Don't misunderstand; there are a million reasons to like NFL GameDay 2001. A gamer that has a grasp on the basic control scheme and a strong understanding of how football is played will be able (with the help of a couple of multitaps) to experience eight-player NFL madness without the messy bumps and bruises that come with being an actual NFL player. This is as good as any other PlayStation pigskin game. But, make no mistake about it, GameDay is not an arcade-style game like NFL Blitz or NFL Extreme; in fact, the arcade mode in GameDay is actually more difficult for beginners than the simulation mode.
There are many modes. Gamers can choose to follow their favorite teams through season simulations (including the almighty postseason), tournament mode, preseason mode, training camp mode and general manager mode (where they can manage their teams through multiple seasons). 989 has also improved the custom play editor, as well as added a draft war room mode, where gamers can draft graduating seniors from NCAA GameBreaker 2001 save data. This kind of depth gives NFL GameDay immense replay value.
Also new in this year's version is the ability to play only as a specific player. This is a welcome addition for gamers who don't care for the schizophrenic feeling that comes from thinking as both the quarterback and the receiver. There are also new stadium and player models. Along with the new player models come new animations and abilities like shoestring catches, chop blocks, wrap tackles and player- and team-specific celebrations. After a touchdown, Green Bay Packers receivers will perform the Lambeau leap and Minnesota Viking Chris Carter will point to the sky in celebration.
However, sometimes the celebrations are a little bit goofy. Gamers often have the option of celebrating when there would be no reason to celebrate. For example, a receiver can be made to do a victory dance after an incomplete pass, and a running back can be made to pound his chest and boast after being tackled for a loss. That doesn't make any sense.
Also not making any sense is the fact that gamers can't skip the opening stadium flyby that begins each game or practice session. This flyby stutters and lurches along, while the camera swings down to field level. Then gamers must slug their way through the slowest coin toss in the history of the NFL, or, in the case of practice mode, wait inexplicably for the coach to step in and begin practice.
Once the game begins, graphics move along quickly. Occasionally the game will drop a few frames of animation here and there, but for the most part, Game Day's graphics look great. While the camera can be a bit tight, and the cinematics don't capture the feeling of a gutsy NFL Films masterpiece, the graphics are passable. Even though the textures are ugly and grainy, they're surprisingly detailed.
The AI is equally detailed. At this point, it is capable of making better decisions than a number of actual NFL coaches. Surely some bugs and exploitable glitches will come up, but considering the AI was created with input from over 17 real NFL players, it is extremely competent. The AI even seems capable of adapting to a gamer's tendencies; a play that worked great in one situation may not work so well if used in the same situation a second time.
This is perhaps the biggest problem and the greatest blessing with NFL GameDay 2001. Even with the difficulty mode scaled back to Rookie setting, casual gamers will find themselves facing a considerable challenge. Playing in the Hall of Fame mode, most gamers may as well put the controller down.
The Bottom Line: NFL GameDay 2001 will not do for football games what Tony Hawk's Pro Skater did for skateboarding games, but it is a great football experience nonetheless. Just be prepared to spend some serious time with the game before getting a shot at the Lombardi trophy.
