Thanks to its smarter-than-your-average artificial intelligence, NFL 2K3 sports a somewhat steep learning curve that requires sound football simulation instincts. Knowing your team's strengths and weaknesses will ultimately be of benefit if you hope to win at the game's advanced levels. Be prepared to mix up your play calling and make adjustments, instead of thinking the same old reliable plays will get the job done. Of course, practice mode is always there if you need to work the kinks out of your game plan and master the multitude of offensive and defensive sets at your disposal.

Graphically, sports games don't come much better looking than NFL 2K3. Among the highlights: player animations are amazingly realistic and lifelike, and a wide array of facial emotions appear that are relative to game scenarios. Stadiums are painstakingly recreated to take on an almost postcard feel, and replays access a wide variety of angles that put you right on the field or in the stands.

One area in which NFL 2K3 easily aces the Madden games is with its game commentary. As part of the game's ESPN broadcast presentation, announcers Dan Stevens and Peter O'Keefe call every bit of the action in varied detail. The pair is far removed from tired and stale Maddenisms, offering worthwhile play breakdowns, player assessments, and quips that actually don't make you wince (at least not too often). Stevens and O'Keefe, not to mention the crowd, will let you hear about it when you bite it on the field. --Larry White

Pros

• Superb graphics in most areas
• Commentators sound realistic and rarely repeat themselves
• Challenging AI forces you to adapt your game plan

Cons

• Receivers can't be put in motion
• Slow, lofting quality of the passes
• No ability to challenge plays
• Often unrealistic player animations

This review refers to the PlayStation2 version of this game.

NFL 2K3 eliminates the complexity, making it simple to call a blitz or take advantage of a defensive mismatch. Computer opponents now use more smarts when calling plays, including tough defensive stands when you're attacking in the red zone. And gamers now have the ability to draft senior college players from Sega Sports NCAA College Football 2K3 and have them play into the next season on NFL 2K3. Players look genuine and lifelike, with additional facial models and expressions that let you recognize more of your favorite NFL stars. Every NFL stadium is here, authentically reproduced in 3-D. From the cheap seats to sidelines crowded with players, coaches, and camera crews, no detail is overlooked.