The Madden NFL series dates back to early consoles, but it wasn't until it came to the PlayStation and Playstation 2 that it found the success that laid the foundation for the empire that it came to today. The groundbreaking game that made it's big mark may very well have been Madden NFL 2003. It features a very deep franchise mode, mini-camp mini-game mode, and a major uplift to what realistic graphics would be on a football team and field. So, I said everything that is part to being great with Madden, what else went well? What should they have improved on? All that and more below!
Positives:
1. Facial features are very prominent in this game. They did VERY well getting the look of a Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, Brett Favre, Tom Brady and more in this game. The facial features offer the look of what the players looked like back in 2002. It was a serious step up from past Maddens on the PS2, and really propelled the game into the future.
2. Stadiums are very well done as well. From Lambeau Field's finished renovations to the two new stadiums at that time (Ford Field and Gillette Stadium) all of the stadiums don't really miss the mark at the time. It was a really well done job. The only major issue, which is fixed by the next year anyway, is the astroturf in Ford Field. Otherwise, brilliant job overall.
3. Team realism is mainly all there for the most part. Most teams really struggled with their backup quarterbacks in this time, so that is noticeable when they come in to play the game. It's something as well that is shored up in a couple of games with the struggles of developing a backup QB but overall the teams overalls and their players were pretty in line with what was expected from 2001 to the 2002 regular seasons.
4. Music was great in this game. Not a large selection of songs but they did amazing to get what they could on the game (Yes, they have a much larger selection of songs in the following games.)
5. This is probably the most realistic simulation Madden at the time, as it makes the routes looks like its in an actual real game, the turning of the WR's, TE's, DB's getting back in coverage and much more. It feels like they went with a simulation type style and it worked well.
Negatives:
1. I feel this game is just too slow in a lot of the plays. They just take too long to develop. This is especially present in the passing game, as it just takes a long time for the play to develop. Hopefully you have the receiver in a good spot or can lead him to the spot well, otherwise it is hit and miss. Running the ball is honestly effective.
2. I feel the game lacks a bit of luster especially when going to the playoffs. It's almost treated like another game rather than a big matchup in the playoffs or the Super Bowl. Same with the presentation. As great as Al Michaels and John Madden were, the game kinda just.. tones it down in a way.
3. I did say team realism is good, but some teams were.. just way too overrated in this game. For instance, San Diego was in the Super Bowl.. but they were 8-8 In real life 2002. It just is what is I suppose but it's one of those wild instances where while the team realism is good, the overalls were hit and miss.
Overall Reaction:
Madden 2003 really takes a massive step forward to being more simulation football than what it was in the previous Maddens on the PS2. It is a really good game overall, though there are some flaws. I do appreciate how good they did make the game and is a must-play for all retro football fans.
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