First look: Madden NFL 2003 GameCube

The first screenshots from Madden NFL 2003 for the GameCube have been released. The game will feature the same graphics engine used in last year's game but will include newly designed stadiums and field textures. The majority of enhancements have been made to the franchise's gameplay. The go-to plays have been removed to keep especially skilled players from dominating games, special moves like stiff arms have been improved, and the blocking AI has been improved so that holes in the line of scrimmage are more pronounced.

The franchise mode has also undergone some changes. There is now a training camp option that allows players to cut members of their team who aren't measuring up to their standards, and there will be preseason games to get a better look at prospects.

Madden NFL 2003 is currently scheduled for release to coincide with the start of the NFL season in early September. We'll have more on the game when it becomes available.