Madden NFL 2002 Preview
Madden NFL 2001 was released for the PS2, and now GameCube is getting the nicer upgraded version Madden NFL 2002, although don’t expect any exclusive features for this one. EA is busy tweaking the annoying glitches that were apparent in Madden 2001.
Madden 2002 features fully licensed teams and players, which is great! Everything is updated, from the newest franchises to the new player designs and animations. EA Sports has also upgraded every possible aspect, so minor glitches and details are all taken care of. John Madden even has a helping hand in developing plays and offering advice to EA so they can concentrate on making Madden as real as possible.
Control is tight and responsive, and there are a wider variety of moves available. There are the standard passes, which can be directed with the aid of an icon system. All of the moves are there, and the AI has been upgraded, which means no repeated sacks of the QB. EA is also tinkering with the GameCube controller, so that the Nintendo version handles as good, if not better, than the PS2 version.
The graphics are tremendously detailed. You can watch the lights reflect off the player’s helmets and even observe their eyes for a complete human-ish look. To give you an idea, imagine the PS2 version upgraded. That said, the visuals will be eye candy and appeasing.
Madden NFL is a great game on the PS2, and EA has wisely decided to upgrade it rather than overhaul everything and restart. Look for this stellar title to launch with the GameCube.
Final Score: 9