Customer Reviews

Madden 2002

5 star:		(153)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

This game is a big improvement over Madden 2001.The people who said theres no or little difference between the two must be brain dead,even Stevie Wonder can see the improvements.First the defense plays like it should.Tampa's and Baltimore's defense have been tough to play against in season mode,unlike 2001's.The secondary is alot tougher to throw against with alot better pass coverage.Theres alot less one handed catches and throwing desperation long bombs and completing them.You have to call good plays and read the defences and drive down the field now and on defense theres more pass coverage audibles that work and the goalline defense is a heck of alot better.The CPU is so much better now,on offense they drive down the field with shorter passes and a good running game.If you play against Martin,Dillon,James etc. you have to try and contain the good runners like that or theyll add up the yardage unlike last years game.They did a real good job with the player attributes like NHL 2001,you have to worry about the teams star players.Guys like Sapp,Kearse etc will sack your QB and put pressure on him,teams with kickers like Miami rarely miss field goals and the average kickers miss alot more,unlike last years game where the CPU made just about all the field goals.etc,etc.in other words the games are more realistic.I took Cincinnati to the Super Bowl last year,this year forget it but you get a great running game from Dillon like in a real game.The player graphics are a big improvement,the players and coaches faces look close to real and the body sizes are on scale and the animation is real good.and all the little things EA does to make the game more realistic are great like hard hits knock off helmets,players getting in front of the big fan on hot weather days,splashing trough mud on rainy days on real grass,knocking players into the gatorade table and watching it spill etc,etc.the more I play the more I see cool little things like that.The extra options are great like franchise,practice modes,create a player and team.Theyre alot more accurate.Also which is great,you can adjust any players attribute.If a low ranked player is having a great year you can adjust him to play up to par or vice versa.The games are so more realistic on 2002 than 2001,thats why I cant understand how a few can say theres not much of a difference.Theres no comparison,this game rocks.

I know what most people are thinking, that Madden 2002 is simply last year's version, rehashed and brought back for another year. On the contrary, theres a lot of new things to like about Madden 2002, and the usual things that made last year's title so great.

Graphically, EA has done a superb job here, with the players faces and uniforms being portrayed very very well. They look way more realistic than last year's "we are space aliens who've come to earth and infiltrated your NFL players" looks. The coaches who hover about on the sidelines are the best looking of any football game to date. Heck even the snow looks nicer, it doesnt just fall, it blows in from the sides, as if it were really a blizzard out there. And yes, we finally have cheerleaders!!! Ea Sports' addressed concerns about last years ballplayers being all the same size, so this year, players are noticibly more slender, while still having that football player build. Like NCAA 2002, it reads the clock on your PS2, so if you're playing a game at night, it will start your game at night as well, or if you're playing at dusk, with the sun going down, you may start the game with the sun up, but by the time the game is over, it'll be dark. Little touches like this help to add realism to the game, theyre all over the place and it shows.

Soundwise, its what you'd expect from a great title like this. A snazzy new opening kicks off most games, followed by player intros, at least from the home team. John Madden and Pat Summerall are back and Madden is as witty as ever, "he put too much mustard on that one!". Adding to the humorous reparte is Leslie Visser, with a few bits and pieces thrown in, proving that football announcing isnt just a male oriented sport.

The game is literally overflowing with features. Theres the all-new two minute drill, where you run plays and try to get as many touchdowns as you can within the last 2 minutes of a game. I personally love this idea, as it lets you earn tokens for Madden Cards without having to play a whole game. Speaking of Madden Cards, theyre back, in the standard flavored, bronze, silver and gold. While they might not be everyone's cup of tea, theyre a great incentive to keep playing, to collect them all and unlock classic teams and stadiums. You can even collect cheerleader cards which give your players a (ratings)real boost. The franchise mode is deep as heck and goes on for an amazing thirty seasons. Another feature that is very nice is the ability to import your exported draft teams from NCAA 2002, if you have it (and who doesnt?). The controls for the most part are unchanged since last year, so even players who havent yet picked up a Madden game can jump right in with little trouble.

There is a lot to like here, and while its not quite a perfect football game yet, its darn close. Do yourself a favor and pick up Madden 2002 today.

A lifelong football fan, I hold off buying a new football video game every year. Typically, I pick up a new one about every 3 years or so, with the last being Madden 99 for the PC. I was pretty pleased with 99 and thought this would be more of the same, only with new rosters and the Texans. I was very surprised, as the same features I enjoyed on 99 are still here, and the new features simply amazed me. This game has a very realistic feel to it and is, hands-down, the best football game I've ever played.

The graphics are phenomenal, and replays even feature the spiffy "matrix" camera effect (where the camera seems to pan around the play, in a circular motion...or like the Jamal Lewis TD replays in the last Super Bowl). The customization and "challenge" features add an extra edge to the game. In addition to playing an ordinary schedule, you're given "challenges" to perform- like "Beat the Colts in the RCA Dome" or "Complete a pass to 5 different receivers". These allow you to collect points and build up "Madden Cards". (A feature that annoyed me at first, but I was converted). The customization of players was exceptional. I created a new player, not on the game's rosters,- Kevin Kasper. I was amazed when the announcers actually SPOKE his name... thought that was a neat touch. (Older version would just say "he throws to the RECEIVER", here they say "KASPER"). You can also change your team's uniforms for each game. For example, the Broncos have five uniforms: home, road, alternate home, home throwback, and away throwback. Plus, if your team plays a Thanksgiving game, the announcers say "Happy Thanksgiving, everybody..." Madden even chimes in, late in the game, talking about his six-legged turkey. Nice touches!

Another cool feature- upon completing a single season, you can convert your season file into a franchise file, immediately.

A few blemishes, though. As mentioned, if you're unfamiliar with "Madden Cards", it takes some getting used to. The instruction book does a poor job of explaining what these do, or why you'd want to build them up. Furthermore, the idea of "unlocking" features is annoying to me. I want everything to be there for me to mess with. You "unlock" some of the "greatest players of all time"... so I was bummed when it turned out to be the likes of Merrill Hoge and Keith Byars. It does get better, as Dan Marino and others eventually appear. Cheat cards bother me... why would you want to play a football simulation game where you can make every 1st and ten into a 1st and five? Takes away the realism, right there. Additionally, it takes a few games to figure out how to save all your files. (There's three different menus that take you to the "SAVE" screen.. so you forget how you got there)

Gameplay has a few drawbacks. First, if the computer goes 3 and out on the first series, it rarely runs the ball for the rest of the game. The computer consistently passes and it's not unusual for Jon Kitna and the Bengals to throw three 80 YD TD bombs in one game. The computer often finishes a game with 376 yds in the air, and 12 yds on the ground. Secondly, you have to gingerly touch the controls to complete a pass to your receivers. This is especially tough for the L1, L2 buttons. After two games, you get sick of hearing Madden say "He obviously has a cannon for an arm, but on the shorter passes, he needs a softer touch". Takes alot of practice to work around these things.

The only thing I havent' found is the "lateral" button. On Madden 99, any ball carrier could lateral the ball at any time. A move rarely seen in the pros, but you could pull off some nifty hook and ladder plays when you were behind.

Overall, this has everything you'd every want in a football game. The little details and touches are fantastic. Pump-fakes, motions, coaches, audibles, off-season moves, full roster customization, entire TEAM creation, and even the NFL Europe teams! Heck, I'll bet a clever fan could even create some CFL or Arena teams. It really blew me away, and I don't think I'll have a need for another football game for quite some time. If you're a football fan, get this game!

Let me start by saying I can't stop playing this game - the
Franchise mode is addictive and can eat up your life. This is
a solid game - it retains all the features that makes Madden
such fun to play. On the PS2 (the last one I played was the 99
version on the PS) the graphics add an extra degree of realism
and "feel" to it all.

I do have a bit of a gripe, though. I am a serious gamer and
cranked the puppy up to All-Madden level. I knew what I was
letting myself in for but I guess it was the manner in which
I was pounded. The AI cheats, it has to in order to make it
more difficult, but I wish it wouldn't do it so blatantly and
all the time. Things are okay if the CPU is ahead - you can
generally stop its drives, but as soon as you take the lead
it goes into a "I will score at all costs" mode. It doesn't
matter what defensive set you use, you cannot stop it. Even
when you do stop it a penalty pops up from nowhere and -
bingo - the drive is still alive. This means that it doesn't
matter if you score on every drive until the end of the game
- the CPU will come straight back and take the lead again.

Some examples: I managed to get 3 pts ahead with 20 sec on
the clock left (too much, I agree) and the CPU returns my
kickoff for a touchdown. Great. I thought that this was
just a fluke until it happened again in a similar
situation in another game. Another time I am kicking for a
game-winning field goal from 25 yards. No wind (<1mph),
good power and accuracy - the ball suddenly veers right
and hits the upright! This has happened a number of times,
with some variation - it uses the crossbar sometimes to
thwart you! Why not just let it go wide or short?! This is
just rubbing it in.

There is no way to compete with the thing on All-Madden unless
you are superhuman. But there is an alternative (if you are
of a nervous disposition you had better look away now) and
it is to cheat as badly as it does. Use the Cheat cards
liberally and you will start dishing out the pain you were
suffering. Watch with grim satisfaction as the CPU tries to
kick a FG into a headwind with the uprights narrowed to
nothing. Cackle with glee when you give your QB 100% accuracy
for a quarter with unlimited timeouts and score 30 unanswered
points in 5 minutes. Sit with a warm glow as you see the CPU
try to figure out how to score 35 points in the last ninety
seconds. Oh yes, it's fun, but it isn't football ...

My expectations were very high for Madden 2002. After playing NCAA, I thought Madden would be unbelievable. At first the graphics and body motion blows you away. Clearly the graphics were improved from Madden 2001. Also they have more lines for the commentator and play-by-play man, John Madden is not as annoying as Madden 2001. And they keep the great franchise mode and allow you to create expansion teams. However, EA degraded some aspects of this game. First, you can no longer get a pash rush unless you blitz. Regardless of the pass rusher it is very difficult to beat the pass blocker. Also you cannot stop the run effectively unless you blitz. I am very disappointed that there are not more defenses. You cannot put 9 players in the box without putting in the goalline team. Also punting the ball is terrible in the game, it is way to difficult to get a decent punt. This is the NFL, punters can punt the ball 45-50 easy. And one aspect of this game that EA is lacking significantly is pass defense. EA will not be able to take this game to the next level until they figure out how to make pass defense realistic. They can start by not have the safeties burned deep on every deep ball. Also cornerbacks usually keep the receivers in front of them, but in this game receivers are behind them and cornerbacks usually get burned deep. It is way to easy to pass the ball in this game for the user and the computer, which is evident by the computer only running the ball 15 times a game. This game is good but it is not an improvement from 2001. It is different from 2001 but the improvements are counterbalanced against its faults. I think NCAA 2002 is a much better and realistic football game. I don't think it is a bad buy, but don't expect too much. BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR EA. (Please note that for any other software company, this would be a good game, I just expect much more from EA Sports and that is why I buy EA Sports games.)

SInce '92 madden titles have been coming out. I have been satisfied with all of them. Madden 2002 for the Playstation 2 is terrific. Having played last years version many times... I can find alot of improvement. I love the opening with the offense/defense introductions. It makes for a true football atmosphere. The announcing is above average when compared to other sports video games. The dynamic duo and ageless combo of Madden/Summeral is always good. There are some very accute details added in as well. There are shadows for late afternoon games covering the fields, and the players encouragement and dispair are displayed through their voices on field. What truly blew me away was the NFL Europe feature. You can be the galaxy.. and they have actual rosters. Michael Bishop is the quarterback. I was baffled by this. The gameplay is very realistic and is challenging on Pro. (although i just got the game) I am overall extremely happy and feel it was well worth the buy.

When you first look at Madden 2002, you see that the graphics have received a bit of a touch up from last year's version. EA is famous for adding new stats, brushing up on the graphics, adding one or two new features, and not much else. So why does this version blow the other away?

First off, competition is what has brought EA to the forefront. One only has to look at what 989 did back then that brought EA to head of the class. The new competition by Sega Sports will make games better all around for ALL of us, no matter what company or game you're devoted to. Anyway, the make-or-break area of any football game is control. Madden's controls fit like an old glove, with new advancements that make them even better. It takes a while to get used to not hitting triangle to jump on defense to pick off a pass (L1 and R1 do the interception and swat away controls), but once you get them in your brain, along with the defensive swim and spin moves, you'll grow right into the game. The responsive of the game is ultra-realistic, and you'll find more momentum-based moves than you will on NFL2K2. Angles are much more important than last year, as taking the wrong angle will mean the difference between a 5 yard loss and a 55 yard TD run. The passing game is still the same, more or less, with route and receiver-based passing, and the running game requires more patience. When it works, though, you'll sit back and marvel.

The graphics are looking a bit better, but in the game you will ALWAYS see a reason for any incident. Got a 15 yard penalty for a facemask? Click the replay and see the about-to-be-benched player commit the crime. Receivers with stone hands? Watch them drop the rock and how they dropped it. The in-game replays after big plays are great as well, using Matrix-styled cameras and letterboxing.

Sound is, well, Madden and Summerall. It stinks compared to 2K2, but if you buy a game just for commentary, you've either got beaucoup bucks and time, or are misguided.

What makes this title stand out from all the others, are its numerous (and I mean NUMEROUS) modes. Training teahces you how to read (and BURN) defenses. Two minute drill for most scores at the 2:00 warning. Season. But the biggest is, of course, the franchise mode. The only difference between Madden's franchise mode and an actual GM is the bad ties. Sign a player, trade him, and release him (while taking a cap hit for his salary, something that made me think twice about unloading a high priced scrub on the Eagles - offensive lineman, I'm looking at YOU), while doing whatever it takes to bring your team closer to glory. the draft is pretty good as well, but draft a good player and he'll take you to the bank. Don't like the teams? MAKE YOUR OWN! Draft players and insert them instead of your least favorite franchise. Also, I think Madden is the only game that takes into account the new league realignment next year.

This still hasn't touched the most addictive quality of 2002 - the Madden cards. It's like Pokemon - gotta catch em all! The cards have current players, historic players than can be added (Keith Byars - YAH! Phil Simms - BOO! Charles Mann - BOO-YAH!), cheats (toasting DBs, unsackable QBs, points for injuries, QB can't fumble or throw a pick (my fav), and the like), old stadiums, old teams, killer hidden teams (the Marshalls are unstoppable!) and cheerleader cards, which boost up the crowd at games.

When it all comes down to it (and with the recent addition of 2K2 to the PS2 world), I'd say, if you're looking for a good, almost arcade themed game, 2K2 is the way to go. If you're looking for an all-out simulation devoted entirely to football nuts who appreciate the little nuiances (and believe me - there are a LOT of them in here), then get Madden. It's well worth it, and you'll be playing this game for a long time after the season.

I bought my PS2 primarily to play this beautiful game. I've been playing Madden since 2000 on the PC. It's only been 2 years since that release, but there is very little resemblance between the two games. The evolution of Madden series onto the PS2 format is one of the most exciting things in sports video games.

Here are the specifics:

AI- There are AI slider settings for almost everything you'd want to control (off awareness, QB accuracy, def interception, kickoff length, etc). I find that the AI is extremely strong, especially the defensive players. One real treat this year is getting turnovers on defense. When you take control of the secondary, you can actually increase the chance of making a key interception. I love playing defense this year. One note, I only play on All-pro setting, because the speed ratings are almost meaningless on All-madden. Also, the default all-pro setting is too easy so I've had to do some extensive slider tweaking.

Gameplay- Because of the extensive AI slider settings, you can make the gameply fit to whatever suits your style.

Running game- One major problem I see is that running draw plays from the shotgun is a sure 3-4 yard loss. One critical improvement for next year would be an improved running game, where the RB can actually bounce off engaged blockers and make cutbacks. But for the most part, I love the running game because there is great depth. You have to master the intricacies in order to have a successful running attack. One other note- when the defense blitzes on a running play, it doesn't give up as many big running gains as you might like to see. The sliders have a big impact on your gameplay.

Passing game- most people complain that the passing game is too simple or easy. I've set my qb accuracy near zero to make it challenging. Deep passes are difficult and this year, your QB will actually overthrow the WR by 5-10 yards. To this date, I have not found a pattern that I would characterize as money play. However, one play that is extremely effictive is motioning your outside WR (who is running a slant) to overstack one side. Also, the new feature which allows the QB to tuck the ball to scramble is a gem.

Special teams- I found the Kickoff returns to be challenging. Having a speedy, shifty returner helps- I had 2 TD returns with Az-Zahir Hakim in one season and led the league in KR and PR.
Kicking game is also very challenging with some slider modifications.

Overall, this is an excellent game. Certainly the best football game I've ever played. It has its quirks when you play right out of the box but with the right slider adjustments, it's an extremely fun game to play.

Clifford, that is a word by word transcription of a review on EGM, just wanted to let everyone know that. This is a great game though. If you want a true simulation, go for it. A lot of people will argue that the physics/momentum engine on the Madden series is a little floaty and hard to control, but I find it bearable. With all the options and deep franchise mode, this is the game to get

If you read my review for NCAA 2002 a month ago, or if you've played that game, then you know what a disappointment it was. I'm pleased to say that that is not the case with Madden 2002. While not perfect, it is a nice step forward from the excellent 2001 game. The graphics are smoother, with better collision detection. The sound is incredible. I'm running this game through my Dolby Digital receiver, and while this game is encoded in generic "Dolby surround" it still sounds amazing. The commentary is deeper than any other football game out there, which is nice for replayability. Madden has had something to say about at least one player from every team I've played with so far. The bonus features are a big plus. I even got my wife to learn about football with the training feature, where coach Madden explains the purpose behind various plays and formations, and the two minute drill is a lot of fun. Overall, this is far and away the best football game available. It is just in time for the season, and doesn't have any of the rushed to market feel that NCAA 2002 did. If you've got Madden 2001, you may hold off because it's not that different from last years excellent offering, but for anyone else, this is a must buy.