"It doesn’t get any better than this baby!" Those are the final words of the FMV opening for NFL 2K1, and folks that statement couldn’t be more accurate. While still a few flaws are intact with this years’ version, NFL 2K1 is the best pigskin game money can buy. Spending one night with this game quickly makes you forget that the PS2 is right around the corner. Is this the be–all–end–all of football games? No, but it is the best any system has to offer for the time being. NFL 2K1 may NEVER get old, as the online play keeps the game fresh longer than V8 in your fridge. Let’s take a look at what made this a fantastic game, and, what V.C. can do to improve next year.
First we start with the visuals, which are both simultaneously striking and somewhat disappointing. The player models are not as detailed as last year’s, even going so far as to appear blocky at times. Do they look bad? No, but they could have remained at least as sharp as last year’s. Perhaps a few of the reasons that the graphics made the player models suffer include; more animations for players, animated crowds, and reflective lighting off helmets. These are issues that make one forgive the little clipping and blocky polys. The game,
in all fairness, looks amazing, and almost too realistic at times, in fact, you’d swear from a distance that a real game was being played. New animations for tackles, jumps, and plays are very welcome indeed. While they may not be as sharp as last year, the models, in my opinion, are the most realistic looking, especially compared to the cartoony Madden models. Instant replays are also a joy to witness. Other details include field deterioration, a slicker presentation, and improved stadium models. All in all the game looks fantastic and major props go to the gang at V.C. for another outstanding visual achievement.
Sound, this year, has also been enhanced. Starting with the commentary, which is the best crew since the Triple Play bunch. The play–by–play and color team never miss a beat, keeping up with the most intense action. On field sounds have been expanded with more player chatter, a louder PA announcer, and more music to fill the atmosphere adding an air of excitement. The helmet clashes, grunting, and groans make you feel every hit. Even the options menu gives you the opportunity to listen to several different areas. You have the choice of TV style, on field, or in the stands, very cool! Once again the sound gets you wrapped up in the game, and does the game as much justice as the visuals.
If the game was just pretty and sounded great you might want to purchase the title, but this game plays incredibly too! The much bragged about enhanced running game is true. Even on pro, it’s quite possible on occasion to get a nice break away. Unlike Madden, you still can’t run a given 15–20 yards per carry though, so those of you who want a cake–walk running game may still be disappointed. The passing game has also been improved with lobs and bullet passes to suit each quarterback differently. Offensive playbooks for each team have been added. Too bad the defensive plays are still the same for each team. One thing is certain; this game is still a toughie, except on rookie when it’s a breeze. Set this bad boy on Pro or All Pro and you are in for a game that may result in an early receding hairline. While NFL2K1 is still on the difficult side, it’s
a joy to go one–on–one with a friend, and this year you can do it online! More on that later. I believe this title may go down as the best playing football game since the 16–bit versions, as well as all the beauty you’d expect from the Dreamcast. Just like the DC, NFL 2K1 plays like a dream and never fails to impress me, game after game.
Last year’s game was lacking options in a major way, but all has been forgiven in just one year. This year there’s a new franchise mode, which lets you play multiple seasons while your players age and retire. Even though create–a–player hasn’t been added for each franchise, there is a way to go about doing so which involves a little trickery. The other standards such as season, exhibition, practice, and tourneys are all there this year as well. The obviously biggest addition to NFL2K1 is online play even though it’s still a bit buggy at times, there’s no denying that when playing this game it gives consolers a whole new world to explore. Honestly, the game never gets old. Considering the thousands of copies sold, you’ll see hundreds of those folks online trying to prove their man–hood/woman–hood. This is truly a great day for gaming!
Lag isn’t an issue if you go by the rules. Even though I connect at what I consider a lousy 31.2, I have found MANY folks to play without any problems at all. While you play online you’ll appreciate that it’s nearly impossible to tell if you’re playing the CPU or someone in Nebraska, except for the millisecond pauses on a few occasions. If you own this game and haven’t been online yet, shame on you! With all NFL2K1 has to offer this year in options, you’ll no doubt be busy till next football season, or at the worst case scenario, till your sites are turned to another online game.
If Sega can keep pouring out beauties like this, not only will folks forget about the dreadful World Series Baseball incident, but they also may forget about the PS2 all together — I know I have. If you’ve read this far without heading to your local retailer to pick this title up, either you already own the game, or you’re insane. This is, in my opinion, the best football game ever! We'll just have to see what Madden offers on October 26th. One thing is for sure, Madden doesn't do online.
"I say, this is certainly my cup o’ tea. I simply do not see how any game within this genre can become any better than this Dreamcast offering!"
