The kids at Microsoft didn't exactly get to the point of being labeled capitalist Nazis by being completely ignorant to the needs and wants of the marketplace. In preparing to launch, they know that answering the call of the next generation gamer now mandates a high-powered sports line-up of undeniable quality. So, not unlike the Redskins' owner Daniel Snyder, they have put the money in motion and are attempting to build a superior franchise overnight. During an explosive debut at Gamestock 2001, Microsoft claims that, just in time for the season, we can expect NFL Fever 2002 will deliver all the action, intensity, and big hits football fans crave, and thanks to the power of the Xbox, they will do so at a level unparalleled by any other sports developer in the business.

Unfortunately for them, they are picking a fight with two of the toughest bullies on the block. By the time this game hits the field, both Visual Concepts and EA Sports will be multiple generations ahead of the game, so in order to compete, Microsoft has enlisted the help of a core group of their PC developers who previously worked on the Fever franchise for the PC. And from the early demo we witnessed, they are on the right track. The question is, will this 3rd and long prayer put them in better field goal positioning, or will they make a big play for the touchdown?