Madden NFL 2002

"Okay... but missing key elements to make it good"

Gameplay (8/10) A lot better than before. Interceptions are more realistic, Madden & Summerall actually say something different, there are more overthrows in the game, tackles are much improved as is the running game. Very fun to play..... unless you play on All-Madden mode. The CPU decides to cheat if you do. Defensive linemen become faster than wide receivers.

Graphics (10/10) Best graphics in any Madden game ever. Everything is detailed, including the coaches and players. Outstanding.

Features & Franchise (4/10) - Here is where the game goes sour. They have a new Two Minute Drill as well as a Training Mode which is very helpful. Uncovering legendary players is an option in this game as well. However, the Create a Coach or User is horrible. You can't make your own plays in this game, nor can you create your own playbook. I thought this was what made Madden 2001 fun, as well as the franchise. Dont get me started there... If you simulate through your season like I like to do (just being a GM), the results are unrealistic. One year I had starters who all had ratings of 85 or above. I went 1-15. The next year I went 3-13. There is something wrong there. Also, you are unable to cut players before the draft. That way, if you have no cap room, you cant sign your draft picks and have to cut them! Signing free agents takes about ten minutes because each day you simulate usually takes about thirty seconds. There are 45 days.... Terrible... One good feature that franchise has is that they have an expansion draft. The Houston Texans enter the league after Season 1 and the divisions are adjusted. You can also import players from NCAA Football 2002 which is pretty cool. One last cool feature is the ability to challenge a refree's call.

Sound/Music (2/10) The music sucks. I enjoy rap, but they play the same three songs over and over. It is VERY annoying.

Replay Value (7/10) Eventually you get tired of playing football on PS2. (Well, most people do). If the franchise mode was good, I would give this a ten.

Overall (5/10) Playing the actual game is great and the graphics are incredible. The lack of good features is upsetting. Franchise mode is subpar and the music stinks. An average game in my opinion. If you dont mind all that it is missing, buy it. If you DO mind what is missing, dont even bother. Maybe Madden 2003 will be better.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 09/06/01, Updated 09/06/01