Notably, it does not feature the Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, who is included on later editions of the game as a roster update.

Also the game featured the 2002 Expansion Draft where the player can add the 32nd team into the league, but it will force the Seattle Seahawks to move into the NFC (which will occur in the second season of the 30-season Franchise mode).

[65] Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi of GameZone gave the PC version 9.5 out of 10, saying, "This is probably the most beautiful display of 3-D graphics you will find in any sports game to date.

"[68] Kevin Krause gave the PlayStation 2 version the same score of 8.9, calling it "a game that's so feature-rich, so extremely customizable, and so realistic that I'd recommend this one even if you're not a football buff.

"[72][c] Jake the Snake said of the PlayStation version, "If you need a new football game as badly as you need a system upgrade, Madden 2002 drills it through the old wooden uprights.

"[74][e] Two issues later, Bro Buzz said of the Xbox version, "Madden makes the smary play by not fixing anything that ain't broke.

But if you're a first-time football gamer looking for a serious simulation or a pro totally committing to the Xbox, you can't go wrong with Madden NFL 2002.

The graphics and gameplay are terrific, and the create-a-team and franchises features are now more complete, allowing you greater control over building your football dynasty.

Madden NFL 2002 not only plays an incredibly deep and solid game of football, but it showcases the system's versatility for handling a fast-paced sports simulation.

Combined sales of all Madden NFL computer games released between January 2000 and August 2006 had reached 1.9 million units in the U.S. by the latter date.