ESPN NFL Football

The game formerly known as NFL 2K4 comes to the Xbox with the added bonus of online functionality. The reason for the name change? SEGA's acquisition of the coveted ESPN licence, spirited away from Konami. Suffice to say that SEGA, with all their experience and expertise, have not failed American Football fans, no sirree!

That fierce-looking fellow glaring at you from the cover of the game is Warren Sapp. He's the intimidating defensive tackle with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and just one of hundreds of real-life players in amongst all the data in SEGA's ESPN NFL Football. The amount of research and love that's gone into the detail behind this game is admirable, to say the least. Stadia, uniforms and player likenesses are all authentically replicated in what, even taking into account the graphical oomph of the Xbox, is a stunning looking game.

With an all-new play calling system and gameplay that can be scaled to both hardcore sports gamers and rookies alike, ESPN NFL Football provides a polished and fun experience for football fans everywhere. That Madden series had better watch its back.