Madden NFL 2003

"Madden 2003 Scores a Touchdown!"

Madden 2003 offers your basic fun-loving football game from EA sports.

Gameplay: 10/10
Madden 2003 brings to you ever possible way to make the game feel like s/he is actually a professional football player with many things to choose from. You can start off at training camp, traveling to different offensive and defensive techniques, mastering them before the big game. Not enough? Madden 2003's practice helps you try out a lot of plays on different types of formations so you can be prepared when you choose your defensive and offensive formations. Still not satisfied? Try making your own team. This time, you have a lot of different icons to choose from when you select your teams logo. Also, the attributes have become more accurate for your reality pleasure. Madden 2003 has many more great modes so you can get more into the game.

Sound: 10/10
From the tackles to the catches to the taunts and even the referee's whistle, Madden 2003 provides high quality detail to its max. Get this, a new program in Madden 2003 lets you listen to popular up-to-date music recorded by real bands. Also, you get to see the song title and artist as you are in practice or making a roster. This new program lets you enjoy those boring loading sessions or create-a-team descisions.
Even better, Madden 2003 makes you feel right at home with its very nice detail sound effects. You can actually hear the players run down the field! No more lagging on the sound part, Madden 2003's sound is sharp and right on time.

Controls: 9/10
With the GameCube's controls like they are, Madden 2003 is not a gamer's ideal sports game. You have to stretch your fingers to be able to perform the avid Y and X controls. And you will often find yourself getting confused with the reciever options.
On the Plus Side: Madden 2003's controls are great. No more curves or lagging to sidestep or tackle. Clean, sharp, and fast executes make this game so good. And the players move at the slightest touch, reducing pain and stress on your thumbs. (Mario Party anyone?)

Graphics: 10/10
...I am at a loss of words to describe the graphics. They are simply amazing. The muscles and the stadium are greatly detailed. And you do not have to squint to see the ball or what is happening. The grass on the field is even detailed! And the players faces are better than ever, with actual individual facesets of that player IRL. This is why Madden 2003 is so amazing. The lighting in the game has also improved greatly.

Replay Value: If you are a football fanactic, you will never put this game to rest for more than a day. Franchise mode will keep you returning to your comfortable position infront of the screen. If you like football, but you arent crazy about it, you will probably put this game away the first time after about 1-3 games. But you will always have some desire to play one game periodically. The practice modes are also a great way to spend your time.

Rent or Buy: Like I said, if you love football and want to avoid those costly renting fees -Buy the game. You will play this game over $50 if you rent it. But, if you like the occasional game, rent it. No use in wasting money over something you won't play.

My Comment: Madden 2003 is simply amazing. I loved playing this game when I first got it and still find myself enjoying the time I spend with it, a month after I recieved it on Christmas day. I hope my review was helpful.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/21/03, Updated 01/21/03