Microsoft is back for another year of NFL action, today announcing NFL Fever 2004, the third installment in its Xbox-exclusive football series. Fever 2004 is set to feature a host of upgrades, including revamped offensive and defensive AI, a new coaching system, and multiple improvements to its graphics engine.

　　The most drastic of the game's improvements will definitely be in the realm of AI. On the defensive side of things, Fever 2004 will feature an improved secondary, with on-the-fly scheme adjustments and adaptive defensive players set up to take away the deep pass. The tackling and blocking systems have also been improved, with an increased number of animations and stiffer hits on both sides of the ball. Fever will also feature an all-new offensive play-calling system, with a more intuitive interface and new options such as trigger and read-and-lead passing, which put you right behind the center and allow you to look off receivers before throwing deep.

　　Anyone looking for more strategy in their game should look toward Fever's new coaching system. In addition to having animated models on the field, the coaches will provide situational advice and analyze the game as it progresses. On the visual side of things, Fever looks to revamp its entire look with a flashy new design, including a brand-new user interface, extremely detailed stadiums, and impressive new character models, each with lifelike proportions, shading effects, and facial maps. In-game commentary will once again be provided by Fever mainstays Kevin Calabro and Ron Pitts. Fever will also support 5.1 channel Dolby Surround sound for anyone looking for an immersive audio experience.

　　Once again, NFL Fever 2004 will be playable online via Xbox Live, improving on last year's gameplay and interface with different types of downloadable content, roster updates, updated player ratings, downloadable music tracks, tournaments, and an all new cheater-beater function to keep everyone on a level playing field. NFL Fever 2004 is due out in August, and you can expect further coverage of the game in the coming weeks.