You know all that hype about the graphics that was supposed to come with the PlayStation 2? Well, it's time to start believing it... at least for Madden NFL 2001. Everything about the game has been magnified graphically, along with the sound effects. First off, the graphics. In a word: awesome! But in many words: very, very awesome. Player models have been recreated very impressively, along with facial features and the MOST realistic player movements I've had the pleasure of playing. The stadiums are just as spectacular with awesome crowd definition, something that was unheard of for PlayStation One, along with unreal stadium lighting, complete with sunsets! Although it seems too good to be true, I did find that at times, players arms would go through one another. Nothing that would affect the tackle itself, but something that you would hope Sony could clean up for their newest system.

Sound wise, the commentary of Madden and Summerall sounds exactly like the real thing we are forced upon every Sunday. Truthfully, I hate John's Maddenisms in life, but I must say that the game mirrors the two men to perfection. And the crowd noises make you believe you're actually sitting on the 50-yard line... examples being the J-E-T-S, JETS! JETS! JETS! or Cleveland's barking Dawg Pound.

Never has the Madden series seemed so much fun. Madden NFL 2001 provides the closest thing to your Sunday cravings as possible. Tackling, running, diving, throwing, catching, spinning, juking... the list could go on and on, and it does. Although there are fewer options than from the PlayStation One and N64, it's completely made up in actual gameplay. The regular options are Practice, Exhibition, Season, and Franchise. The things I loved about the Franchise mode was that, as always, free agents could be out of the league for a few years, and then be resigned again. Plus, no same player can have the same number. And Pat Summerall actually is able to pronounce their names, not just their number as some other football games do. These three minor details seem to be uncommon in the world of video games today, which is why I was so impressed with the "Attention to Detail." For the Franchise, you also play the GM by drafting and signing lottery picks, making trades, and signing free agents that could make or break your team. All standard, I know, but it just is too important to leave out.

The Madden Challenge is back again with a whole mess of different challenges that you must complete, whether it be rushing for more than 200 yards, or winning on the road in Indianapolis. All the different challenges unlock certain cheats, teams, and players that are always great to play with. There are also more than 50 past teams that you can play with, although I'm not sure they have the actual rosters. I tried playing with the All-Time Vikings' team, and the only player I was sure of was Fran Tarkenton, #10. The rest were no where near the right numbers.

OK, I don't even know where to begin talking about what you can do to change the difficulty. Of course, the regular settings of Rookie, Pro, All Pro, and All Madden are there, but that doesn't even begin to explain how you can completely change the skill level of Madden NFL 2001. Some options include how well you can run, catch, pass, etc. There are so many options that I don't even think I have found them all yet. And the AI has been tested with actual NFL players, so you know that means something, right??? Well, it sure seems like it had an impression on the game since it can be damn near impossible to stop the computer at times.

Just like the PlayStation One, controlling the game is fairly simple. Your receivers are willing to catch at the press of a button, while the Directional Pad or the Analog stick can control moving around with the greatest of ease. Loading doesn't take very long, despite the very intense graphics and gameplay. And your 8MB memory card will thankfully not be filled up after saving one setting, saving you an extra $30!!!

My final note: Believe the hype! Madden NFL 2001 will deliver the must-needed fulfillment required to get you through the long week after a very short Sunday. EA Sports was right when they said this game would Kickimus Maximus Buttimus!!!