ESPN NFL Football

"Better than last years, and better than this years Madden."

Last years NFL 2k3 was a disappointment. After years of solid games, Sega's football entry slipped, leaving many frustrated. This years version surpasses both last years game, and perennial favorite, Madden 2004.

Graphics:9/10
The models are just beautiful. There is a clear difference in a running back in tight end. The faces look dead-on accurate, and when Tiki Barber waves at the camera and mouths ''Hi Mom!'', you know its him. The animation is smooth, with nary a hiccup or delay. The tackling animations are smooth, and unlike Madden, I can actually see a Offensive lineman deliver a pancake. Nice.
Sound:8/10
I feel like this area is lacking. The on-air announcers are marginal. While their commentator on players is fun, like talking about a players height and weight, they tend to repeat themselves a lot. For example I've heard ''The defense needed a big stand there and they stood together.'' so many times its just not enjoyable. However Chris Berman's(and let me say I am no Chris Berman fan) pre-game, halftime, and NFL Primetime really makes this game special. In fact Berman's performance saves this games audio score.
Gameplay:10/10
Excellent! The football game I've wanted to play for years now. The passing game is easy enough to follow, and I don't feel like their are any cheap incomplete's. Players perform accurately. When a receiver is double and triple teamed he shouldn't make the catch, and usually won't. Getting to the quarterback on defense isn't cheap and easy, and exciting when you do. Interceptions don't come every five seconds, and stopping the running game requires you to fill gaps, and use intuition. The kicking game is a tough adjustment after years of Madden, but its not too tough.
Extra: The email is a nice touch. Getting the weather reports and opposing scouting reports is excellent and convenient. Not having to search through menus to scout a team, or see who's hurt around the league, is great. I also like getting a the rookie scouting report. The crib feature is interesting, but adds nothing to the game. First Person Football, while fun, can also be very confusing. However, I applaud Sega for trying something new.

Overall, this is the best game on the market. While it is missing franchise options like IR, bonuses etc, I feel its salary cap is more realistic(less cap room, and harder to sign stud FA's all the time), The ESPN license adds a nice touch, and hopefully Sega will continue to utilize it in the future.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/03