Graphically, Madden NFL 2001 is the best of the series by far. It completely outstrips last year's version, with new 3D player models that approach what was seen last winter in Sega's NFL2K for the Dreamcast. Freeze a scene and you'll be astounded at the facial features behind the facemasks, the level of detail given to player jerseys and equipment, and even the fields themselves. It all combines to form a supremely immersive football environment…well, when it's standing still. Animation during gameplay is still sub-par. Collision detection is awful, with players often walking through one another between plays and, much worse, getting stuck on each other during them. Running backs typically seem to hook their pant legs on offensive linemen, stalling the play just long enough for a defender to hammer them into the turf.

Physics doesn't seem to make any difference to how plays work out. Once the ball is in the air, it's either going to be caught or dropped, regardless of the receiver's position. Call up a replay and you'll see balls magically swerve into wide outs heads for receptions, and defensive backs making picks with their buttocks. Running plays are often stopped by linebackers who fly five or more yards through the air so effectively that they should be wearing capes. Players also walk like swishy primates, with limited movement above the waistline and upper arms apparently locked to their sides. It's not a big deal, but it is rather disconcerting after a while.

Audio breaks from the norm, but unfortunately it's bad all around. Pat Summerall and John Madden constantly repeat the few lines they've been given, and most of these are holdovers from past editions of the game. Pat's "Nickel back in this time," is heard at least once every single series. And John's "You used to be able to put stickum on your hands to catch those balls, now they got those gloves," line has seemingly been around since the Reagan era. Effects in the game are okay, but overdone in typical EA Sports fashion. Big hits sound a lot like explosions, for example.

Internet play is the one “frill” with the potential to rise this game above its solo play flaws. Online opponents can be found with ease thanks to the lobby at EA Football Net. Each is listed along with helpful information like ping rate and the number of times that he or she has logged off during a game. Handy to know, as there are a fair number of online gamers who like to quit as soon as they fall behind. Full online franchise leagues can also be set up. And the best part of all this? The game itself is smooth and playable even for lowly folks like myself, stuck in the sticks with 56K connections.