NFL Fever 2002 - Xbox

NFL Fever 2002 features several gameplay modes, including practice, single game, and season, which itself contains a couple of different options, including dynasty and fantasy challenge. Fever 2002 has a full NFL license and includes all 31 current NFL teams--and 15 fantasy teams--along with all the current stadiums. Dynasty mode is where most players will find themselves, as this mode lets you manage all aspects of your team, including signing and cutting players, negotiating trades, and making sure that your team comes in under the salary cap.

A great feature in dynasty mode is Dynamic Player Performance, which adjusts players' ratings (which determine how well they play) based on past game performances. So if you have a second-string running back who rattles off three or four great games in a row, his rating will increase, which should keep him performing at that high level. On the flip side, if a player has several poor games, his rating will decrease.

Because it was designed specifically for the Xbox (unlike Madden NFL 2002, which was ported to the Xbox from the PlayStation2 version), NFL Fever 2002 looks awesome. Player animations are highly detailed, the stadiums look fantastic, and the weather effects are topnotch. Beyond the obvious features, though, there are many subtle details that really add to the experience: the field will get torn up in wet weather, player uniforms will get stained with dirt, and the crowd will begin to thin out if the game is a blowout.

In terms of gameplay, Fever 2002 delivers a solid experience. The AI is pretty solid, especially on the defensive side, and if you call a perfect game it's possible to get a shutout against the computer, even on the higher difficulty settings. On the downside, the computer rarely runs the ball, even when it has a high-powered running back like Corey Dillon, and AI play calling is rather suspect at times.

Those complaints aside, Fever 2002 is a lot of fun. It offers great graphics, multiplayer is a blast, and the dynasty mode features a good deal of depth. If you only want one football game, NFL Fever 2002 deserves your consideration.--William Harms

Pros: Dynamic Player Performance Great graphics Solid defensive AI Cons: Computer rarely runs the ball Gameplay a little arcadelike at times

Amazon.com Product Description
NFL Fever 2002 delivers fast-paced, hard-hitting action with deep season and career modes. Stadiums from all 31 NFL teams are included, and you can participate in up to 25 seasons. The game's momentum-based play delivers bone-crunching animation and lets you explode through the holes like real NFL players. Play in Dynasty, All-Time Challenge, Trophy Case, and Dynamic Player Performance Model modes. Build your own dynasty season after season; challenge legendary Super Bowl teams; play your way into the Hall of Fame; amass team and individual trophies; and boost your ratings as you improve your players' skills.

Highly detailed player models reflect the size, shape, and attitude of real NFL players down to accessories such as wristbands, facemasks, shoes, pads, and QB play sheets. Faces lip-synch taunts, celebrations, fatigue, and more. The enhanced graphics also feature lighting that moves across uniforms, helmets that reflect stadium lights and architecture, and shadows that are visible in day and night play. Add all this to an intuitive and responsive control system and you'll swear you've become one with the game.