Madden NFL 2001

"EA Sports flexes it's muscles...again."

Just to tell anyone who reads this, this is not just a review; it's a comparison of Madden NFL 2001 and Gameday 2001. In the last few years, both series' have fiercely competed for the title of best Playstation football game. In my opinion, Madden has won this battle every year; but it has been close. Well, I would be surprised for anyone to call it close this year, as EA Sports ''decleates'' 989 Studios.

Graphics:
Madden: Madden once again pushes the PSX to its limit with another graphically superior game. The intro movie is brilliant (though nothing will top the ''Maaaan, get out my way and watch out as I come through'' of Madden 2000), and the video when you win the Superbowl is excellent too.

How it compares to Gameday: No contest. The players in both games are well done, but looking at the grany Gameday field hurts one's eyes. ADVANTAGE: Madden

Gameplay:
Madden: Great, traditional gameplay with just minor tweaks from the last edition. The most realistic you will find in any game.

How it compares to Gameday: If your talking about realism, then Gameday is not in the same stratosphere as Madden. If you're a casual fan, (which I am NOT)then you might actually prefer Gameday. However if your a video game football veteran, then you won't be able to stand Gameday. ADVANTAGE: Madden, if you care at all about realism.

Sound:
Madden: The music is the usual great stuff from EA. Three different full-length rap songs. The commentary is the traditional Summerall/Madden combo, with a few new sayings. The crowd is great, and reacts better than ever.

How it compares to Gameday: Gameday's music is good too, but not up to par with Madden. The commentary is very, very well done in Gameday, and it involves you in the game more. The crowd is the worst thing I've every heard. They have these really annoying chants, and the ''cheering'' can cause you to go deaf it's so poorly done.
MUSIC ADVANTAGE: Madden
COMMENTARY ADVANTAGE: Gameday
SOUND EFFECTS ADVANTAGE: Madden

Which one to buy?
Without the slightest bit of doubt I say Madden. You would have to be an incredibly stubborn Gameday fan to choose it. Madden has the features and the gameplay that true football fans need, and Gameday fans can only wish for. If you've been a Gameday fan for years, then I suggest you rent both and choose which one you like better. If you buy Gameday because you thought it was better, then fine. But, if you buy Gameday without trying Madden, then you are depriving yourself of the best Playstation football game ever created.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/31/00, Updated 08/31/00