Now I've come to purchase the NFL2K series ever since it's debut on the Sega Dreamcast. Nothing against Madden or Fever, but it seems that SEGA just had a magic way of pulling off their sports game that makes you want to come back for me. Perhaps it's the smooth animations, impressive sound, or the deep franchise mode; whatever it was, SEGA seems to always go out of the way to make gradual year-to-year improvements that football fans expect, and will come to appreciate.
Most noticeable thing you'll notice in this year's game are the visuals. Players are given accurate body types as well as realistic animations that at times will make it appear your watching an actual game then playing a video game. Uniforms are dead on with double stitched names and numbers with reflective helmets and realistic face models. Stadiums are reconstructed to resemble the real thing with active crowds, jumbo screen tv's, advertisements, and most noticeable the weather effects.
NFL2K's astonishing commentary crew returns once again, and as you would expect, better then ever. Hearing conversations being before plays are called, hearing the plays being told, and retold into further detail during the replays and afterwards really has you take notice as to how far SEGA went, heck you'll even notice some noticeable jokes being told between the game. Players trash talk as well before and after plays to certain members of the opposite team with the crowd rallying up as to what's going on, on the field.
Gameplay is frustrating at first due to the enhanced A.I. Quick and sloppy passes will come back to hurt you as the opposing team will pick them up rather then simply slapping them down or allowing it to hit their chests. Control is responsive and accurate with the new feature of picking hot routes and audible's before hiking the ball. Playbooks are floored with numerous plays, and for those who are not to familiar with playbooks for football in general, there is the option of having the CPU choose for you, and majority of the time, the play chosen will work as to what the opposing team decides to go with.
The franchise mode, which in previous versions was not as up to par with MADDEN or FEVER, has been given a major update and is in my opinion, one of the best. You'll be given total control of your team(s), created or not as you go on through years on end hoping to become super bowl champions. However, one small fault I've noticed in the franchise mode is that you aren't able to compete with another friend's franchise team. While not a total disappointment, you would hope SEGA would take notice to what FEVER has done in it's franchise mode. Still, with the numerous hours you'll spend sculpturing your team to perfection, you won't mind much.
In the end, SEGA's NFL2K3 is in my opinion, one of the finest footballs ever created. Plus with the addition of the exclusive ESPN license, it makes the game a tad bit better with Sport Center's layout used on the screen as well as weekly player awards as well as play of the week being presented within each week in the season mode. Granted NFL2K3 doesn't have Madden's mini camp or Fever's exaggerated graphics, it's not much of a loss considering the smooth visuals, crisp sound, and tight gameplay you'll be experiencing when playing this game.
Emerging bigger, stronger, and more determined than ever, Sega Sports NFL 2K3 hits the 2002 season destined for greatness. Building upon championship-...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
Arguably the best football game franchise, Sega's NFL 2k series has come a long way, and it just keeps getting better with NFL 2k3. With updated teams...More at GameQuest Direct. com
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