Madden NFL 2002

Posted Sep 14, 2001 by TBO.com

Updated Jan 14, 2008 at 04:32 PM

System: PlayStation 2 (also available for Windows PC, PlayStation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color; coming soon for GameCube and X-Box)

Publisher: EA Sports

Reviewer’s rating: A+

Game type: Sports

Best feature: Take your pick — everything about this year’s “Madden” rocks.

Worst feature: Addictive gameplay quickly leads to frequent heavy sighs and eye-rolling whenever your mom/roommate/significant other enters the room.

The bottom line: Every year, as the summer draws to a close, we look forward to two things: Another season of Buccaneer football and the latest version of “Madden.” The difference is that “Madden” never lets us down.

Now in its 12th year, the best football video game of all time just keeps getting better. Everything that seemed perfect in “Madden 2001” — the graphics, the sound, the gameplay and the seemingly endless list of options — has somehow been improved.

All the real-life NFL players and teams (even the Houston Texans) are included, and if that’s not good enough, you can create your own. Playbooks, uniforms and stadiums are customizable, too.

Collectible “Madden cards” (earned with extraordinary on-the-field achievements) unlock legendary teams and players as well as useful “cheats.”