shouts eddie at titens home. But the players don't say anything. John Madden gives great commentary along with Pat. The hit hitting sounds I heard on Dolby are great.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %
xbox-dynasty
Date reviewed: May 5, 2002.
Overall: I could play this game for ages. The game is very well rounded. Even though it's a port, it's still the #1 football game out (unless Blitz is better which I haven't played yet). It just has a believable TV style representation. Coaches celebrating on the sidelines, players celebrating after a touchdown, the replays (especially the Matrix replays and the sack replays) all add to a great TV style presentation that looks great and plays awesome. There are plenty of game modes to choose from like Practice, Two-minute drill, and my favorite, Franchise Mode. Start off with any team and sign players to make them amazing (even if they are the Carolina Panthers you can make them amazing. Sorry you can't bring Ray Carruth back).
Gameplay: Unlike Fever, Madden has some pretty nasty tackles. Though not as devastating as some you see in the Blitz series, they are still painful. I ran through the line with Ray Lewis in franchise mode playing as the Giants and absolutely crushed Donovan McNabb. It sounded like I killed him with the painful collision noise and him making this girly scream. Then the replay showing it's brutality over and over. Pass coverage and recieving in this game is an art. If you lead your man (offense or defense), chances are you got the ball. It's not very easy to learn as most newbies I play with always press the catch button way too early and just jump up straight in the air and miss the ball completely. But once you learn how to, you could catch in triple coverage. The play call challenging is a bit weak. You can only challenge the spot of the ball. However, the computer sometimes reviews it anyways but they can review for reasons like did both feet touch the ground etc. What is the purpose of having it in if everytime you challenge it's overruled but everytime the game challenges it it's an automatic overruling? None the less, franchise will keep you playing for hours.
Graphics: I was surprised to see how much more detail went in to the player. Even though it's a port, they are pretty close to Xbox quality. Everything else looks right out of the PS2 game from the ref, to the audience and to the cardboard camera men and photographers. More special effects were added as well. The field gets torn up a lot more than the PS2 version. Players helmets get scratched and nicked. Turf gets stuck in players facemasks. The players get dirty a lot quicker. Just some teeny things I noticed.
Sound: In game sounds are great. Most tackles are painful because of how painful they sound not how they look. Grunts and screams are heard whenever someone is being blocked or tackled. The crowd noise usually brings the game to life on many occasions. Plus they have chants on occasion like D-Fence. The commentary is awesome in this game. Although most of the time the stupid stuff John says makes you want to punch him or say "Yeah John. That's why your not coaching anymore you dumba** ." John and Pat continue off each other which adds a ton of realism. You won't hear the same line in the same game twice. Once or twice you might but most games everytime they talk it's something different. EA always does great with commentary.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %
geocurt
Date reviewed: April 22, 2002.
Overall: I have mixed feelings about this one. The look and feel of this game transcends anything I've seen in a video game system. However, I find the interface annoying and feel there are often too many buttons required to accomplish simple tasks. I find the gameplay inconsistent, especially in franchise mode. This is my first Madden title, and on Pro level difficulty I cannot beat the computer without using the Madden cards to "cheat." I will get into this further below, but say here that this greatly detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
This is still a very good game in two player mode, if your friends are patient enough to pick up the button configuration - there are a LOT of options in this game.
Gameplay: As I mentioned above, the main problem I have with this game is in the one player modes. The game is incredibly easy in the lowest difficulty mode and overly hard in the middle difficulty setting. The problem with the difficulty is that as it increases, the computer makes more ridiculous runs and catches while your team fumbles, drops passes, and gets penalties. This is not more difficult - it is more frustrating!
In the franchise mode with the salary cap option on, I found it impossible to build a team that could compete with the computer. This was a real disappointment because I was really looking forward to building a dynasty.
I save this one for two-player against friends now.
Graphics: Incredible. This game makes use of the power of the xbox better than any other game I've seen. There are still some glitches in players catching the ball, but it's really outstanding overall.
Sound: Really like John and Pat calling the game - it took quite a long time before I found them repetitive. I don't care for all the rap music during options screens, so I turned it off.
Suggestions: Work on the Difficulty level. I don't want to see ridiculous catches and no-mistake football from my opponent, I just want them to play smarter and provide a challenge.
Overall: 70 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 60 %
limsol45
Date reviewed: April 21, 2002.
Overall: This is the best Madden yet. IT has so much depth to it and it's so close to the real thing, that I can't get enough of it. If it wasnt for Halo and THPS3, this would be the best game for xbox right now. Graphics are good, gameplay is good,game depth is the best.
Gameplay: I love the gameplay on this game. It's so close to the realy thing. Just one thing though. TOO MANY DROPPED INT's!!!
Graphics: Players look real. My mom thought I was watching a real game. Uniforms are very accurate. Only thing needed is 3d crowds
Sound: Madden can get annyoing after a while, but once you get into the game you won't notice him. Crowds need to get into the game more also.
Suggestions: 3d crowds,in 2003, make sure to include more rookies. And since madden has left fox and gone to monday night football, get Al Michaels in the gamebooth with him
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
mrmp3
Date reviewed: April 18, 2002.
Overall: I could play this game for ages. The game is very well rounded. Even though it's a port, it's still the #1 football game out (unless Blitz is better which I haven't played yet). It just has a believable TV style representation. Coaches celebrating on the sidelines, players celebrating after a touchdown, the replays (especially the Matrix replays and the sack replays) all add to a great TV style presentation that looks great and plays awesome. There are plenty of game modes to choose from like Practice, Two-minute drill, and my favorite, Franchise Mode. Start off with any team and sign players to make them amazing (even if they are the Carolina Panthers you can make them amazing. Sorry you can't bring Ray Carruth back).
Gameplay: Unlike Fever, Madden has some pretty nasty tackles. Though not as devastating as some you see in the Blitz series, they are still painful. I ran through the line with Ray Lewis in franchise mode playing as the Giants and absolutely crushed Donovan McNabb. It sounded like I killed him with the painful collision noise and him making this girly scream. Then the replay showing it's brutality over and over. Pass coverage and recieving in this game is an art. If you lead your man (offense or defense), chances are you got the ball. It's not very easy to learn as most newbies I play with always press the catch button way too early and just jump up straight in the air and miss the ball completely. But once you learn how to, you could catch in triple coverage. The play call challenging is a bit weak. You can only challenge the spot of the ball. However, the computer sometimes reviews it anyways but they can review for reasons like did both feet touch the ground etc. What is the purpose of having it in if everytime you challenge it's overruled but everytime the game challenges it it's an automatic overruling? None the less, franchise will keep you playing for hours.
Graphics: I was surprised to see how much more detail went in to the player. Even though it's a port, they are pretty close to Xbox quality. Everything else looks right out of the PS2 game from the ref, to the audience and to the cardboard camera men and photographers. More special effects were added as well. The field gets torn up a lot more than the PS2 version. Players helmets get scratched and nicked. Turf gets stuck in players facemasks. The players get dirty a lot quicker. Just some teeny things I noticed.
Sound: In game sounds are great. Most tackles are painful because of how painful they sound not how they look. Grunts and screams are heard whenever someone is being blocked or tackled. The crowd noise usually brings the game to life on many occasions. Plus they have chants on occasion like D-Fence. The commentary is awesome in this game. Although most of the time the stupid stuff John says makes you want to punch him or say "Yeah John. That's why your not coaching anymore you dumba** ." John and Pat continue off each other which adds a ton of realism. You won't hear the same line in the same game twice. Once or twice you might but most games everytime they talk it's something different. EA always does great with commentary.
Suggestions: Make the commentary just as good as this year. What are you guys gonna do without Pat Summerall? All I know is, don't put Dan Dierdoff in. Add some more awesome tackles. Try to beef up the graphics for the Xbox version a bit more. A very awesome job. Best football series out in my opinion. Keep up the good work.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
Halo Perfect
Date reviewed: March 13, 2002.
Overall: Madden NFL FOOTBALL 2002' is in my mind the best professinal sport game out there not just for the Xbox but all other systems as well (PS2, Gamecube, Computer, etc...). I really don't think there is much EA Sports has too improve apoun. The game can get frustrating sometimes but, the bottom line this game is awesome!!
Gameplay: The gameplay is awesome and there aren't many faults in it. The game runs smoothy, there are real plays along with coaches real play-books that they use in the NFL. The Franchise mode is better than ever, and the controlles(combened with the Xbox controllers) are so easy to get use to, and just the best yet again. After that there not much else too say it's just that good, and well you don't really know how good it is until you play it for yourself. That's just what you have to do to see how awesome the gameplay is.
Graphics: The visual appeal from this game that you recive is amazing, you load it up to the start menu, and your hit with a player running a route, throwing a pass, etc... You enter a game (ex. exibition, season, etc...) and you are taken in by the shot of a stadium packed with people. Later when the players have their intros, you get a gilmsp of what the game will be like. Then you have the kickoff and you really start to see how great this game is.
Sound: The sounds in this game are very good. The crowd, music in the background, John Madden and Pat Summerall talking, and the players making sounds. All these are geat but there is one thing that isn't too great about the sound. It is all reapeated after about 25-40 games you could probably talk with John and Pat because you will know just what they are going to say.
Suggestions: I think they should make the computer simulated games the same time as the user games (ex.: I have a franchise going with 5 minute quaters, but the computer games are 15 minutes and that makes the stats favour the computer. Also make the A.I. for the user controlled team better, i mean if you dont controll a defender and he trys to intercept a pass, most of the time he just knocks it down when he could very easliy catch it, or it hits him in the arm. I mean really I think he would move he hands, and thats a problem with the Wr's and Te's etc... also. Another idea is to make the contacts for more tha 7 years, and maybe make them for trades be able to give a team the year it is know and the next years first round draft pick. Finally make the faces look more like the players.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 70 %
FlyBoy
Date reviewed: March 3, 2002.
Overall: This is the best football game available for the XBOX. The graphics look great, sound is good, and gameplay sets the foundation that made this series famous.
Gameplay: If you're not a super-fan of the Madden series, you may need to practice plays for a little while before taking on the Al or friends. However, the gameplay is excellent once you get all the moves down. There are many options... you can create your own team(nice feature), drive your choice NFL players to a super bowl championship, or just pick up a quick exhibition game against a buddy. The multiplayer is a blast but you also won't be disappointed if you're by yourself.
Graphics: The graphics look pretty sweet, but it is merely a port from the PS2. EA could make this a lot more realistic if they take advantage of ALL the xbox's features in the future. I'm still in love with the graphics for now though!
Sound: The sound is pretty good, but if you've been around the Madden series for a while you'll notice a repetition in calls. This gets a little old after a while.
Suggestions: Take advantage of the XBox's powers and give a boost to the graphics in your next release. Also, it would be pretty cool if Madden circled some key areas of plays with his red pen during replays.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %
Sangha
Date reviewed: March 1, 2002.
Overall: The most realistic football game ever in my opinion. I don't think any other football game comes close to the Madden series.
Gameplay: The gameplay in this game is unbelievable. You can make this game a pure simulation or a fun arcade game whenever you want by changing the gameplay sliders. The Franchise mode is deep and cool things like Create-a-team and 2 Minute Drill really add to the depth.
Graphics: Visually this game is solid but is nothing extraordinary. Stadiums look very good and cool things like scratched helmets and jerseys that get dirty as the game progresses really add to the appeal.
Sound: I have no idea why everyone thinks the commentary in this game is weak, I find it to be some of the best commentary in a sports game. The menu music is great. The sound in this game is great, a definate 5.
Suggestions: Make use of the Xbox's power and don't just port titles over from the PS2.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Lord Halo
Date reviewed: February 27, 2002.
Overall: One of the best Football games to date! My ONLY complaints was that the play was to slow & the number of times my DB dropped am easy INT...
A great title that I hope gets better... ;)
Gameplay: Great gameplay that is only slowed down by the length of time it takes to cover one entire game... Make it faster paced & it would be a buy on my end...
Graphics: Ranks right above NFL2K2 in regards to visual appeal... If gets any better, my Wife would think I am actually watching a game!
Sound: Good, but not great! The only setback was Madden repeating himself alot in certain situations, which with friends is kinda funny & annoying at the same time... Why not add some more trash talking???
Suggestions: Speed up the gameplay, get better Madden voice overs & better chances for INT's & we will be good to go!
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 80 %
rufio182
Date reviewed: February 27, 2002.
Overall: this is the best football game i have ever played. the graphics are amazing, the gameplay is great, and the sound is awesome.
Gameplay: the gameplay is a dream for a football fan. you can make a team, give them a season, or a franchise. you can also practice and do so many things. not just play a game. its great.
Graphics: the visuals are down right awesome. i have never seen such smooth graphics. the players are like they are real. a definite plus
Sound: the sound was ok. the commentary was really cool for a while but after a while it gets to !&%$@#* you off. however, the hits are great and the moans are kewl.
Suggestions: keep them coming! i also would like to be able to customize the stadiums a little more
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 80 %
murken
Date reviewed: February 26, 2002.
Overall: Madden and EA continue to bring realism, excitement, and fun to gaming. This is the football game that continually innovates. Everything is included in this game: create a team and create a player, single game, single season, and franchise modes, trading cards, hidden/secret teams and stadiums, drafts, play challenges, awesome instant replay... the list goes on and on. Overall, this game is way better than that cheesy kids game (fever).
Gameplay: I don't think I need to go into much detail considering this is a football game. The players are detailed perfectly, and the action never stops with the 30 season franchise mode. The training option is a nice addition along with the multitude of options that Madden always packs in.
Graphics: Although this is the greatest looking football game, there still are some issues. EA still seems to have problems with tackles, parts of players seem to occupy the same space as other players. The players move, act, and think like a human player would. This is by far the point that outshines fever.
Sound: The hits, crowds, and play calling are all excellently done. Sounds just like you're watching a game on Sunday. The issues come in the form of: 1) the pseudo-rap song that always is playing during menu options. 2) Madden and Summerall saying stuff that don't relate to the current play (sometime's it the exact opposite)
Suggestions: Include the option of playing your own music. Improve the announcers/play calling.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %
Bruce111
Date reviewed: February 25, 2002.
Overall: Love this game after getting used to the controls. Can't wait to start building the Colt's D!
Gameplay: Excellent. A game that is realistic and made for adults, not 12 yr. olds with no skill or intelligence to think.
Graphics: even thought it's a "port" still good graphics...
Sound: excellent....
Suggestions: Make it for x-box, of course. Make the long view not so far out that you lose the excellent graphics...
Take the stupid madden cards OUT, and allow the user to cut down on the time waiting for the kickoff...
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
MixMasta
Date reviewed: February 17, 2002.
Overall: I personally think this is the best football game out there. It has the best graphics, John Madden, tons of teams, and lots of other cool things like Madden Cards. This game has better graphics than Fever. Also, it is more challenging than Fever. It is much more realistic. Not to say Fever isn't good. Fever is a great game but me, being an avid Madden fan love the Madden style and gameplay. If your looking which one to buy rent both and alos check out NFL 2K2. But don't get ESPN-- its trash. The only bad thing about Madden is that Madden is a PS2 port. I hope next year, Madden 2003 will be designed for Xbox- taking full advantage of its RAW POWER!!
Gameplay: Madden has great gameplay. There is tons of modes like season, franchise, two minute drill sitiuation, ect. The variety makes this game very interesting and fun- keeping you glued for hours. It's not too easy that you always win like in fever. Madden provides you with a challeging and realiestic football experience.
Graphics: Maddens graphics are amzing. The animations on the players face, the breath on cold days is remarkable. The replays make you feel like your actuallly watching the game live. Madden definitely recieves an A+ for presentation and graphics.
Sound: The sound is okay. The crowd cheering, the QB calling the plays, the annoucers(John Madden & Pat Sumerall) are cool too. Also the sound effects like the players getting tackled is great. But the annoucers do get annoying after a while.
Suggestions: Next time, make the XBox version of Madden 2003 specifically designed for the XBox and not a port of PS2
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 50 %
Sound: 50 %
Joseph Welsh
Date reviewed: January 9, 2002.
Overall: the Graphics are great, the overall play is fabulous, my only grip with this game is the fact that there needs to be more interactive options. Granted this version of the series does allow for alot more indepth realism, but come on, this is the millinium right, give me a sim. other then that GREAT GAME!
Gameplay: This game is hands down the leader in the field. Fever cant touch it, NFL2k2 Cant come close...madden is here to stay, especially if they step up the realism next time. Look for 2003 to be completely different in detail. They need to pack a punch to stay on top, this one has the competition against the ropes, and in 2003 the hay macker is coming,...Madden is the king of the ring.
Graphics: Great up grades from the playstation versions of ol'. 2001 was very disappointing with the graphics, but Madden 2002 was just what the doctor ordered. It has a brand new graphics engine that utilizes all of the newest design technics. The only other game in the market that has better graphics is Fever...which cant hold water with play,...so Madden wins again.
Sound: Alot of updated sound quality in this game. Sure to be a hit. Madden isnt just barking out a few comments over and over. Now it actually has a larger audio base to pull from. It keeps the game more in focus rather than making it feel like an arcade game like before. The sound can ans will get lots better for the new 2003 version in the works. EA sports is just now realizing how much power the xbox has...look for alot of new sound bits and more interactive speach to come...
Suggestions: Listen to me...use the force!...EA needs to utalize the force that xbox has provided them as a console capability. EA now has an oppertunity unlike ever before with the PSone, to use more data space in the game. We need to have more of a sim feel rather then an arcade feel. I suggest maybe upgrading the career mode even further to where you can actually take charge of all the little details that place you in the game. Make the career mode stand out as the go to part of the game, the main selling point, rather than just another option. PLace your eges in this basket EA, you need to pack some punch now that Sega is in the market.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
fostertank
Date reviewed: December 30, 2001.
Overall: The graphics are really good, but i think nfl fever is a lot better. the game play is horrible but it is pretty cool that you can challenge a play.
Gameplay: it needs to improve a lot. it should be more like nhl 2002. nhl was funny and how in exibtion mode the annochers would help you
Graphics: the graphic are okay. i think madden i lossing there quality of game. they use to be a real good game maker. now it seems like they just throw it together and didnt care
Sound: the sound is ok but it also needs to improve. i think they need to come up with better lines lik ebak in the old days
Suggestions: make it easy to play. like put a turbo button on.
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 30 %
Graphics: 70 %
Sound: 30 %
Hangnaround
Date reviewed: December 28, 2001.
Overall: I bought three games to go with the system. This is the one game I bought primarily for me. I have owned two other Madden titles (PC versions) and have liked them alot. My expectations were very high and in alot of ways this game has delivered. The graphics are great and the players in many instances perform in a fashion similar to real-life in the 2001 season. However the game has a couple of things that could be improved/changed.
As I have stated in previous reviews, I am just a dad with some PC game experience. I am not an advanced gamer spending hour after hour at the console. The hours listed in my reviews are a combination of my time and my family's time with each game.
Gameplay: First, the positives must be stated. The game is an improvement over the PC version of Madden 2001 (as you would expect). The plays selected generally work or don't work as expected against the selected defense, although there is room for the player to make a difference. Several of the players in the game tend to behave as those same players have behaved in real-life during this football season - people who fumble in the NFL seem to funble more in the game too. The negatives - so far there appears to be a slight AI advantage in the game. Passes are dropped by the player's team but are caught by the AI team. Same thing goes for interceptions - the AI team really seems to have an edge there. Who knows - perhaps this edge in difficulty will extend the game's lasting appeal.
A brief comparison - I had chance to play NFL Fever before I bought the Xbox. I played two mutiplayer games and had mastered that game by the end of the 1st quarter with our team winning both games. With Madden, I have played for over 10 hours and have yet to win a game. It isn't that the controls are bad or the gameplay is bad, it is the fact that strategy seems very important in Madden and slightly less important in Fever.
If you are a football junkie, I think Madden will be your long-term favorite. If you are more a player than a junkie give NFL Fever a shot.
For either game - mutiplayer games are HIGHLY recommended.
Graphics: The graphics are great (again expected). I played a night game in a storm and it was hard to see things. The snow in Lambeau made me want to put my cheesehead on. Even my wife (a casual observer most times) has made comments on how well the player movements appear and how "cute" the players look. This from someone who usually has no time for these types of games. I am sure improvements could be made here so hold on to your hats if they write Madden 2003 to take real advantage of Xbox's capabilities.
Sound: The sound was very good. As for Madden's comments - you either like him or you don't. His comments seem on target with the flow of the game. Perhaps after a few months I will have heard all of them enough to get sick of it. Some of the crowd noise is somewhat appropriate for the field in question.
I got spoiled by my nephew's PS2 NCAA football game where I could hear the Penn State fight song after every score. I had hoped for similar sounds in Madden. While there is some muffled "go something" in the background, there isn't the trademark "go Pack go" guitar rift. I didn't hear "Hail to the Redskins" either. On second thought though the Redskins didn't score in the one game I played with them so maybe it is there? These are all nit pick things though in the final evaluation - the cherry on top of the sundae.
Suggestions: Keep improving the video. I am sure it can be made better. If the AI does have an advantage (and it isn't just poor play by the user) perhaps we could come up with a screen where we could adjust the level of the advantage for each major unit - line play, QB, linebackers, secondary, etc. This would be better than the easy, normal, hard settings on most games.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
aliaga61
Date reviewed: December 18, 2001.
Overall: like all madden games in the past, this game is great. too bad it is a port from ps2 (i wanted to rub it in my friends' faces that my madden was better than theirs) :( . i wish they would have put a little more into it. nonetheless it is a great game.
Gameplay: absolutely wonderful. im used to the nfl 2k series on dreamcast, madden blows them all out of the water. the A.I. is good...too good (they keep intercepting my passes) the way the players move and break down when running and changing directions. it sure beats the old way of just changing directions without slowing down like on older games. the movements and tackles are much more realistic. one drawback... it doesn't seem like you can tackle by just running them over, you have to use your dive button to tackle every time (unless my team is just that weak-Bengals)
Graphics: the graphics are great, just wish they would have improved them more for xbox from ps2. i have nothing to brag about to my friends on this one. i noticed some gliches when the players come together, usually in piles, they blend into each other and litterally run through their bodies. it looks like they could have spent more time on these problems. also, the helmet pops could be more realistic, alot of times you get bald heads and they just suddenly pop back on after the play. a minor touch, but they could have shown them picking the helmet back up (just would have made it that much nicer). overall, definately a big improvement in past systems' games, but could have still made the visuals better.
Sound: I CAN'T STAND JOHN MADDEN. he talks too much!!! but other than that. the sound is pretty good, the hits are much more realistic than in the past...big improvement. the announcers get repetitive fast. and they say things they shouldn't. many times when im losing a game, and i mean many time...i call time out when the clock is running and madden says that i didn't have to stop the clock...."shut up you idiot" comes out of my mouth many times.
Suggestions: don't be in such a hurry to get the game out. spend more time on the small details like other developers do and get rid of the gliches in the graphics. make the commentators less repetitive.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 80 %
sportman_d
Date reviewed: December 16, 2001.
Overall: Madden is a great game. I'm into stats and realistic sports games. Fever looks great and is fun, but madden is more realistic, has a killer franchise mode and the "create-a
-team/play
er/coach" is unbelievable. I think EASports could take advantage of the X's power next year and create the "perfect" football game. But overall I Love This game.
Gameplay: The gameplay is realistic and its fun. This game is sooo deep you can adjust all aspects of the game to make it as realistic as possible. The stats seem to be right on. Running the ball is extremely fun. Passing is really good too. I've heard of complaints of the big controller and effects on the passing game, but I do not agree. The contoller seems perfect to me.
Graphics: Madden has great graphics. Not quite Fever, but still great. The players and coaches look very good, but not identicle to real life counterparts. The moves, tackeling and catches are superb.
Sound: The sound is OK. Commentary is a little repetitive but still tolerable. With the X Box's power we should be hearing a lot more variety. And a little more intelligent on what is going on in the game and in previous games. The music and sound effects are a little better than average.
Suggestions: This would improve the game:
1. More TV like presentation. Have highlights of other games during the game.
2. Be able to import or create your own logo for created teams.
3. More commentary, not so repetitive. Could talk about season-long stats or how they have been playing in previous games. Also would be nice if they could say the "drafted" and "created" players names during the games. Not just "Number Eleven".
4. Combine tests and Heisman info for college players.
5. Get rid of "No Photo" for created players. Digitize the faces for photo.
6. We need to be able to pile up and dive into the endzone. Not just run in place in crowds.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 60 %
wweomaniac
Date reviewed: December 16, 2001.
Overall: WHOA!!!!!!! THESE INSTANT REPLAYS MAKE ME ACTuALLY WANT TO WATCH THEM. So far, I have never played two whole seasons with a football game, until now.
Gameplay: Audibles arent that great... but otherwise this game is amazing. The gameplay with this game kicks fever's ass.
Graphics: NICE GRAPHICS.... the graphix are better on fever, but it really doesnt matter. The gameplay is better on this game..... and the graphics are already advanced enough.
Sound: The hits are bone crunching. The hits are one of the most exciting sounds of this game. The commentary isnt too repetitive (unlike the n64 version)
Suggestions: tackling could look better in some cases. parts of the boddy will overlap when there is a pile up.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
ChrisAndresen
Date reviewed: December 2, 2001.
Overall: Overall, I suppose it's alright, seeing that it is Madden. But compared to the GAMECUBE Madden 2002, this game has nothing on it. I mean really, the Graphics are mediocre... and well... tha game doesn't run as well as GameCube, there is slow down unlike the GC version, well I guess I said it, It just can't compare with GC. But it is madden....
Gameplay: Do not and I mean do not get me started on this, The Game Play is what makes madden, the fun factor, the magnificent plays... but this is like... the ethereal spirit of madden console... the gameplay can't stand up to GC, it barely beats PS2.
Graphics: Bad... wiat a second... it's Bad times 2.... maybe 3... I don't know, it just sucks and I need 100 characters.
Sound: I think the sound is better than I would have thought it to be, the sound is basically the same on all consoles, X-Box didn't get Blackballed on this one at least.
Suggestions: Look at GAMECUBE version... Copy..
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 30 %
Sound: 70 %
freezingpoint
Date reviewed: November 30, 2001.
Overall: This game is a good football game but does not even compare to NFL Fever 2002. Which is why I ended up trading Madden in for Fever.
Gameplay: The gameplay is pretty good, though it really didn't change a whole heck of a lot from the other madden games. I have always loved madden gameplay...but it's starting to get old.
Graphics: The graphics are pretty good, no where near that of Fever but still very good. Maybe next year madden will decide on having better graphics.
Sound: The sound flat out sucks. The tackling/hitting is pretty good, but hearing madden say some of the dumbest things got old very fast..I really wish madden would just shut up.
Suggestions: Kick Madden out of the production team and name it something better, without his commentary. Improve on the graphics and change the gameplay/pace of the game some.
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 50 %
Graphics: 50 %
Sound: 30 %
Marc
Date reviewed: November 23, 2001.
Overall: Madden, there is no substitute. This game flat out rocks. The only thing that could make it better is for it to be built from the ground up for xbox, which hopefully EA will do next year.
Gameplay: The gameplay is perfect. It is a true football simulation, not arcadey at all. The depth is almost immeasurable. When you play Madden, it will be as close as you can get to actually getting on the field during an actual NFL game.
Graphics: The graphics are crisp. They are better than I thought they would be. The playstation 2 version came up short in the graphics department, but the xbox version doesn't disappoint.
Sound: The sounds are true to life and the commentary is better than I expected it to be. It's nice to hear Summerall and Madden calling the play by play.
Suggestions: Build Madden 2003 specifically for the xbox from the ground up.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Bigg Dogg
Date reviewed: November 20, 2001.
Overall: Madden, it's the same old madden. When will you people wake up and realize that it's old. okay, better graphics so what, you still fall when you run into the back of your own players. They still make these one hand grabs on every pass. Rice and other good receivers still catch ball with 5 men around them. But everybody loves Madden. Oh and let's not forget the cheating AI. Madden is not good and hasn't been since 1993. I only give it a three because of the graphics.
Gameplay: Sucks, you fall when you run into the back of your own man. 5 defenders and the receiver still catches the ball. cheating AI, need i say more!
Graphics: Good, but not as pretty as fever. They could have made the grass look like grass. Also they could have made the weather effect more realistic. The teams look pretty good.
Sound: All i can say is average. The players should be heard talking trash a little more. The play by play needs to change some of the commentary.
Suggestions: What, give them ideas so they can beat out NFL Fever. Never!!!
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 60 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 60 %
jly0995
Date reviewed: November 20, 2001.
Overall: This is one of the rare games that will get a perfect score. This game is a must have for your XBOX collection. Gameplay, graphics, and sound are superior!!!!
Gameplay: This is what it's all about. It's all about the gameplay when it comes to sports games, and if your looking for realistic control this is the game for you. There is a button for almost every freakin thing. Yes this takes away from simplicity, but it adds to the realism of be able to choke if you can't get the controls down. For example you're sweeping to the right one man to beat do I juke, stiff arm, spin, or run right over him. If you're good and know your football you're instincts are gonna kick in and make the right move. Just like the pros. If not then you'll thinking to yourself, "I should have juked!". Don't worry if you're not a natural there are plenty of different game modes you can play to improve your game. For instance my brother kept preventing me from running vertical pass patterns by running a prevent defense. So I set went into practice mode set up the situation, and guess who's adjusting to who now. Okay so maybe you don't want to practice. You just want to start a season a run the table on the statistics. Just set the difficulty to Rookie and passing becomes just as easy as it is on NFL Fever. This game is so awesome go out and get it!!!!!
Graphics: I first played this game on the PS2, and didn't think it could get any better. Well it can and it did. Yeah maybe the fans don't look like the players, but who cares you're not controlling the fans.
Sound: Great sounds and the intro rap song is cool!! John Madden, Pat Summerall, the hits, grunts, what more can you want...
Suggestions: My only suggestion is to allow the ability to taunt or hit the refs. I know sometimes my opponents,and even me, get frustrated with say a pass interference call. We'll control one of the players and run through him pretending to hit him taking out our frustrations. It would be cool if players could finally pay for their bad tempers. Other than that do whatever to improve the sound, graphics, or whatever just DON'T DO IT AT THE EXPENSE OF THE GAMEPLAY!!!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
tha_masta
Date reviewed: November 19, 2001.
Overall: I think that this game follows the tradition of greatness that has been laid down before it by the other maddens......continual great balance and good teams...realistic situations and a lot of different plays and ways to win...this came gets definately a high hype......as usual
Gameplay: i think that this game is one of the better ones that i have played in a while.....well since i played halo that is
Graphics: aaaaaaaaaa
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sssssooooo
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Sound: well i don't realy know what to say about this.....haha it' sounds good as far as sound goes that his
Suggestions: KEEP CHANGING IT AS YOU HAVE!! YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Infinite
Date reviewed: November 18, 2001.
Overall: Wow This game is excellent. I thought it was just a port from the ps2, but it is so much more than just a port. This game has alot more depth than fever.
Gameplay: The gameplay is what kills fever. Fevers passing game and defense is not at the same level as maddens. Madden is a much more realistic game.
I also like how you can challenge calls. :)
Graphics: I Like the grapics alot. Yea there arnt close ups but in no way are the graphics bad. The coaches and the refs look amazing as well as the players! I like watching helemts come off etc.. Very nice touches! also watching your coach get mad at you is entertaining.:)
Sound: Sound is better than fever in my book. Much more entertaining and alot more depth and better play calling. some repetivness but still fresh.
Suggestions: Great game but could have made the crowd look alot better! ;) Same with fever. Take a hint with raw is wars crowds. :)
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
Select50
Date reviewed: November 18, 2001.
Overall: lets face the facts, its MADDEN!! fever was unproven, and from the instore demos, i wasn't hooked, i had to go with the leader in the field
Gameplay: The Gameplay is what made me goto madden, because it was tough to get a good running game going with fever, madden has all the details in the gameplay sector.
Graphics: ummm... can i say a little better than ps2? the crowd D- / People on the sides F, they are cardboard cut-outs!!
Sound: good sound, nothing matches the sound of two guys cracking together, its a very nice thing to hear...
Suggestions: STEAL FEVERS GRAPHICS!! keep your gameplay!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 60 %
Sound: 100 %
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