EA Sports just keeps getting better and better. Every new game that comes out puts the one-two punch to the Microsoft, Activison, and all other sports game, and NHL 2001 was a TKO baby!
The hits, the dekes, the saves, the fights, the commentary, its all here for every sports fan to enjoy. There have been improvements over last years game, which might I add, is still atop most computer gaming charts for top sports game of the year 2000. If your a fan of fantastic goaltending, or behind the back passing, or any other amazing "highlight-reel" quality play, then this is the game for you.
The first noticable difference in this game from last years is the opening menu of the game. EA Sports has eliminated the practice mode and instead beefed up the internet play. I feel the elimination of practice mode was a good idea because honestly, who ever used practice mode?? It was as pointless as that glow puck that FOX tried to use a few years ago during the NHL All-Star game! Another thing that has been eliminated from last years game (from what I saw) were some of the features that were in 2000 that came into effect at the end of each season of play. When I finished my first season in 2001 with the Avs (the best team in the NHL), I did not see a list of people that had been dropped, or signed, or even the people who retired after the season had ended as I remember seeing in 2000. It is allright though, because as you will read on in the review, you will see that so much more was added to make it a breakthrough in computer gaming technology.
Now, I don't have the most amazing graphics card (A Voodoo 2 to be exact) but the graphics in this game are stupendous. With all of the game meters up to halfway, the ice has texture, the boards sparkle, the ice reflects, and the players body's are actually round! EA Sports has even added in seeing the bench inbetween each play. The coaches will be irate after your team gets scored on, jubilant after you make a good hit or score a goal. They have even added in the two captains talking to the referees after the plays about questionable calls and such. Players blink, and even show their frustration by spitting water, slamming the glass, or throwing the water bottle after being put in the box.
By far however, the coolest thing in this game are the (I hate to say it) injuries. When a player gets injured just as in 2000, the box comes up in the upper right corner of the screen showing them going down and cringing in pain. However, in 2001, the player not only cringes but also wriggles, even grap the injured limb. If a player has an injured arm or shoulder, they will even try to get up and skate away to the bench with no avail. The trainer even comes out onto the ice (with a little slip before he can steady himself) and then helps the player up and is shown walking him through the tunnel to the locker room.
Overall, this game is the second best game I have ever played behind Fifa 2000 (which I also have a review about). The graphics are a head above all other games, the experience is so realistic you'll find yourself looking for the man with the pretzels at intermission. I highly recommend this game to anyone, no matter if you like sports game or not!
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