Madden 2001 download pc

What's the deal?

When we think console football, we think of fat guys like John Madden. And while he isn't a pleasant sight, it sure looks like his PlayStation 2 game is. Electronic Arts, despite all of its resources, has been vexed when transitioning to a new platform-a fate they refuse to repeat ever again. "Everybody talks about platform transitions and first-generation titles," says Steven Chiang, executive producer on Madden "But Madden NFL doesn't look or play like a first-generation football title."

EA has had the benefit of having access to PlayStation2 development hardware for longer than most, and they've clearly taken advantage of it. In May, they debuted a fully playable version of the game that had graphics that quite simply blew everyone way. Chiang guards against Madden 's only improvements being chalked up to simple eye-candy. "It is more than just a beautiful-looking game-it's fun to play and it has amazing depth. The engine is optimized to run in a high-resolution ( x ) and at 60 frames-per-second (read: smooth.) There are a ton of animations, a new collision system, and improved A.I." Furthermore, some of that eye-candy brings about big gameplay changes. "We now have detailed throwing animations for the Quarterback, and while he's in this motion, he moves differently. Assuming the QB is right-handed, he can't roll left as fast, and the QB back pedals at a different rate than if he steps up," says Chaing, who then explains why we should care. "This changes the passing game because if the user throws the ball while back pedaling, the QB will throw off his back foot, resulting in a less-than-perfect pass." While casual football fans might not care, it's the sort of thing that die-hard gridiron junkies will treasure.

So why is it a must-get game?

Madden on the PlayStation is an absolutely amazing football game, and its brains and gameplay have basically been transplanted and improved on the PlayStation 2. This is definitely one of the most impressive PS2 games we've seen to date and it seems like nothing short of EA sliding off into the ocean could stop it from living up to expectations. Oh, wait--they are based in California.