Now that the highly anticipated football season is upon us, we have been bombarded with football games for our PS2 system. The question is, "Which football game is the true champion for this season? " Well you must have seen all the commercials that have come out for this title. If you have not then my question to you is, "Where the F@%*# have you been? Under a rock?" The great advertising that has gone into the promotion of this title is very accurate to the quality of this game. As the commercial states "We have been training all last season" and it is obvious that Sega Sports and Visual Concepts have. You could tell by the ads alone that they have been waiting for this chance to show the world that EA Sports time has come.

The first thing that gamers will notice is the drastic change in presentation on all levels. Sega Sports has some how been able to land the popular ESPN sports network to present the game. Let me tell you, it is the best thing that they could have done. The ESPN style presentation that this game now has makes the gaming audience know that Sega is serious. There is nothing better than seeing your game stats in the Sports Center format. In addition, as the game progresses, the commentators refer to different strengths and weaknesses that each team has by showing the offensive or defensive players. At halftime, they also recognize the player at the half! Leave it to Sega to come with the realness. The character animations have also been greatly advanced. Gone is the awful lanky look that the players in the previous titles have had. The characters have been remodeled and look very realistic to their real life counterparts. The facial animations are great under the helmet. The players in the game look like their real life counterparts, complete with facial expressions. I must also add that the reactions that the players have to the events that take place on the field are appropriate. There are also new animations within the action that takes place on the field; the tackles in this game look real. They are not over exaggerated like most arcade type football titles, however they do pack a punch when there is a take down. In addition, the manner in which the players interact during and in-between plays make the gaming audience perceive the in game presentation as real. From faking the pass to performing running moves, this game is a visual feast for us lucky game fans for PS2.

Now on to the most important part that is integral to any sports title is the gameplay. Let me warn new fans to the genre, there is a lot to learn, but if you are familiar with the football franchise and others like it then you will be extremely pleased with the implementation of the new moves. Actions such as stiff arms, jukes, spinning off the tackle, hurdle (the list goes on), are very effective once timed right. In previous titles for all football games it did not seem to matter if these were done, if the defense has you there would be nothing to be said about it. That seems to be Sega's focus this year. The gameplay is very tight and the player has complete control over receivers and running backs, even if a play has been under passed or over thrown there is the opportunity to take the situation into your own hands and make it work. The playbook in this series is deeper than the middle of the ocean. There seems to be more plays than you can shake a stick at. Another great item is the on the fly audible system that players have access to on offence or defense. You are able to keep the offence or defense guessing by the use of the audibles, blitz pick-ups, and the all new cut block system. The defensive line moves are also very deep as well, so expect a lot of pressure on your QB. So with all of this in the game, the action will remain hot for four quarters.

The sound in this game is great as well. Leave it to Sega to bring us gamers to the sidelines to hear all the bone crushing action that can be heard on field. When a player takes a big hit, not only will you see him get up slowly or with the assistance of his teammate, but also you will definitely hear about it. The commentating in this game is second to none! Sega has found some way to squeeze these Sport Center personalities into this disk. When there is action on the field, you are well informed as to the teams' performance. The commentators praise great plays, let you know if you have picked the wrong play, and lost the battle in this game of inches. The sports personalities are accurate and on top of all the action, that takes place on the field.

The great value to this title is the on-line option that we PS2 owners now have available to us through the network adapter. Sega has been an innovator of this since the days of the Dreamcast. The on-line play is great; you have the option to play many different people from around the world that feel they have the skill to just bring it! The gameplay on-line is smooth, there is no slow down, and it is easy to load into. Not only can you play someone in house, but also the network allows interactive play with others that are on the network.

The question that is on many gamer' minds is which football game to purchase? Well after seeing the competition, I would have to say that Sega is the king of the gridiron this year. Not to take anything away from the Madden series (it is also a great title), this game appears to have that little bit of extra oomph this year. Presentation, gameplay, new graphics make the game feel and look more realistic than its competition. My vote is for Sega! Remember the motto, "If it is in the game, it's in the game!" Well the same applies here as well. This title will not leave football disappointed!