Ok there's been a joke running around that this series should be renamed Sameday. It's true that Gameday 2000 wasn't quite the jump in changes that we had seen from 97 to 98 to 99. Each of those years the series had really grown and had a new look and feel, each year for the better. Now the PS2 is right around the corner and 989 gives the PS1 owners a likely final Gameday for the original and beloved PS1.

So when I turned it on and began playing I had to ask myself if I had the correct disc in the machine. From a pure gameplay standpoint I could swear that I was playing Gameday 2000 but I wasn't. As I began a season and played through more and more I realized just how "Same" this game is when compared to last year's game.

It has the exact same quirks that have appeared in the series since 99. For instance the celebrations are back and once again, yes, you can celebrate even if you screw up! Ok so it was funny in 99 when I threw an interception and had the QB celebrate but it's just plain old now. I would prefer to see that fixed so that you only celebrate when its appropriate.

The QB can hurry up or quiet the crowd as usual but the game doesn't allow the defense to say anything. Why not give the defense a button to rile the crowd or trash talk the offense. There are plenty of various additions that could be added, yet the opportunities weren't taken.

Now what is there is solid gameplay yet gameplay that really should evolve. Looking over the changes that were made reveals that 989 focused on recruiting more NFL players for motion capture as well as adding new tackles like the gang tackles and Shoestring tackles. In fact if you're a fan of various tackles you'll find the most ever yet in the Gameday series. There are also a few other changes such as the "Play as any Skill Receiver". This allows you to switch your controlled player at the line of scrimmage from Quarterback to any Receiver, Running Back or Tight End with the touch of a button. It works well enough and is the nicest addition to an otherwise static series.

The real problem here is that unlike the competition, Sony hasn't really added anything of value for those who consistently purchase the series year after year. Gameday is a great series which I've enjoyed since Sony introduced it in 1995, but something has to change. I pray that the bump to the PS2 breathes new life into it because this incarnation is simply disappointing.

The control has never been a problem with this series and now 989 has added some new additions. Total Control Passing can now be chosen on each individual play as well as calling for better protection from your offensive line. The game features new "Double Tap Icon" Advanced Moves which open up more choices in your ability to move and throw. Overall nothing to complain about here as it's always solid control returns.

Again there's not much difference in the look of this year's version as compared to last year's. More players were motion captured but honestly it doesn't show in the game. There are plenty of new tackle animations but they don't seem all that different. The look of the models are fine but unchanged from the previous games. Everything looks basically like it did the last 2 years. Not bad but a fresh look and overhaul is needed.

Finally an area where improvement can be seen. The commentary by Simms and Enberg is probably the best combination of any team. It's a shame they don't pair up in real life. Their witt and commentary follows the game pretty well, though they still ere at times. The sound effects and music of the game are also well done. Not a bad job here.

Well it appears that Gameday went out without much ado. This series is still a strong one that should make a huge splash on the PS2. If you've never owned a Gameday then you might want to check this out. All others should check out Madden, which managed to bring out a good time!