Madden NFL 2002

One of the most important sports franchises in the history of home video gaming suits up for an encore presentation on the gridirons of the PlayStation 2 with this release of Madden NFL 2002. Madden NFL 2001 helped launch Sony's 128-bit system a year earlier and the game returns to the "next-generation" console with a continued focus on authenticity in this 2002 edition. While no major renovations have been made to the landmark technical presentation and familiar gameplay style established on the PS2 by Madden NFL 2001, this 2002 edition has been refined and tweaked to add details and animations designed to provide a more realistic overall experience. Body shapes, facial expressions, and other player details have been adjusted for more realism and coaches, crowds, and cheerleaders are more animated, reactive, and context-sensitive. As always, the real-life teams, divisions, and player rosters are updated to match those of the most recent (2000-2001) NFL season.

OFFENSE

Before the Snap:
R2 Button + D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = coach's cam
Circle Button = fake snap
Square Button = call audible
R1 Button + D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = pan camera
Square Button + R2 Button = flip play
L3 Button = quiet the crowd
X Button = snap

Running:
D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = move player
X Button = sprint
Square Button = dive
Triangle Button = jump/hurdle
Circle Button = spin
L1/R1 Buttons = juke left/right
L2/R2 Buttons = stiff arm left/right

Passing:
X Button = view available receivers (after the snap)
Triangle Button = toggle passing icons on/off
X/Square/Triangle/Circle Buttons = pass to receiver with corresponding symbol
L2 + Triangle Buttons = throw ball away
L2 + Receiver symbol = route-based passing
R2 Button + D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = pump fake

Analog Passing:
Right Analog Stick = select receiver
R3 Button = pass
L3 Button = pump fake

Receiving:
X Button = control intended receiver
Square Button = dive for pass
Circle Button = sprint
Triangle Button = jump for pass

Blocking:
X Button = switch to closest blocker/receiver
Square Button = cut block
Circle Button = power block


DEFENSE

Before the Snap:
X/Circle Buttons = cycle through defenders
D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = reposition player
L2/R2 Buttons = defensive line shift
L1/R1 Buttons = linebacker shift
Triangle Button = coverage audible

After the Snap:
X Button = control player closes to ball
D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = move player
Square Button = dive
Circle Button = sprint
Triangle Button = jump
L2/R2 Buttons = strip ball
L2 + R2 Buttons = spin move
L1/R1 Buttons = swat ball (while ball is in air)
L1 + R1 Buttons = swim move


KICKING GAME

D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = direction/elevation of kick
X Button = start kick meter
X Button = stop kick meter (power)
X Button = stop meter (accuracy)
Square Button = call audible


KICKOFF/PUNT RETURNING

X Button = switch players
D-Pad/Left Analog Stick = move player
Triangle Button = fair catch ~ Rolando Eccleston, All Game Guide