Madden NFL 2002

"Sweetness"

Presentation: Madden 2002 is presented well, with this year's spokesperson being Daunte Culpepper. The intro video is pretty nice and the game's main menu is full of options and settings that you can change. The memory card is also easy to access along with the ''quick game'' option which allows you to play a game without having to go through the hassel of setting it up.

Gameplay: This is what most would call the beef of the Madden Series. It is basically what John Madden is known for: the strategy of the game of football. Not the stadiums, or the great player animations, but simply the way football is played in the NFL. And again, John and EA deliver a truly extraordinary game. Defenses audible coverages and bring in the secondary on first downs, lines shift to the strong side, and the computer doesn't always punt on close fourth downs. On offesne, you can not only select plays out of their respective formations, but also from the new ''Go-to-Guy Menu'' which lets you choose plays that go to specific players. Another new feature is ''Ask Madden'' which allows you to run a play selected by John Madden himself. Interceptions and other turnovers occur just about as often as they do in real life, as do long passes and kickoff/punt return touchdowns.

Graphics: The graphics in the past have at times been shaky for the Madden Series. With big graphical guns such as NFL 2K2 and NFL Fever 2002 coming out this year as well, EA needed to pack some punch into this year's game. And did they ever. The player's no longer look like polygons; they actually look like real players. They breath steam on cold days/nights and they react to different plays on the field (they'll cringe as they get hit, they act innocent when a penalty is called on them, etc.) The stadiums are pretty much identical to those in the NFL and the weather options will blow you away. Blizzard-like snow, gusting 20 MPH winds, extreme fog, and pouring rain look incredible, yet realistic.

Sound: Pat and John are back again with their great color commentary. Pat calls the plays smoothly, making you feel like its Sunday afternoon and you're watching the later game on FOX. John actually makes some good observations, and both he and his partner fluidly say names of player, cities, coaches, and teams. No longer do they pause before saying a name. All in all the sound is solid.

Other goodies: Madden 2002 includes so much its hard to talk about everything. There is the Two Minute Drill which is quite intense and gets sweating. There is also the sweet Franchise Mode which allows you to take a (fantasy or NFL) team through both the season and the offseason. You can create-a-team as well, designing everything from the jerseys to the name and capacity of its stadium.

Overall: Madden 2002 is the first Madden game that is complete. All of the features are included, and from my point of view, the graphics are the best in the business. Even if you haven't been a Madden fan in the past, I suggest that you buy this game, for it is the sole reason why I bought an XBOX.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/29/01, Updated 12/29/01