The game does a really nice job of getting newbies into the it through the in-game tutorials referred to as training camp. While some of the drills are a little unnecessary (I don’t think many will get a lot out of the “how to run from point A to B” drill), most of the others do a good job of introducing you to the game and to the Read and Lead passing system. This is a good thing as Read and Lead (introduced in this version of Fever) takes a bit of getting used to.
Read and Lead allows you to drop back into the pocket, setup, find a receiver, and then aim where the ball is going to go. This allows you to “Read” the defense and the “Lead” the receiver with the ball. Once you snap the ball using the A button, you drop back into the pocket and press the A button again. This sets your feet and allows you to survey the field. You then select which receiver you want to pass to (each receiver is assigned a button, X, Y, A, B, and the black button). Once you select a receiver a passing cursor appears on the receiver and then you pick where you want to throw the ball. You throw the ball by pulling the right trigger (quick pull for a lob pass or a long pull for a bullet pass). Once the pass is thrown your receiver will adjust to where it’s thrown.
If it sounds like a lot to remember, it is but once you get used to it you realize the benefits. You have better control of where the ball is going, which can really help you squeeze it into some tight spaces. Of course, you still have to watch out for the defenders.
The practice mode also has Chalk Talks. Chalk Talks are six non-interactive overviews about football in general and how to use that knowledge in
NFL Fever 2004. They are actually fairly useful for introducing you to some basic football concepts and how to utilize them in the game. I actually learned a few new things about formations. I wish they had been interactive some how but they do a nice job of getting you into the game.
The game play is
NFL Fever 2004 is solid but not spectacular. The control scheme is decent and easily learned but occasionally it felt a little floaty. There is a lot to learn but the only thing that’s a bit of a pain is that you have to use the black button consistently during game play. It can be kind of a reach to hit it (especially if you have the original Xbox controller).
Play selection is the key of any football game and
NFL Fever 2004 actually does a pretty good job of it. Depending on your level of play, you can work with what the game suggests (based on down, distance, and field position), pick from generic sets (short, medium, and long pass, right, middle, left run), or pick a play starting from a particular formation. You also get the option of picking from recent plays, which is a nice touch (especially when you find a money play). The same system is in place for the defensive play picking.
Once you have the play selected, you can preview the play when you come up to the line of scrimmage by pushing the Y button. This gives you a preview of the routes being run and allows you to scan the defense to see what could and couldn’t work with the play called. If you see something you don’t like, you can press the black button to audible to something that could better take advantage of the situation. Another option is to press the white button and change the route of a receiver. See a corner blitz? Switch one of the receivers to a short route and burn them for a quick gain. What I really like most about the pre-snap play is if you are on defense, it shows you the defensive zone you are supposed to cover. Occasionally, you’ll get advice from your coach on what your opponent may be doing. This is a nice touch but at times seems to be off (I don’t think the offense is going to stretch the field when it’s first and goal from the five yard line).
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