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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
Madden NFL 2003
Universal acclaim
Based on 16 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 12 votes
Read user comments
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Game Info
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: Electronic Arts - Tiburon
Genre(s): Sports, Football
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: August 13, 2002
Summary
Sounds Of The Game: Up-to-the-minute stat commentary, on-field player banter, and improved crowd reactions keep the audio realistic and fresh from game to game. 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 more. Deepest Franchise Mode Ever: Play 30 years of Franchise mode and draft players each season with tips from your scouts. [EA Sports]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: Madden NFL 06 Madden NFL 2002 Madden NFL 2004 Madden NFL 2005
Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central IGN IGN Insider Guide
Also On The Web: Official Website
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...
GamePro
The graphics are the main differentiator with the Xbox version looking sharpest, the PS2 version sprouting typical jaggies, and the GameCube version appearing slightly soft.
Read Full Review >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.
Read Full Review >GameNow
The most well-rounded, option-rich football game in history. [A+: Sept 2002, p.51]
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]
Game Informer
I would recommend buying Madden over all other franchises 100 times out of 100 to any Xbox owner. [Sept 2002, p.89]
GameSpy
The deepest pro football game available this season, rivaled only in replay value by it’s younger brother, "NCAA 2003."...The only thing we could hope for is online play, exclusive to the PS2 version this season.
Read Full Review >Game Chronicles
The level of polish in Madden NFL 2003 puts the competition to shame. The few issues that pop up are crushed underfoot by the staggering quality of the game's depth and production values. The most apparent problem - the commentary - can be addressed simply by disabling it.
Read Full Review >Sports Gaming Network
With the new minicamp, rookie scouting, improved DB AI as well as the create-a-play feature, this game is definitely fun in the long term. Add that in with the existing franchise mode from last year and it only gets better.
Read Full Review >Gamers' Temple
The player faces are expressive, and you can see their eyes move as they look around.
Read Full Review >Xbox Nation Magazine
Though it still leans towards being a pure football sim rather than an all-out arcade fun-fest, Madden strikes a great gameplay balance...The gameply is superb. [Fall 2002, p.108]
GamingTrend
The gameplay sucked me in, but the Franchise mode stole my heart. It’s deep, detailed and easy to get dragged into.
Read Full Review >Official Xbox Magazine
By far the deepest of the Big Three, but the choice to ditch online play really hurts. [Oct 2002, p.100]
Armchair Empire
Where Madden 2003 really isn’t anything special is the sound department.
Read Full Review >IGN
I can honestly say that there could very well be football games that are more fun than Madden, but you won't find one that has more authenticity from top to bottom.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
The few minor issues in the gameplay and the fact that it has the same general look as last year's game really prevent it from taking the crown in this year's football race.
Read Full Review >TotalGames.net
Authentic play, televisual presentation and a storming soundtrack featuring Bon Jovi and Andrew WK add up to the finest American Football game money can buy.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Jacob K. gave it a 10:
When I first got this game... well, my dad got it, I thought It sucked because the other football game i had Madden NFL 2000 Sucked because first of all i didn't know the rules and i didn't know one thing about the game and it was foe N64 so it sucked. But when my dad bought Madden NFL 2003 I thought it would suck but sicne it was for xbox it had to have VERY GOOD GRAPHICS so i layed for a while then i found out there's like 1000 different thigs you can do. and today i know alot more rules about football, almost all of them and my dad who has ben plyi'n football since he was born practicly, I can almost beat him, I meen Im almost in the lead, Hes only one Touchdown ahead of me (7 points plus the Extra Point) But the thing is I still take risky chalenges thow but its my favorite game so far im givi'n it a 10 of 10! 1 want to give it an 11 but I don't quite see it on the chart.
Andrew E. gave it a 10:
Hard Hits, Tight Coverage, most accurate football game you can buy.
Jennifer L. gave it a 9:
This game is tight!!! I like the graphics.
Brian N. gave it a 9:
the graphics are perfect!! this is a realistic football game...if ur planning what football game u should buy then u should pick this game...
Nik B. gave it a 10:
One of the best games ever in my opinion! heaps of options to keep u satisfied for a long long time!
Andrew E. gave it a 10:
Perfect.
Sam F. gave it a 10:
Two words: absolute class.
