Madden NFL 2003

"The King of Simulation Football"

I love the madden series. I Have love it since i began playing Madden 92, althouh i didn't get any good at madden until the 2001 version. Through out my review, I'll critique the graphics, sound,gameplay, and the new features.

Graphics(10)

The graphics of Madden continuously to get better. Madden 2001 on playstation 2 set the bar. They greatly improved the graphics of the players faces, the fans in the stands look like they are actually cheering, andthe coaches look like their counterparts.

Control(9)

The control of this game is great. They now put in a defensive strafe button so you don't over pursue on tackles and line your body to the ball carrier and set yourself better for the interceptions. What I really love is that the spin move really works unlike last years. The one reason i didn't give it a perfect 10 is that i dislike the fact the qb moves way too much when throwing the ball, the movement is too sensitive making your qb throw a lot of off balanced balls

Sound(7.5)

The sound in the game is fine. John Madden and Al Michaels do a good job of commenting. Just wish they would have created more commentary for the game such as during the game they could talk about the players accomplishes through out the season or career or some the records he has broken. Also, they should have more of the sounds of the game incorporated on the field. But even if it had all what i just stated it still wouldn't be a 10. The rock n' roll doesn't fit Madden. I get so annoyed with music, especially the song Energy. Hopefully they put Hip Hop back in the mix or at least be able to use your own personal menu music

Gameplay(9)

I enjoy playing this game, but they are a few bumps. Like I have gotten so great at Madden that i usually beat the hell out of the cpu by like 60 or more pts a game in 5 min quarters on All Madden. So sometimes I get bored of the game. Just wish they could make the game a little bit more difficult with having the cpu trying to cheat to win.

Overall(9.5)

There are a lot of football games out right now, including the fever series, 989 sports, sega, qb club, etc. The only other football title that comes close to Madden is NCAA Football 2003 and I have that also. Although I lked Fever 2002 better than Madden last year, Madde 2003 has brought it's stray child back, sorry Madden for doubting you.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/19/02, Updated 09/19/02