American football of course isn't everyone's idea of fun (or even sport) but I've played a few NFL games over the years and this is one of the best. Sega Sports have always had the license and the flashy presentation, but now it would seem that they've got the game to go with it. NFL 2K3 is about as detailed a game as you'll get, with gameplay and management options coming out of its ears.

   

You can choose from: Quick Game, Franchise, Season, Playoffs, Tournament, Exhibition, Situation (a chance to recreate real games?), or Practice. The practice mode is sadly lacking, and although it allows you to practice a few things (duh) there's nothing in the way of a tutorial or even tips, which I always think a NFL game needs if it's going to be a success outside the States.

Pre-game, the options available to you are simply gobsmacking. Three difficulty settings, Rookie, Pro and All-Pro and the ability to customize just about EVERYTHING from the amount of blocking and passing in a game to coverage and fatigue levels. The time of day, weather and temperature means you can play games on hot afternoons with the sun beating down or bleak snowstorms with strong winds howling across the stadium.

Team line-ups obviously include up to date rosters and several classic teams from the past. A lot of the players look like the real thing (even under helmets) and their varied physiques look believable and accurate.

The game has an excellent play selection method which you use via on-screen pop-up menus with the left stick and the X button (with R1 & L1 flicking to further selections) - it's quick, clear and easy, and makes a refreshing change.

   

Just like the introductory TV style programme, each game is presented like a TV Broadcast and it really sets the scene (although you certainly aren't going to want to watch it too often). A lot of sports game's commentaries are getting really good these days, but in a busy game like NFL the co-commentators get quite a workout and genuinely sound like they're watching your game. Make a good play and they'll praise you up, get sacked or intercepted and they'll slay your player (and your ability) - it's truly top stuff.

It's difficult to review an NFL game without mentioning EA's Madden, and it probably still just about has the edge on playability and accessibility, but if you're looking for depth and detail then NFL2K3 might just be the game for you.