NFL Fever 2003 Impressions (Xbox Live) & THPS4 Box Art

[Bond]

NFL Fever 2003 Impressions (Xbox Live):

http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories...872737,00.html

We recently had an opportunity to try out NFL Fever 2003's online features in a two-on-two game on Xbox Live. We had one team in San Francisco and another in Chicago, and before starting the game, we were able to select from one of several different voice-masking options, including the popular robot and big man voice masks. You'll be able to hear what you'll sound like when selecting, so if you don't like the way a particular voice mask sounds, you can choose another one or turn it off entirely. Fever 2003 functions similarly to the online modes in Sega's NFL 2K series. Participants can select their teams--including current teams, teams from specific years, and the two Pro Bowl teams from last season--and then jump right into a game.
The gameplay was very smooth, and there was no noticeable lag in our game, though we did see some traces of it during a game that took place after ours. There was also a slight lag in the voice communication, so we would hear our opponents make comments about specific plays a second or so after they happened. In addition, when playing with two or three other teammates, you might have the tendency to discuss plays without pressing the mute button located at the top of the Xbox Live contraption that sits in the Xbox controller memory card slot, so the opposing team will occasionally hear what you're planning to run. There were also some moments, particular during kickoffs, where it wasn't entirely clear which teammate had control of the ball, but all these issues became less of a problem as we grew more familiar with the game.

You'll eventually find that playing a multiplayer game in Fever 2003 with a group of teammates requires quite a bit of communication. During our particular game, the score was still pretty close in the fourth quarter, so we agreed to stick to using defensive linemen and let the computer AI handle the defensive backs, since it seemed a little more adequately prepared to defend against long passes. On offense, you'll have to use similar kinds of communication on running plays, passing plays, and audibles so your teammates know which play you've selected.

When the opposing team goes into the menu to call a time out or view an instant replay, you'll be automatically dropped into the menu as well. If you press start, the game will say that it's waiting for the other player to get out of the menu screen. This could potentially become an annoying feature if your opponent gets really excited by replays, but at least you're not forced to watch them.

Overall, we were quite impressed with the experience, as it felt like the opponents in Chicago were sitting in the same room with us and playing the game. There was no serious lag, and the gameplay seemed solid. We'll have more on NFL Fever 2003 and Xbox Live soon.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4 Box Art:

http://www.teamxbox.com/news.php?id=3386



Good to hear that Xbox Live seems to be working out fairly well. And just my opinion, but I am sick of the Tony Hawk series.