Most versions of the game cover featured Madden prominently in the foreground, and a recognizable Barry Sanders in a background action graphic.

For the first time in the series, a limited number of players or their names could be either created or edited as modified rosters Franchise mode was improved somewhat and multiple owners can now participate in the same season.

Unlike the previous version, Madden NFL 2000 allows the user to delegate off-season duties to the CPU, such as re-signing/releasing players, drafting future stars, etc.

"[40] However, Greg Orlando of NextGen said of the same console version, "Madden loyalists will find more to love, but this franchise still plays second fiddle to GameDay.

"[41] Brad Cook gave the Nintendo 64 version four stars out of five, saying, "While Madden 2000 has made plenty of improvements, it still lags in some areas and even downgraded its play in a couple.

This leaves it far from perfect, but it's still a lot of fun, and the addition of the franchise mode is a welcome new feature in the Nintendo 64 version which will keep you playing with your favorite team for a long time.

Take a look at the tiny screen on the GBC and you'll know that the developers had a rough road ahead of them when trying to port Madden NFL 2000 to the 8-bit system.

"[45] Dr. Zombie of GamePro called the Nintendo 64 version "a no-brainer must-buy if you don't already own a football game for the N64, and hardcore Madden players will go nuts over the excellent mechanics.