Madden NFL 2002

"Another championship season for EA Sports"

Introduction
For as long as I can remember, the Madden Football series has always been a strong force to reckon with in the gaming world. Whether it be on the Super NES or the Playstation 2. But with recent releases like NFL 2K1 for the Dreamcast and upcoming releases like NFL Fever 2002 for the X-Box and NFL QB Club 2002 for the PS2, the competition is getting all the more fierce. So the big question is ''Is Madden still the king of football gaming?'' The answer: Without a doubt!

Graphics: 9/10
To put it simply, Madden looks stunning. From the reflections on the players helmets to the highly detailed stadiums, it all looks spectacular. Last years ''blank stare'' flaws have been corrected and players now react more like their real NFL counterparts. Quarterbacks grimace after an interception or incomplete pass and linebackers smile and celebrate after a good tackle or sack. But it isn't just the faces that look good but the entire player. Wrinkles, stained pant legs, and even a chunk of grass can be seen in the corner of a players helmet after he's been shoved straight into the turf. The only thing keeping Madden from a perfect 10 in this department is a better looking audience. Now I know there isn't too much you can do with a crowd, especially an NFL crowd, but a few rows of fully polygonal and animated fans would have been a special treat. I mean..what's a Raiders game without some freak with a painted face and spikes on his shoulder? Or a Green Bay home game without some guy with a cheese hat and a painted belly?

Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics are great but they're meaningless unless there is good gameplay to back it up. Thankfully, Madden doesn't disappoint in the gameplay department. Faithful players of the Madden series will find nothing new here control wise. But for the new Madden player it will take a good thirty minutes to an hour of learning the ins and outs of the control scheme. Remembering extras like pumping up the crowd with L3 and juking and spinning with the L1, R1, and O buttons can be difficult at first. But after a few games, the control becomes second nature. Now you have the control scheme down but how about the modes? Once again, Madden delivers. The game offers standard modes like exhibition, season, practice, and quick play. And new additions like two minute drill and training mode. But where the game truly shines is in the Franchise mode. Here you can take any NFL team (or a created team) through 30 consecutive seasons. Signing free agents, working past players retiring, re-ordering your depth chart, you name it and you can do it. Franchise adds a great deal of replay value to Madden, something sports games tend to lack. The AI always offers a challenge in 2002. Find yourself running up the points with the passing game? Just turn up the passing defense on the AI settings menu. Then you'll find some of those same passes being intercepted. Think your running game is doing too good? Go adjust it. Next time around those gaps should be closed and you'll find yourself down for a loss.

Sound: 8/10
Probably the weakest point of the Madden series. Although play by play commentary is a step up from last years version, it still lacks the variety found in the NFL 2K series for the Dreamcast. After a few games you'll find yourself hearing the same lines over and over. Also, the commentary doesn't sound fluid enough to keep it interesting. Feels like Pat Summerall and John Madden are reading their lines off of a cue card. C'mon people, I wanna feel like I'm playing a real game here. How about some actual football conversation between the two? Maybe even a few football jokes? If EA really wanted to take their commentary to the next level, certain things like ''last week he ran for 160 yards and had two touchdowns'' or ''returning super bowl champions the (insert team name here)'' could be added for an ultra-realistic experience. Besides commentary, sound is great. The loud smacks of brutal tackles and grunts of a quarterback being sacked are all there and done flawlessly. The rap and hip hop sound clips fit the mood and keep menu hopping enjoyable as well.

Replay Value: 10/10
Madden 2002 is dripping with replay value in every aspect. If you're a creative person, you'll always be able to enjoy the extensive create-a-player and create-a-team. Or if you're a hardcore NFL fan, you'll love taking your favorite team through season after season in Franchise mode. Keeping track of player ratings and career statistics. The Madden Challenge and Madden cards don't hurt either. This is a game you'll find yourself popping in your Playstation years from now. That is unless Madden 2003 tops this years excellent offering.

Final Thoughts
Madden Football 2002 is an excellent game. Even if you already own 2001, I urge you to at least rent this game and see the difference between the two. Great graphics, great gameplay, and great replay value..what isn't there to love? This is a must have for any sports fan. And with the NFL Season upon us, what better game to help kick it off then Madden Football 2002?

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/28/01, Updated 08/28/01