Although being the fourth in the series, this is the first time an NFL game from Sega has been available on the PAL format in New Zealand. And what a debut it is. The big thing that gets you right from the start is that the game is sporting the ESPN license, so anyone familiar with Sports Center will feel right at home.

As with most sports games the usual selection of modes are available in NFL 2k3. They are Practice mode, Exhibition, Season, Playoffs and Tournament. The Franchise mode has taken a complete overhaul this time round and is presented in a very nice manner. Everything is laid out on the desk with a monitor used to view stats, trades and a clipboard or file to view other details. All the choices can be left to the user but if everything seems too daunting then an assistant coach is available to help make decisions whether they are trades, training or drafting. If you have ever thought you have what it takes to create your own dream team, this is the place to prove it.

The award winning commentary has made a welcoming return with Peter O'Keefe and Dan Stevens back in the box. The play-by-play commentary is simply fantastic - they will call them as they see them. As with all sports games the commentary can become a little bit repetitive, but in the Sega Sports franchise there is always something new to hear. In addition to the in game narration there is also the half and full time commentary from Sports Center ranging from the "Hot at the Half" player down to the "Play of the Week". This is something new in a sports game and is pulled off remarkably well, the only thing being it is only evident in the Season or Franchise mode.

The graphics have received an upgrade and this shows. Although the player's faces don't resemble the real life players as well as one would hope the actual detail on their faces is of an exceptional quality. You can literally see the moments of joy, frustration and disappointment in there eyes during and after the plays. Even teammates talking to each other after a play or a pat on the back after a pass is dropped. Gang tackles are another new addition and combined with the entire running, catching and dodging this really is poetry in motion.

There are the occasional glitches that seem to have snuck through such as sometimes a player doesn't quite look like he's on the playing field or a plaster disappears as the player nears the camera. Thankfully these are not off putting to the rest of the game. The crowd remains in 2D as with most in the genre but on the sidelines you now have fellow teammates, cheerleaders and even cameramen all in glorious 3D.

Controls are very tight with an excellent choice of moves that are easily accessible. Some moves depend on whether the run meter has built up, which is a little arrow below the selected player. When this is filled orange a few more moves become available such as a 'quick dash' or a 'huddle of the ball' to prevent a fumble.

The AI has taken a step up as well, although sometimes this can be for the worse. In a two-player game interceptions can be a plenty, which can lead to frustration. Occasionally there is the odd bug such as the AI team not catching the ball after a punt and they just leave it on the ground. This doesn't occur every game, but it's still there. Other times it can seem like the AI can predict quite a few plays ahead when on the default difficulty setting and can give out ridiculous thrashings (are you sure you don't need to just practice more? - Ed). Thankfully there is a customizable option so you can fine-tune all the sliders to a preferred setting which can make the game both enjoyable and rewarding whether you win or lose.