Just talking about how much fun I am having playing this game has a couple poeple I know thinking about getting an Xbox so they can play it too!
I didn't play last years version so I can't compare it to that. I have 2002 for the PS2 and it blows that one away. There are a ton of cool features in this one.
The game play is really great for me. I've noticed that you can't really keep running the same plays and get extra yardage because the computer changes his plays to stop you.
The crowd getting more involved really adds some excitement when you intercept a ball and run it back for the TD. I like hearing them "boo" when you decide to kick the field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 2.