Madden 2001 as a sports game offers features to appease both arcade and simulator fans alike. The action in game is extremely smooth and detailed. Tackles and collisions shown in replays demonstrate believable physics with bodies crumpling under weight, and joints reacting realistically. Players can elect to play from 4 different camera angles, enable or disable injuries, use several assist options (passing, catching, kicking…), trade players before season start (deadline), and much more. All current teams have been updated and included. These include the Packers, Rams, Lions, and Titans.

Gameplay innovation within a sports title is difficult when it strives to supply a realistic experience. There is only so much that can be done within an American Football game on a console. Fortunately Madden has not been left using old tricks. New to the console world is Touch Sensitive controls. Sony's new Dual Shock 2 controller features an array of full analog buttons. Madden uses these buttons to create different degrees of movement for the same action. Example – while running with the ball a player may lightly press the 'spin' button to allow characters to slide off tacklers, but if the 'spin' button is pressed firmly, then the spin turns into a sidestep spin allowing characters to bypass tacklers entirely – if done correctly. This gives players a greater amount of control without adding additional buttons. Something that new players will appreciate with Maddens already full control system leaving some feeling intimidated.

Another newly added feature is the attack overlay which displays the attack plan over the actual gameplay screen – thus showing the player exactly which character is doing what. When seen on the actual field with the defense already in formation it makes offense easier to estimate, and if necessary change via timeouts or audibles. Cut scenes are all done in-game using the same graphic engine. First downs and touchdowns are treated to replays that feature configurable camera angles. Close ups of teammates show a wealth of detail. Eyes move, and blink. Faces scowl, and shout. Blockers adjust their gloves and helmets…and the list goes on. This feature while cosmetic adds small elements of realism, which add to the whole experience. When viewed as a spectator, the whole effect seems much akin to watching such an event on ESPN. It's great.

Load times from title screen to play run to about 40 seconds, but once in-game load times are negligible with pauses occurring only during planning phases. Passing and running plays both enjoy straightforward control methods found in most gridiron games. The only downside being the kicking scale, which seemed slightly too fast and could have done with some form of refinement. While kickoffs are only a small part of the game they often form the base of either a good attack, or a weak one. Tackling also seemed a little strange at times with players merely content to 'bump' against each other instead of committing to some form of attack. This happened rarely and was more of a sidenote than an annoyance.

Both first-time players and long-time addicts will find Madden 2001 a comprehensive and thoroughly playable game with options aplenty for both quick start players and campaign battlers alike. There's even an option to win 'Madden Cards' – a sort of rare collectible that must be earned during play. These can be used to enhance existing games, collected, or even gambled against other players. There are 5 types to be collected. This mode will challenge even the best of NFL players as the conditions of winning a Madden Card are challenging at best, and virtually impossible at worst. Graphically the amount of detail in-game is incredible with many great touches enhancing the feel of Madden. Characters for the most part may look much the same but each is well rendered with sharp defining detail. Framerate response was excellent and never showed signs of struggling.

Some of the finer touches included sideline characters that get bowled off their feet when an NFL player crashes into them, and touchdowns – where the lucky character struts around the field taunting the opposition. All small effects by themselves, but add greatly overall to the atmosphere of the game. Control response was concise and clear with players on-screen behaving with realistic speed. Players changing direction slightly could do so without penalty to their movement, but were delayed slightly when required to completely change direction. This may cause arcade gamers some small distress, as response may seem to 'lag' but this is merely Madden attempting to place the action within a more realistic arena.

Some small flaws do little to interrupt Maddens' momentum and ultimately are forgotten in the grand scheme of things. Playing faster, and smoother than it's predecessors Madden 2001 on PS2 demonstrates that sports games will hit the ground running and leave many in their wake.