This is the reason why I was so giddy about the Playstation 2 and the reason I got one. It was the first game I got for the Playstation 2 and has gotten more use than any other game for me in the last 4 months. I expected a lot from this game. It delivers...bigtime.

Gameplay --- 100% (out of 100)

I have been a big fan of the Madden series of football games since I played my first one for the super Nintendo. Madden 92. Then there were some bad ones (95) and some good ones (97). There was a really great one for the n64 (Madden 99). Now the power of the Playstation 2 behind the best football game in the world. Now after playing it I tried to figure out how they could make this game better as far as gameplay goes. I don't see how they could do it. The controls are perfect. Running is a blast and the Madden passing system is on tune. I really like the fact that in a lot of plays they have set running backs to be L1 and R1. That adds that dump off tactic to the mix. Nice. That's not new to this Madden, I just like that touch. There isn't any real change in mechanics except I never really played Madden with a rumble type-feature. I am glad that it is not as overwelming as it could be. I mean, hey, it's football, technically that thing could just be wailing away and not stop until the play is over, right?

Sound --- 85% (out of 100)

While the thought of 5.1 Madden still illudes us we do have a pretty good soundtrack on here anyway. The crunch of a good tackle will light up the sub and the yell of the crowd constanly rings out around you my biggest problem with the sound of Madden 2001 is John Madden. I wish there were an option to shut just him off. Pat Summerall I can deal with. He actually is not bad. Madden is just bad. He often repeats the same bad little commentaries that have little to do with what is going on and after a few games you have heard them all so you just dread hearing them again and again. I do like the sound effects from the game. Good job there. Madden needs some work, though.

Graphics --- 98% (out of 100)

This is a very nice looking game. I take off two points because of the eyes of the players. They look kinda crazy. Otherwise, the unforms, the helmets...perfect. My personal favorite touch is the effects of the stadiums. If you are in an outdoor stadium, playing at noon, everything is just a tish overbright. If you are in a dome, everything is crisp. Another neat effect is in the closeups you can see the stadiums' reflections in the players helmets. That's cool.

Overall --- 99% (out of 100)

I guess my main reason to take anything off is that Madden commentary. That is still not enough to prevent this from being the best football video game ever made. It is a sheer delight. Seriously. The franchise mode is one of the best additions to a game like this ever. It add so much more replay value to the game when you have to deal with resigning players and such. Creating players is fun too even though the players you create always cost so damned much to sign. I am looking forward to what they do with Madden 2002 I can tell you that much. I cannot see how it will be better other than the Madden commentary but I guess I don't have to think about it. EA Sports hires people for that...

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