NFL 2K3 GameCube

American Football is a sport there has been little demand for on European shores. The real thing is about as popular over here as soccer is over there, but Sega's latest video game equivalent, NFL 2K3, proves to be one of the most fun and brutal games on GameCube. In what is fundamentally a game of rugby with safety gear, NFL 2K3 promises the usual selection of well-known players from the game along with a plethora of statistics and stadium venues. And building on the spectacular gameplay and presentation of previous games in the 2K series, NFL 2K3 raises the proverbial bar once again with new life-like player animations, play-calling intelligence, an on-the-fly audible system and a new ESPN broadcast system. From a visual standpoint, NFL 2K3 is an expected improvement over previous games and it looks cracking on GameCube, although it does have stiff competition from the Xbox version. The control method is more than adequate too, with GameCube's ever-ergonomic controller serving its purpose admirably. Of the new additions, perhaps the most significant is Franchise Mode. Here you can track comprehensive player stats and make shrewd trades to build your franchise. Think of it as a career mode. NFL 2K3 is an all-round improvement not just on its predecessors in the series but on any other NFL game available... until 2K4, that is.