Genre: Sports
Developer: Visual Concepts
Publisher: Sega
# of Players: 1-4 Players
Memory: 251
ERSB: Everyone
Also On: PS2, Xbox
Presentation
The series that redefined the standards of football gaming returns for a brand new season, with a totally revamped franchise mode, drastically improved AI and brilliant new graphics featuring redesigned 3D stadiums, updated player and facial models and hundreds of new animations. SEGA Sports NFL 2K3 is the cure for gridiron fans everywhere, whether your squad happens to be the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, or the expansion Houston Texans. But did NFL 2k3 keep it’s title? Read on.
Graphics
At first I was a bit disappointed with the graphics on NFL2K3, but in time, I appreciated the time and effort Visual Concepts spent on NFL2K3. Is it better than Madden visually? It’s really a tough call and it’s going to be argued forever Both games have their strengths and weaknesses, but as a whole, Sega might have the edge in overall polishing. I actually believe the tackles are better on Sega’s game and there are more of them to be had. The punishing blows are really the highpoint of this game, you can almost feel the bruise on the running backs ribs. The colors are a softer pastel in 2K3, probably not quite as crisp and bright as it is looks on Madden, but it’s a definitive look for Sega’s game and it looks very good. Besides, if both games looked the same, they might have as well joined as a team of developers, right? The players themselves are proportioned probably a bit better than E.A.’s game, as they seem to be a tad better proportioned. You’ll notice this because of the excellent size variances. You definitely wouldn’t confuse the Denver Quarterback Brian Griese with the 260 pound Eddie George of the Titans. The facial mapping is also better on 2K3, especially for the big name guys, they really do look like their actual counterparts, although E.A.’s looks pretty darn good too.
When the action occurs, all is well. Fantastic animations with the best tackling animations on the Cube. Along with that it has a killer smooth passing game. About the only flaw I noticed was that the replays seem to be a bit jittery and the close up angles are not presented as well as Madden performs, but the in game action more than makes up for it. There are some nice added touches like quarterbacks rubbing his hands on his pants during a rain storm, players giving each other high fives after nice plays and running backs with their heads down after a big fumble. Jerseys get piled with dirt over time and the field starts to deteriorate over time. The TV style presentation is also right up there with Madden’s presentation. The stadiums look very nice and are all proportioned correctly. Visual Concepts even took some suitable time as E.A. did on improving the fans in the seats, they look pretty darn good this year. The weather elements are also implemented well, it all looks good visually with 2K3.
Sound
The addition of ESPN joining Sega is all for the better as the atmosphere and feel of NFL football is first rate with NFL 2K3. It’s got authentic ESPN music, halftime recaps, and still solid commentary from the dudes that have been doing it for three years now. I actually think Al Michaels does a better job on Madden, but that may be a biased statement as I’m comparing him next to Sega’s no name commentators. With the Dolby Digital 5.1 kicked in, Sega pierces you with screaming crowds on your back speakers, sometimes obliterating the commentary all together. You thankfully can turn the crowd’s volume down in the options menu. The rest, including sounds of trash talkin, smashing tackles and great crowd reaction, make for an incredible sounding football game.
Gameplay
NFL2K3 plays very well and is a very realistic football simulation. Although this is the area where I personally say Madden plays better, 2K3 has nothing to put it’s head down about. First I’m going to get the flaws out of the way, then talk about the good, because there is a lot to know about Sega’s game. My biggest gripe with 2K3 is stopping the computer’s relentless running game. My first game I gave up 200 yards with 6 minute quarters. I know, you can simply say I suck, but I constantly picking goal line calls and I still couldn’t stop the attack of Eddie George of the Titans. I feel it’s far too easy (for the computer mind you) to break tackles. One instance I counted a total of 5 broken tackles on one play. This is my biggest gripe, I even tested my theory on the Coach mode. I made the computer choose the recommended plays, and even the computer gave up like 8-10 yards on every rushing play attempted. Then on the other side of coin, I was lucky to run for 20 yards in an entire game. Mind you this was on Pro level, and I’m sure things get easier on rookie, but I do appreciate the challenge, but the running game is far to relentless when you are playing the computer on a higher level. Be that as it may, things are more realistic when you are playing a friend, so as a 2-Player experience, it’s a near perfect football game.
The passing game is awesome. I still switch to my receiver as soon as I throw it to take control of what he does. You an either jump, dive or stand still to make a catch, and when you take control of your receiver, as in Madden, you increase your chances of making a catch. It’s smooth and easy to accomplish with practice. As stated above, defense is tough as 2K3 has a relentless running game, against the pass, I can hold my own. People used to Madden will be a bit uncomfortable with the control scheme, but I caught on after a couple of quarters. The play calling screens are still well done, but I still don’t like showing my opponent what I’m picking. But the choices of plays are jammed pack, you won’t run out of different plays and what could happen on the field. Running against human players is very realistic, it’s easy to make big runs if you call the right play at the right time. The juke move and stiff arm is your greatest friend in 2K3 so use them a lot. Turbo is still there, but the effect is not as powerful as it used to be.
Hey stop looking at my ass!!!
The Coaching mode is actually quite enticing for me. I like being able to comfortably choose a suitable play and see what my team can do with it. Unfortunately, when you play the computer, you’re in for a long day, as that DANG running game is so hard to stop. Try a coaching mode with your friends instead and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how fun it is just watching the action after your plays are picked. The features with NFL2K3, while still not as deep as Madden, still is a nice package for NFL Fans. A full fledged Franchise mode, where you can trade, draft, recruit and release players. And with the ability to play through multiple NFL Seasons with your favorite team with full stat tracking, it has some serious replay value. Classic teams from the past, Exhibition and even online play in November, NFL 2K3 is more than worth the 49.99 price tag.
Conclusion
Although I’ve always preferred Madden and I only changed my mind last year. I have to say I’m back on the Madden bandwagon. But anyone that gets this game will be happy. It plays well, has great graphics, great style and presentation and is right up there with Madden in terms of overall replay value. My main gripe is the relentless running game by the computer A.I., play on the middle "Pro" level and you’ll see how hard it is to win a football game. But as a 2-Player game, 2K3 is a gridiron classic!
~ditto~
