Madden 2001 Revisited

I just purchased Madden 2001 off ebay the other day, not to play but for prosperity so to speak. This was the 1st version of the Madden franchise that got The Dogg, The Mac and The Bowski hooked on the game. The game was waiting for me at home after work last night, and yes, I went straight to the PS2 and inserted the new old Madden. It’s quite amazing how far the graphics have come despite using the same console, but what is more apparent is how much the gameplay has evolved over the course of the series.
The main addition they made after 2001 is the ability to strafe on defence. You have no idea how hard it is to go back and play as a safety without the ability to strafe. I also realised why on this game it was so easy to make picks (I think I made 30 odd in one season but The Mac and The Bowski can cooborate this). Where ever the CPU receiver is on the field the pass is always thrown flat no matter whether you tap or hold the button.

We all slam EA Sports for the latest Madden games but, it’s not until you drop back to the first few (even up to 2004) that you realise how much the game has stepped up. Now I’m not excusing their basic mistakes on the new one but I will cut back the anger I feel towards them when something goes wrong. I still think they need to buck up a bit but I am amazed at how far the game has come.

In that regard I congratulate EA Sports.

The Dogg