User Rating: 8.4 | NFL Fever 2004 (Xbox World Collection) XBOX
So far I'm not disappointed NFL Fever 2004, it's not a bad game but then again it does have some faults. Coming from the Sega 2k3 camp and having tried (and returned) Madden 2004 I was hoping for an alternative football game and boy did I get one. NFL fever is a completely different experience from Madden or 2k3, let me give you example. My wife does not know anything about positions, formations, or anything technical about football. She did not like watching the games on TV, but she liked playing console football games, but never really knew what was going on. In NFL Fever 2004 the coaches help remind you of the way the game has been played and what offenses and defenses to play. Plus, you can get an explanation of just about any play you would want to select. There is also a practice mode to learn whatever you would like to know about the game! I know that this doesn't matter to most of you football professors out there, but to someone who has just gotten involved in football or doesn't know the details of what's plays are what, its a WONDERFUL addition. Also, I know Madden 2004 does a very good job at play explanation, but I don't like the way it feels or plays, plus there is no X-Box Live support. When it comes down to how the game controls, it's a breeze, unlike most other football games out there. I know people argue "I want to have total control in my game" but I feel that Fever has great controls without giving you too much to overwhelm you. Even better is the new "Read and Lead" pass control, which means I can actually decide where the ball will be thrown, what angle and how much OOMPH I put behind it. On the options side of things, there's really no bells and whistles besides a dynasty mode and a classic challenge. Classic Challenge puts you up against classic NFL teams that are unlocked after a victory. I dislike all of the gimmicks that football games are having to come up with just to make their products sell so the "lack of options here does not bother me. I am here to play football with my family and friends and Fever does this well. Speaking of playing with friends, I don't see how anyone can compete with the XSN online play. It is too well done, has too many options, and is way ahead of any other sports game, period (plus its free). If you want to know more about it go to xsnsports.com, there's just too much for me to explain here. Let's see, the sound is amazing in 5.1 but the commentary is okay, nowhere near as good as 2k3. The biggest gripe is the coaches voice over are just plain bad, especially when compared to the real life coaches they are modeled after. The graphics I think look better than Madden or 2k3 demo, but the crowd should look better and the coaches likeness to the real thing just plain suck lemons. The animations are pretty good but both 2k3 and Madden beat Fever in variety. Pros: Tops for beginners and novices, Easy to pick up and play, Wonderful online options, Great gameplay on the field, Cool unlockable stadiums, Coach advice and help is really neat. Cons: Really bad likeness and voice overs for coaches, Not much variety in the game modes, Need more animations, Presentation in game are not on par with the competition. 
