
Madden 2001 on the PlayStation is an absolutely amazing football game, and its brains and gameplay have basically been transplanted and improved on the PlayStation 2. "This changes the passing game because if the user throws the ball while back pedaling, the QB will throw off his back foot, resulting in a less-than-perfect pass." While casual football fans might not care, it's the sort of thing that die-hard gridiron junkies will treasure. Assuming the QB is right-handed, he can't roll left as fast, and the QB back pedals at a different rate than if he steps up," says Chaing, who then explains why we should care.

"We now have detailed throwing animations for the Quarterback, and while he's in this motion, he moves differently. The engine is optimized to run in a high-resolution (640 x 480) and at 60 frames-per-second (read: smooth.) There are a ton of animations, a new collision system, and improved A.I." Furthermore, some of that eye-candy brings about big gameplay changes. "It is more than just a beautiful-looking game-it's fun to play and it has amazing depth. Chiang guards against Madden 2001's only improvements being chalked up to simple eye-candy. In May, they debuted a fully playable version of the game that had graphics that quite simply blew everyone way. "But Madden NFL 2001 doesn't look or play like a first-generation football title."ĮA has had the benefit of having access to PlayStation2 development hardware for longer than most, and they've clearly taken advantage of it. "Everybody talks about platform transitions and first-generation titles," says Steven Chiang, executive producer on Madden 2001. Electronic Arts, despite all of its resources, has been vexed when transitioning to a new platform-a fate they refuse to repeat ever again. And while he isn't a pleasant sight, it sure looks like his PlayStation 2 game is.

When we think console football, we think of fat guys like John Madden.
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There's something for everyone in this game-the only reason not to buy it is to wait for the PS2 version. Here you can earn, trade and bet cards that can be used to open codes or improve players. The thing that really surprised me are the "Madden Cards," which is the best new feature I've seen in a football game in a while. While that is easy to appreciate, the spotlight should also be shared by the impressive computer intelligence whose only weakness is apparent when it stumbles and bumbles trying to run the ball effectively (it does, however, pass quite efficiently.) If the game gets too complex, simply tune down the difficulty level and make it more manageable. EA's fast 3D engine has seemingly milked every bit of processing power the PS has in it to make the detailed players fly around the field. Madden 2001 has everything a football fan could want, and more. To EA Sports'credit, Madden NFL 2001 is such a good football game that this audible blemish doesn't pull the game down (and thankfully there's an option that allows you to turn the announcers off). Ironically, the only thing holding back EA's impressive franchise seems to be the blub-bery broadcaster (and his pal) that dissipates the game's excitement. It couldn't come at a better time, and hopefully Madden will follow. I recently read on the news wire that Pat Sum me rail announced his plans to retire after this season. A small price to pay for such amazing progress. It's not too bad, but Madden fans shouldn't expect this one to play as quick as you're used to. Players don't seem to move quick enough, even if you pound on the speed burst.

The news isn't all good, however: whereas Madden PSi's gameplay might be a little too fast, this one is a little too slow. For example, you can't just hit a receiver in the back for him to make a catch anymore, now you have to put it somewhere his hands can reach.

Just like its PSi counterparts, PS2 Madden is a very realistic brand of football that's made even moreso by the animations. But the most amazing things are the moments you might need an Instant Replay to catch: a QB grimacing at a receiver who drops the ball, the grass stuck in helmets, or players following the ball into their hands with their eyes-you can even see them spread their fingers to accept it. Then there's the coaches on the sideline, or the chain-gang moving the First Down marker before the players barrel into it. There's the things you'll see during gameplay, such as the receivers reaching out to catch the ball, or the way players' body parts react when hit. When I first booted it up, I thought I'd died and gone to football heaven, and for good reason. There's no doubt in my mind that this is the bestlooking PS2 game out of the gate.
