Madden NFL 2002

"Madden Tops Himself Once Again!"

Another in a long line of Madden football games kicks off EA Sports presence on the GameCube. I've been playing Madden titles since it's inception and like others, I've owned them all. To say I am a fan of the Madden series would be right on target. For me to compare this to other football franchises would not be subjective. Instead, I'll rate this game against the rest of the Madden line which should be as fair as a Madden junkie can be.

Replayability - 10/10 In every game I buy, being able to re-play it over and over is key seeing as how $50 bucks isn't what I would call inexpensive. Madden's lasting power is as evident in this version as any. Features such as Franchise Mode, Season, collecting Madden Cards, creating players and teams as well as Tournament mode gives you the option to experience Madden in numerous ways. Franchise mode alone would score a 10 out of 10 in this category. You can take over a team which lets you run all of the Front Office duties. Salary cap, trades, re-sign your FA players, sign FA's in the off-season...like they say, ''if it's in the game, it's in the game.'' Season mode runs the same as Franchise except you only play ONE season with the option to switch at the end of the season into a Franchise. Madden Cards are similar to sports collection cards. If you preform a certain task in-game you are rewarded with a card which in turn opens more options such as hidden teams. Collecting complete sets can get addicting.

Controls - 10/10 The previous version of Madden I played was on the PSOne and the transition from those controllers to the new GC controllers took all of 1/2 of a game to comprehend and get use to. Position wise, the layout of the buttons are similar and the functions they serve are nearly exact. The ability to use the C controller to call Hot-Route Passing and Blocking was easy to use and undistracting. The only qualm I have is using the Z button, BUT the main use for the Z button during games is to switch formations from side to side when calling a play. With the analog thumb controller being responsive and precise down to if you give the slightest push the player you control will slowly move in that direction. When pressed fully, the player sprints. Very nice touch.

Gameplay - 10/10 Possibly the biggest and best advance from previous versions of any Madden is gameplay. Once again, your options for in-game play are numerous and begin once you choose your team. Like recent Madden games, you can select what playbook to use before the game-load screen. The playbooks are great and with the ability to switch formations from side to side gives you in essence twice the amount of plays. Before the snap you can audible, call a Hot Route Pass(which assigns a receiver a different pattern then what was called), a Hot Route Block(which lets you select a receiver to stay and block) and finally motion one of our receivers. After the snap is a joy as well. If ya want to run, you gotta follow your blockers and get to the hole. While sometimes difficult to run, if you stay deciplined you can have success. Passing is the same story. Unlike previous Maddens, where you could drop back 20 to 30 yards to avoid the rush and complete passes all day, this one almost forces you to stay in the pocket and plant your feat to complete an on target pass. Looks like EA is trying to capture the fundamentals of football. Spinning, diving, jumping/hurdle, juke and stiff-arm are all available once the receiver or carrier has the ball. The A button gives you a speed burst, but just like in the real world, if you are running full tilt you won't be able to cut as good as if you are running at 95% speed. Another little thing that makes this the best Madden yet. Defense is a tough pill to swallow but playable. Don't get caught in pass defense if the other team is running and vise versa. Above all, do not dive like in other Maddens. You can't dive 10 yards to make a saving tackle and this may be the hardest thing to remember as a newbie. Great, Great Gameplay!

Graphics - 10/10 Can't be touched by earlier Madden games. The only comparison would be from the PS2 and X-Box 02's but this review is based on the old games. Overall smooth and sweet to the eye. I've seen just one negative and this happens when you are near the goal line and the goalpost is on the screen which causes a slowdown for a few seconds. Otherwise near-flawless as a whole. The receivers put their hands up to catch, the runners look like they are running and the coaches and ref animations are all sharp.

Sound - 10/10 From sticks to catches to QB's calling plays at the line, this delivers again. The menu screen music can get irritating at times but that just shows how much you are actually playing the game. With a decent stereo hook-up the crowds come to life at the right times and you begin to feel a part of the game.

Overall - 10/10 Point blank, this game rules all Maddens and sets the stage for it's future on GameCube. Weather you are a single player taking your Franchise from the depths of the league to the pinnacle of Football Greatness or play Exhibitions against a bunch of friends, Madden 2002 comes through like never before.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/01, Updated 12/28/01