Product Description
The Madden football series gets another first and 10 with Madden NFL 2001 on PlayStation2. Utilizing PS2's advanced hardware, the game renders ultrarealistic rushing, passing, blocks, and tackles. As the game progresses, you'll see the field collecting scars of some of the rougher tackles, and the players will show some wear of their own as well. With the Dual Shock 2's pressure-sensitive controls, you can control the type of tackle you make by how hard you hit the button. Along with the built-in AFC and NFC lineups, Madden NFL 2001 allows you to create your own player, choosing between 200 faces, a variety of hair styles and pads--even whether or not he wears a breathing strip on his nose!
| Price: |
$13.78 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details |
| as of Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:59:56 GMT ***Remember, deals price on this item for sale just for limited time*** | |
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #18844 in Video Games
- Brand: Electronic Arts, Inc.
- Model: SLUS 20093
- ESRB Rating: Everyone
- Platform: PlayStation2
- Format: CD-ROM
- Dimensions: .60" h x 5.40" w x 7.50" l, .25 pounds
Review
Madden 2001 for the PlayStation 2 is the best iteration of the game we've ever seen. EA Sports has delivered just about everything a fan of the series could hope for, and while it focuses on technical and simulation elements a bit more than the other games on the market, the game stays true to the Madden name.
The game has more features and options than any other Madden game before. It includes all of the fundamental options, like exhibition and season modes, and all of the in-depth options, like franchise, create-a-player, and Madden challenges. The Madden challenges have a bit more to them this year, since the completion of each one earns you tokens, which you can use like money in the game. You can purchase special items like cheats, secret players, and teams. You can even use the tokens, with the help of a couple of memory cards, as currency to wager with when challenging another player. The Madden challenge cards, which are displayed when you buy items, were made in conjunction with Upper Deck and look like really cool digital trading cards. They add a whole new incentive for playing the game and completing the Madden challenges.
The control in Madden 2001 is pretty much just like any that of any other Madden game, although some will find the overall feel of the game a bit too slow and unresponsive. The game uses a momentum-based physics engine, which is supposed to make the gameplay all the more real. The only problem is that it plays a bit too real - players have to literally stop their momentum when making a change in the direction they're running, just like in real life. This, while physically correct, just doesn't translate into fast-paced, hard-hitting football action. Instead, it causes the reaction time of a controller command to be a tad too slow, leaving the game feeling a bit sluggish. In time, you do learn to accommodate for this, and the effect isn't nearly so bad. The AI of the game will surely to seem familiar to fans of the series, particularly those who've played this year's PlayStation version. The AI's easiest setting will let you get away with a lot and teaches you early on that the game is all about knowing your team's plays and your players' abilities. Knowing which players to go to will help you blow the doors off the computer on the lower skill settings, but once you start to move up, you'd better have more than just a few tricks up your sleeve.
Visually, Madden 2001 on the PlayStation 2 is unsurpassed in its detail and polish. The game is almost perfect in its visual replication of the fields and players of the NFL. The textures used for the fields, jerseys, and skin of the players is incredible. Grass fields look just like real grass, which can actually get lodged in the corner of a player's facemask after he sinks his head into the soil after a missed dive tackle. During the game's replays, you can actually see the individual bumps of the pigskin on the football. All of these little visual details really make the game look and feel real. For instance, line judges will hastily drop the line markers and move out of the way when players run out of bounds in their direction. The animations of the players themselves are extremely fluid and realistic. The players move and perform stiff arms, catches, and tackles quite authentically. The multiple point collision detection system of the game allows the tackles in the game to look more realistic and be based more on individual situations than ever before. When you blindside a quarterback, he really goes down in a real "lights out" type of collapse. Speaking of lights, the lighting effects in Madden 2001 are fantastic. When you play a game at a field that has an open dome during the day, you can actually see the difference between the shadow of the partial dome and the direct sunlight shining down from above. Even when you're playing a night game, the shadows cast on the field by the players from the stadium lights look real. To aid this realistic looking lighting, the helmets of the player's are extremely shiny and reflect the player's surroundings. While the reflection off the helmets is a convincing effect at first, it loses something after you see it in every post-play close-up. This is also the case for the faces of the players as well. When you first see the player's faces, they appear extremely articulated since they come complete with intelligent expressions that react to plays and situations with appropriate responses such as a smile or a scowl. After a few games, though, you realize they are a bit over the top and actually appear a little too plastic looking. There are, of course, a few other minor visual flaws that you could nitpick about, like the way the ball magically switches from one hand to another or the minor clipping that occurs when multiple players tackle the ball carrier. But most of these things are only noticeable during replays and not during play.
In the audio department, Madden 2001 isn't nearly as impressive. This is largely due to the lack of excitement in John Madden and Pat Summerall's typical commentary, which consists of the dry play-by-play provided by Summerall punctuated by the occasional Maddenism like "boom" or "pop." The rest of the sound effects are all very authentic and sound fantastic with a surround-sound system. The crowd actually sounds quite real, as their cheering is tied into the action - you'll even hear them chant the name of a home team favorite when he makes a big play.
In the end, Madden 2001 is the most realistic and complete video game interpretation of the sport of football ever. The level of detail in the game's presentation and feel is so dramatically superior to previous football games, it's unbelievable. If you enjoy football in the least, the game is a must-have PlayStation 2 game, and even if you don't like football, you may want to pick the game up just to see how amazing it looks. In any event, the game is easily the best iteration of the Madden series. Though it may be a little heavier on the simulation side than the previous games, it's still a Madden game at heart.--Ryan Mac Donald --Copyright © 2000 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. -- GameSpot Review
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
56 of 58 people found the following review helpful.
By punkviper
At first I wasn't going to bother reviewing Madden2K1 for PS2 since everyone else has basically voiced the typical opinions. But, as someone who remembers as far back as Madden '92, I figured I would add some insight in terms of helpful hints on gameplay.
RUNNING: So unbelievably diverse. You have to know WHEN to run, and when NOT to run. You can't always do some cheap HB pitch to the outside, then outrun a host of chubby linebackers for a 20 yard gain. You have to keep the defense on their toes with a good mix of running and passing plays. Don't be afraid to run up the middle. It works just as well as an outside run, and often better. If you have a good fullback, don't be afraid to use him. Deflecting tackles is just as good as outrunning a defender to get yardage. Use the various peripheral moves like the stiff-arm and the hurdle to foil potential tacklers, because they do work. And keep in mind that a running back that bolts into the secondary often does so uncovered, so when 3 DBs are crowding Keyshawn, don't be surprised if Warrick Dunn is left alone for some easy yards. Use motion! If you are running outside, don't hesitate to put the fullback in motion to that side to obtain an early block, and feel free to do the same with receivers.
PASSING: Remember the success of a good short-passing game. Not every ball has to be a 30+ yard fly route. Especially if your QB isn't Joe Namath, you might have greater success picking apart a defense with comeback routes and sideline passes. The opposing pass defense is NOT infallible. Watch their eyes light up in horror as on 3rd and 1 you audible into a shotgun streak play and your 4 fastest receivers go sprinting into a depleted secondary. Remember the velocity of the pass. There is a time to lob and there is a time to bullet. If you see coverage on a short pass, don't be afraid to put some oomph on the pass to fit it in there. If you are facing some rather large defensive linemen bearing down on your QB, but your receiver hasn't "gotten there" yet, you will need to lob. Don't be afraid to go deep with a good receiver. It might not always work, but be sure to pick the best receiver available when you do. The ability to cancel a pass whilst scrambling is very useful. If you drop back to pass and get forced out of the pocket, hit the triangle button to stowe the passing icons and hustle it upfield. You can always toggle them back on if you find a receiver before you cross the line of scrimmage.
DEFENSE: When in the secondary, be extra careful if you are taking control of a defensive back. It is one of the easiest ways to kill yourself on defense if you quickly switch control to the covering defender, only to screw up and have the receiver outsprint you for a huge gain. I have given up many a long pass due to incompetance that could have been prevented if I had just let the computer handle the coverage for me. Don't be a hero! When on the defensive line, don't forget to utilize the shoulder buttons to get past the opposing line. It's more effective than just pushing down and hoping the other guy commits an error. Linebacker is a fun choice to control on defense, but just be wary of that player's coverage responsibilities. You might find rushing the QB to be a good way to hurry the pass, but when the QB finds an open receiver courtesy of the coverage you failed to put on him, it burns. As in most football games, concentrate on stopping the pass, because stuffing the run is not that difficult, even in pass coverage formations.
KICKING: Don't take field goals for granted! The field goal kicking in this game can be merciless. If it's over 40 yards, you really need to make sure you can control your kicker's momentum gauge, or else you will be looking mighty pathetic. Point-afters are practically automatic, as they should be, and punting is generally not as nerve-wracking as field goal kicking. Remember to use the field when punting, don't hesitate to aim for the sides of the field.
I owned NFL2K1 for DC, and I own Madden2K1 on PS2. Both are quality games, and you really can't go wrong with either, but I find Madden to be more fulfilling. The atmosphere is nicer, the rolling stats of the play-calling page along with the post-play TV style presentation are great ways to add to the substance of the game. The players models look more correct, and less like giant zombies, though faces occasionally look like circus kewpie dolls. Madden comes off as a deeper game with more substance (let's not forget the Madden Cards.)
41 of 42 people found the following review helpful.
By Chyll57
After reading every review posted in the hopes of getting as much information as possible (not to mention trying to get some tips), I think I am ready to weigh in on the great Madden 2001 vs. NFL2K1 debate. First of all, as an owner of both games, systems and having played football myself, I am constantly struggling to strike the balance between superior graphices and realistic gameplay. Both of these titles have some of the critical elements and yet both are flawed as well. Let's go to the head-to-head matchups.
Graphics: Both titles offer some of the best in the genre, but I have some problems with Madden. The replay graphics are marvelous, but the actual graphics during gameplay are not superior to 2K1. 2K1's figures are larger and well defined, and Madden's figures from a distance look too short and stubby for certain positions (i.e. defensive back). Edge: even (Madden's up close shots make up for any other flaws).
Gameplay: 2K1 did well to improve on the ability to run the ball and jumpstart offensive play, but the fact that a scrambling QB can drop back 40 yards and still chuck a seventy-yarder with a man all over him takes away from the realism. With Madden you have to step up in the pocket, set your feet, and then decide whether to lob the ball or unleash a rocket. You can run the ball but always be prepared to bounce to where the hole opens up and to hop over outstretched limbs and body parts. Defensively, 2K1 plays better pass defense with the buttons, but the better defensive linemen eat up QBs at a ridiculous rate. Madden's sack totals are more realistic and pressure on the QB can cause strange and realistic things to happen. Your best bet is to let the computer help your DBs and scheme to shut down the passing game. Edge: Madden (the more you play, the more you figure out).
Extras: Here is where Madden blows away 2K1. Sega has the early lead in online play, but you know it will be here soon for PS2. Other than that and an edge in the quality of the commentary (Madden & Summerall are disappointing, Visser is terrible!), it is all Madden. Interactive sidelines, receivers trying stay inbounds, off-balance throws and spin moves, coaches challenges, haggling with agents during franchise play, the correct dynamics of physics and much more blow away all the competition. Huge edge here for Madden.
Overall: Like any new system rushed to beat a timeline, Madden 2001 has its flaws, but you have to believe it will only get better. Even with the glitches it is an awesome debut for a great title. You won't regret the buy. Sorry this was so long but I hope it helps.
45 of 51 people found the following review helpful.
By Randal Cooper
I have never seen a game attract the attention of forty-year-old men the way a demo of Madden 2001 on PS2 did at Best Buy the other day. Then again, that may be the only place they could see it in action, given the hardware shortage.
Graphically, the game is fantastic--though not perfect. Tackles, replays, cut scenes, and player animations all surpass what has come before (By light years on PS1, and by a significant margin on Dreamcast's NFL2K1, as well). The player detail is unmatched. On the other hand, huddle and sideline shots become repetitive quickly, and players can pass through one another during after-play cut scenes. Neither affects gameplay, however.
The gameplay is there in spades. The computer AI is strong enough to prevent the game from becoming too easy, but not so tenacious as to become discouraging for a novice (which, admittedly, I am). There are some minor control issues, where you don't feel you have one hundred percent control of your quarterback one hundred percent of the time, and occasionally you wonder if your offensive line was aware of the play that you called, but these epsiodes are rare.
I have mixed emotions about the sound. While the play-by-play is adequate, Madden's color commentary is repetitive to the point of being irksome. It is nice, however, to hear your name being called after setting up your virtural doppelganger in the create-a-player mode (I guess it helps to have a common last name).
The good news is that Madden 2001 is a showcase title for the PS2, in spite of its very minor shortcomings. The better news is that Madden 2002 could conceivably improve on this game in every aspect, adding online play, improved commentary, and fixing the rare graphical glitch. In the meatime, I'm keeping an eye out for Dennis Miller Football--(Insert Vague Metaphor Here).
See all 203 customer reviews...
No comments:
Post a Comment