Visual Concepts created a huge stir with the originalNFL 2K--the  first football video game that actually looked like you were watching a game on  TV.NFL 2K2, the third game in the series, still features the  mind-boggling graphics, stunning player animations, and great play modes of the  original. And, despite an often frustrating passing engine, it's still one of  the best sports simulations around.You can play as any NFL team in a variety of modes: practice, tourney,  exhibition, season, playoffs, franchise, fantasy, tutorial, and network (against  up to seven other players nationwide). The franchise mode is again one of the  game's strengths, as it offers a variety of scouting and free agency options,  letting you customize your roster as a general manager based on the statistics  and financial demands of actual players. Now you can learn what the Washington  Redskins already know--the salary cap is a cruel mistress.The player animations are again the star of the show. There are literally dozens  of potential endings to any collision inNFL 2K2, from stumbling five  yards after a shoestring tackle to spinning dizzily between two linebackers to  somersaulting through the air after stretching for a catch over the middle. And  although the tackles can be spectacular, the game doesn't betray its simulation  roots by making them too extreme. These aren't torn from the comics pages, as in  some games.Sega Sports has talked up its new passing system quite a bit, and it is both  challenging and intriguing--perfect for the hard-core simulation expert.  Unfortunately, the rest of us are left struggling to complete 5 to 10 passes a  game. Essentially, the game asks players to expertly anticipate routes and time  the receiver's catch. This is no easy task in a fast-moving game such as this,  as receivers routinely drop wide-open passes on the rare occasions they do get  open, and you'll find your primary receiver blanketed by two or more defensive  backs on most plays. The passing engine isn't overwhelmingly flawed, but average  gamers will need some serious time to overcome the Ravens-like pass defense  they'll face early on.The running game was the originalNFL 2K's main weakness, and it remains  the single biggest improvement over the evolution of the series. Sometimes  running between the tackles inNFL 2K2can be a tad too easy and running  outside can be too challenging, but the game rewards players who see holes  develop and are adept at cutbacks.It's the small details, though, that makeNFL 2K2the sports simulation  triumph that it is. The commentary--although still prone to calling turnovers  incorrectly--is first rate, the on-field player dialogue is highly entertaining,  and even the stadium music and crowd chants add to the atmosphere rather than  annoy.The game isn't necessarily worth an upgrade for people who already ownNFL  2K1, as the improvements aren't dramatic (unless updated rosters are your  main concern). But for football fans who want one of the best-looking sports  simulations ever made--and who don't mind the initial frustration of lousy  quarterback ratings--NFL 2K2is a Hail Mary come true.--Rivers  JanssenPros:Unbelievable graphics, yet againExtremely responsive gameplayCons:Gamers must have genuine football skills to complete a passImprovements fromNFL 2K1are minimal