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Click here to download and read
the Madden 2003 readme file (which includes the REAL minimun
system requirements)
Click here to download and read the
Madden 2003 faq.txt file
Click here to download
and peruse the Madden 2003 manual (in *.pdf format)
This is very disorganized, and
I'm sorry about that. I'm just playing a little of the game,
then coming back here and posting my random thoughts. Check back
often, as this list will just keep growing and growing...
OK, here go my random notes...
- Setup took a little longer
then I would have liked
- There was an update available,
but I am unable to install it. Was given a message "Old file
not found. However, a file of the same name was found. No
update done since the file contents do not match"
- The two times I have tried to
start the game so far, the game has partially loaded, then
crashed back to the desktop. Things aren't looking up so
far...
- well, I can't play the game. I
have tried adjusting the compatibility settings, and I can't
get the game to stop crashing to the desktop. I get the
selection screen, then the EA Sports splash screen, then the
screen with the little loading bar, then crashed back to the
desktop. for those who are wondering, this is my setup that it
is happening with.
Windows XP Pro
AMD Athlon Thunderbird 1200 MHz Processor
768 MB SDRAM
GeForce 2 MX 400 Video Card running the Detonator 29.42
drivers
All the files and drivers are the latest, including the VIA
chipset package, the q306676 patch from Microsoft that EA
mentions in the readme file, and Directx 8.1b.
The letter enclosed with the game says that I have to wait
until after the launch date for any support, so I guess it
looks as if I'm screwed for right now. Sorry guys and gals, I
did the best I could.
OK, I tried disabling my sound
driver, and was able to get into the game, minus sound of
course. I use the on-board sound chip, which is the AC 97.
Apparently, the game has a compatibility issue with that chip.
Anyway, here are some screen
shots before I get too into playing
As you can see, Ray Lewis and
Marshall Faulk are among the layers (with names) who have the 99
OVR rating. Michael Strahan does also, apparently the fact that
he was handed his record on a silver plate by Brett Farve didn't
factor in.
- Hey, wonderful news! I went for
it on fourth and 13, and guess what...I DIDN'T CONVERT! Looks
like that is FINALLY fixed. Woohoo!
- Also, two more defensive
formations, the quarter, and my personal favorite, the 46. Now
that I am actually in the game, I'm really liking it. There is
also a feature to challenge plays on the field. Most
interesting...
- I like how we don't need codes
anymore. to earn them or anything. What I don't like is that
the cool teams like the Marshalls, and my personal favorite,
the Sugarbuzz, are now gone. That sucks.
- Passing is a little different,
and the pass markers are up right at the snap, rather then
having to hit the snap button again to bring them up. That
takes a little getting used to.
- There is a new "ask Madden"
feature, where John will recommend a play for you. This
feature was originally in NFL Fever 2000, where you asked Matt
Millen for a play. I am pleased to see this feature return. I
don't use it much, but it would be most helpful for those new
to the game of football.
- The game seems to have the
general look and feel of the 2001 PS2 version, but that's OK,
just so long as we are now being treated equal to console
gamers now finally
- So far, it appears as if the
only custom logos that work in both 2002 and 2003 are the
midfield logos, but I'm working on confirming this
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