THE SCOOP:
EA'S MADDEN 2001

Also new for this year's Madden are player models that show a whole new level of detail - wristbands, visors, facemasks, turf tape and elbow pads exist and are player specific so that each player has the same equipment in the game they use in the real NFL. Always a leader in the area of realistic gameplay, the weight and height of each player is factored into collisions to help determine how much ground a ball carrier gains as the tackle is made. A small defensive back will have a tough time knocking a big bruising fullback down. On the flip side, the lighter and quicker wide receivers will be able to shake a linebacker during a pass route if the linebacker is forced to cover the receiver due to a blown assignment. The new key features include the following: new player specific touchdown celebration dances and taunts, bringing the game to life, an all new interface making the game menus easier to navigate, new defensive controls allowing the user to read the offensive set at the line of scrimmage and adjust pass rushing routes, new dynamically enhanced audio and play-by-play recorded with Madden and his longtime broadcast partner, Pat Summerall, player models that feature high-resolution graphics and player models proportional to their real life.