Madden NFL 2002

"One of the best football games EVER!!!!"

When I first bought this game I couldn't wait to get home a play it. I missed out on getting 2k1 because I had it for N64 and got my PS2 in like May so I never got to see the football graphics on the PS2, but boy was I shocked!

Graphics 9.5/10
Wow! This is like watching it on T.V.! The players look so real! After the play when the camera get a close up you can see their eyes move, they will a little grin on their face, and their faces look just like they should! When I first saw the jersey I noticed that you could see the little holes. When its cold out the refs will wear gloves. And when a player drops the ball, he will get frustrated and slap his helmet. These are only some of the features with the graphics that makes it real. I would of like to give it a 10 but a couple of times while I was playing I was people go through each other when there was a replay even though this is only a minor flaw I can't give it a 10.

Gameplay 10/10
Even though it takes some time to get to master the game, you can learn the basics like running and passing in about one half. And as you get better and better you learn what plays to do at what time, and you can master the use of audibles to keep the defense guessing and bust out a 30+ yard passing play. But then theres playing defense, for me this was the hardest thing to learn. It seemed that no matter what play I picked the other team would always get a first down or bust out a 20+ yard run. But after you play a lot you figure out when to use the bump and run, and when to blitz. But playing on the field is only half the game, the franchise mode(my favorite) lets you take your favorite team and be the head coach. You have to make the right trade, sign the right players and lead your team to the Super Bowl. Or, if your like me you can use the create a team feature and design everything from the uniforms, colors, logos, and even a stadium! Do a fantasy draft or if you want a challenge do an expansion draft and turn the worst of the league into the Super Bowl champs!

Sound 8/10
This was the only part of the game that I didn't really like. It has its pros, but then it has its cons. The crowd sound great. If you were blind and only heard the crowd you would think you were watching it on T.V. They chant the players name when he's playing well. They boo the other team when they celebrate after a touchdown, and when the home team's defense pumps up the crowd before a blitz it sounds great. But then theres that rap music at the menu screens. I want to know who put this in there. The music is soo annoying because theres only like 2 verses and they get played over and over and over. The commentary by Pat Summerall and John Madden is good at first, but its gets annoying after John says the same thing over and over again.

Replay Value 10/10
Belive me on this, this game will keep you coming back for more. I would get blown out by the computer and throw my controller and turn it off in rage, but then 30 mins later I would want to play again. And when you are playing the franchise mode you will love the pre season. The drafts, the free agents, the retirements, it will make you want to just sim the whole season just so you can do it. So as soon as you start to play, be prepared to want to play more.

Overall 10/10
Greta graphics, great gameplay, great everything. Bottom line...Great game. nuff said

Buy or Rent
Well this depends on what kind of a football fan you are, if you love football and football games, go buy it. But if you aren't sure rent it and try it.

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