Another month and another American football game comes charging into the office and dives across our desk for a touchdown. But rather than just being an annual update in the style of EA's Madden series or Microsoft's NFL Fever titles, Sega has changed the face of the game forever, or at least until the deal with sports network ESPN runs out. It could be Late Night Football on Five in a few years, who knows?

The emphasis is on making you play through the game like you're watching it on the box. Everything from the opening title screen to the instant replays is taken directly from EPSN's TV coverage of the sport. Even the commentators have been drafted in to make the game seem as close to its television counterpart as possible. And it works well although the commentary isn't anywhere near as exciting as that of its rivals. A completely new addition to the formula is the Crib, which basically acts as an adult playpen where you can chill out between matches by playing classic arcade games, fiddle around with your jukebox (behave yourself) and get into a bit of air hockey and table football.

Another new addition to the series - and indeed the genre - is first-person football. This does exactly what it says on the tin. You get to play the entire game through the eyes of your selected player. But while this does serve up a completely new way of playing - and viewing - America's greatest game, it's rock hard to do anything other than get yourself completely lost on the field.

ESPN NFL Football is a good game, with everything you'd expect in there. But with Madden NFL 2004 (Issue 21, 8.5) and NFL Fever 2004 already on the pitch, there's not much room for a third. The fact that there's full Xbox Live play in there should save this, though.

1. Great crib and first-person modes
2. Captures the ESPN vibe well
3. Xbox Live play

1. Not great looking
2. Difficult to get started for newbies

Power
Somewhat lacking in looks though players move well. Doesn't take advantage of the hardware.

Style
Beautifully wrapped up in an authentic ESPN manner. Captures the spectacle of the NFL well.

Immersion
Not as deep as its rivals but the Crib and first-person football modes will keep you occupied.

Lifespan
Xbox Live should keep you in shape over many months to come on top of a deep Career mode.

Summary
A good American football game hoosted by the addition of some very clever and completely new game modes.