PlayStation 1
Released in 2000 by EA Sports
Grade: B
Madden 2001 takes the same solid gameplay from Madden 2000 and gives it an upgrade in physics and AI. Players move more smooth and natural this time around, and the passing game is more balanced.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the fifth of nine versions on PS1. It coincides with the next-gen debut, Madden 2001 on PS2, and as a result, the PS1 run of the series seems to have stopped progressing here, with gameplay that’s very similar up to the final version, Madden NFL 2005.
Praises and gripes
This game is a pretty impressive depiction of NFL action. I like how plays develop realistically, giving you a fair risk-reward balance for most situations. Using smart football tactics pays off. There’s a good mix of plays, including screens, play-action, and reverses.
In this edition, players move more naturally than before, but you’ll still see some awkward tackles and pile-ups of incomprehensible madness. The graphics are still chunky, and the control is still pretty sticky, making defense a challenge. I almost prefer 2000’s more snappy, artificial movement, but I’d say that 2001 is the superior game.
The football logic is a bit more balanced; you can now use the short passing game a lot better, which was an issue in 2000.
The tactics give you decent strategic control, while still simple and straightforward. You have hot routes and some defensive adjustments in your arsenal, but nothing close to what came later in the the PS2/Xbox era.
If you’re fixated on 32-bit sports gaming and looking for the ideal football sim, Madden 2001 is as good as there is.
Published September 21, 2018
Updated March 13, 2023