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NFL 2K3 really has an intelligent feel,
from the selection of it's highlights right through to the
AI of the players. The result is a truly polished feel that
games so often lack these days. It is obvious that
putting this title together was no rushed job, this really
has a feel of every detail of the presentation being tweaked
until it is just right. The result is most pleasing indeed.
The modes of play are pretty much as you'd
expect, these include single game, season, tournament and,
practice game. However, NFL 2K3 includes additional modes
that allow you to play situations, or scenarios involving
different teams, not a new concept ( think of the original
ISS titles), but
nice to see none the less. There are some additional, nice
touches include player editing and coaching tools.
The game play is also highly enjoyable,
if a little chaotic at times. A slight criticism is that sometimes
(especially in defence, where the feeling of helplessness
and mild frustration are commonplace) you achieve the tackle
or complete the pass more by good luck than good management
and that a pass that worked perfectly previously, is wildly
off target. This could however,
be down to my lack of knowledge of "futbawwl" or
my general cack-handedness.
The learning curve could do with being a
little less steep, (I've been playing the game for a week
and I'm still struggling to beat the best teams on Rookie
level), but again this might be down to a lack of familiarity
with which is the best play for which situation. There is
a very extensive
playbook, possibly a little too extensive for the uninitiated.
But fans of the sport and experienced maddeners will love
it.
NFL 2K3 also includes a player-manager style
franchise mode where you can become the owner of your team.
This allows you to manage your team by signing free-agents,
making trades, setting salaries, and even have your scout
scour the land for the very best emerging talent. This somewhat
leaves me cold (as I said, I'm not a huge fan of the game,
I don't even know my Jerry Rice from my Randy Moss.
Overall, a cracking game but it just loses
a bit in the translation.
9.0 out of
10
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