| 100 |
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 100 |
GameNow
The most well-rounded, option-rich football game in history. [A+: Sept 2002, p.51]
|
| 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]
|
| 95 |
Game Informer
I would recommend buying Madden over all other franchises 100 times out of 100 to any Xbox owner. [Sept 2002, p.89]
|
| 91 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
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.
|
| 90 |
Gamers' Temple
The player faces are expressive, and you can see their eyes move as they look around.
|
| 90 |
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]
|
| 89 |
GamingTrend
The gameplay sucked me in, but the Franchise mode stole my heart. It’s deep, detailed and easy to get dragged into.
|
| 88 |
Official Xbox Magazine
By far the deepest of the Big Three, but the choice to ditch online play really hurts. [Oct 2002, p.100]
|
| 88 |
Armchair Empire
Where Madden 2003 really isn’t anything special is the sound department.
|
| 88 |
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.
|
| 86 |
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.
|
| 80 |
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.
|
