EA Sports has tried for years to convert it's popular football and hockey titles to the Gameboy with little success. Now, however, the Gameboy Advance technology has caught up enough that the super successful titles of the 16-bit era can be easily ported. Enter Madden 2002, a nearly perfect copy of the Genesis/Super Nintendo era EA Sport's titles with perfectly up to date rosters. For those who remember how good those games were, you know how good this is.
Aesthetics:
This game picks up right where the 16 bit Madden series left off graphics-wise. The players are still a little small, but that works great on the small GBA screen. Animation, always a trademark of Madden, is top-notch. The only real gripe one could have is that Madden 2002 doesn't take advantage of the Advance's color palette all that well. Overall, though, if you liked the way Madden looked in the mid-90's, you'll like how it looks on the Gameboy advance.
Sound:
A lot of sound gets pumped out of the GBA in this game, as the sound quality is surprisingly good. Although the crowd noise is not fantastic and somewhat static, it doesn't take away from the game. Madden and Summerall provide decent commentary, and the opening music is taken right out of the Gamecube version.
Gameplay:
Gameplay is standard Madden fare. Players move with realistic physics, computer AI is tough, and the game has a very realistic feel, for the most part. However, some of the old problems from the 16 bit era are here.
Running is more of a hit or miss option, especially up the middle. Real success on the ground relies on sweeps and tosses. While a successful running game is possible, passing is a much easier option.
Also, while the game is good for what it is, it's not great for what it isn't. There is no stat tracking, no franchise, not even a two minute drill or a create-a-player. While there is a season mode that is good, it has the feel of a bare bones version of Madden. While it's a good game without these things, it would be that much better with them. EA Sports would be wise to add at least a few of these options in 2003.
Control:
The controls are tight and responsive, though players have a tendency to slide a bit rather than actually run. Although Madden could have had a problem with the two button format, the shoulder buttons work well for throwing to the third receiver.
The only real fault comes in play selection, which works exactly like Madden's big brother on the Gamecube. You pick from three plays with L, A, and B, and a simple "one window" would have been fine, as their is now reason to hide plays.
Multiplayer:
Segue to the only real fault to Madden 2002. There is no need to hide plays because there is no multi-player to speak of. If you are not a fan of solitaire sports, don't bother because you can't link up and play. Multi-player is the key to EA Sports titles, and one can only hope this was simply due to a lack of time and will be corrected in future sports titles.
OVERALL:
Even without multi-player and some of the bells and whistles of the Cube version, Madden 2002 is a fantastic game of portable football. If you were a 16 bit Madden fan, this is a must have as it is just as fun as the classic old titles. If you never played those games, it's a fantastic way to play a game that includes a current NFL feel and superb, patented, Madden gameplay.
The Lowdown on  Madden GBA
| Aesthetics: Very Good |
Control: Very Good |
| Gameplay: Very Good |
Multiplayer: Terrible |
| Sound: Very Good |
Innovation: 4/6 |
| Lasting Appeal: 4/6 |
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Overall: Very Good!
"A Must-Buy"
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Madden GBA
