NHL 2001

"Ice-Hockey is THE sport for the PC!!!"

I would have placed ''Hockey is THE sport for the PC'', but I'm from Holland, where we play Field Hockey much more then Ice Hockey. Not that it matters, but just for knowing. The game isn't so hot here, coz Dutch people just don't know much about it, and I think they just don't like it. WE like soccer. BLURGH! NHL 2001 is my first ever hockey game I played on any gaming system, so I have no comparing material, but when I play the game, you don't need any to see it's great! Perhaps that's even better, coz when you played all the other ones (2000, '99, '98, '97) it doesn't seem to improve, I guess. Well, let's start with the real review.

Graffix 92/100
I never gave such a high ranking to a game by my knowing. So this is good! It depends on what resolution you have set the game and computer. On 1024*768 the game will already look very special, IF you have a 3D card. The faces of all the NHL players are scanned in and you see them very good in the game, especially when a team has scored. The audience is awesome, you see their faces also and even the referees are there with you.

Sound 82/100
YEAH! You even hear the scrath when you skate along the boarding and the 'AW's when you get checked. The audience will even start to play 'We will rock you' when you've scored yet another goal. Also they will clap their hands. I love the start tune 'Heavy' from Collective Soul. It start with the face of some keeper. MAN! You are IN the game already.

Lastability 80/100
In every sports game, the lastability (or replayability) is very high, you can play 1001 games without it is getting bored. I'm playing many tournaments and play-offs right now.

Gameplay 68/100 or 82/100
This rankin depends on what controller you use. The keyboard isn't great, because the buttons aren't just really nice playing. But if you have a Gamepad it's great to paly, and you'll win more games then ever before.

So, all-in-all this game is huge, so run to the store and play hockey. Before I forget, the stadium aren't really differnet, that's one bad point in the game. The could've made them look more different. Well, because I have to add another 19 words, this is is the best game ever made (well, sports game), even better then Fifa2001.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/31/00, Updated 07/16/01