Madden NFL 2003

"More options, fun gameplay, everything a Madden game should have."

Many of you will play this game, think it's no fun, and never play it again. But that's a very big mistake. This game on first sight is nothing special, and somewhat boring. But the more you play, you figure out how the game works and it is very fun. With new modes such as create a player, new commentary, and some nice music this game is the best handheld football game yet.

Graphics 8/10

The graphics are good, looks like a slightly better version of Madden '94 for SNES. The player models look much better than last year, though the end zones could use some help.

Sound 9/10

For once, the commentary is good. John Madden has his usual phrases, and Al Micheals sounds much more animated than old Pat Summerall. The music is very good, and has words! It doesn't really seem like football music, but I like it.

Rosters/Options 10/10

They certainly improved on this part of the game. You can now create players, and you even have a salary cap. When you create a player, you must play several minigames that base on your position to determine your skill level. You can't just create the ultimate player by setting all his stats to 100. The rosters are all up to date as of June 2002.

Controls 7/10

Some of the controls are tricky. Controlling your player while he is running is tough, since R is kind of awkward to press when you want to spin. But everything else is good. On offense, for the quarterback, A hikes, and all the other buttons throw to a receiver. While running, A gives a speed burst, L dives, and R spins. On defense, B makes you charge, A switches players, R switches players the other way, and L dives. Kicking field goals is VERY difficult, and the kicking system that is used is hard to control. I missed a 19 yard field goal, simply because the ball was on the right hash, and making the ball go just where you want it to the left and right is hard.

Gameplay 8/10

The gameplay is the same as from the SNES days. The playbook screen looks the same as well. One problem is that the running backs are very slow, so you'll have to rely on passing most of the time. The game can get very exciting with 2 good passing teams.

Replayability 9/10

This game would be much better if it only had a franchise mode, but it only has season. You can also play with a friend, if you have 2 carts.

Rent or Buy?

Rent it to see how fun it is, and you may want to buy it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/18/02, Updated 08/18/02