John Madden's commentary may be drab, but this game sure isn't!

A couple months ago I played NFL2K1, and I thought football couldn't get any better. Boy was I wrong! While Madden doesn't have online play, it does almost everything else better than the mighty Visual Concepts game. To be blunt, I haven't been this addicted to one single game in a long time. What makes Madden 2001 so great? Read on.

Whether you like Sega's gridiron game or EA's pigskin classic, one thing can't be denied, Madden looks freaking beautiful on the PS2! The players look very realistic, not only in body style, but with eerie alive faces. Eyes blink, players show emotion, and they even watch the ball. Nuances within the game are brilliant as well. Grass sticks to helmets, animations have never seemed so real, sideline characters such as the chain gang, move out of the way of players or get knocked down, and the lighting this game shows off is mind blowing! There is actual real-time lighting going on, whether it's the house lights or the light of Mother Nature herself, the sun. Coaches were even modeled to represent their real life counterparts as well. Menus seem awkward at first, but after a game or two, they become second nature. When you read most reviews, everyone will mention graphics first and foremost, and there's a reason. They are gorgeous.

Sound is the only mixed bag here, supplying great on-field sound, but shabby commentary. Once again John Madden and Pat Summerall do the play by play, and it's as boring as ever. Pat actually does a fine job calling the game, but Madden's color commentary is drab and repetitive. James Brown and Leslie Vissor supply other voices, but are rarely heard. If anything is a saving grace for the commentary, it would have to be that if you have a recognizable last name, Pat Summerall will say it! With that being said, the other game's sounds are wonderful. The Dolby Surround Sound really allows you to feel every hit. The stadium announcers are actually more exciting than the less than dynamic duo. Crowd sounds are nice, but still need to show more emotion when teams hit the red zones. If it wasn't for the yawn inspiring commentary, this game would've scored a solid "A", but this can't be ignored.

Game play is pure Madden. If you're a fan of this style, then you know what to expect from even the PS2 version. If one thing stands out for me, it is the A.I., it's terrific! Not only do you get the option of setting the game to rookie, pro, etc, you also have the luxury of setting individual A.I. toughness for certain situations. Is the All Pro level your challenge, but you throw too many interceptions? Simple, just lower the A.I. on the defense interceptions. Very cool! Running on the PS2 isn't as simple as the other Madden games, which was my biggest gripe of the series. Passing is also been toughened up, but not too tough that it's frustrating. Playing this game not only is fun, but also brings on a big challenge without allowing blowouts on either side. I'm very happy with the results of the PS2 A.I. It's almost perfect!

Options are the trademark of EA Sports, and they almost get it right this year. Nearly everything is included, exhibition, practice, season, and even franchise. What seems to be lacking is a create-a-team mode that was found in the PS version. Why was this left out? This is a shame, as every other managerial aspect is included. Madden 2001 even lets you create your own coach with over 140 coach models to choose from. Franchise mode lets you GM your team to the Super Bowl, while managing your tight budget as well. One of the greatest ideas has been incorporated into the PS2 Madden game, Madden cards! The idea is awesome. While playing your season or franchise, you earn tokens for doing certain tasks. For example, completing 5 consecutive passes will earn you 6 tokens, sacking the quarterback earns you 4, and so on. You then use these tokens to buy a pack of Upper Deck Madden card. Each pack contains 15 cards, and there are 250 in a set. Each card unlocks players, stadiums, teams, and even cheats. This is the biggest reason I'm hooked. Massive replay value is felt here by trying to accomplish these feats. The lack of online play hurts a bit, but with all the mid-game quitters on NFL 2K1's online games, things still need to be ironed out anyway.

Madden 2001 has been in the works for the PS2 for some time, and it shows off the crew's hard work in spades. It looks, plays, and sounds great. Is it the best football game of all time? Yes and no. It's like apples and oranges, whatever you happen to be in the mood for at the time. Madden is slower than NFL and doesn't have online play, while NFL2K1 doesn't have oodles of options. It's your pick. For me, I'll take Madden, which gives hats off to EA, as I'm still not all that sold on the PS2 right now. Great job!