Madden 2001 is the best playing (however, worst looking) NFL game for the 2000 season. It runs great, plays great, has great options, and is great fun. Among the playing modes are Exhibition, Season, Franchise, Custom League, Tournament, Practice and the Locker Room. For Exhibition Mode, just pick two teams and have at it. Nothing as far as stats and injuries will be saved. When playing a Season, you get to pick a team and play through the schedule, trying to win the Super Bowl. In Franchise Mode, you can play up to 30 consecutive seasons. Do well to get raises. Do poorly and get fired. After each season, you have the option to draft, trade, sign, and release players. With the Custom League, you can create your own teams, players, and leagues. You always wanted to play against the Bears, well, this is your chance. With the Tournament Mode, you can play a single or double elimination tourney. Lastly, you can go to the locker room to make your own plays and set up your playbook and audibles.
I think the game plays great. The players have very realistic motions and movements. The controls are great, and the buttons are laid out in a logical manner. Everything is here. Just like the startup screen will tell you, if it's in the game, it's in the game. Every stiff-arm, spin, hurdle, or tiptoe is done with great animation and player likeness. Again, I think this is the best playing NFL game that you will find.
