John Madden is back and he's brought the entire NFL with him into your PlayStation with Madden NFL 2001. The game includes the updated rosters you'd expect, but new this season is the addition of coaches on the sidelines to give you specialized advice. Details for this version include wristbands, visors, facemasks and turf tape—specific to what each player favors in the real NFL. Collisions now factor the weight and height of players, making for more realistic hits. EA has even gone to the trouble of replicating some of the touchdown celebration dances and taunts of real players. The game also features a new music soundtrack, new audio and new play-by-play recorded by Madden and broadcast partner Pat Summerall. Players can collect Madden cards in this installment of the series by completing certain tasks, and they can trade those cards with friends via the separately sold memory card. Exclusive to the PlayStation version of the game, the Create-A-Team feature allows players to create new teams, edit existing rosters, and even recruit retired veterans to the squad.
The Madden series is by far the most popular NFL console-game franchise in North America. It is the game of choice among many active and former NFL players, and has been a mainstay on most gaming platforms for close to a decade. And this year's version for the PlayStation, Madden NFL 2001, is amazing--it's even better than the incredible Nintendo 64 version of the same name.
In terms of playability, EA Sports has added some nice new features. Players are rewarded with collectable in-game Madden Cards by performing certain tasks, which can be used to unlock secret game codes, players, stadiums, and legendary NFL teams. Also, you can trade those cards with friends using the PlayStation memory card. Enhancing the replayability of Madden NFL 2001 is a new two-minute drill feature that allows up to 10 players to compete for the highest score.
The game does have a couple of trouble areas. The CPU play isn't all that synched with the gameplay, resulting in some very strange calls and plays. John Madden's commentary is stocked with only a few phrases, which are used ad nauseam. While not perfect, the sound effects and crowd noises are still preferable to the whiny blips of the N64 version. --Todd Mowatt
Pros:
Collectable Madden Cards can be used to unlock secret game codes, players, stadiums, and teams
New two-minute drill feature Cons:CPU sometimes makes very strange calls and plays
Repetitive Madden phrases