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Madden NFL 2003 ps2 Game Reviews
Madden NFL 2003
Critic Score
Metascore: 95 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
8.2 out of 10
based on 25 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 42 votes
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Rate this game

Take Your Game Online: Access an online community where you can meet, chat, and play head-to-head against other gamers. Audio Dream Team: Dynamic play-by-play and analysis by Madden and Michaels. All-New Mini-camp: Hop on John Madden's Cruiser Tour Bus and travel to all NFL cities to complete skilled tasks. Create-A-Playbook: Customize receiver routes, player formations, and your team's entire playbook. Deepest Franchise Mode Ever: Play 30 years of Franchise mode and draft players each season with tips from your scouts. [EA Sports]

PUBLISHER: EA Sports
DEVELOPER: Electronic Arts - Tiburon
GENRE(S): Sports, Football
PLAYERS: 8
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: August 13, 2002

What The Critics Said

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
PSX Nation
Madden 2003 is the best overall football game ever made, period...Denying it the perfect score it so richly deserves just because "NFL 2K3" comes soooo close to unseating it would be a crime.
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100
Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
Madden has added so many goodies that Madden fans will be smiling ear to ear, and newcomers'll love it. [Sept 2002, p.116]
100
Maxim Online
They loaded this year’s ultrarealistic game up with a slew of new features that include online play, a huge arcade-style training camp, and a nifty play creator that’s so versatile that you can have receivers run pass routes that spell your name.
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100
Play Magazine
Above all, a better feeling and playing game, boosted by subtleties that you may not even recognize until you've made it to the playoffs.[Sept 2002, p.72]
100
GameNow
The most well-rounded, option-rich football game in history. [A+: Sept 2002, p.51]
100
XenGamers
A game that not only looks and plays better, but also fully realizes the dream of anyone looking to fully manage their own professional team.
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100
Into Liquid Sky
A huge football game that fans of the genre should enjoy. There's lots here to do. In fact, the franchise mode alone should take you months to wear out.
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100
G4 TV
For hardcore football fans, Madden NFL 2003 is a must-own. From the assortment of modes to in-depth features like the playbook editor, this game was made for those who appreciate the intricacies of football.
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100
Cinescape
The sheer size-factor of the game is overwhelming.
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100
GamePro
Even beyond the football gameplay, you have to appreciate the wealth of extras and activities that make Madden NFL 2003 such an entertaining and complete package.
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95
Game Informer
Madden's major changes have occurred on the defense to raise the learning curve and create more strategy. [Sept 2002, p.78]
94
GamerWeb Sony
The best iteration of Madden ever...The only possible gripe I can have is the lack of in-game chat and other online features, but that’s what next year is for.
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93
Gaming Maxx
The game also includes a cool behind the scenes footage of the game and interviews with coverboy Marshall Faulk, John Madden, Al Michaels and Melissa Stark.
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93
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Madden's gameplay amazes, but it's EA's delivery that throws the knockout punch. [Sept 2002, p.148]
92
Gamer.tv
Playing a friend is ace while the computer is frighteningly tricky. A goddamn crackerjack humdinger of a game.
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91
IGN
A can't-miss because it accurately simulates NFL gameplay, NFL commentary, NFL uniforms, NFL stadiums and NFL players and that's what football gamers are looking for.
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90
GamePen
This game isn’t perfect, however, I found that the running game was a little too stingy for my tastes. I had a hard time breaking a run for more than 10 yards and more often than not, the gaps in the defense would close far too fast.
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90
PSM Magazine
Madden 2003 is not only the deepest football game ever made, but it may also be the deepest PS2 game ever made. [Sept 2002, p.20]
90
GameZone
The addition of online play and Mini-camp are simply awesome.
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90
Armchair Empire
I hate to use a cliché, but the number of game modes in Madden 2003 are mind-boggling.
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90
Gamers' Temple
A lot of gameplay modes and some pretty darn good football to boot; you can't go wrong with Madden NFL 2003.
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90
Yahoo! Games
Michaels, probably the best voice in football, takes the microphone with gusto and professionalism. He's recorded his lines, and they do get repetitive, but his delivery is steady and easy on the ears.
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90
GameSpot
Has online play, a robust franchise mode, and plenty of secondary modes to keep you busy, but the minor issues with the running and passing game really prevent it from being the absolute best representation of professional football that's available.
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87
BBC Sport
While "NFL 2K3" still has slightly better graphics, Madden's updated controls, the excellent franchise features and its heavenly tactical play make it one of the best sports games ever to grace the PS2.
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85
TotalGames.net
Madden has always been the king of the hill and this year is no exception.
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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 8.2 (out of 10) based on 42 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Wheelchair gave it a7:
I give this game a 7 out of 10, not due to its content, but the legacy associated with it. I do not even really like sports games, and I really enjoyed this. The reason it gets a 7: Why didn't they stop at 2003 and focus on making good sports games instead of patching up previous ones and slaping the year it is released onto it?

Bryan M. gave it a4:
This game is the most overraded football game out there. madden 2004 is way better then this crap and 2k3 kick its butt in sales. Bad graphics, and still dumb commentary.

Mitch gave it a7:
its a great game, graphics still great, there are small changes through out the game... but it upset me when I found out you can not use a custom "created" playbook in franchise mode.

Randy gave it a3:
This game sucks it is incredibly onesided against the novice player john when you create a game at least teach the user what the play is for(run, pass etc) not just to say in game play "a smart coach would choose this play" explain why it would be a good play

Ronnie N. gave it a10:
Graphics are great game play is fun and will be best know for the frist for being online create a team is awsome go DALLAS COWBOYS!

Aussie Rules gave it a 9:
Even though i'm into AFL (Australia Football League), i love this Madden game. Great Graphics and Game Play.

[Anonymous] gave it a 10:
Great game for Playstation2.

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