In early screens this game looked like pure crap. Admit it.
Then once newer and newer screens came out this game started looking
mighty good. Now that it's out it's arguably the best football game out there.
Though some NFL 2K1 fans like me, have things to gripe about it. But still,
the awesome graphics of this game just blow the mind. It's the real thing
in the comfort of you own living room.
Graphics
Kaboom. I did say these graphics blow the mind. The character models are
awesome although a little bit stocky, the grass looks like real grass, and there are coaches
and players on the sidelines. Oh yeah I can't forget about the refs too. The stadiums
are exact replicas of their real life counterparts, and the fans while cardboard cutouts, are
adequate enough to fill the eye candy. What this game really shines in is the realistic lighting.
When the sun is out, you can see it along with the glare and the sun shadows what needs to be
shadowed like the players and the stadium. Very jaw dropping. Another cool thing about the graphics
are the players helmets. There isn't just shine, you can see the reflection of the stadium on their helmets
along with the sun too. The shine is a sight to behold. Best graphics for a football game ever. As a NFL 2K1
fan I was impressed, I have to admit.
Sound
Nice sound. Put it up to some bumpin' speakers and listen to the
sounds of the grid iron. But without the commentary. John Madden and Pat
Summerall do the commentary, but it's just not good. They seem too bland and
they don't seem interested in the game at all even though they do call some plays.
This is where the game fumbles. At least the on field sounds are just right, from
the vicious tackles to the chants of the crowd. Great on field sound, but really bad
commentary.
Control
The controls are right on for a simulation. The players do seem to glide
a little bit and it's hard to turn, but that's how it really is in real life football. It won't feel like that anymore after
a few plays of the game. You'll soon be running through blockers to reach your
destination, the end zone. My only quip about this game is that there are some money
plays thrown in there. Not only when I control the offense, but also when the computer
plays offense. For some reason, my cornerbacks can't cover even the average reciever. Just imagine
how they react with a player like Randy Moss. This results in high scoring games sometimes, but
with practice and a better team, you'll eventually find a way to shut out another team.
Overall
EA Sports has done a great job from what this game used to look
like in the early screens. Easily the prettiest looking game, it
stumbles a little in the sound commentary, but picks it up a little
in the controls department. If you're choosing this game or NFL 2K1 for the DC, you
can't go wrong with either title. Depends on your preferences.
--Alvin
Graphics: 10
Sound: 7.5
Control: 9.2
Satisfaction: 8.7
Overall: 9.6
