Madden NFL 2001

I would strongly suggest people not familiar with football to take advantage of the practice mode. Its pretty easy to learn how to run the ball. It took me some time to get the hang of passing and kicking. The practice mode really helped in that regard.

I would further recommend that you set aside about 40 minutes to play each game (5 minute quarters) as it takes time to choose plays ect. One drawback is that you cannot save partially completed games.

Overall a great game, one that makes good use of the Playstation.

Chief among the drawbacks I have with Madden is with the kicking. Long fieldgoals seem next to impossible. The power meter moves too quickly...and making the adjustments needed, especially from an angle is exceptionally difficult. Punting is no easier. Having played the PS2 version of M2001, I wonder why this game didn't go with the more intelligent idea of the arching arrow. Another drawback as mentioned in a previous review is in the pass-happy style of the computer. Teams that are built and known for running instead throw the ball at almost every opportunity. It takes something away from the play. There seems to be little variation is the play styles from team to team. The final drawback I have is with the rough looking graphics. Everything seems to have a rough, fuzzy look to it. Some of the location scenes are nice, but the messy look takes away. As many features as the new Madden game has, something seems rushed about the entire thing. Personally, I think the last Madden incarnation was better all-around.