ESPN NFL PrimeTime 2002 PlayStation 2

ESPN lends its name and distinctive style of presentation in Konami's first football game for the PlayStation 2. In addition to the show's theme song, menu screens, and graphics, the license includes commentary by veteran broadcaster Chris Berman and former NFL great Tom Jackson. NFL teams and players with stats and ratings from the 2000 season are available in four game modes: Exhibition, Franchise, Practice, and Tournament.

Field conditions, weather, and scenarios can be adjusted before each Exhibition game. Franchise mode spans 15 consecutive seasons of evaluating rookies to draft, managing the salary cap, and dealing with injuries. If an athlete isn't performing up to standards, he can be cut and replaced with a free agent or newly created player. Up to five team members can be put on the trading block before soliciting offers from CPU owners.

Franchise games can either be played or simulated. If the simulation option is selected, would-be coaches can set up a game plan on both offense and defense by adjusting sliders to account for aggression, tendency (pass or run), defensive blitzing, and coverage. Players can also target specific threats on the opposing team to adjust coverage for. The status of injured athletes is monitored from the Franchise menu as well.

Practice mode promotes team and playbook familiarity by letting players carry out specific plays anywhere on the field against an optional defense. Up to 16 teams can face off in a Tournament, using either Elimination or Round Robin formats. Options include four difficulty levels, a fantasy draft, and the ability to modify team rosters. As in the other modes, all user profiles, statistics, and progress can be saved to memory card. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide