NFL Fever 2004

NFL Fever 2004 leads the charge onto XSN Sports. Hands-on impressions!

As the third or possibly even fourth pigskin game on the Xbox?s depth chart, the NFL Fever series hasn?t managed the Super Bowl level of success, but it?s done an admirable job of delivering fast-paced, action-packed football. This season, it has a shot at drawing more attention because it?s the launch title in Microsoft?s new XSN Sports series on Xbox Live. The XSN connection means that you can form leagues and tournaments on XSNSports.com, and that info is then synched with your Xbox over the Internet, where you can meet the competition head-to-head. With a host of other sharp features, NFL Fever 2004?s online support is one of its big draws.

But all that adds up to squat if the game doesn?t play well, and Microsoft has focused on the right areas in the off-season. The defense did a lot of work in training camp, including making more effective on-the-fly adjustments, better tackling and blocking, and a tighter secondary. On offense, Microsoft has focused on smoothing out the passing game to match the already-solid running game with some intriguing new options. Retooled graphics and coaches stalking the sidelines also help improve the game.

In hands-on time with a preview version, the new controls for passing presented some intriguing new concepts. QBs use the trigger to regulate how hard the throw is and the right analog stick to move a cursor around the field to control where the ball goes in relation to the receiver. The game feels like it?s maintaining its cartoony look and arcadey action focus, while cool touches, like your coach radioing in advice while you choose plays or the ability to save mid-game, add a lot. Fever?s good at doing its own thing, and if you like its brand of ball, 2004 should be another solid season.

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