I'm going to have to be honest with you here. I think the graphics suck. Everything is grainy, blocky, and blurry. I was unimpressed with the player and stadium detail. I usually side with EA on all sports games, but the competition really has the upper hand on this one in the graphics department. Now the sound is as good as ever, with bone crunching tackles and colorful commentary by none other than John Madden. Again, there is no real detail to speak of in this game. Although the game runs very smooth, it is not pretty to look at. Thankfully, what the game loses on graphics, it makes up for in gameplay. I'm going to have to complain about the sound track also. EA decided to go with music specially designed for the game. In other words, we are graced with songs about playing Madden 20001, set to an urban beat. Even people who appreciate this style of 'music' will find the lyrics ... stupid and pointless. Then again, look at Eminem.

Madden 2001 is the best playing (however, worst looking) NFL game for the 2000 season. It runs great, plays great, has great options, and is great fun. Among the playing modes are Exhibition, Season, Franchise, Custom League, Tournament, Practice and the Locker Room. For Exhibition Mode, just pick two teams and have at it. Nothing as far as stats and injuries will be saved. When playing a Season, you get to pick a team and play through the schedule, trying to win the Super Bowl. In Franchise Mode, you can play up to 30 consecutive seasons. Do well to get raises. Do poorly and get fired. After each season, you have the option to draft, trade, sign, and release players. With the Custom League, you can create your own teams, players, and leagues. You always wanted to play against the Bears, well, this is your chance. With the Tournament Mode, you can play a single or double elimination tourney. Lastly, you can go to the locker room to make your own plays and set up your playbook and audibles.

I think the game plays great. The players have very realistic motions and movements. The controls are great, and the buttons are laid out in a logical manner. Everything is here. Just like the startup screen will tell you, if it's in the game, it's in the game. Every stiff-arm, spin, hurdle, or tiptoe is done with great animation and player likeness. Again, I think this is the best playing NFL game that you will find.

As with all sports games, there are many, many options that will allow you to make the game harder or easier for you. Madden 2001 is very easy to play. I also find a good balance between the running and passing games. With the different realism settings and difficulty options, anyone can find a formidable, beatable, yet not cakewalk team. Hey, even the Saints can win in Madden 2001.

Mechanically, the game is great. The gameplay is smooth and fluid, and the transitions are instant. You don't have to worry about losing yardage because of a skip or a chop. The play control is nice with very good response. The analog movements are solid, and even the digital buttons are good enough to add to the playability. If you are looking for a very good NFL game and don't care too much about graphics, then Madden NFL 2001 is for you.