GAMEPLAY

Gameplay consists of all the modes you'd expect in a football videogame. There's the "single" game, a "dynasty" mode (season play), and the coveted "multiplayer". "Single" and "Multiplayer" games are standard fare, and a great deal of fun. The "Dynasty" mode is well-done as well. (You can even move your team!) "Dynasty" mode doesn't track all the stats you'd probably like to see, but the statistics that are included are calculated correctly. (This should be a relief to NFL2K fans who may have experienced problems with the Quarterback Rating stat.)

CONTROLS

The controls are tight, and give the game an arcade football feel. Veterans of Sega's NFL2K franchise will have problems the first few games because the "tackle" and "switch player" buttons are transposed in NFL Fever 2002. (READ: You WILL get penalties for late hits on the QB when trying to switch to a cornerback.) As a whole, the controls do a nice job of crafting a unique feel to the game.

GRAPHICS

It's an XBox game, so you know graphics are top-notch. Everything from dirt on player uniforms to visible perforations in game jerseys is present, lending the game the most realistic look of any football game EVER. The weather effects have to be seen to be believed.

SOUND

The sound is the only real weak point to this release. The looped techno patterns during the game menus becomes very annoying by your second game, and the standard football anthems grow tiresome by game four. The music to this game is far, far too repetative. The game commentators only worsen the situation. While I have yet to encounter any outright bad play-calling, this is largely because commentators can't say enough to make a mistake. The game has no memorable color commentary like the NFL2K and Madden franchises. Player trashtalking on the field should also be elaborated for NFL Fever 2003.

LAST WORD

This game is not perfect. That said, it is a great deal of fun, and won't dissapoint electronic football fans. If you have an XBox you MUST BUY THIS GAME.

Recommended:
Yes