Score: 88
Overall User Average: 8.76 / 10 (88.0%)
Gameplay User Average: 8.75 / 10
Graphics User Average: 8.80 / 10
Sound User Average: 8.63 / 10
Ninjermy
Date reviewed: July 26, 2005.
Overall: NFL 2K3 puts you the quarter back in this action-packed football game. You make the plays, you watch the replays, and you control the field.
Gameplay: I really enjoyed the controls in this game. I think Sega has the best controller setup for all football games. The variety of plays is great as well as the moves you can pull on the field.
The XBL ability also rules!
Graphics: The graphics in this game WERE top at there time, but now sadly do not compare to 2k5 games. Still had few flaws at all.
Sound: The announcer commentary is excellent. They really relate to each play that has just happened. The soundeffects are average.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 80 %
Graphics: 70 %
Sound: 80 %
RathitzTretz
Date reviewed: December 15, 2003.
Overall: I don't see what other people see in this game. I bought it because of all the hype, and I was seriously disappointed. I was thinking it would be a realistic game like the Madden series, but it turned out to be an arcade game just like Fever. Very disappointing.
Gameplay: I hate the lack of features in-game. Madden has so many features while playing, like shifting linebackers, line, and DB, and also switching the direction of the play at the line. In 2K3, all you can do is move the line. Very dissappointing. Also, when I went to check the controller configuration when I first started playing, I was angry at the fact that they didn't even include a button setup!! All you could setup was the running with the ball!! It's ridiculous!! And how much time was put into making the AI? Ten seconds? I mean seriously, I can't rollout for anything. I find myself weaving back and forth trying to get my dumb offensive line to pick up the defensive lineman that is right in front of him!! The offensive line in this game is HORRIBLE!! They can't block for anything. Very unrealistic. And have I mentioned tackling? Reminds me of Fever. You can reach a guy ten yards in front of you in full stride just by pressing the tackle button. Pretty pathetic.
Graphics: God awful!! I don't see how anyone can like these graphics. I am disappointed that Sega makes games for different consoles because this game looks like a PS2 game. The players all look skinny, frail, and pale. The detail in the faces that people talk about are not there. There is no detail. Their faces are horrible. I hate games that are released for other systems, because the graphics show it. USE THE XBOX'S POWER!!
Sound: The presentation is horrible. I like Madden's because he gives his own opinions and he is into the game. In this, it is sooooo boring. This guy just says the same thing over and over and over again.
Suggestions: Use the Xbox's power. If you make a game that is released on other consoles at the same time, you must realize that makes people like me very disappointed because the graphics are horrible. If you want to continue this franchise, some serious updates are needed, the first being in visuals, the seconds being in gameplay, making it more realistic, and the third being in the broadcasting.
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 60 %
Graphics: 30 %
Sound: 50 %
Sharky53
Date reviewed: November 4, 2003.
Overall: this is one sweet game.once u get into this game it is really hard to put down.Player models look great
Gameplay: Gameplay is sweet. It runs very smooth.I like how the controls work, they just feel like that is the right way 2 have controls.
Graphics: Visuals are very good, the players faces look pretty good, i think that they took a lot of time into this game
Sound: Commentators get very ennoying after awhile, the hits and other sounds in the game are very nice...i like the sound
Suggestions: make NFL 2k4
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 70 %
xj74
Date reviewed: November 3, 2003.
Overall: If you like football then this game is a must have. No other Football game comes close. This game is aimed more at the hardcore football fans.
Gameplay: SEGA acquired the ESPN license and puts it to good use as it almost feels like watching a game on ESPN. I used to be a EA sports nut so it took me a while to get used to the different play calling system. The control configuration is excellent and once it becomes second nature you can make some awesome plays especially when rushing. Statistics tracking is well done. The only thing is there is not a single thing to unlock like the Madden series so there isn't a whole lot to keep you coming back to play single player seasons. This game truly shines as a multiplayer game with up to four players on one xbox or goe online. I've become a SEGA convert and can't wait for NFL 2K4 to arrive this summer.
Graphics: Awesome detail, the uniforms have incredible detail, even the socks are bump mapped. The players animation is the best with an incredibly large number animations for everything from different tackles, stiff arms, spin moves, blocks, side stepping through the line, to the QB taking a step foward to heave that ball way downfield. Absolutely incredible, every now and then I'll notice something I haven't seen before.
Sound: The best commentary out of any sports game available. Most of the time the commentary is very smooth and fits what is going on in the game with the occasional instance when they are way off. The best part is they actually have conversations and even joke every once in a while which really adds to realism of the game. You can hear the defense on the field yelling intimidating comments at the offense. Best sound ever in a sport title period.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
George89
Date reviewed: November 2, 2003.
Overall: NFL 2K3 is a combination of Sega and ESPN's football games. The game supports a deep franchise mode, as well as great graphics, and XBOX LIVE play.
Gameplay: The main part of the game will be probably spent on the franchise mode. This years is very deep and fun. The addition of XBOX Live provides an even deeper experience. The game flows great in gameplay. There are some things that I like better than Madden like how you can catch up if someone is on a breakaway.
Graphics: Nothing special, but they look very good. The stadiums are detailed as well as uniforms and player faces.
Sound: Sound is pretty good, the broadcasters don't get too repetitive and the ESPN music is here. Player responses to some things are almost always the same though.
Suggestions: no suggestions
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 80 %
dungshot
Date reviewed: September 14, 2003.
Overall: There are many football games out there. Now with the major development of the NCAA and ESPN football series, it's becoming quite a tough choice to find the perfect football game. Well, let me assist you a little bit. NFL 2K3! I got really tired of the Madden series (altho they have some really cool options). It really bore me down. Well, ever since i picked up the controller for 2k3, i just couldnt stop. The game is just plain old fascinating, It depicts REAL football, not like NFL Blitz or Fever (yes, fever is a very pass-all-the-time-you-want game, with an exception to 2004). The different modes of gameplay, such as franchise, have been mastered to perfection. Not to mention Xbox Live, incredible graphics and non stop time consuming action.
Gameplay: The Gameplay is astounding. With different modes such as franchise, season, playoffs or even heading out for an early morning practice, it has it all. As far as in-game is concerned, the controls are very easy to master. I personally really enjoy maximum passing, as you can throw as you want: Hard n' down low as a bullet, or a lob over the cornerback... Throwing it behind the reciever for those curls and slants, or throwing over to make him run like mad to catch it and run. It's got it all, and its very hard to finally stop. Just make sure you know when to stop for work.
Graphics: Graphics were the first thing to catch my eye. They were absolutley astounding. Its very realistic, and replays make it really easy to see that magnificant INT you just pulled off. Better than Madden, no doubt, but sometimes, and emphisis and sometimes, the players look a bit robotic. IE, when you are running top speed into the end zone, they stop as soon as they reach it. For that reason, I give it a 4.5, but please folks: Buy this game.
Sound: Sound is given a B+. Nothing spectacular, but enough to feel like you're the one who just got plowed by Mike Alstott. The music intro at the beginning is cool, too, because they added like 5 different songs I think for the intro. To this day, im still trying to figure that out....
Suggestions: My suggestion is too make 2K5 (a while from now) a bit less robotic maybe, but im sure no one even notices it. Great job, Sega!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
Dark Enemy
Date reviewed: April 10, 2003.
Overall:
This is the best football game out there, and xbox live makes it even better. The visuals are the best , the players look all familiar and the sound is pretty good.
Gameplay:
This is where the game stands out. The tackeling and everything in the game runs prett smooth and is really good. Only problems you might have is the animations that they do that will screw you up on defense
Graphics:
The visuals are stunning. The stadiums look like the real thing. The players and stadiums look nice. Only probelms i have is to try and make the snow look better, it looks ugly lol
Sound:
Its nothin more nothin less it sounds like an ordinary football game. The commentators add some life and sounds pretty good. Players mocking and sounds of tackles will keep you off your seat.
Suggestions:
Fix the animations for God's sake, even better graphics and stop the !&%$@#* cheaters online.
Overall: 50 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 80 %
trav777sk8
Date reviewed: February 28, 2003.
Overall: THIS GAME IS AWESOME IN EVERY ASPECT OF IT I MEEN THERE IS NOT TO MANY SPORTS GAMES THAT JUST COMPLETELY HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD BUT THIS ONE IS ONE OF THE BEST FOOTBALL GAMES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN AND I AM AN OWNER OF LIKE ALL THE GAMEDAYS.
Gameplay: GAMEPLAY IS AWESOME ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING WITH OR AGAINST SOMEONE ON MULTIPLAYER OR LIVE.IT IS FUN TO FIND A TEAM LEARN THERE PLAYS THEN PROVE YOUR SKILLS ONLINE AND MOUTH OFF AT THE SAME TIME
Graphics: GRAPHICS RULE I MEEN SOMETIMES I JUST MAKE A GAME WHERE THE COMPUTERS PLAY EACH OTHER AND JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH THEM CAUSE IT LOOKS JUST LIKE WATCHING ESPN IT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL.THE BODY MOVEMENTS ARE GREAT.THE MOVES THAT THEY DO ARE MASTERED.SEGA BROUGHT THE PLAYERS SPEED DOWN TO MAKE THEM MORE LIFE-LIKE SO THEY RUN SLOWER THAN MOST OTHER GAMES AND IT JUST LOOKS SO SHWEET.AND ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT THIS GAME IS THE REPLAYS I THINK THEY ARE SHWEET YOU CAN GET ANY ANGLE AND ZOOM SO FAR THAT YOU CAN SEE THE HOLES IN THE PLAYERS SHIRTS.THE PEOPLE LOOK SO GOOD THAT IF YOU WATCH THE REF IN REPLAY YOU CAN EVEN SEE HIM BLINK AND WHEN YOU HAVE A GAME THAT GETS THE BACKGROUND PEOPLE TO LOOK SO GOOD THEN YOU KNOW THAT THE MAIN PEOPLE WILL LOOK AWESOME.
Sound: SOUND IS GREAT.THE ANNOUNCERS ARE REALLY GOOD BECAUSE I AM STILL HEARING NEW LINES THAT THEY SAY.THE THINGS THEY SAY ARE GOOD BECAUSE NOT ONLY ARE THERE A LOT AND THAT THEY ARE GOOD BUT THEY MATCH WHAT YOU ARE DOING I MEEN IF YOU MAKE A TOUCH DOWN THE ANNOUNCER DOESNT SAY "OH THAT WAS A TERRIBLE PLAY" I ALWAYS HATED WHEN THEY DID THAT
Suggestions: KEEP DOIN WHAT YOUR DOIN AND WE'LL BUY
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
adamw19
Date reviewed: December 30, 2002.
Overall: This is one of the best football games I have played. I like it better then NFL Fever 2003. It is a really realistic game.
Gameplay: The gameplay in this game is really good. It is really realistic and can be really tough at times. Very good gameplay
Graphics: The graphics in this game are stunning. It's really realistic. The players and tehre action are really well done.
Sound: The sound is what you would expect in a football game. OOOPH and the crowd cheering. Very good sound.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
BGTKing
Date reviewed: December 20, 2002.
Overall: When I rented this game, I thought it was going to be much better than it was. The game is not realistic at all and the players drop way too many passes.
Gameplay: I didn't really like the gameplay on this game. It was from from realistic. Why don't the players ever catch the ball when someone is near them?
Graphics: The graphics in the game are good, but not great. Plus, the camera views take out any detail there is since you are miles above the stadium.
Sound: The game has the ESPN license, so why were there not ESPN annoucers? the ones in this game truly are horrible and repeat the same thing over and over.
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 30 %
Graphics: 50 %
Sound: 30 %
mavrick1_98
Date reviewed: December 19, 2002.
Overall: This one has converted me from the Madden franchise, and is clearly the best football game, not only for the year, but the best ever to date. I've been playing Madden since I first bought a Sega Genesis back in the late 80's, and even this year I purchased both Madden 2003 and NFL2K3. While both are ample football games, 2K3 is clearly the superior game, and now my copy of Madden just collects dust.
Gameplay: The gameplay is where the real difference between Madden and 2K3 lie. 2K3 has a much better feel and look to it.
Graphics: 2K3 is a beautiful game graphically, the replays are perfect and make you feel like you are watching a real game on TV.
Sound: The announcers are not "stars" like Madden, but they obviously spent more time in the recording studio as you rarely hear the same thing twice. The commentary is accurate, and always dead-on.
Suggestions: Though 2K3 is near perfect, I still think there are a few things that need improvement. Once you start a franchise, you can not create a new player or alter the play book. Two things that I like better in Madden is the instant replay system and being able to "quiet" the crowd. Not sure why 2K3 doesn't use these?
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Megaherz *RAGE*
Date reviewed: December 6, 2002.
Overall: Something really strange was taken my mind next week, probably that it was a hype
or an excitement about the winning of the grey cup by our local team and mixed by the nfl
fever 2003 demo on the Wacked disc that i was really enjoying. So i decide
for the first time of my live to rent a football game. I will always be objective in
my review but this time you gonna know what happen when i player that didn't like football
or even sport think about that kind of game. I can say that the football game are dumb,
that if you buy one you have tried them all, also that the only thing they change from
version to an another version is the rooster or the player of each team but i will fall
in my prejudice and nobody will trust me later. Before i begin this review, i must definite
the concept >. In my mind a good game is a game that has a good visual , a
great sound and an amazing gameplay but also he should be adapted to every gamer.
What i really mean by that is that if somebody want to play this game and he never played
this type before he will be able to enjoy it like a fan and also to play it
corecfully. But it seem that nfl 2k3 is far away for this categorie. Finally, if you want to
buy this game and you are a reel fan of football, go get it but if you are a newbie like me
you must stay away from it.
Gameplay: This time, i will not enumerate what i habitually do in my review that contain the feature
of x-box live because it's just a lost of time and i said it in my review of Unreal
Championship and Ghost Recon so i don't need to repeat if you saw my previous review. I got
a lot of problem to play this game because 90 % of my friends hate football game so my hour
of play is extremely low but i was able to understand that if you press one of the four
colored button and the left or right trigger you can pass the ball to a teammate, also X can
be used to block the opposite team, Y to dive, B to change to an another player, the right
trigger to strap when you got the ball and the control stick to choose your strategies. I
must admit that this game was too much repetitive for me, ok you can play on night and
on different condition, you can download some rooster on live, there is a a season or a
pre-season match, the artificial intelligent is pretty cool for an average gamer but
for me it was too high because i didn't know which strategies is the best to stop their
offense, each team got their own strategie and you can play on live but even if
with all that stuff, it's repetive. The multiplayer is an another bad point of the game
because everybody can choose a strategie and play has the quater back so it's get annoying
and sometimes i get confused about who is the quaterback or what type of game did he
choose because a half of friends was taking a game randomly. Live is also a bad idea
because it's took me a whole hour to play with someone ( seem that gamer prefer nfl fever
2003 ) and when i first played on live i was really disapointed of who were playing this game
because there were all professionnel and i was only a rookie.
Graphics: The visual was too great ! With a lot of team that got different face for each character and
a few different place to play, this game got the best score ever seen for the work they do
to complete it but sometimes the face of player where badly done but it's just a minor
details for a great visual. Naturally it's still be a restricted football game so don't
expect to get something new on the visual. Finally the first and the only video get
me and probably you in the mood of the game because he were looking like i was wacthing the
news on tv.
Sound: Wow ! It seem that the announcer were reel because they got an amazing variety of sentence
to say, but it's not the same thing for the music. In fact i was badly disapointed about
the music because habitually when i watch football game on tv, there always some famous
song like we will rock you, take care of business or ready to go. The only thing they do
for the music is to put a mix of song that are not related to football. At least the
custom soundtrack could have been great.
Suggestions: The newbie need a 101 course about football, i want to create my whole team, better face in
some character and a custom soundtrack could have made this game on the top.
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 90 %
Xbox Owner
Date reviewed: November 29, 2002.
Overall: Nice game, a few mistakes, but no one's perfect. I am impressed with the ESPN layout, and the nice options for franchise, season, exibition, etc..
Gameplay: The gameplay on this game is fantastic. The controls are a little hard at first, but within a hour or two, you'll master it. Anyway, this game isn't like Madden 2003, where you can break a 50yd run everytime, NFL2k3 is more realistic, with the casual break out every once and a while. The passing is pretty realistic to, but can be frustrating, say your man is wide open running straight down the field, at times, the quarterback will overthrow him, underthrow him, etc.. Also, they have some nice trick plays in some play books aswell. One bad thing though is that you can't challenge plays, which hurts the game. Why? Because at times, I've gotten a touch down (litterally over the whole goal line) and they called me down at the one. (And yes, the ball was over.)
Graphics: The graphics on this game are pretty nice. I gave them a 4.5 because somethings just don't look right, what I mean is the stadiums just don't look that good, in my opinion. And also, some play's are not really looking like them. But as for good things go, Kordell Stuwart of the Pittsburgh Steelers, looks very realistic, I thought. Also, the fields, crowds, coaches, etc, look very realistic, and I was surprised.
Sound: The sound on this game is mediocre. This is the only "weak" point of NFL2k3. I find the commentary very repetetive, and at times, predictible what they are going to say. Although, they do have some intresting saying's like "You can't coach that" which is kind of funny. The hitting sound is pretty well, though.
Suggestions: Make an option to be able to challenge plays, and try to record more sound commentary. Also, get better touch down dances, haha.
Overall: 80 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 70 %
Da1nonlyakiehl
Date reviewed: November 25, 2002.
Overall: Awesome from as soon as i saw Dan Patrick till the time i saw the gameplay and still loving it. Just an awesome game. Unbelieveable graphics and the gameplay is the closest to the real appearence of the game. I have still yet to play it on XBOX LIVE
Gameplay: The gameplay is so real a lot better than madden. i think this is the closest experience with NFL with the ESPN and SEGA SPORTS it's just a great job
Graphics: The graphics are off the hook. the way there head and stuff go with the flow of the game and the game is just nice.
Sound: The sound is as close as you can get it just great overall sound a great buy for anyone like me that likes the price being 29.99 :)
Suggestions: I HOPE SOMEONE WILL BRING BACK THE HELMET CAM TO REALLY PUT IT IN THE ACTION. AND MAKE IT WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE BARS :) THAT WOULD BE THE BEST INNOVATION TO THIS GAME
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Ghoohie
Date reviewed: November 22, 2002.
Overall: This is by far the best football game ever made. Though it doesn't have as many options as madden, it still kicks madden's and fever's !&%$@#* at the same time.
Gameplay: This is one of my favorite things about the game. I love controlling the offence and running the ball or sneaking it (though the QB I created never tucks the ball and fumbles every time he gets hit in bounds). The juking is one thing I really hate about Madden, 2K3 is much better here. The only problems I have with the special moves is that 1)in order to run really fast, you have to keep tapping the A button (as opposed to Madden where you just have to hold the button) and 2) the only way spinning works is when you get hit (otherwise, it will make your character studder step).
FRANCHISE: amazingly in depth you will spend plenty of hours not playing football but either at the franchise menus/drafting/scouting or doing something at the other game menus (and you'll love it)
Graphics: When I first bought the game, I was really pissed because the characters look really strange, but as you begin to get used to them, they look more and more realistic. You can see the facial expressions change depending on how they are doing. It's got everything.
Sound: There is something seriously wrong w/ my disc. Every so often the announcer and player audio stops working. But when I do hear all the audio, it is great.
Suggestions: more options - training camps, even practices in franchise mode.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 80 %
crazy8tz
Date reviewed: November 21, 2002.
Overall: THE BEST FOOTBALL GAME THIS YEAR!
Everything about this game screams pigskin! The addition of ESPN really brings this game to life.
Sega finally got their AI working well. The defenses will step up and actually intercept the ball. I grew tired of Madden having D-backs step up, wide open, just to swat the ball down. What the hell is that?
Gameplay: Control is tight & responsive. Whether you use the original "Fat Daddy" controller (as I like to call it, or the "S" Controller, this game feels completely natural in your hands. Run, pass, scrable, juke, spin, hurdle, etc. It all feels so natural.
Graphics: The graphics in this game are absolutely stunning. The textures are exquisit, the facial expressions are perfect, and I swear you almost never see the same animation twice.
Try this! Set the game up so the computer is playing both sides, and then sit back and watch. Then you'll see this game for all of its graphical beauty!
Sound: This game IS football. If you've ever watched ESPN's NFL Halftime show, or any of ESPN's NFL shows for that matter, you'll know what I mean.
The hits sound thundering, the nuance sounds are perfectly placed, and the crowd cheers when you do well, and boos when you don't.
Suggestions: Larger, more diverse playbooks. Also, when creating a custom playbook, make it so you can add entire sets. Lastly, the ability to create custom plays.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
PSYCH0 GUY
Date reviewed: November 20, 2002.
Overall: ya so umm THIS GAME OWNZ!!! This is the best football game.. the first time you try it you may not enjoy it that much but after awhile u start to love it
Gameplay: gameplay is great.. controls are very easy to catch onto with the exception of the stiff arms.. i don't like that they are the black and white buttons but where else could they be?
Graphics: graphics are great.. the hits are great.. i love sending zach thomas to destroy a slotback or tightend running a slant
Sound: sounds is good.. commentary could be a bit more original at times but i'm usually on the phone while i'm playing the game soo i don't care dat much
Suggestions: better commentary..
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
TegSkywalker
Date reviewed: November 18, 2002.
Overall: Now where can I get started on the NFL 2K series that hasn't been addressed before? The series has been a must have of mine since 2K1 on the Dreamcast and have been buying a new edition every year. Having played the game numerous times on Xbox Live, the replay factor has no limits.
What really sets 2K3 apart then say Madden 2003 is the amount of quality put into each edition. I'm sure the rabid Madden crowd thinks they are almighty with the 10+ year old series but quite frankly... Madden 2003 is the same game as Madden 2001 back on the PS2 launch.
So if you are stuck between Madden 2003 and NFL 2K3, give NFL 2K3 a chance. Here you will find a polished football experience with both sim and arcade elements.
Btw I recently picked this up at Target for $29.99. If you don't own it already, its a steal at this price!
Gameplay: Sega Sports has refined the gameplay, made it more balanced over the previous games, and feels more fluid. The Xbox controller feels natural for this game.
Graphics: Even though Microsoft's NFL Fever series is optimized for the Xbox hardware, NFL2K3 exceeds it with cleaner graphics, better player models and faces, excellent stadium ambience, and a slick ESPN interface.
Best looking game until NFL 2K4 :)
Sound: ANNOUNCERS! ANNOUNCERS! ANNOUNCERS!
That is all I got to say. No other sports game features announcers as accurate and amusing as these guys. The commentary draws you into the game wheras annoy you like Madden.
Other than that, gameplay sounds from tackles to player taunts to the PA speaker round out an impressive package.
Suggestions: When Xbox Live launched, there were no roster updates for the game even though segasports.com says there are 3 already for download. Very minor, but would have been nice to get the latest rosters as soon as possible.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
tWoTOMA
Date reviewed: November 5, 2002.
Overall: This game is what a football game SHOULD be. The graphics are beautiful, with great stadiums and sidelines, and the best player models around. Each doby part is free from the others, and the result is the best animations ever in a sports game. The tackles and tackle breaking are beutifully done, and there is rarely any hit-and-bounce off tackles that dominate Madden and Fever. The best thing in this game however is not the graphics or gameplay or even sound, it's the best franchise mode in video games.
Gameplay: Being a football player myself, I am insulted by the gameplay of Fever, and to a lesser extent, Madden. Why can you pass into triple coverage successfully in those games? Why is running between tackles almost impossible in those games? Why are all the cuts so rounded? 2K3 has none of these problems. It is as close to real football as you can get. It is obvious to anyone that plays this that this is a football simulator right away. One thing that I don't like is the playcalling interface, where I like Madden's, but it IS possible to hide your plays here, although most people don't know how to.
Graphics: Does anyone else notice the enormous heads in Madden? How about the shortness or all the players in Fever and Madden? I know that NFL players are thick and those games are going for that look, but they are also large people, almost all over 5'11", and with many lineman, backers, and recievers over 6'2". NFL has the most realistic player models anywhere, and sports the best faces ever. Just take a look at the jerseys and especially thier elbows when weariong sleeves...look at the friggin detail! The best thing about the visuals is definately the animations. Enough cannot be said for them. They make it feel like a real game. Another great visual aspect is the ESPN presentation; again, it adds to the feel.
Sound: Best sound on a video game by far. All of the other consoles sound like crap, so Xbox has the edge already. Fever has some nice grunting and so on, but the announcing sucks. Madden plays one sound every tackle, and it gets very annoying never hearing a grunt on the offensive line. The sound of the pads thumping in Madden is awful. Madden has respectable commentary, just for star power. But I'll be !&%$@#* ed if Madden says anything he hasn't said Since Madden 95. It also sounds like they are not watching the same game sometimes. 2K3 has great gameplay sounds, with many grunts and pad pops available, and used on every play differently. The commentary is great, with some nice quotes, and very lifelike feel. One thing I'd love is having Thiesman, McGwire, and the other guy in the box, like ESPN Sunday Night Football.
Suggestions: Change the playcalling interface to a Madden style. Include ESPN announcers. Don't ever change the gameplay! Give me better options in Create a Team, and please bring Create a Play back from NFL 2K1.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Governor
Date reviewed: November 4, 2002.
Overall: This is an excellent game. I am by no means what you would call a NFL fan, infact I think the acronymn NFL stand for (National Felony League), but this is an exeptional game.
Gameplay: There are so many different teams and on top of that there statistics really vary making it a very lasting appeal because you never know how the game is going to shape up because of having 2 totally different teams.
Graphics: The graphics to say the least are stunning. That is what impresses me with most game and tempts me to buy them.
Sound: The sound is great too, on my surround sound system and sony is so innovative they think of everything, I put it on the game mode. It not only amplify's the sound but, gives it a kind of echoe effect. It is really like playing in a stadium and hearing the PA bouncing of all the surfaces.
Suggestions: Don't change anything, like I said before, i am not that big of a football fan but love this game. For all you NFL gurus out there, this is a must buy. It combines everything that all gamers love most about games, graphics, sound, variety, everything. I think everyone would be pretty impressed.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
ARONO129
Date reviewed: November 3, 2002.
Overall: Although I exchanged this title for Madden I feel I can be objective about it. I can see some very good ideas implemented into the game. But the negatives outnumber the positives. Not up to Madden yet. Maybe next year?
Gameplay: With online play if you can get by the audio and visual problem which I will explain later then this game scores a 5. This is the only area where it beats Madden.
Graphics: When you can see the changing expression on players faces how can anyone score the visuals so low?
Easy. No user customizable camera angle. C'mon Sega. You can do better than that. The play on the field still seemed too far away even at the closest setting. You know you can do better. NBA 2K3 has no customizable camera angle but it's twice the effort you put into this.
Sound: Talk about a game being overhyped. Who is that announcer on Helium? I know that Al Michaels has signed on with EA but where did you find that announcer with the most annoying and hard to listen to voice. Get rid of him next year.
Suggestions: customizable camera angles and an announcer that doesn't sound like he inhaled the worlds supply of Helium.
Overall: 40 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 20 %
Sound: 20 %
warlordav
Date reviewed: October 25, 2002.
Overall: Every time I start reading through reviews of a sports game on here, I have to sift through a bunch of reviews by idiots saying Sega sucks whatever or Madden blows this or Fever sucks, or whatever. Undying loyalty to a line of sports games seems pretty stupid to me. So, having played bits of pieces of all the football games out there, I went out and bought the Sega one. Overall, I just like 2k3 better than the others. I think Blitz and Microsoft's football have too much of an arcade feel to them. Madden is my 2nd choice of the bunch, and, overall, isn't that much behind 2k3. My biggest problem with it is that it doesn't support Xbox Live. So, in a tie, Sega wins hands down for me.
Gameplay: First of all, I'd like to say that I've read reviews saying that they can't pass or they can't run, or whatever. I have to think these people should stick to Fever and Blitz. If you don't know much about the game of football, you're not going to have much luck with Sega or Madden. Sure, you can crank down the difficulty settings, but if you don't follow your blockers, for example, you're not going to be successful running the ball. If you throw into triple coverage, you should be intercepted, not run it in all the way for the touchdown. Anyway, back to the point of this section, I think gameplay mixes just the right amount of arcade fun into realism.
Graphics: Visually, I think Sega did a good job with this year's football. The player models look good including the faces of the big time players. Even without jerseys, I can pick out most of the bigger name players in the league. The stadiums are all pretty well done, as well and the weather effects are very good. My only real complaint is that it's still not doing what the Xbox is capable of doing. Sega should swear off Sony and write for Microsoft exclusively. If they do, things should get even better.
Sound: Sound never seems to really warrant its own section in my book. The sound seems ok in the game. My biggest complaint is that the announcers will occasionally repeat too many things over and over. Also, the crowd noise drowns them out sometimes when you're trying to hear the sideline reporter give you an injury report. Speaking of announcers, someone should tell Sega that every time a play fails when it's raining, it's NOT ALWAYS the rain's fault. :)
Suggestions: It's nice to see an improvement over last year. How about next year, you skip Sony and make this for Xbox only.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 80 %
Monjava
Date reviewed: October 22, 2002.
Overall: ALthough this game has many good qualities, I can't believe how many short-comings their are, especially considering this series is several years old now. First, NO MULTIPLAYER FRANCHISE! I couldn't believe this. Although the franchise mode is revamped, it really isn't much fun doing it by myself. In my opinion this is the worst part of the game. Second, certain aspects of the on-the-field play need fixed. SACKS for one... even if you have done the impossible and actually got through the o-line, 99% of the time the QB just shruggs you off. Also, NO INSTANT REPLAY?!?! This was another thing I couldn't believe. I "took a year off" between NFL2k1 and 2K3 and got Madden 2002 instead. Although I do like Sega's series better, Madden just has some good aspects that I can't believe Sega didn't "copy" yet, such as instant replay. It just doesn't make sense. There also needs to be more of the little things that happen during real football games. Helmets popping off (like in Madden), grass in the facemasks (again in Madden), and the crowd throwing stuff onto the field once in awhile. Let's have mascots beating their heads against the uprights when kickers miss a field goal, etc. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PUMPING UP OF AND THE QUIETING DOWN OF THE CROWD?!?! Although I could go on and on about what could be added and improved on, it's basically pointless (how much of this stuff actually gets back to the developers). I know everyone feels the same way I do about AT LEAST one thing I've mentioned, no matter how die hard they are about this Sega football series.
Gameplay: Not bad. I like how ball carriers don't get stuck behind their own blockers anymore. This is one of the more solid parts of the game.
Graphics: Really can't complain with this one. Weather looks nice. Would like football games to start having grass rip up more and puddles forming along with MORE MUD.
Sound: same old same old. still have some of the EXACT SAME PHRASES as NFL2k. Announcers definitely need to be more exciting. I can run back a kickoff for a touchdown and all the announcer says is "the 50, the 40, the 30, etc." in a non-enthusiastic voice. Make it more realistic.
Suggestions: Read 'OVERALL APPEAL' above!!
Overall: 60 %
Gameplay: 70 %
Graphics: 70 %
Sound: 60 %
oddworld20-3000
Date reviewed: October 16, 2002.
Overall: One of the best sports game ever. Also best football game they have on xbox and all football game history.
Gameplay: Online play, controls, long season mode. Really great.
Graphics: Graphics are great shines, players, uniforms, but the cheerleaders ain't that good.
Sound: The sound is great with Dolby Digital 5.1 but you don't really need it because their hardly any sound.
Suggestions: Get's better every year.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Liontamr
Date reviewed: October 14, 2002.
Overall: Hands down the best football game out there.. Sega has taken that title away from EA Sports this year with NFL 2K3. Even though from top to bottom everything about this game is solid, there is a little room for improvment. Even the little things that would normally drive a gamer crazy can be easily overlooked as the entire experience is a great one. Adding ESPN grapics and music to the game makes it feel as though you are sitting down to watch a little Sunday Night Football every single time, although not having actually ESPN announcers call the plays is disapointing. The action on the field is very true to real life as well. Anything you have ever learned about playing the game either on offence or defence can be applied on 2K3. Sega also gets high marks for not only making this an XBL title, but for allowing gamers who don't have XBL to still take part in an online challenge. Overall it's a great improvment from 2K2 and a great sign of things to come for 2K4 if Sega can improve on the game just a little more.
Gameplay: Sega did it's homework when it came to the play on the field. No 200 pound QB's running over 280 pound linemen here! Maybe the best thing about 2K3 is that Sega really got the physics of the game down solid. QB's are much more accurate when they get a chance to plant their feet, wide outs will catch the ball better if the ball is thrown to them at the right time during their route and as I said, smaller players can be easily taken care of by bigger men but if timed right speed and a well placed spin or juke move can see your man go for a huge gain. This though isn't always a good thing as any RB or WR can pull off juke and spin moves over and over and bounce off tackles. A play that could have easily been stopped three yards from the line can bust out to be a 40 yard dash.
On defence the AI is the best I've seen in years but at the same time - just like in real life - defencive assignments and plays can be botched allowing the offence to score a big play. The tackling overall needs a bit of work as I said.. A ball carrier getting away from two or three would be tacklers does happen, but it shouldn't happen every third or forth play.
Off the field you have your usual game modes.. The standard single game is there. Practice is a good way to first hone in the skills. Situations are of course a great way to recreate some of the greatest moments ever, and with lots of historical teams you can. Season mode is ok if it's just one season you care for, but more than likley you'll be playing the franchise mode which this year is giving Madden and Fever a run for it's money. The layouts are great and navigating the menus are simple and straight forward. You'll feel as though you really are sitting at a desk as you manage your team through the season. Depth chart moves and gameplans for your next opponent can be handled here. Playing the Bengals? Your gameplan better be more focused on stopping the run. Going against the Bucs? An air attack may be more effective against them, so plan accordingly. The front office is where signings and releases take place. A great option added is the ability to put players on a trading block in order to see what you could get in return. Midway through the season trading is done and you get to focus on up and coming rookies.. if you have and play NCAA 2K3 then it just adds to the experience as you can then draft that star linebacker from Michigan that you've been in awe of.
So if all this great stuff is there, why the 4.5? The computer simulating is waaaayyyy off! 9 minute quarters can see scores go into the 60's and 70's and players get 300 yards rushing, 7 sacks and so on. To get a more realistic result you'll have to set the quarter length to 5 minutes when you are simming other games, then going back into options and restoring the 9 minute setting for your own games. That really should be unacceptable and I'm surprised Sega let that aspect slip by them.
Bonus marks to Sega for adding a nice little "preview" of your game by talking about the teams and what a fan would have to look for to happen in the game as it's loading. Even more props to Sega for allowing the rankings to change as the season goes on. If you play as the Lions and somehow come up with the leagues best offence, the pre game talk will mention just how good it is. One oversight though is that weaknesses are featured more than strengths, so if you have a great high ranked passing attack but a poor low ranked running game, it's the running game that gets mentioned as a possible downfall of the team.
Graphics: Is it live or is it Memorex?? The addition of ESPN graphics really makes you feel as though you are watching an ESPN broadcast. The menus are easy to read and navigate through and make you feel as though you are at a coaches desk or at the NFL Draft during a season. On the field the animation is sharp and dead on 95% of the time. There is the odd time though that players can be seen stepping right through other players that have fallen to the ground. The textures are very well done. Jerseys have a meshy look to them, grass and turf are easy to tell apart.. grass can be chewed up during the course of a game. Stadiums are rendered to look like the real life counterparts. Fans are dressed loyaly in the home teams colors. The players themselves are well done. Nothing blocky, skin looks like actual skin and other than the aformentioned stepping through other players, there really is no awkward movment.
Replays are solid and present many different angles.
The weather effects are solid, although the snow could use a little work, and jerseys should get dirtier as the game goes on in the rain, not start off dirty and stay in the same condition all game.
Sound: The biggest disapointment is that ESPN announcers don't get to represent and go along with the ESPN graphics (although you do get to see Patrick at his Sportscenter desk at the intro). ESPN music - everything from the different versions of the Sportscenter theme, to the Sunday Night Football theme, to the NFL Countdown theme - are in the game and add to the overall feel. The announcers themselves are great, but can be very repetitive when describing past plays and down right agrivating when for the 15th time in the half they say "You can't coach that."
Thankfully if the music gets too repetitive you can change the menu music and turn the announcers off completly. 2K3 has preset audio options where you can have the sound come off as a TV broadcast or set to just the sounds of on field action.
The on field sounds are solidly done as well as the standard fare of pads slamming together and players grunts and taunting come through loud and clear.
Suggestions: A must fix: The simulation bug. 9 minute simmed quarters should not see 63 to 74 scores. A little more emotion from the players as well too would be nice, big wins should be celebrated as such. A last second / last play win is treated as a "ho-hum" affair by the players, crowd and announcers alike. Make a bigger customizable playbook that is easier to fill out. Actual ESPN announcers would be nice, but beyond that just get rid of the "you can't coach that" color man.. Believe me I've played football and half that stuff he says you can't, you in fact can coach. Make the coaches a little more customizable.. some of them are way too tubby (even Dungy). Take a page from NFL Fever and create a better custom team feature.. have a set list of cities and a set lists of names so the announcers don't make the very generic comments about the team.
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 90 %
jaytoro112
Date reviewed: October 5, 2002.
Overall: Excellent football game! Very Very entertaining. I was never into organized football games like badden (i mean madden) or fever (which actually got me sick). But this made me change my mind about games like this. I love this game. I highly recommend this game to any and every football fanatic. I can't wait til 2k4, 2k5, 2kwhatever its just going to get better.
Gameplay: The gameplay is very good, On both offense and defense. The only thing I dont like about the gameplay is the turbo. You have to keep pressing it to go fast, and sometimes they just slow down. However, it is very fun.
Graphics: I absolutely LOVED the visual. It is 300x better than fever and madden. The only thing is that the players dont look to much like here real selves, but the uniform and everything is great. The end zone dances are ok but i would like to see more excitement. I still like them though.
Sound: The sound could be better. I really liked it but its just the same thing over and over. However, in the stadiums, the crowd gets real into it and the commentators get hyped. That is always great to have. Its not just the same dull voice like madden.
Suggestions: Make the turbo a little better and more moves while running. Also better in zone dances. Nonetheless, I LOVE this game. GREAT JOB AND KEEP IT UP!!!!!
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 90 %
zhiwiller
Date reviewed: September 30, 2002.
Overall: What can I say? I had been a Madden freak for more or less ten years, but the last two incarnations disappointed me. I switched to NFL2k3 and haven't looked back. The game is ALMOST everything a football game should be. Give it a couple more years of polish and it will be definitive.
Gameplay: The gameplay is smooth. I love how you can adjust the difficulty on a spectrum and among many different attributes instead of sets called rookie, pro, all pro, all madden, etc. as in previous Maddens.
The gameplay is much quicker than Madden, but not so much as it seems unrealistic. I can't wait to get my butt kicked on XBL
Graphics: This is the hardest area to score. If it said "Graphical Appeal" instead of "Visual Appeal" I'd easily give it a 3. The textures look absolutely terrible in places, and when was the last time there was a nearly infinite-stretching green field outside Heinz Field? Very dissapointing.
On the other hand, the animations are the best I have seen in any sports game, hand down, and that bumps the score up to a reasonable 4.
Sound: The commentary is nowhere near as repetitive as all the other sports games in my library, but it does sound tinny and flat.
Suggestions: Keep applying the polish! Just a little more to go!
Overall: 90 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 80 %
Sound: 90 %
xturbox
Date reviewed: September 18, 2002.
Overall: Forget what the last bozo 'Akreops' wrote....this is a fun, polished football game. The AI is more than capable of maintaining the realism that the graphics establish with this game.
Gameplay: I haven't gotten into the franchise mode yet..but from briefly looking at it....it's way deep. At first I thought it was to difficult..but I switched to rookie and had a blast.
The running game is excellent, the O line blocks well and is capable of opening sizeable running lanes. The game speed seemed perfect for me. The passing game is challenging but if done right is very effective...hitting your half back in the flats with a short pass is great fun...and so are all the other passing plays. The defensive side also plays well...although I don't know enough to pick good defensive formations I get by...interceptions can be tough to get unless you play it perfect. I'm not thrilled about the 2 player play selection process though..as they can see what play you finally select....I just don't look and it's fine-but that might be an issue online. Overall the game plays the way you would hope it would...not to slow or fast...with smooth player movements and animations...play calling ontop of the field graphic is nice...and the controller button layout works fine.
Graphics: Overall the graphics fit the bill nicely. The grass and field textures could have been done alittle better...but not much. The players and their animations look great. The espn presentation really makes this look like a TV broadcast....and some freinds that cam over while I was playing the game literally thought it was a real NFL game on TV....they were shocked when they realized it was the mighty xbox doin the bly the replay's are simply AMAZING...looks like the real thing....but better.
Sound: No complaints in the sound dept...I have a surround system with subwoofer and the sounds equal real NFL broadcasts...but you can hear the smack talking between the players much better...
Suggestions: your opponent should not be able to see the plays you pick in 2 player games...fix that..thats it.
the xbox has 3 great football titles to choose from...all are good...none of them suck....I prefer nfl 2k3
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 90 %
Graphics: 90 %
Sound: 100 %
Halo Evolved
Date reviewed: September 11, 2002.
Overall: This is THE football title to own, this is the most in-depth title that would put any football fanatic in high heaven. The game is golden, this year features more than football title on the market.......with the new ESPN license and a very deep franchise mode you'll be glued to the Television for hours on end.....you'lkl actually swear you're watching a football broadcast when the replays pop up. The franchise is deep and covers all the bases when you take you team on multiple trips to acquire the Superbowl trophy. Each week has Weekly Wrap-Ups, at the end of the year you can scout up and coming players, and before preseason you can draft these players onto your team in an attemt to build the most dominant force on the grid iron.
Gameplay: The gameplay is so real and true to life and allows anyone to pick up and go and offers a good enough challenge to veteran gamers. The controls are solid and very responsive and the play calling is easy with easy audibles and flyroutes to call up. Each player has specific stats that pan out in a game, so therefor a running back with adequate speed and very good ability to break tackles will run the ball drastically down the field as the defense tries to tackle you into the ground. Awesome gameplay that will bring back gamers again and again for another road to the Superbowl.
Graphics: Graphics are superb, player models showboat and impressive amount of detail along with the progressive scans of player faces which move and show emotion of the field. The graphics are kicked up from the previous version offering some high quality players and stadiums and even benefit the replay reels as ytou watch you impressive run again and again when you opt to save it to the HDD.
Sound: The sound is top knotch, you hear the taunts on the feild before the snap of the ball. You'll clearly hear the crowd rally behind the home team and scream their heads off with each touchdown. The sound of the crunching and hitting with each tackle sounds dead on and offers for a more enjoyable football experience.
Suggestions: This game is mint, they say there is always room for improvement but this game is so solid I don't have a complaint.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
Pipetender
Date reviewed: September 9, 2002.
Overall: First of all I was a long time Madden guy with NFL2k3 has switched me over. This game is probably one of the best games I have ever played let alone the best sports game. The graphics are unbelievable. The gameplay looks so real you think that your watching a game on TV. It also has some nice featurs like Sega Challenge where you play games and then get a code and put it in on the Sega site to compare with others. You also have franchise mode and you can save your replays which is real cool.
Gameplay: The players look so real and move so realistic it is amazing. They do the same things as the real players like fix their helmets,toss the ball around, and they also do tons of different celebrations.
Graphics: The graphics are outstanding. The helmets have reflections of the stadium on them and the ground shows shadows. Replays show the ball in rotation and some players have mouthpieces that look so real I wonder how they do it.
Sound: The sound in the game is also very good. Every hit is bone crunching and there is also a lot of trash talking. Hits have a nice crisp crunch to them and kicking the ball also makes a realsitic thud.
Suggestions: Keep it up. More defensive plays.
Overall: 100 %
Gameplay: 100 %
Graphics: 100 %
Sound: 100 %
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