NFL Fever is back and better than ever according to Microsoft but is that true ? I’ll let you know by the end……

First Down – The load up of the game was very quick and painless and the style of the main menu was simple but impressive. You have the usual selections such as Practice, Single Game and Dynasty but now you also have the option to become a General Manager, Log onto XSN Sports as well as play LIVE. (OK….Live isn’t a new feature as Fever 2003 was also a Live game). Practice is your basic training camp where you get to learn all the moves and controls to play a game. Fun as well as instructive. Gamers have than the option to an Open Practice where you can take the field for a scrimmage against your own team. Last option is ‘Chalk Talks’, where you can get expert advice from Ron Pitts.

Second Down – Dynasty is you taking control of a team and playing season after season. Now this is where the game has the most improvements. To say that it is an upgrade is putting the game down. Before you start you have to create a profile. I know, that’s pretty much with any sports title but unlike most games you can change your profile settings during gameplay to suit your style. The default game style is set for Basic and this is just fine for Rookies and especially for players who have never played a NFL game on any games machine. The new control options allow everyone to compete. You could try the “One Button” passing and running controls or you could go Hardcore and try the “Read and Lead” passing. Long time NFL fever fans will already be familiar with the One Button passing controls, so the Trigger passing scheme is just right to give you more control over the passing and if that wasn’t enough you can try the Read and Lead style. All of these styles are included in the Training Camp.

Third Down – General Manager allows you to make trades and substitutions, create or edit players, create custom uniforms and much, much more.

Touchdown – The game is LIVE. As with any Live game, this feature only enhances the game for the player, as they can now enjoy beating their friends without having them come over, eat & drink and generally make a mess, but there is one more thing that is now coupled with Live and that is XSN. NFL Fever 2004 is the first title in the new XSN Sports brand. What is XSN ? XNS Sports combines the power of Xbox Live with the connectivity of the internet to bring you a whole new gaming experience. You will be able to battle your friends in a personalized and password protected season, challenge top ranked online competitors in a worldwide tournament or settle scores with bitter rivals from the comfort of your own living room. XSNsports.com will provide gamers with their own virtual sports page of standings, tendencies and trade proposals every 15 minutes. The sites’s web-based technology always keeps sports fans plugged into the competition on Xbox and PC.

Graphics:
Fantastic, Outstanding, Fresh….these are just a few of the words one could use for this game. NFL Fever 2004 sports a totally new look, from the flashy new user interface to the detailed stadiums and players. The player models now have truly lifelike proportions, subtle shading and real player faces. It’s also the little things that you notice such as when you are playing the game in wet, cold conditions. You can see the breath of the players as they breathe in and out. Brilliant !!

Sound:
Once again a stable mixture of crowds, advice from the coaches and a decent enough soundtrack to accompany you on every game.

Longevity:
How many days have you got to lose ? With an impressive season upon season of gameplay, every team to choose from, with their own styles and not forgetting Live and XSN…this game is going to last as long as you want it to last or until NFL Fever 2005 comes out !!

Round Up:

Whether you are a Madden or a Fever fan, this game is up there with the best. A must for any NFL Fan and a great start for the XSN Sports brand. Even if you own Madden, this game has something different for you to enjoy.

Pros:

• LIVE
  
• Outstanding Gameplay to suit all levels
  
• Downloadble content of current rosters.
  

  Cons:
  

  • None that I can think of at the moment.