football

NFL Fever has prettier graphics, but neither Fever nor Sega NFL 2k3 can beat Madden 2003 for its gameplay, options, and ability to control the abilities of both individual players and entire groups of players.

Graphics: The quarterbacks look a little malnourished compared to Fever and NFL 2k3; otherwise the graphics are excellent. In contrast, I was not as impressed with Sega's version of the game. In Madden, the crowds and the stadiums were drawn with more detail than Sega's game. The crowd really gets into the game and is very vocal.

Gameplay: The AI is superb. It adapts to your style of play including your tendency to throw to a particular receiver or use a certain play. In addition, the officials on the field actually spot the ball after each play. This makes the two minute drill much more fun and realistic. The guys holding the yard markers are an outstanding touch. They actually run out of the way or get knocked down when a ball carrier runs at or into them. In pass coverage, the secondary is very good at keeping receivers in front of them.
A huge plus is the ability to downgrade or upgrade a particular skill of the players such as passing accuracy, tackling, blocking, or running the ball. You use sliders on one of the menu screens without having to go through EVERY running back, quarterback, or receiver and change each player's attributes. By the way, you can do that too if you choose.

Playbook: The playbook is excellent and is tailored for each team. Customer playbooks and plays can also be made. Plays can be set in a predefined formation. Custom formations can also be made. Player routes can be precisely drawn on a gridsquare, and a variety of moves such as breaking in and out of a turn at a certain angle can be added.

Computer simulation of league games: The computer also accurately simulates all games that you choose not to play based on the player attributes that you assign each team. I don't see quarterbacks throwing 55 TD's in a season with only 4 int's or running backs averaging 8 yards a carry and over 2500 yards a season like I used to on Sega's game. By the way, in Sega's game, you can't alter all of the players' attributes. It also doesn't have as many choices for changing different skill sets as Madden does. If you can only buy one game or have time to play one, Madden is the one to get.

Another year, another Madden. One really can't go wrong this year, as both Sega and EA sports have put out 2 great games. Here is my take on Madden:

PROS: Very deep gameplay, multiple modes (great new Mini-camp option lets you work on specific aspects of football), realistic football simulation. Graphics are quite good, although a good bit of clipping happens, especially during replays. Game sounds are pretty good, too. Overall, a lot of fun.

CONS: Computer can still pick you apart with the passing game. QB's are hard to sack, even with the best D-line you can have, and average receivers will routinely make spectacular grabs while triple covered by pro bowl defensive backs. CPU clock management is better, but the computer will still call a play and line up with only 2 seconds to go before the 2 mnts warning. The control is good, but a bit jerky and unrealistic when tackling. The voice commentary gets old FAST. The good folks at EASports recycled at least half of Madden's "unique" sayings from last year's game, which is ... cheesy.

Overall the positives outweigh the negatives, but I just wish someone could get pass coverage right for a change...

Reasons:
Wait for about 2 years until the AI is true to NFL gameplay

1. Uneven AI--- no matter the team, QB, etc...I used franchise mode to build a team with Mc Nabb at QBMcFarland at DT Ray Lewis at LB, Faulk at RB, Robinson, Galloway and Hines Ward as WR's...droped passes galore, missed tackles

2. Flat passess no matter how you release the ball--an LB will intercept a pass 10 yards before its intended receiver

3. You have to go in the game and manually adjust the AI to be more realistic...check the internet, people have actuall come up with what are more "true NFL" settings

4. You have to use the Madden cheat cards to try to even the matchups

5.Computer will make you throw INT's or fumble to keep game score down between 14 to 28 points

you will break the game in two...I have ruined two...when you use instant replay to see your all-pro turned idiot DB's blow coverage, balls go right through hands, fumbilits when the computer is lossing