There are a few NFL games currently available for Xbox, with Madden NFL 2003 presently ruling the roost. American football is quite a specialist market, but NFL Fever 2004 aims to redress this by delivering a more mainstream title. Many people are baffled by the rules and endless stats of the sport, but this is where Fever shines. An intuitive tutorial covers everything from running, passing and catching techniques, to understanding offensive, defensive and special plays and tactics, and serves as a fantastic introduction to the game.

Set up a match and try out all your new techniques. You'll get the option of three plays plus the coach's choice each down, and the latter is always a safe bet. Check the play, then utilise the ingenious Read and Lead option. Hike the ball and check how things are shaping up. Assign a receiver via the A, B, X or Black button, aim the cursor, then precisely throw a bullet/lob/high/low pass directly into his path. It sounds complex, and can at first be quite tricky to get your head round, but once mastered it gives the player a huge amount of control over plays.

Graphically, it excels. Player movements have been refined so they run and tackle in a startlingly realistic way. On the whole, everything looks more smooth and fluid, and is a distinct improvement over last year's game. The AI is excellent as well - challenging but not unfair - giving you a genuine sense of achievement when you complete a spectacular pass or play.

There are tons of teams available, from the latest '04 stats to the classic teams of yesteryear like the '89 49ers and Super Bowl winners the '93 Dallas Cowboys, plus all the top college teams. There's a great single-player Career mode, and multiplayer is brilliant. Four players can play on one screen, but it's the addition of (da da daaa...) Xbox Live that sets this apart from the crowd. Yep that's right, beat the Yanks at their own game and dish out sarcastic abuse from the comfort of your sofa in rainy old Blighty. Magic!

NFL Fever 2004 does exactly what it set out to do; it's complex enough for Gridiron fans to immerse themselves in yet completely accessible for first timers to pick up and play. Add a fun multiplayer mode and Xbox Live, and you've got a fantastic sports title.

1. Easy to get into
2. Excellent tutorial
3. Simplified plays and stats don't confuse
4. Live will be a blast

1. Read and lead
2. Passing is technically demanding

Power
Looks and sounds great, smooth player movement and no slowdown at all.

Style
The entertaining commentary and epic stadiums invoke a great atmosphere.

Immersion
Very easy to pick up and play. Total novices can become experts within an hour.

Lifespan
Career mode will keep you engrossed but on Xbox Live you'll be playing this for a long time.

Summary
Accomplished NFL sports title with the emphasis on arcade action rather than endless stats. Xbox Live is a great addition.