LADYDRAGON.COM - NFL GameDay 2001

One of the most interesting competition in sports games is the one between Madden and GameDay regarding real American hobby, football. In 97 and 98, 989 Sports with a new and fresh engine had almost fulfill their objectives to be the number one in the football market but since then a lack of improvements on subsequent versions had left them a step back.

This year version is quite different, in a way that the game answers to each and every football fanatic needs, up to the training camp to the first kickoff.

Sure, the graphic engine of the PlayStation is starting to get old but the gameplay in Gameday 2001 is just there. Along with the Exhibition, Practice, Season and Play Editor mode, the franchise feature is one of it kinds. The only drawback is that you need to buy a new memory card just to save your new franchise ( up to 15 blocks are required ). Franchise mode allows you to draft some new prospects ( or import your pro college rookie from your NCAA GameBreaker game ), sign them along with some other free agents superstars, have a training camp and makes the cut, trade, resign, fire and create some modern gladiators. All these incredible options have been perfectly created, so no more choppy features that only look as if they were cool.

The stats engine is complete, and the behavior of the players on the field is just like there real life counterparts.

The gameplay is solid. You now have the option to rush your team to the scrimmage line or ask the crowd to quiet down a bit. You even have the option to celebrate after a good play, which is wrong in a sense, because, this year, players will face a fee if they put some mustard after a successful attempt.

The game plays smooth and unlike Madden, money plays are almost inexistent. However, the running game is far too easy ( or is it that 989 Sports have gave us a too perfect control on the active player ? ) so you can easily pick up over 150 yards rushing in a game with an average running back. As for the passing game, once the pass is thrown, you have full control of your receiver, which asks for some adjustments at first.

The replay are awesome. The physical of the player looks great too, but once again, the graphics seems a bit old. CPU is not predictable, so you can face a fake punt during the first quarter. Pretty shocking)

Sports games is still PlayStation matter and GameDay 2001insure 989 Sports to be ready for the PlayStation 2. Being a huge fan of 989 Sports approach , you may give GameDay a chance to fill your long Sunday afternoon. Updated rosters, simulation frenzy and solid gameplay make GameDay2001 a great game, solo or multiplayer.

Companies

Developer
989 Studios

Publisher
Sony Computer Entertainment America

Category
Football

Notes

Originality: 86%
Gameplay: 90%
Interest: 93%
Graphic: 85%
Control: 96%
Sound: 92%

TOTAL: 90%

Requirements

Console
PlayStation

Analog Controller
Compatible

Vibration Function
Compatible

Memory Card
4-15 Blocks

Multi-tap
Compatible

Multiplayer
1- 8 Players

Rated by ESRB
"E" Everyone

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