In terms of visuals, the game features normal aesthetic intricacies. For obvious reasons, respectable backgrounds are emblazoned with cliché game sprites. Despite the game's grotesque style, the frame-rate and velocity are excellent, much to its credit. All in all, the Game Boy Color's hardware and graphical prowess, or lack thereof, is inevitably a factor. Likewise, the game is hampered by hardly distinct animation and a nefarious oversight of passing windows to reimburse the limited field of view.

Interestingly enough, Madden NFL 2002 offers crisp and clear digitized speech, courtesy of the quarterbacks. Needless to say, sampled speech is quite impressive when you consider the cartridge format. However, the rest of the game features run of the mill sound effects for passing, rushing and hits. To top things off there is an upbeat soundtrack that keeps things pumping while perusing the menus and after touchdowns.

On the gameplay front, the game features indecipherable in-game NFL teams and moreover shabby collision detection. In addition, defensive artificial intelligence is below par as tackling inadequacy and nonexistent interceptions plague the more ambitious title. For reference, running 15 yards adjacent to the sideline because of mediocre defensive A.I. is a testament, and blocked field goals make up a manifest destiny. In contrast, the game's offensive artificial intelligence is quite impressive as computer controlled players are excellent at evading tackles. All in all, don't expect much in terms of difficulty.

Nevertheless, Madden NFL 2002 features overwhelming in-depth statistics and other attention to detail that enthusiasts of pigskin action will embark on dissecting. For example, you can substitute players into formations and more importantly, set audibles. Conversely, the game quite possibly offers contrary aficionados to a tedious experience.

In regards to features, longevity of the game because of dehydrating normal gameplay modes such as exhibition, new season, new playoffs, password is a fresh victim of the axe. The game features link-up and quite simply, optional strategy because of sparse turnovers. Also, in essence, the game is hindered by repetitive gameplay because of 5/10/15 minutes in terms of quarter length. You can bet the game would have scored higher with extra diversity.