E3 2001 Hands-onMadden NFL 2002

EA Sports has been a supporter of Nintendo consoles for almost two decades, and it will bring its Madden franchise to Nintendo's next console at its launch on November 5. The GameCube version of Madden is essentially the same game as its PlayStation 2 counterpart with improved graphics. The gameplay modes included in the games are identical, as is the computer's AI.

Madden 2002 will include all the features players have come to expect from the franchise. There is a season franchise mode that may be played for up to 30 continuous seasons, as well as an exhibition mode where up to four players can go head-to-head. New gameplay features in the franchise include a coaches corner mode, where you're taught the finer points of gridiron strategy by John Madden himself. You can create your own players, and you can also create an entire team and customize its logo, uniforms, helmets, and stadium. The two-minute drill mode lets you practice your end-of-game clock management skills in a variety of situations. Madden NFL 2002 will include all 32 NFL teams. The latest expansion team, the Houston Texans, will also be included in the game, and you may conduct your own expansion draft to fill the team's roster. There are all-new Madden cards included with new players, designs, and cheerleaders.

The GameCube version of Madden 2002 is the best-looking version on display at EA's booth. The player faces look more realistic than those found in the Xbox and PlayStation 2 iterations, and the colors are much more vivid. Madden 2002 includes all new face and body technology that eliminates the blank stares found in last year's PlayStation 2 version, and more coaching animations have been included for the sideline shots. Hundreds of new animations have been added for the players, as well as more transition animations to make the time between plays appear more realistic. New replay camera angles have also been added for increased dramatics, including a camera angle that lets you see the action from behind one of the players' facemask.

Other improvements on last year's PlayStation 2 version of Madden include new defensive and blocking logic, linebacker shifts, defensive back shifts, and widescreen TV support. The first Madden for the GameCube is shaping up to be quite good. It plays well, looks great, and is loaded with features. We'll have more on Madden NFL 2002 for the GameCube when it becomes available.