MADDEN 2001

Reviewed By: Kyle Suggs
VOLUNTEER GUEST REVIEWER
GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: N64, Playstation, PS2, PC
Produced by: EA Sports
Price Range: $39-59
Learning curve time: 1 week
Age level: 8+
ESRB Rating: Everyone

Genre: Sports
Christian Rating: 4 of 5
   (slightly offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 2 of 5
   (heavy)
Adult Content: 4 of 5
   (barely present)

Screenshot from 'Madden 2001'If you are looking for a great football game for yourself, child or friend and are confused by the many football titles out there, then look no farther. “Madden 2001” is the only game worth playing. It is that good.

John Madden football is the most successful sports title of all time. There are 3 reasons why I think people continually purchase the lasted version of this title year in and year out.

For starters, “Madden 2001” (as well as the preceding versions), has exceptional game play. What this means is the controls for running the back, throwing a ball, tackling an opponent, etc are all very intuitive. At first glance, one might think that the number of options are too many to master, but in fact, the positioning of the buttons seem to make sense when actually used. All controls are fully customizable as well.

Screenshot from 'Madden 2001' Secondly, Madden chocks it's games full of neat stuff. No other football game has as many features as "Madden 2001". None. All of the real NFL teams, players, and coaches (as well as their playbooks) are featured in the game. As far as game play features, well, then there is just about every football rule, strategy scheme, penalty call, offensive / defensive formation that there is. It would take several pages to list all of the features of “Madden 2001” but some of my favorites are the following: 1) defensive controls that allow players to adjust defensive coverage at the line of scrimmage, 2) two minute drill mini-game that allows up to ten players to compete against each other for a high score, 3) the ability to collect and trade Madden Cards (as you complete tasks, you receive bonus points that allow you to enhance a custom team), 4) a franchise mode that allows multiple users to trade players and juggle salary caps over multiple seasons.

The last few points here bring me to the third reason why I feel “Madden 2001” is so popular—replay ability. After you take the Cleveland Browns to their 5th straight Super Bowl title on the hardest setting, one might think that they would be tired of the game and that it might be time to put it on the self. Well, they would be absolutely wrong. This title brings you back again and again. The franchise mode alone is it's own separate game. There is a tournament mode which you can play against your friends. One of my favorites is the ability to go to practice mode and rehearse any play against any defensive set as many ways or times as you wish. (This comes in handy for practicing those pesky field goals.)

From a Christian point of view there are a few points of concern. There is the ability to taunt your opponent after a score. However, this can be turned off. Then there is the issue of violence. Football is a contact sport and it shows in this game. Although, I do not feel that the tackles and hits are extremely vicious or unrealistic, there does tend to be more occurrences of the harder hits than you would find in a real football game. To me all of these are minor points that can be adjusted or turned off completely.

“Madden 2001” is the lasted addition to the award winning football game series. It is by far the best football game on the market and the only game that people need in their collection.

Year of Release—2000




I believe that if you find football offensive you will hate this game. I think this is the best sports game there is available right now. The game actually helps kids realize that there are injuries in football and can help a kid make a decision on whether to go out for the team. The moves are excellent and nothing passes the graphics. I believe this is a game you have to purchase if you are a sports lover like me. My Ratings: [5/5]
   —Tyler Lingenhag, age 17


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.

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