Madden NFL 2003

 Xbox
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. GamePro
    100
    The graphics are the main differentiator with the Xbox version looking sharpest, the PS2 version sprouting typical jaggies, and the GameCube version appearing slightly soft.
  2. Maxim Online
    100
    They loaded this year’s ultrarealistic game up with a slew of new features that include online play, a huge arcade-style training camp, and a nifty play creator that’s so versatile that you can have receivers run pass routes that spell your name.
  3. Play Magazine
    100
    Above all, a better feeling and playing game, boosted by subtleties that you may not even recognize until you've made it to the playoffs.[Sept 2002, p.72]
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  5. GameNow
    100
    The most well-rounded, option-rich football game in history. [A+: Sept 2002, p.51]
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  6. Game Informer
    95
    I would recommend buying Madden over all other franchises 100 times out of 100 to any Xbox owner. [Sept 2002, p.89]
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  7. GameSpy
    91
    The deepest pro football game available this season, rivaled only in replay value by it’s younger brother, "NCAA 2003."...The only thing we could hope for is online play, exclusive to the PS2 version this season.
  8. Xbox Nation Magazine
    90
    Though it still leans towards being a pure football sim rather than an all-out arcade fun-fest, Madden strikes a great gameplay balance...The gameply is superb. [Fall 2002, p.108]
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  9. Sports Gaming Network
    90
    With the new minicamp, rookie scouting, improved DB AI as well as the create-a-play feature, this game is definitely fun in the long term. Add that in with the existing franchise mode from last year and it only gets better.
  10. Gamers' Temple
    90
    The player faces are expressive, and you can see their eyes move as they look around.
  11. Game Chronicles
    90
    The level of polish in Madden NFL 2003 puts the competition to shame. The few issues that pop up are crushed underfoot by the staggering quality of the game's depth and production values. The most apparent problem - the commentary - can be addressed simply by disabling it.
  12. GamingTrend
    89
    The gameplay sucked me in, but the Franchise mode stole my heart. It’s deep, detailed and easy to get dragged into.
  13. IGN
    88
    I can honestly say that there could very well be football games that are more fun than Madden, but you won't find one that has more authenticity from top to bottom.
  14. Official Xbox Magazine
    88
    By far the deepest of the Big Three, but the choice to ditch online play really hurts. [Oct 2002, p.100]
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  15. Armchair Empire
    88
    Where Madden 2003 really isn’t anything special is the sound department.
  16. GameSpot
    86
    The few minor issues in the gameplay and the fact that it has the same general look as last year's game really prevent it from taking the crown in this year's football race.
  17. TotalGames.net
    80
    Authentic play, televisual presentation and a storming soundtrack featuring Bon Jovi and Andrew WK add up to the finest American Football game money can buy.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox Game of 2002
42
#42 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21
  1. Anonymousperiod
    Mar 9, 2021
    6
    It's kind of hard writing this in 2021, but the game's graphics were decent at the time I guess. the tackling was pretty bad but I guess itIt's kind of hard writing this in 2021, but the game's graphics were decent at the time I guess. the tackling was pretty bad but I guess it was good in 2003, I dunno but, decent game.… Full Review »
  2. JacobK.
    Oct 10, 2003
    10
    When I first got this game... well, my dad got it, I thought It sucked because the other football game i had Madden NFL 2000 Sucked because When I first got this game... well, my dad got it, I thought It sucked because the other football game i had Madden NFL 2000 Sucked because first of all i didn't know the rules and i didn't know one thing about the game and it was foe N64 so it sucked. But when my dad bought Madden NFL 2003 I thought it would suck but sicne it was for xbox it had to have VERY GOOD GRAPHICS so i layed for a while then i found out there's like 1000 different thigs you can do. and today i know alot more rules about football, almost all of them and my dad who has ben plyi'n football since he was born practicly, I can almost beat him, I meen Im almost in the lead, Hes only one Touchdown ahead of me (7 points plus the Extra Point) But the thing is I still take risky chalenges thow but its my favorite game so far im givi'n it a 10 of 10! 1 want to give it an 11 but I don't quite see it on the chart.… Full Review »
  3. JenniferL.
    Jan 13, 2003
    9
    This game is tight!!! I like the graphics.
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