NFL Fever 2003

 Xbox
Metascore
72

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
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  1. GameZone
    89
    A terrific game. It does have a few flinches along the line of scrimmage, but once the ball is snapped, this game executes extremely well.
  2. TeamXbox
    88
    "NFL 2K2" will be online for players to go at it via broadband connections, but NFL Fever 2003 is going to be my choice this year because of both the online support and the energy level combined with realism.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    87
    It feels just like last year's version with online play added. [Oct 2002, p.100]
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  5. Gaming Age
    83
    While it's clear that Microsoft Game Studios isn't quite ready to overtake EA or Sega on the gridiron, there's no denying that they've made it a three-man race.
  6. Xbox Nation Magazine
    80
    Astoundingly close to toppling EA's mighty "Madden" and Sega's "NFL 2K" franchises... It offers near flawless online play. [Fall 2002, p.110]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. TotalGames.net
    80
    Whether each play is successful or not is therefore something for which one rarely feels wholly responsible, although the overall sheen ensures that your suspension of disbelief can easily compensate.
  8. GamePro
    80
    This game dances down the sideline between football sim and football arcade game, and it scores.
  9. G4 TV
    80
    It's a living, breathing example of the Xbox's graphical prowess and a lesson in accessibility for novice gameplayers as well as the more experienced.
  10. Armchair Empire
    78
    Microsoft needs to balance out its AI challenge level, correct some gameplay issues and boost its features in NFL Fever 2004 if it ever wants any chance of beating out the Madden and NFL 2K series.
  11. Game Over Online
    78
    NFL Fever 2003 continues to look good, sound great, and play fast, resulting in a solid yet slighly unrealistic arcade football experience.
  12. IGN
    77
    EA's and Sega Sports' 2003 football offerings are both making bigger leaps over their 2002 counterparts and both deliver a more complete NFL experience than Microsoft's in-house developed football game.
  13. GamerWeb Xbox
    75
    A rehashed version of last year's game is about all you'll find in this latest installment of a still-promising game.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best Xbox Game of 2002
67
#67 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. JSXero
    Apr 7, 2014
    8
    Mostly overlooked the Microsoft Studio's series of games really offered something different to the market, and they are more worthy of goingMostly overlooked the Microsoft Studio's series of games really offered something different to the market, and they are more worthy of going back for a second look than that year's EA Sports Title.

    NFL Fever 2003, is a fun arcade approach to the sport, and the game looks gorgeous with vibrant colors and beautiful models, you really forget how impressive the console was at the time until you go back and compare the visuals to today. The commentating team from NBA Inside Drive is here and they do a decent job, even throwing a few lines about mixing up which sport they are actually calling. The sound & graphics really set this apart from the vanilla Madden games at the time, and it's a shame there weren't more of these games out there.

    Gameplay wise, Fever is a touch more arcade-like than the Maddens or NFL 2Ks of it's time, and it's a joy to play. Navigating plays feels tighter than Madden at the time, and the CPU is more balanced. Usually sports games get surpassed year by year and are not worth going back to, but if you missed out on playing this one, or you haven't played it in a decade it is a fun sports game that is unique enough to go back to.    … Full Review »
  2. GradyY.
    Aug 5, 2003
    10
    This game is awesome. I love how the players are larger then life and run smoothly. This is better then madden and 2k series to me.
  3. AaronH.
    May 12, 2003
    10
    Best football graphics ever. Best football game ever. I hope they make a 2004 version.
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