Games Database
Xbox
Sport: Football - American
| Also for: | PC, PS2, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Sport: Football - American |
| Media: | DVD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | EA Tiburon | Soft. Co.: | Electronic Arts |
| Publishers: | Electronic Arts
(US/GB) |
Released: | 18 Aug 2003
(US) 12 Sept 2003 (GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Xbox Memory Unit | ||
Summary
With EA’s massive update machine in full swing for another year, it comes as no surprise that the company’s Madden NFL series is one of the most prolific sports games in its respective genre, with some 14 annual instalments behind it. And that trend is no doubt set to continue with Madden NFL 2004 for Xbox. Complete with the obligatory set of updates and graphical enhancements, here’s what you can expect from game number 14 in the series.
First of all, there's the eye candy. As the latest game in the series, you would expect NFL 2004 to look slightly better than its predecessors, and indeed it does, particularly on Xbox. Graphical touches now include split-screen replays, brand new animations and player-specific features such as hair and tattoos. When it's all put together, it makes for the finest looking NFL game to grace the current generation.
On to gameplay, and NFL 2004 offers several refined game modes but, most importantly, this instalment sees the addition of a brand new Deep Owner Mode. This mode allows players to take control of bottom line responsibilities on top of being general manager and coach. You’ll have to relocate teams, build a new stadium, and even set prices for food, merchandise and parking. For these reasons alone, NFL 2004 is undoubtedly the most in-depth sports game we’ve seen for a long time.
The rest of the game is pretty much standard, except you now have greater control of your players than ever before. Using the right analogue stick, you can quickly change routes or defensive coverage, and can call out blocks and direct receivers. It’s this level of skilled control that fellow gamers look for in any sports game and, in this instance, EA has delivered.
First of all, there's the eye candy. As the latest game in the series, you would expect NFL 2004 to look slightly better than its predecessors, and indeed it does, particularly on Xbox. Graphical touches now include split-screen replays, brand new animations and player-specific features such as hair and tattoos. When it's all put together, it makes for the finest looking NFL game to grace the current generation.
On to gameplay, and NFL 2004 offers several refined game modes but, most importantly, this instalment sees the addition of a brand new Deep Owner Mode. This mode allows players to take control of bottom line responsibilities on top of being general manager and coach. You’ll have to relocate teams, build a new stadium, and even set prices for food, merchandise and parking. For these reasons alone, NFL 2004 is undoubtedly the most in-depth sports game we’ve seen for a long time.
The rest of the game is pretty much standard, except you now have greater control of your players than ever before. Using the right analogue stick, you can quickly change routes or defensive coverage, and can call out blocks and direct receivers. It’s this level of skilled control that fellow gamers look for in any sports game and, in this instance, EA has delivered.
