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The Plot:
Football is certainly one sport that has the most potential for video game adaptations, if done correctly. "NFL Fever 2002" is really one of the most successful console game football offerings that I've seen, offering easy-to-use controls and terrific captures of the action. The game boasts a handful of different ways to play: practice, single game and season (the last of which includes both dynasty and fantasy modes). Additional aspects of the game available in the General Manager section, such as trades and player/stadium editor.
NFL Fever 2k2 contains all that sports fans would likely expect from a top-notch Football offering: all of the current NFL teams are available, complete with their rosters. A full selection of stadiums are offered and their representations here are crisp and detailed, adding to the realism and atmosphere. I also loved the amount of different plays available, while looking through the organized playbook screens to select a choice for the next play was smooth and easy.
Although many will likely want to play against another person, I found playing against the computer to be a very enjoyable experience, as computer AI in terms of both offense and defense was very good, if not perfect. A few faults are visible, such as: there are too many long, high passes that you'd suspect would be picked off by the time they actually reach the player. Sometimes they are, but often they aren't. There were also a few moments that didn't appear to be enough for a first down, but were called as such.
Still, concerns aside, I was entertained by NFL Fever 2002. Microsoft has provided a game that offers smooth and easy controls, fast (if not always realistic) action and terrific graphics.
Rating: 9.0/10
The DVD
Graphics: The graphics in NFL Fever 2002 are excellent and highly enjoyable to view. I remarked while playing it to someone watching that it felt as if I was playing a real football game. The player animations are crisp and highly detailed (especially in the scenes before/after play & replays), as are the play animations (tackles, passes, etc). I appreciated the little details apparent during gameplay: during snowy games (Bears Vs. Packers @ Green Bay or Chicago is always a fun example, given that rivalry), the players' footprints were visible in the snow as they walked around the field. The snow also looked almost beautiful during the night games. Crowds are also nicely rendered - while not stunning, they at least have some slight detail.
Rating: 9.2/10
Sound: The game's soundtrack isn't half bad, but when compared to the visuals, it comes up as a little lackluster. Dick Stockton and Ron Pitts provide commentary for the game. While their comments are fairly nice, they are obviously edited at times and occasionally could have used a little more personality and energy. The commentary, as with all sports games, also eventually starts to become repetitive. However, the on-field sound effects (quarterback calling out plays, crowd sounds, etc) sound very good.
Rating: 7.9/10
Gameplay: I really found Fever's control to be quite easy and smooth, especially on offense, where choosing which player to throw to was easy and clear. Defense was a little more difficult to easily move around the field, but acceptable.
Rating: 8.9/10
Rating Issues: "Fever 2002" is rated "E" (Everyone), which is certainly appropriate for a normal Football offering.
Final Thoughts: "NFL Fever 2003" is days away from release at this point and although that version does add online capabilities (which aren't yet up-and-running for the XBOX) and reportedly, some additional gameplay elements, Fever 2002 is still worth considering. Given the fact that the 2002 has recently been repriced (as of this review, amazon.com has it for $19.99), those who are satisfied with what this game has to offer (fast/fun - if not entirely flawless - gameplay, excellent graphics) may want to pick this very enjoyable game up at the new bargain rate. Reviews of "Fever 2003" and other Football games will be posted in the upcoming weeks.
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