"Stop thinking about a girl and play some football!"

He is not the nicest person in the world, but then, he’s not supposed to be. He’s your coach, not your friend. He is there to exhort you to hit harder, run faster, and be generally meaner.

Welcome to the world of NFL Fever 2004, a world that just got a lot bigger courtesy of the Xbox and XSN Sports. Microsoft’s football title has always been right up there graphically and in terms of playability, but now with the expanded world or XSN, players will have more reasons to hop online and play in tournaments as well as chart stats.

The newest installment in Microsoft’s football franchise has other new features in addition to the XSN connection.

The game has a head coach mode, the sideline boss who will give some advice - though it is accurate only about half the time. The game also has been revamped in some areas, such as revised blocking and tackling systems. Players drive forward with shoulders down and can pummel the opposition.

The game also has a new offensive coordinator with a better selection of plays through the interface. The quarterback reads the field better and you have to trigger the pass. You can select a receiver, but until you press the right trigger button, that pigskin is not going airborne.

The player interface has been revamped to present material is a more intuitive format. You can play call quickly or get more strategic in your head coaching.

Graphically the game has taken a step up. The player faces all look more like their real-life counterparts, and the size is more in tune with what real football players look like. The stadiums look much better, as do the crowds.

The sound has also received some upgrades with new banter from Kevin Calabro and Ron Pitts. Snappy lines, witticisms and well-done play-by-play drive the game forward.

Michael Vick steps back in the pocket. His line seems to be blocking on roller skates, because they are rapidly moving backwards. The receivers downfield have drawn double coverage and the Falcons’ defensive secondary has been shredded by Washington’s quarterback, so points have to go up. Vick, the most dangerous quarterback in the NFL, does what he does best - tucks the ball and runs. First down - the drive is alive.

Vick takes the snap, drops back, rolls left and looks downfield. MarTay Jenkins gets some separation from the Redskins secondary. The toss is on the money and 64 yards is covered in seconds to knot the score.

This is going to be a horse race. Last on to score will win.

"The fans hate you, but I’m starting to agree with them!" Oh, harsh words from the head coach, directed at a disappearing secondary - or where they directed at the game player? Something must have been taken to heart because moments later the same DB who was just burned, reaches out and tips away what would have been a touchdown reception.

That is one of the things that really steps to the forefront of this title. The animations have been upgraded and whether high tackles or diving attempts by defensive backs to knock away the pass, this game looks wonderful.

While some developers would take a top title, then sit back and just casually update it. That was part of the problem with NFL Fever 2003, though it had other issues. When the first title in the series was released, it looked like Microsoft had a tremendous franchise that had a bright future. Fever 2003 was a good title, but somewhat of a disappointment as a follow to Fever 2002. Now enter Fever 2004. This is a great follow-up, sparkling with great features and entertaining game play.

The red zone (inside the 20-yard line) performance is the key measuring stick of NFL offenses. Consistency in putting points on the board is vital. NFL Fever 2004 is a top-performer in the red zone of console gridiron games.

This game will be rated for Everyone.

Gameplay: 8.9
There are some minor anomalies in the player movement. At times this game could have casual passers-by doing doubletakes to see if this is indeed a real NFL game or a video game. But then, the players seem to move slowly to the line of scrimmage - not the trot, but it is obviously slow movement and a frame rate issue. However, this is still a game that flows well.

Graphics: 9.6
From the player interface, to the drive recaps and animations, lighting and stadiums, this is an incredible-looking game

Sound: 9.1
The play-by-play and color commentary are excellent. The taunts, on-field banter, and sound of bone-jarring tackles are all very well done.

Difficulty: Medium
This game does sport difficulty levels in the single-player mode. It is definitely easy to get into and play, but the AI is solid, and you will find yourself working hard to out-think your opponents.

Concept: 9.3
This game has undergone some renovations in game mechanics and it shows. The player interface is easier to work through, the head coach info from the sidelines is informative and entertaining and the overall game plays much better.

Multiplayer: 9.4
With the advent of XSN’s system, online gamers will have plenty to get excited about. From accurate stats, to tournaments and leagues, this is a remarkable way to play the game and challenge players worldwide to see if your team has what it takes to make it to the Super Bowl.

Overall: 9.3
The inaugural title in XSN’s Sports Brand of online games, with the upgrades to overall game play, graphics and sound, NFL Fever 2004 has marched solidly forward. This is a very good football title. The AI is sound for single-player games and the online capabilities are truly amazing. If the game of NFL football is all about the ring, as the players chant in pre-game warmups, then this program is in the title tussle for the coveted crown.