NFL 2K3 for Xbox

NFL 2K3

Look no further than Sega Sports' NFL 2K3 if you're seeking a more than worthy alternative to the established Madden football franchise. The game's superb graphics alone are enough to draw in any fan, but its in-depth gameplay and ESPN broadcast presentation easily rank this as the finest football game Sega has released to date. Thanks to its smarter-than-your- average artificial intelligence, NFL 2K3 sports a somewhat steep learning curve that requires sound football simulation instincts. Knowing your team's strengths and weaknesses will ultimately be of benefit if you hope to win at the game's advanced levels. Be prepared to mix up your play calling and make adjustments, instead of thinking the same old reliable plays will get the job done. Of course, practice mode is always there if you need to work the kinks out of your game plan and master the multitude of offensive and defensive sets at your disposal. Graphically, sports games don't come much better looking than NFL 2K3. Among the highlights: player animations are amazingly realistic and lifelike, and a wide array of facial emotions appear that are relative to game scenarios. Stadiums are painstakingly recreated to take on an almost postcard feel, and replays access a wide variety of angles that put you right on the field or in the stands. One area in which NFL 2K3 easily aces the Madden games is with its game commentary. As part of the game's ESPN broadcast presentation, announcers Dan Stevens and Peter O'Keefe call every bit of the action in varied detail. The pair is far removed from tired and stale Maddenisms, offering worthwhile play breakdowns, player assessments, and quips that actually don't make you wince (at least not too often). Stevens and O'Keefe, not to mention the crowd, will let you hear about it when you bite it on the field. --Larr