User Reviews (11 - 21 of 228)

Show these reviews first:

Highest Rated
Lowest Rated Newest
Oldest Most Helpful
Least Helpful

The best of the series. No contest.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: December 07, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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.

The Great with the semi-bad.....

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 11
Date: January 16, 2002
Author: Amazon User

I've read a bunch of reviews for this game, both positive & negative ones. Here's a diehard Football fan and gamer's point of view ---

This game is both wonderfully deep and frustrating at the same time. I've played the Madden series, both on PC and PS2 now for quite some time. What I love about this version is the incredible depth and playability. But it is flawed...as I've learned most games are. Here are some of my Good's & Bad's with Madden 2002:

GOOD
-All teams and rosters (mostly accurate (player ratings included)) including the Houstan Texans and NFL Europe Teams; Hidden Teams as well (All-Madden, SuperBowl, Creators, etc)
-Franchise Mode -- 30 Years of running your own team, from scratch if you chose (fantasy draft) is absolutely a dream. I'm currently in year 13 of my Franchise and am still loving every second of it.
-Create-a-Player mode is deep and realistic. If you want the UberPlayer, you'll pay for it. When creating a player in Franchise mode, he will cost a boatload of money if you make him that good.
-Player progression -- while sometimes frustrating it is as close to realistic as gaming can be. Yeah, you'll draft some rookie that you think is going to rip it up and he may statistically, but may not show in his progress in the offseason. That's a good thing, because for everyone of those guys there is a guy on your team that will progress beyond your belief (i've had DE's go up +7 in one offseason - amazing).
-Difficulty options -- I've seen the reviews complaining of Madden being too easy or not fair (computer biased). By tweaking the many AI stats you can create a perfect enviornment for your own gaming level. I am in season 13 and am currently playing on All-Madden, but the wonderful thing about the Franchise play is you can progress and change the level as you do so. Pro as a beginner can be challenging, then All-Pro steps up the bar more so, and finally to All-Madden which makes every game a close one. You concentrate too much on running they'll start blitzing more, you concentrate too much on passing they'll drop back more. That sounds like good AI Programming to me. On the defensive side of the ball it works likewise. You blitz too much on the outside, they'll run to the middle or dump to a screen'ing halfback. You stay back too much, they'll kill you on posts & cross routes. I find it's a nice mix of AI for both the computer's offense & defense. You may have to adjust some things -- for ex. I've noticed the CPU intercepts a lot more passes that are obvious mistakes by the QB than I do. Ok, in the settings you can raise your Awareness or you INT so that you find it more even.

BAD:
-freezes & slowdowns.
-Free Agent signings, the CPU on average spends much much less than you in this process. Guys I sign for over a million dollars (depending how far you are in your Franchise (inflation)) the CPU seems to get for about half what I offer.
-Instant Replay Challenges -- Usually we (users) lose the Challenge because the Ref challenges the wrong part of the play - a simple multiple choice in the Challenge setup would fix that.

Go GAMING! Madden overall ROCKS.

Solid, with one FATAL flaw...

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 7 / 11
Date: August 31, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Madden 2002 is an improvement over 2001, for sure, and while it is not exactly a brand new product, it is a very polished version of the first one. The graphics and other bells and whistles are great, the animation are very realistic and the weather effects really cool. The running game is solid and the custome features deep and customizable. What is the aforementioned flaw? THE PASSING GAME IS INFURIATING. If you play on any level above rookie (like most players), you will find passing to be quite difficult, with even the best receivers dropping passes or unable to get open. "But it's realistic" you say. Well, if I wanted to throw 37% and an interception per game, I'd go play myself. Video games are about allowing you to play like Joe Montana, not Joe Schmoe. To add insult to injury, the computer will absolutely pick you appart at least 2-3 drives per game, where NOTHING you do will stop them from completing 5 passes in a row en route to a TD. Even with a 99 rated secondary, the worst NFL teams will still carve you up for 250 yards plus. The computer actually seems to "cheat", whereby you will stuff their offense for 75% of the game, and then they will score at will to get back into the game, making incredible catches, having slow WR positively BURN 99 rated CB, etc.
I recommend this game, but I have a feeling NFL 2K2 may surpass it!

Avoid the people telling you to buy Sega's garbage.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 20
Date: July 18, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I've played a review copy of this year's Madden, and it is far superior to last year's already amazing title. You can even create your own team's uniforms this year (I spent hours getting all the coloring just right etc.) It's a blast. EA knows football. Sega knows how to screw up hardware.

This is the game I've been waiting for since Atari.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: August 23, 2001
Author: Amazon User

This is simply the best football game ever created, period. Last year's version simply doesn't compare. Yes the graphics were amazing as expected, yada, yada, yada. But gameplay is what brings a true football gamer back and this is where Madden 2k2 separates itself from anything ever done (everything that I say rules on this year's means last year's fell short in this area-ridiculous one hand catches and giant eyes included). They took the money plays away. No more out routes whenever I want or slot receivers making plays on safeties EVERY time-the safeties will take those zones away (set up your deep balls with running plays and underneath routes or don't bother...LIKE REAL FOOTBALL). On D, no more being completely at the mercy of the WR dropping passes(which was too often last year-I'm glad receivers don't drop nearly as many passes this year)if I'm a DB behind the play, I can now come up and make plays, although I'd like more control coming over the shoulder to bat passes down or to take a shot on a guy and force the drop if the timing's right like past versions. But the AI is TIGHT!!!! I don't even have to tweak the AI sliders on the settings anymore, default is actually rendered perfectly. I like how the computer knows if they've got man coverage outside and knows when to exploit it, if you overblitz they'll make you pay. If you sit back in zone because you always could (I'll get to that next) they'll run you into the ground or split that zone with tightends or slot guys underneath. Now to what took my lust for this game to pure LOVE. THE COMPUTER CAN ACTUALLY PUT UP RUSHING YARDS!!! No this isn't a misprint. The computer will put up 70-120 yds. on the ground on you every game (8 min. qtrs.). The playcalling is fantastic, they mix run/pass in unpredictable ways and don't try to cheat or they'll make you pay. I love the hot routes on the backs to stay back and block unprotected side blitzers. The training mode is cool too, it feels like Madden's on your couch coaching you. The net result when it comes to game stats (which is so important)produces numbers in-line with a real football game. The graphical bells and whistles are nice and I hope to see more enhancements (more variation in commentary would be good-there was more this year but I guess I'm picky and this would be a nice to have not a must have). I also would be remiss if I didn't mention how cool it is that you can export draft classes from NCAA to Madden (I only wish the game itself was more like Madden 2k2 instead of Madden 2k1 but that's for another review). Madden 2k2 is easily my favorite game ever and what's more is it's actually the game I always dreamed about. This time it's in the game AND in the gameplay. Helmets off to EA!!!

What NCAA could've been...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: August 26, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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.

If you're a football fan, you need to play this

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: December 03, 2001
Author: Amazon User

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.

Boom!! This is going to be good.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 13
Date: July 13, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I have to admit, I used to stick with the Gameday series through thick and thin. Now, I am eagerly waiting for Madden 2002 to come out. I have been a Madden 01 junkie on PS2 for a while now. Just ask my wife. I find that Madden attempts to bring out the small things in the game that add up to quite a bit at the end. From the grass in the helmet to the grass stains on the jerseys, even to the realistic injuries and their time to recover, it is all realistic.

One suggestion. If Madden were to be able to download current NFL progress into the game, similar to NFL2K1 on Dreamcast, it would be awesome. If the injured players were helped off the field by trainers, that would be a plus. During the season, a nagging injury column could be helpful. From there a gamer can decide to play the guy or let him sit out another week. This review is based off of Madden 01. If you can make Madden 2002 even better and better as the years go on, then this very well could be the standard all football games will be judged by.

Madden 2002- YOU NEED TO GET THAT!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 11
Date: July 22, 2001
Author: Amazon User

With out question- Madden 2001 was the best sports game ever made. Plain and simple. The graphics were so great that I just wanted to cry. I mean the game is so fun if there was one game that had to have Madden 2001 would be my first choice. Now that Madden 2002 is comming out, the expecations are so high this time around. A updated roster, an advanced franchise, team creation, season, exhibition, and your old time favorites. And you know EA will give some more surprizes and goodies for the fans. Madden 2002 will be the sports game of 2001 and is a must get game. Madden 2002-The game of the year automatically!

Madden 2002

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 14
Date: July 26, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Could Madden 2002 possibly top the great Madden 2001? Yes, it has not just topped Madden 2001, but has blown it out of the water. With the all-new (exept to Playstation 1) Franchise mode and create-a-team, this game is sure to be THE BEST. If you are considering buying ANY OTHER football game for ANY other system, DON'T! Madden 2002 will be, and is, the GREATEST football game EVER! If you buy ONE football game this year, get Madden 2002, you WON'T be disappointed.

Review Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next 

Actions