NFL 2K3 (xbx: 2002): Reviews

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xx Madden NFL 09

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

NFL 2K3


8.9

based on 24 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 10 votes
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GAMES:

ESPN NFL 2K5

Official Website

Get ready for a crowd of new features and improvements, including a completely new Franchise mode, thrilling new offensive and defensive animations, and broadcast-quality commentary regarded as the best in all of sports video games. Complete with all the updated rosters, the new NFL alignment changes, and completely redesigned stadiums, its time to hit the line hard and remember winning isn't a sometime thing: it's an all-time thing. [Sega]

PUBLISHER:	Sega
DEVELOPER:	Visual Concepts
GENRE(S):	Sports, Football
PLAYERS:	4
ESRB RATING:	E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE:	August 13, 2002

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Yahoo! Games

In a game that plays this hard -- 2K3 is probably the most challenging football game out this year -- timing is crucial.

100

G4 TV

The series has always been strong, but never as good as it is this year. In fact it's all but perfect, needing only a few tweaks, a few polishing strokes, and Microsoft's promised Xbox Live! service to make it ideal.

100

GamePro

As far as the three main game systems go, the Xbox graphics—as usual—look the sharpest...NFL 2K3 is a straight-ahead, hard-as-knuckles football game.

100

GameNow

The best looking, most fluid portrayal of football you can find. [A: Sept 2002, p.50]

100

Cinescape

The gameplay is where NFL 2K3 really shines.

Xbox Exclusive

If your looking for a game that redefines the football genre year after year, go with NFL 2K3. If you want a game that is the same every year, and offers nothing new, then go with Madden.

Game Informer

Beyond Net play, 2K3 simply can't be ignored for the new depth within its Franchise mode and the series' evolving commitment to football that smacks you upside the head. [Sept 2002, p.89]

GamerWeb Xbox

It's the best of the best folks, it's got everything that the other guys don't and more.

Official Xbox Magazine

The best football game on the Xbox (or any other system) this year. [Oct 2002, p.100]

Gamer's Pulse

NFL2K3 has everything a football gamer could want. It has great graphics easy and intuitive controls, and the gameplay is extremely fun.

GameSpot

The graphics look great, the commentary is interesting and sounds natural, and, most importantly, the game features balanced offensive and defensive gameplay that does an excellent job of mimicking the nuances of the actual sport.

Gaming Age

This might not be the year that Sega's series tops Madden in the sales charts, but we might look back at 2003 as the year Sega's NFL 2k3 became the better game.

IGN

If you take your football seriously, you owe yourself this game. It's now the deepest football game on the market.

Game Revolution

Overwhelmingly good. This game is one of the finest gridiron products on the market with great gameplay, smooth graphics and options that would take all day to describe. While perhaps not a perfect football game (if there is such a thing), NFL 2K3 definitely raises the bar.

GameSpy

NFL 2K3 has not only narrowed the gap between it and Madden -- it might have surpassed it.

GMR Magazine

Compares nicely to the firmly entrenched Madden juggernaut, and even beats it in some areas. [Feb 2003, p.95]

Xbox Nation Magazine

If you're looking for a pure sim with plenty of extras, plunk down the cash for "Madden." If you're looking to smash it up with your buds over Xbox Live, then NFL 2K3 is your best bet this year. [Fall 2002, p.106]

netjak

NFL 2K3 controls are as tight as ...uh....screwing your computer case screws in with an industrial driver.

Maxim Online

This up-and-coming franchise has been breathing down Madden’s hairy back for years, and now it might finally have the ammo to leapfrog him.

Operation Sports

A good game and light-years better than 2k2... The sim engine and the inability to get sacks are parts of the game where improvements are needed.

GameZone

There are a few minor problems, such as coloration of some uniforms (Vikings helmets are more blue than purple) and the helmets lack the sharp glossy look of other games. But when it comes to facial animation, NFL 2K3 is way ahead of the pack.

Sports Gaming Network

For football sim fans, we want to be able to customize just about every aspect of the AI. 2K3 attempts this to a certain extent, but it still has a ways to go.

TotalGames.net

Madden fans will find the play selection here a little tricky to get to grips with at first. Gone are Madden’s pop-up menus, but once you get the feel of it NFL 2K is just that little bit more satisfying to play.

GamingTrend

It’s the best looking, most enticingly put together football game this year, but playing it is about as enjoyable as watching The Jets get mauled the first few weeks of this season.

The average user rating for this game is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Mat C. gave it a 6:
Sorry to burst the bubble, but this game isn't *that* good. I dare you to play a full 15 minute game! 120-113? Sorry - there's this thing called a playclock. Anyone at sega, look at EA's college game. Grab a chip, and you'll see your self with a delay of game thinking too long. Flow of gameplay is crucial, and NFL misses that. Shame, too. It's beautiful. If you like 3-minute quarters, this is your game. =)

Chris P. gave it a 10:
This is by far better than any of the other football games out there. I have played most of them and none of them compare to blitz. AWSOME GAME!!!!

Dan C. gave it a 9:
Amazing graphics, Fluid animation, realistic gameplay...this is the stuff!!

[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
This is the best football game i've ever played. It outplays all Madden and QB club games for the n64. Franchise mode is the deepest of its kind. Recruiting players is awesome, as well as the trading block and team need options. Must get for all football fans who aren't only about Madden.

Brian L. gave it a 10:
All I gotta say is, you might not be a professional NFL player, but this is as close as you can get. NFL 2k3 and XBOX Live truely puts you in the coaches seat!

Don I. gave it an 8:
As good as football gaming can be, this is by far, one of the best football game I have ever played. But stuff like created teams that can't take part in seasons game, the overall presentation, and extra stuff makes me lower the game to an 8.

[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
This is the best game out there. For players who love to earn their points and grind out every yard, this is their game. There are no money plays and there are no gifts. Everything you do in this game must be earned. This game is the most realistic game out there. If you make a mistake in play calling, you will pay unlike madden where it is possible to score on every play. Don't get me wrong, Madden is a good game too. However, it isn't as rewarding as 2k3. Buy this game and you won't regret it.