WHAT store are you talking about here darkside?

10-yrd fight on NES owns all football games for the past decade.

Why does Gamespot give 2K3 for ps2 a 9.6, while the xbox version gets a 9.1? That is a pretty significant differance for what is seemingly the exact same game (if anything the graphics are slightly better on the xbox). Both have online play which the reviewer was able to test. This just calls into question the validity of reviews. If there is that big of a difference, why does he not explain? If anyone has played both versions, I would greatly appreciate if you could let me know if the ps2 version really is that much better.

Nope... no way the PS2 version is better. The game has been optimized for the power of the X-Box.

The explanation for this is either that different reviewers reviewed the game on each respective system, or they are reviewing versus what they think the console is capable of...

That explanation doesn't fly because if you read the reviews, they are almost identical word-wise.

It is the same reviewer. The only thing that I could think of is that it is similar to the differences in EA's NCAA 2003. While the game looks better on the xbox, the ps2 version controls much better. I just don't see the same difference popping up with 2 football games put out by different publishers though. Too much of a coincidence.

Gamespot always reviews games based on what the system is capable of. Thats why the Xbox is lower. It is capable of so much more.

I think thats EB...not sure though!

Gamespot editors have always maintained that review scores are not meant to be compared cross-platform. In other words, just because the PS2 version scored higher that the Xbox version that does not mean that the PS2 version is better overall than the Xbox version. The scores are not comparable. As Kegman previously mentioned, they score the game based on what the system is capable of. In this case, Gamespot obviously feels that NFL 2K3 has come extremely close to maximizing the potential of the PS2 to produce football games. On the Xbox, Gamespot apparently feels that although 2K3 is the best football game available on Xbox, it still could be even better.

I love Gamespot, but I find it funny that they can even theorize how much power a given system is using to run these games. I also laugh about how they can theorize what the system is capable of.

To your normal reader that doesn't know about how ratings are based at Gamespot...they will undoubtedly go out and get the PS2 version based upon the review. Gamespot should really combine the review like IGN does and give it a straight score while adding in that the graphics are better for X-Box and the control is better for PS2 (for instance).

I will probably rent these games, but I would guess I would buy Madden. Money is tight though and I think Mario Sunshine and Kingdom Hearts outweigh the next EA/Sega sports games at this time.

just got it, but haven't played it yet. man, i'd get this game just for the mini-camp games. those look fun.

anyway, screw circuit city. i went there, and they had the madden 2003 display out, with games in it (XBOX, PS2, Gamecube), with price stickers on them). I reach for a PS2 one, and this guy says, "we can't sell that to you." I say, "why?" he says, "cause it isn't in our computer yet." and i say, "then why do you have them out on the floor?" he has no immediate response to that. then says, "with ncaa 2003, we couldn't sell them til a week after we got them... might be the same with this." so i say, "well, this $10 giftcard offer. is that only for this week?" "yep" "and you can't sell this to me?" "yep" "then why even make the offer?" no response.

so i went to best buy and got it. WHY HAVE IT ON THE SHELVES IF YOU ARE NOT SELLING IT?!?! KEEP IT IN THE BACK!

I agree with you. Gamespot's system of reviewing cross-platform games is very confusing to the average gamer which can be witnessed by all the posts on various forums complaining about the Xbox version being rated lower. Since Gamespot is ultimately responsible to their customers (readers), they should respond to their complaints and change their rating system.

I picked up NFL2k3 a couple hours ago. I am 2 weeks into a season with the Packers. So far I am having trouble getting a hang of this years version. I normally dont play rookie, but I have to just to score. I have some practice ahead of me so I dont get embarrassed on Nov 15th!

I guy I work with said he was playing 2K3 for XBOX before he came in. He said the presentation is a lot better than Madden.

Well, no, because both got a 9 graphics score. PS2 had a 10 value and 10 tilt, while Xbox had 9's.

I think the difference is that the PS2 version is online in about a week, and the Xbox version isn't online until the middle of November.

By the way, this game is free online for PS2 owners, right?

As far as I know, EA is not charging a fee for any of their sports games.

2k3 is the best, only people buying madden are the ones who don't know any better

This is a tough decision!

Madden is simply unbelievable. I've been playing non-stop, and yet, I've only played a few games (I'm loving the mini-camps!) The actual gameplay is incredible.

I've been playing video game football since the Atari 2600, and Madden is simply the best NFL game I've ever played. If 2K3 is "better" (whatever that means) - it might slide into my top 5 games of all time. I'm waiting for the Best Buy offer next week (free $5 GC) to get it.

Is there anyone out there who simply likes both games?? Is it a must that you take sides?

Daryl

lol, do the players and madden still look small and chunky like in 2k2?

Tecmo SUPER Bowl all the way!

You don't have to wait... use the back to school coupons that you can get in the store for $5 off. (I'm not sure if you'll be able to combine the 2 - $5 off and $5 GC - as I'm sure they'll pull the "it's already on sale" crap. ) Unless you really want the Brian Urlacher DVD, you can save the $5 now.

Ahhh, so I can't use the $5 off and get a $5 GC? Well, I guess I won't wait until next week, then. I can see a trip to Best Buy in my not so distant future!

I think I'll switch over to 2K3 this year..

Hey guys I just purchased Madden 2003 for PS2. I think it's pretty good, I dont really care for the minigames in minicamp, but i think the game has been more competitive against Ai. played it for about 4 hours so far.

I will rent NFL 2k3 to see if its better, thinking about it I should of rented Madden as well, but then I hate blockbuster havent rented anything in about 3 years..hmm maybe i'll just buy NFL 2k3 as well.