GAMES MICROSOFT XBOX NFL FEVER 2003 User manual

0602 Part No. X08-82230
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Ball Carrier Controls
Juke left Juke right
Stiff arm
Spin
Turbo
Dive
Lateral
Shoulder charge
Swim Swim
Jump
Dive tackle
Turbo
Dive for pass
Rip
Move player
Defensive Controls (After the Snap)
Player nearest ball
Hurdle & showboat
Move ball carrier
Get On the Field… NOW!
pg. 8
Create the Play of
Your Dreams
pg. 12
Go Deep with
Online Play
pg. 18

1
SAFETY INFORMATION
About Photosensitive Seizures
A very small percentage of people may experience a seizure when exposed
to certain visual images, including flashing lights or patterns that may
appear in video games. Even people who have no history of seizures
or epilepsy may have an undiagnosed condition that can cause these
“photosensitive epileptic seizures” while watching video games.
These seizures may have a variety of symptoms, including lightheadedness,
altered vision, eye or face twitching, jerking or shaking of arms or legs,
disorientation, confusion, or momentary loss of awareness. Seizures may
also cause loss of consciousness or convulsions that can lead to injury
from falling down or striking nearby objects.
Immediately stop playing and consult a doctor if you experience any of
these symptoms. Parents should watch for or ask their children about the
above symptoms—children and teenagers are more likely than adults to
experience these seizures.
The risk of photosensitive epileptic seizures may be reduced by sitting
farther from the television screen, using a smaller television screen, playing
in a well-lit room, and not playing when you are drowsy or fatigued.
If you or any of your relatives have a history of seizures or epilepsy,
consult a doctor before playing.
Other Important Health and Safety Information The Xbox Instruction
Manual contains important health and safety information that you should
read and understand before using this software.
Avoid Damage to Your Television
Do not use with certain televisions. Some televisions, especially front- or
rear-projection types, can be damaged if any video games, including Xbox
games, are played on them. Static images presented during the normal
course of game play may “burn in” to the screen, causing a permanent
shadow of the static image to appear at all times, even when video games
are not being played. Similar damage may occur from static images created
when placing a video game on hold or pause. Consult your television
owner’s manual to determine if video games can be played safely on your
set. If you are unable to find this information in the owner’s manual, contact
your television dealer or the manufacturer to determine if video games can
be played safely on your set.
Unauthorized copying, reverse engineering, transmission, public
performance, rental, pay for play, or circumvention of copy protection is
strictly prohibited.
CONTENTS
FEATURES
Quick and Dirty > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 8
Get in fast with a single game.
Brush Up Your Skills > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 9
Run some drills before tackling a real game.
Calling the Shots > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 10
Read up on play selection.
Changes at the Line > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 11
Change your plays on the fly.
Play Your Own Way > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 12
Create your own offensive plays.
Read the Signs > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 16
Learn to read personnel and positioning cues.
Build and Manage a Dynasty > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 24
Control more than just the on-field action.
Looking the Part > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 28
Customize your team’s uniform and home stadium.
Saving and Loading Files > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 30
Save, load, and transport games.
SPECIAL SECTIONS
Get Online – Go Really Deep > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 18
Play online using the Xbox™ Live service.
Unsung Heroes > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 23
Honor the off-the-field contributions of some truly
dedicated athletes.
DEPARTMENTS
Controlling the Game > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 4
Offensive Controls > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 4
Defensive Controls > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 6
Credits > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 31
Warranty > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 32
Customer Support > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > 33
SAFETY
CONTENTS

2
3
IT JUST KEEPS
GETTING BETTER
Last year, when the Microsoft NFL Fever franchise was traded
from the PC to the Xbox, you heard all the hype—amazing
graphics, incredible gameplay, can do everything but bake you
a cake. And you said to yourself, “Nothing can be that great.”
Then you tried it.
And it was.
So this year, the talk has started again with NFL Fever 2003 .
But now you’re thinking, “Bet it’s not much different than last
year.” After all, lightning never strikes twice, right?
Hope you’re wearing your rubber boots.
The team that brought you NFL Fever 2002 , the best-selling
football game on Xbox, hasn’t been sitting around getting all
fat and lazy during the offseason. They’ve been crankin’ on
the next in-your-face, blow-your-mind, so-realistic-it-gives-you-
the-creeps version— NFL Fever 2003 . With
improved gameplay, better AI, online play,
and increased customization options,
it’s all you’ve ever wanted and more.
Just don’t expect it to bake you a cake.
-Ed.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Let’s begin at the
beginning. That would
be the Main Menu,
naturally. This is where
you take your first step
along the path to
football immortality.
But which fork in the
road will you take?
Here’s a roadmap
for you:
Main Menu Options
Practice Learn basic game controls, and work on your
play execution.
Single Game Pick two available teams, and then go head-to-
head in just one game.
Season Build a long-term dynasty, or take the seven-
game Classic Challenge against some of history’s
greatest teams.
Network Play Play against a real, live opponent using the Xbox™
Live service, or use System Link to connect two
Xbox consoles.
General
Manager
Make trades and substitutions, create or edit
players, create custom uniforms, and more.
Load or
Delete Files
Access your saved games, players, replays, and
seasons.
User Profile Create your own plays, and create and modify your
personal settings, such as audibles, hot routes,
favorite plays, and controller settings.
Options Adjust gameplay settings, such as rules, sound,
and display.
MAIN MENU
INTRO

4
5
Ball Carrier
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Turbo
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Spin
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Shoulder charge
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Stiff arm
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dive
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lateral
Left Thumbstick > > > > > > > > > > > > > Move ball carrier
Left/Right Trigger > > > > > > > > > > > Juke left/right
Right Thumbstick (up) > > > > > > > > > Hurdle
Right Thumbstick (left/right/down) > Showboat
CONTROLLING THE GAME
OFFENSIVE CONTROLS
Before the Snap
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Snap ball
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Fake snap
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Send man in motion
          (if available)
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > View play, zoom back
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Call audible
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Select hot route
Quarterback / Passing
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Pass to receiver A
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Pass to receiver B
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Pass to receiver X
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Pass to receiver Y
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Pass to receiver Black
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Throw ball away
Left Thumbstick > > > > > > > Move QB
Right Thumbstick (click) > > Toggle QB between
          run/pass mode
Left/Right Trigger > > > > > Pump fake
User-Controlled Receiver (after ball is in air)
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Switch to receiver
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jump for ball
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Dive for ball
CONTROLS
CONTROLS
Ball Carrier Controls
Juke left Juke right
Stiff arm
Spin
Turbo
Dive
Lateral
Hurdle & showboat
Move ball carrier
Shoulder charge

6
7
CONTROLS
CONTROLS
DEFENSIVE CONTROLS
Before the Snap
+ Left Thumbstick > Shift defensive line
> > > > > > > > > > > > Cycle through players
> > > > > > > > > > > > Display play diagram
> > > > > > > > > > > > Call audible
> > > > > > > > > > > > Change receiver coverage style
Left/Right Trigger > > > Cycle through players
KICKING CONTROLS
Punting / Kickoff Returns (Ball Carrier)
> > > > > > > > > > > > Call fair catch
> > > > > > > > > > > > Kneel in end zone
Kickoffs / Placekicks / Punts (Kicker)
> > > > > > > > > > > > Set direction & strength of kick
Left Thumbstick > > > Set height of kick
Kicking Meter
When kicking, the arrow
determines the strength
and direction of your
kick. Press the A button
once to stop the arrow
and set the direction
for the kick. Then, when
the arrow fills with red,
press the A button again
to set the strength of
the kick.
CALLING PLAYS
Offense or Defense
> > > > > > > > > > > > Select formation or play
> > > > > > > > > > > > Go back one level
> > > > > > > > > > > > Flip play horizontally (offense only)
> > > > > > > > > > > > Display key
Left Thumbstick > > > > > Highlight formation or play
Right Trigger (hold) > > Hide the highlight (multiplayer only)
Left Trigger (hold) > > > Keep playpicker on screen
           (multiplayer only)
COACH SAYS
When controlling the offense, you can have a play
executed for you. Just snap the ball, sit back, and
watch the action unfold.
Swim Swim
Jump
Dive tackle
Turbo
Dive for pass
Rip
Move player
Defensive Controls (After the Snap)
Player nearest ball

8
9
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
QUICK AND DIRTY
So, you say you just came to play? Then you want the Single
Game mode – your best bet for getting on the field fast.
To start a single game
1. From the Main Menu, select Single Game.
2. Move the Left Thumbstick left or right to set your
controller to Away or Home.
3. Move the Left Thumbstick up or down to choose a
user profile.
4. Pick your team and uniform.
5. Pick game options.
6. Press the A button to start the game.
ASK COACH
Yo, Coach!
My brother and I love to play against each other, but
we always end up  ghting. Mom says that if we don’t
cut it out, she’s gonna take the game away from us.
HELP!
-Fighting in Philly
Dear Fighting,
Not to worry. There’s a simple way to hang on to
your game and keep dear ol’ Mom happy at the same
time—play together on the same team. You always
control the QB, while your brother can press the X
button to choose the receiver he wants to control. In
fact, up to four players can play on the same team, so
you can draft Mom and Dad, too.
-Coach
BRUSH UP YOUR SKILLS
Not ready for the big time just yet? Not a problem. The solution
to your dilemma lies within the Practice mode.
In the Training Camp, you can run your thumbs through a
number of button-mashing drills, such as running, passing,
kicking, and tackling—all without actually calling plays or
playing a real game.
If you’re in need of some serious schooling,
sit back and enjoy the Chalk Talks of
your choice – from Inside the Offensive
Playbook to Changing Plays on the Fly.
Open Practice lets you run your
offense or defense without the
pressure of a real game. Here you
can check out all the different
plays and figure out which
ones work best for you while
complementing your team’s
skills and assets.

10
11
CALLING THE SHOTS
To ensure accuracy, the playbooks offered in this game were
designed with the help of professional football players and
coaches. And this year, you can try to fill their shoes by
creating your own plays. Obviously, if you were looking for
depth and realism, you’ve found it.
Offensive-Play Key
Player in motion
Ball carrier’s route
Primary receiver’s route
Other receivers’ routes
Fake handoff
Blocker’s assignment
Defensive-Play Key
Defensive back
Linebacker
Down lineman
Rush path
Blitz path
Zone coverage
Man-to-man coverage
CHANGES AT THE LINE
You know the feeling. You’ve picked a play that you’re sure will
blow right past their weak defense. Then, you step up to the
line, take a look around, and that rock starts to settle in your
gut. The defense is lined up so perfectly, it’s like your opponent
has read your mind and your playbook. But you’re not
beaten yet.
When the quarterback is set, press the Black button to display
the available audibles. Then, press the button that corresponds
to the audible you want to call.
COACH SAYS
To maximize the remaining time when on offense late
in a game, press and hold the A button to repeat the
last play. After a play, press the White button to skip
the post-play scenes and bring up the playpicker.
If you’ve chosen a pass play, you can change a receiver’s
route by using a hot route.
To use a hot route
1. When the QB is set, press the White
button to display the hot route controls.
2. Press the appropriate button to choose
the receiver whose route you want
to change.
3. Use the Left Thumbstick to select
a new pass route.
4. Press the receiver’s button one more
time to accept the change and return
to the game. Or press the Back
button to cancel the audible.
Keep in mind that the play clock
continues to run while you
are choosing a hot route or
an audible.
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY
T
X

12
13
PLAY YOUR OWN WAY
NFL Fever includes professional-quality plays for virtually
every possible situation. Not enough for you? Or you just think
you could do better? Fine. Be our guest.
Before you can create your own plays, you need a user profile.
If you don’t already have a user profile, then you must create
one. That’s easy enough.
To create a user profile
1. From the Main Menu, choose User Profile.
2. Select Create User Profile.
3. Give your profile a name, and you’re ready to enter the
Play Editor.
After you’ve created a user profile, follow these four easy
steps to create your very own play.
1. On the View and
Modify User Profiles
screen that follows,
select Play Editor.
2. Pull the Left or Right
Trigger to choose
to create a custom
offensive or defensive
play. Highlight an
available slot, and
then press the
A button.
3. On the next few screens, narrow down the type of play
you want to create by selecting the formation and
sub-formation. Note that you have to make a few more
decisions for an offensive play than for a defensive one.
4. Now, see the
instructions in the
upper-left corner of
the screen? When
you’ve completed an
instruction, you get a
handy little checkmark
in the box. And those
button icons along
the bottom? Those
tell you how to get the
players to do what
you want.
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY

14
15
Here’s an example of how to create a custom play based on a
Gun 3 WR sub-formation (an offensive passing play).
Use the Left Thumbstick
to move the little red
circle to one of the
players. In this example,
press the X button to
have the selected receiver
run out for a medium
pass. See that green
arrow appear? That’s
the route the selected
receiver will run. Use the
Left Thumbstick to move that arrow, thus changing the path
the receiver will follow.
When you find the route
you want, press the A
button, and the color of
the path changes to gray.
After you’ve assigned an
action to each offensive
player, a checkmark
appears beside one of
the instructions.
Now use the Left
Thumbstick again to select another player. Keep reading the
instructions on the screen and using the button controls at the
bottom of the screen, and you’ll do just fine.
COACH SAYS
The My Plays option appears in the playpicker only
after you’ve created a play or designated an existing
play as a favorite in your user profile.
If you’ve created an
offensive play, you can
simulate it to see how
well it works on the field.
If you like what you see,
select Save Play, and
give it a name.
When you’ve created a
play of your own, you
can pick from those
plays in a real game
whenever you play with
your user profile.
Team Play Styles
The plays available in your playpicker, and the ones available
for the computer opponent, are determined by the team play
style you select.
To change a team’s play style
1. From the Main Menu, choose General Manager
2. Select Coaching & Player Reports.
3. Select Team Play Style.
-or-
1. If you’re in a dynasty, choose Coaching & Player
Reports from the League Home Menu.
2. Select Team Play Style.
Changes made in the General Manager will affect Single
Game mode. However, changes will not affect dynasty games,
unless you set Rosters to Current on the Options screen when
you begin a new dynasty.
GAMEPLAY
GAMEPLAY

16
17
GAMEPLAY
READ THE SIGNS
You don’t have to be a mind reader to figure out what your
opponent is thinking. Just take a look at the personnel on the
field and where they’re lined up along the line of scrimmage.
Reading a Defense
Are the defensive backs playing zone coverage or man-to-man?
In zone coverage, the DBs defend sections of the field, not
specific receivers. Zone defenses will allow short passes but
stifle deep throws. In zones, the safeties line up 12 yards or
more off the ball. When playing a zone, the DBs will not follow
receivers going in motion.
COACH SAYS
Each team is allowed three time outs per half and two
during overtime periods.
To take a time out
1. Press START to bring up the Pause Menu.
2. Select Time Out.
3. Select Return to Game to resume play.
How many defenders are on or within a yard of the line
of scrimmage?
When eight or more defenders are on or near the line, it will be
harder to run the ball and might indicate that the defense will
blitz the QB. A quick pass is usually the best way to counter this.
Reading an Offense
How many receivers and tight ends are on the field?
Three or more wide receivers often indicate a pass play is
coming. When two tight ends are in the game, look for the
offense to run the ball.
Where is the tight end lined up?
The side of the formation where the tight end lines up is the
strong side of the offensive formation. If a running play is
called, it usually will be to the strong side.
Where is the QB lined up?
If the quarterback is not in position to take the snap directly
from the center—that is, he’s in shotgun formation—the
offense likely will pass.
What is the down and distance?
If the offense needs more than eight
yards to get a first down, they are
more likely to pass than to run.
Are three receivers lined up on one
side of the formation?
It’s likely the receivers will run
crossing routes designed to
confuse the defensive backs
and linebackers.
COACH SAYS
When it comes time to choose
a formation, look for the one
labeled Recommended. The
plays in that group have been
handpicked by our very own
coaching consultants.
GAMEPLAY