Reviews  •  Latest Reviews  •  Top Games  •  Forums  •  Screenshots  •  Hot Deals! PS3  •  Wii  •  PC  •  PS2  •  PSP  •  Xbox  •  Xbox 360  •  GameCube
NFL 2K1 for Dreamcast Videos >>
NFL 2K1 for Dreamcast
View Screen Shots >>
Upload Screen Shots >>

NFL 2K1 for Dreamcast
166 reviews   4.6 of 5

Product Description

Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

NFL 2k1 was the first game I bought for the DC, which in turn was the first console I've bought since the original Nintendo 8-bit system back in the late 80's. I've played all the systems in between (always had a friend who had a PS or N64), but playing NFL 2k1 at Best Buy made me want the Dreamcast right away.

I've always thought that Football translates best into the gaming platform because it doesn't become repetitive, it's great fun against other people, etc., etc. Problem with most of the football titles through the years, however, is that a savvy gamer could always find the one or two plays that always worked, thus making the game too easy to win, and resulting in scores of 81-0 (my best friend and I would play Joe Montana Football on the Genesis over and over just to see if we could break 100 points). Whether it be San Francisco's post play in TecmoBowl or using the punt block defense every play in Joe Montana, there was always a way to beat the computer by using plays a different way than they were intended.

The beauty of NFL 2k1 is that in order to win at the Pro or All-Pro skill level, you MUST use the plays as designed. If you try running the wrong way on a running play....toast. Try lineing up Randy Moss at QB and running...sacked. Try blitzing every play (or blitzing with a guy who shouldn't be) on defense....burned. This is the first football game I've ever played that has corrected that huge error in gameplay.

Sound

Pretty great, and no complaints about the quality of the sound. The announcers are very smooth (though the commentary gets repetitive soon).

Here's my biggest complaint: Any player you draft in the college draft has a name, but the announcers just call them by their number. "Of course," you say, "how could they do it otherwise?"

Simple. Have the actors playing the announcers just record about 100 last names (which is all they call players by during the game) for this very purpose. If you draft some guy named Ron Jackson, then they call him Jackson. Very easy. 100 names wouldn't take that much memory and it would prevent franchise mode from turning into all numbers and no names after 5 seasons.

Otherwise, no complaints.

Gameplay

The controls are very easy to learn, especially if you've played other football games. I've always preferred the "each receiver is assigned a button" system of passing, and it works great here. I've seen a lot of reviews here that complain that the receivers drop the ball too much. Well if you have "maximum passing" on, you have to be very precise in the passing game. If you are scrambling to the left and keep holding left on the stick while passing, you'll throw the ball about 3 feet to the left of the receiver. Like in real football, you are going to be more accurate when you can set up and throw rather than tossing on the run.

I do agree that throwing deep over the middle is hard. Crossing routes, however, work great, as the defenders often get caught up in each other (like a "pick" in basketball). I love the Titans for this reason...they have at least 4 crossing plays.

The running game is great, and again, forces you to do the plays as designed. Occasionally I get annoyed by my fullback running right by a linebacker instead of blocking him, but otherwise, very fun. My only other complaint is that I can not yet make the big slow backs (like Eddie George or Jerome Bettis) perform as well as the speedier guys (like Warrick Dunn). They aren't quick enough to juke around lineman, and so I quickly dismiss the running game if using Tennessee.

Defense is also great fun, with my only complaint being that it's hard to intercept the ball (I think every interception i've gotten in a game is from a computer controlled player). Also, hitting "b" doesn't always turn you into the player you think it will.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Sound

Again, the sound is absolutely top notch. The commentary is out of this world. This is one of the areas in which VC's game totally destroys Madden 2001. As for stadium sounds, the crowd seems fairly knowlegeable about what is happening on the field, and the player to player trash talk is also quite involving.

Gameplay

Gameplay is the most important aspect of a sports game. Thus, I weigh most of my overall rating on this category. Initially I was blown away by 2K1's gameplay. The running game was existent, the passing game was more realistic, and the defensive line play was awesome. However, after playing the game for some time, I've discovered some hitches in the gameplay that really bring down the fun factor for simulation buffs. My biggest complaint comes from the "revamped" running game. Yes, it is now existent. But it's also way to easy. If you have a good back such as Marshall Faulk, all you need to do is juke. For the juke not only helps you evade runners, but also run right over them! That's right, the JUKE move usually knocks the helpless defenders five yards back. Now don't get me wrong, this still makes for a fun game, but if you enjoy realism, things like this will just eat at you. My other gripe comes with defense. Sure, the line is revamped, but what happened to the corner coverage? When switching players, rather than giving you control of the closest defender, the cpu gives you control of the player it believes can best make the play. So unless you are a football god, switching players becomes a frustrating guessing game which is often not worth playing. This takes control away from the player and I don't like that.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

On this site I have posted about 10 reviews. I always choose games that I like. But I have never given a game a perfect. Untill now. I believe that since my review will affect the readers choice to buy the game that I should be upfront and honest. I have been playing games since the birth of the NES and know my games. My favorite games are RPG's and to tell you the truth i dont realy like sports games that much. I didn't just buy the game either, I perchased it the day it came out in September. I cant describe the glory of this game. I own over 160 gmaes.(from N64, PSX, and DC} And after five months of owning this game I am totally CONVENCED that this is the BEST game ever made.... I have played this game for hundreds opon hundreds of hours and cant even begin to explain its greatness. I have played oh so many games that I thought I would never see my former number one game, Secret of Mana (SNES}, get knocked off. So before I say anymore go buy it If you have this game already go play it. Here we go....NFL2K1...wow..Let me start by saying this. I have waited to write this review for a long time and I couldnt do it for fear that I would have to stop playing. Why type when I can play? It is amazing. Lets start with the thing that everyone seems to think about first. Graphics. They are great, shiny round helmats, the best looking takles ever, and a great replay system. They are better than 2K's{the first game} and are one of the best, if not the best, looking games even. Gameplay. The best controls ever in a game bar none. If ever was a game that was shaped by it's controls it is this one. The game has improved so much over the last, 2K, that it is unbeleavable. The DC controler was shaped perfestly to this game. Every button has so much importance that playing this game will help you out in many others. It is so easy to pick up and play. The game has all the modes and options{I will let you find most of them out because there is so many} it even has a Franchise mode where you get to be the GM! Did I mention the controls? Great running game and the best passing game ever, which may take a little getting use to. The game is not a true Simulation because it is so fast pased, but dont get me wrong it isnt NFL Blitz either. Dont even get me started on the online play...Man is this game deep...The replay ability is off the charts. More so than any other game. The sound has improved as well and the bone crushing takles are as realistic as ever, as well as the comentary. I have played Madden and I must say it is good, but Im sorry if you payed $300 for a PS2 just for Madden. NFL2K1 is soooo much better in my opinion. Let alone the online play. Even if you love Madden buy this too. Im not puttin down the great Madden so if you must buy them both then do it! If I havent convinced you Im sorry but all I can say is I tryed. I have probably forgot something if I did dont be afraid to tell me. Read on for more details but you are blowing some very important time. You could be playing right now!!!!

Sound

Improving and the best comentary ever. Takles sound great and the players on the field do aswell. What can I say that I havent said already. To be the best ever you have to excell in every catagory. And this game does. The best sound in a sports game......Please do yourself the biggest gaming favor you have ever done and buy this game now. You just don't no what you are missing out on.

Gameplay

The most amazing game ever... I cant even begin to discribe the controls. Each play can totally change from what you had planed. Its just unexplainably good. Better in the passing game, running game, and all of the old modes including Franchise mode. Options, options, options. Online play is great. You or you and a couple friends can take on people across the country. My ONLY complaint is the control lag. If you have SEGA NET you wont have this problem but I do and its not that big of a problem. The games generaly run very smoothly. If you intend on playing online then get a keyboard, thier only 25 bucks so get one so you can talk trash or just chat about this amazing game. You can't undersatand the power this game has. It is the most addictive substance on the face of the Earth. You...Must...Buy...This.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

NFL2k1 is a great game. It has excellent graphics but it is also very enjoyable to play. The game does not attempt to be a pure simulation like the Madden series, and the result is a faster paced game.

While this is the best football game that I have ever played, there are several quirks I would like to see addressed in NFL2k2 (if there is one).

Jerseys: While the game pays close attention to many details, it misses the fact that some teams wear white jerseys at home. Most notably is the Redskins. No matter how detailed the stadium and players appear, the Skins wearing red at FedEx field just doesn't look right. I also seem to recall the Dolphins and Panthers wearing white at home a few times. I would like the game to offer users the option of which Uni's to use. That would even allow users to mimic the Saints who wore White in their home playoff game last season.

The animation sequences are great, but occur too often: every play. Although you can press a button to bypass them, it does slow down game play. If I want to take 4 hours to play a game, I'll buy Madden2001. On the other side, there are no animations at the end of the game. When the time expires, you are abruptly taken to the post game menu. A quick postgame celebration would be nice, especially following a game decided in the final moments.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

Ok first off, the Playstation 2 is pathetic right now. No one should compare this game with Madden 2001. NFL 2K1 is flat out one of the best games I have ever played and THE best football game, even better than the N64 Madden 2001. ( I played Madden 2001 on Ps2 and laughed ). Still, this game is flat out awesome. The graphics are realistic, gameplay steadily increases with difficulty. The only downside might be the computer suddenly comes alive in the 4th quarter and is hard to beat. However, this is the only downside I can see. The commentary is dead on, the gameplay is easy to master and the options are great. I'm currently in franchise mode on pro level and am 7-3. Very good game to play.

Do yourself a favor, never ever get the Ps2 because right now ( it may be good eventually ) it is not as good of a system. Don't play Madden 2001 either. Get this game get it now and enjoy some of the best sports gaming in history. Play franchise and on-line.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF GETTING NFL 2k1 You GOTTA READ THIS FIRST!
This can make you buy the game or it can make you dont buy the game.
Note: Many of the high reviews of NFL 2k1 are because:
1- They got the game 2 days ago, or...
2- They haven't played madden 2001 for Ps2. Or..
3- They dont have a PS2 so they dont wanna admit that madden is way better.

I am not saying this because i have a PS2 and i just feel like saying that madden is better. I have played madden even tho i dont own it. And i wanna say that my review is honest, i am saying how the game really is.
At first when i bough NFL 2k1, i was blown away. Yes it is a good game. But IT IS NOT a game you can play every day, 5 hours a day. You will end up hating it.
The game has some really BAd things that seriously were better on last year's game.
For example. Yeah... The running game is really changed, but it still sucks! It sucks in a different way.
The controls on the running game are bad. Terribly bad! The moves to break tackles are 100% unrealistic, and you will never get to use them. YOu have lots of different moves, you can jump and stuff like that, every button does something, a move. but you will never use them!!!! Lets see. you have Y , X , A, B, L, and R buttons. GIVE ME A BREAK! When you are between 5 defenders YOu cannot think of wich button to press in time! thats Just S-T-U-P-I-D. LAst year, to break a tackle by hitting the defender with your shoulder, you pressed R. wich allowed you to do that move rite in time. Well... this year you have to press turbo, until your arrow thing goes all the way (it like turns on) you have to wait til it turns on, then, you let go A button, and press it again (you have to do it fast).
Yeah right you will do all that right in time! But lets say that you do it in time, after you do that move, and you have to break the next tackle theres no time to do all that over again! I repeat, you wont use the moves because theres no time to think between what button to press.! Maybe the running game would be great for someone that has 4 brains and 10 eyes.
The passing game...
What the hell happend here? Last year's passing game was great. This year, you cannot complete a pass, unless its a pass to the outside. WARNING! if you try to pass to the middle of the field, theres 75% of chances that you will get intercepted... WARNING!! If you try to throw a bomb pass cuz theres 2 secs on the clock and you are down 10-7, theres a 90% of chances that you will get intercepted and a 10% of chances that it will be incomplete!
Even if you throw to the outside, the WR sometimes just dont catch it...
Whats truly unrealistic, ( i didnt noticed this was unrealistic until i played madden), YOU WILL NEVER , NEVER get a player injured for more than 8 plays, well sometimes (once every 45 years) you can get a injured player for 8 weeks. But theres nothing realistic about it, maybe no one touched the player but the machine tough it was a good idea to get someone injured! And the only injures that the game has (the only ones ive seen) are: Broken collar bone, twisted knee, soar elbow, a cut in the elbow. Stuff like that, and you WILL never seen how it happend!
Another problem is that the machine calls Clipping tooo darn much, so if you scored a 70 yard touch down, dont be happy yet.. cuz you can be almost sure there was a clipping penalty.
THe Players in a way look better, in other way look worse than last year's game. Sometimes the Players look very weird, but when you move the camara (in replaymode) it gets fix... very weird...
Theres no intentional grounding. The Qb does that sometimes and theres no flag...
The computer sometimes does stupid things. like when theres 12 seconds left on the clock, and they are on the 50 yard like, it tries a Field goal.... haha...
Yes, i have to say that the only gaming is a good experience. But theres alot of quitters.. But oh well... I suggest you to never play with the bears online cuz you will get sacked 9 times every game hehe.
BOTTOM LINE:
This game does take some steps foward, but it does takes steps back. So please be sure to rent it before you buy it. And i do agree with people that say that NFL 2k1 is for arcade gamers, and Madden is for sim players, for me, i like sims.
Even tho i have some bad comments about this game, i do recomend you to try it your self. (rent it)!
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

My bottom line: THIS GAME IS BETTER THAN THE PS2 MADDEN 2001.

And now for details.

I feel so sad I have to return this game! I just got back into football again, and I'll bet you it has to do with this title.

After renting 2k1, I had read on Gamespot about the rival game, Madden 2001 on the PS2. They claim it looks better than 2k1. So I went to Best Buy to play Madden and see it, and I studied the details.

In my opinion, the above opinion is DEAD WRONG. 2k1 is gorgeous throughout, and looks a lot crisper than Madden in many aspects. It also PLAYS much much better than Madden. Even if there were NO online playing in 2k1, I would STILL choose it over Madden. And you know what? 2k1 DOES have online play. Which was quite fun.

No contest: 2k1 is the better product, in both looks, sounds, and playing. And you can play online.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

This is another great display of the 128 bit graphic distribution that Dreamcast has to offer. If you've played NFL2k from Dreamcast, you know that the series is awsome.
Most people thought the graphics couldn't get any better but they were wrong! THe players look so real it will literally knock your socks off. On its 2000 brother, the face-masks look a bit blurry and the shoulder and knee pads could use a new image. But this year every possible flaw(which there were only about 3) was fixed. The sound is even "crisper" and all the graphical flaws as I just talked about were attended to. And dont misunderstand, the gameplay after renting Madden NFL 2001, is faster and more fun. Although I must admit the gameplay is a little bit smoother on Madden NFL 2001, it is as I said is much faster and more fun on NFL2k and 2K1. The run game is so awsome you won't know it isn't real. Only Sega Sports and mabee EA sports on the Play Sation 2 do not make the players appear to be 500 pounds.
The run game was the problem with most previous football video games, but now is the best quality. But sometimes it can be a little too easy when you run to the out-side. With the exeption of NFL GameDay 2001 which has shown little to no improvement from 98-00 exept for the close-ups. The pass game is pretty cool. The best feature is that the Wide-Outs stick their hands out for the ball no-matter where he is or where his body is motioned. However, sometimes you can do the same play over and over and rack up the yards. The first few times you play its okay but after a while you should bump up the skill level.
As I said before, the graphics are even better than on NFL 2k(Last years game). The replays aren't as close up and detailed as on Madden 2001, but they are more realistic. If you watch Peo or College football, you know that the replays should be close but not literally on the player that had controlled the ball last play. Also when you are playing,(not on a replay or close-up)the players look awsome on 2k1, but on Madden NFL 2001, the players look like fat midgets.
On Madden 2001 every 2-4 sets of downs, their are stat up-dates from.. whomever. While as on NFL2k1 they come-up about 3 times a quarter so Madden wins there.
As I said on my review for Dreamcast, I stated that Sega was working on the sound and they did. It is "bigger" and better. The commentators have even more UN-annoying statements which they never repeat twice a game but you here the same things each game. So Dreamcast wins that catogory.

Here's My Review
Run Game: 9/10-It loses a point for being a little too easy.
Pass Game: 9/10
Graphics: 10/10- I wish I could give it more though!
Defense:10/10
Overall: 10/10

And Madden 2001
Run Game:9 and a half/10-It loses a point for being slow
Pass Game:8/10-Too easy and the WR always catch the ball the same way.
Graphics:9/10- It loses a point for making the players look like midgets when in game and not on close ups.( However the knee-pads look awsome!)
Defense:9/10
Overall:9 an a half/10

Bottom Line:

-I own both and say that NFL2k1is better.

-I gave it a perfect because I really don't see any real flaws.

-If you are a Madden NFL 2k1 owner claiming to play both and stuck-up about your game, really play this game and then be honest to yourself. I think it is almost impossible to judge but if I had to pick one I would pick NFL2k1.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Sound

No contest here. Hook up your stereo and its a matter of taste as far music goes. Madden's crowd is a little better but 2K1 lets you adjust how much input everyone has(announcers/music/crowd/ etc). As far as trash talking players go, thumbs up to Visual Concepts. The announcers are good (but screw up on occasion). Some one tell Madden and Summerall to get on their bus and get out of town. Their run is over.

Gameplay

I own 2K and thank goodness,they listened to the gamer. The running game is light years ahead
of the painful ineffectiveness of last years. And
the passing game was toned down properly. The AI
is ramped up from last years,even rookie mode is
more difficult. The WWF tackle system has been cleaned up thankfully, and nifty moves have been
added. When I hit a hole I can burst through and get good yardage by properly following blocks, as coaches teach you to do. The touch pass system is great(pump fakes) and the roving kick meter really makes you think twice about that 35 yarder with the wind against you from an angle. The receivers occasionally drop passes as they do in real life (even Carter/Moss/ or any Ram), especially when the route hsn't been completed. The defense no longer has the "gangs all here" mentality towards the ball. They maintain the assignments they have and when I have the ball I can rest assured that a DT won't catch my fleet receiver in a foot race. And yes, like your bank account, money plays last about 2 or 3 uses, and those aren't guaranteed. All pro is a bit difficult, but practice makes for a better experience. That's why the modes in there. And franchise mode is OUTSTANDING!!! You better not try to buy your championship. It didn't
work for Daniel Snyder's Redskins and it won't work here. Be creative, spend wisely, and sign and
draft carefully. Not as labor intensive as playing
Madden. Moves faster and more fluid. And the collision system slaps Madden's around like a red
headed stepchild. You won't fly through any players in this game. If you hit/tackle them, they go down, stumble, trip, or slow down as they should. Love the shoestring tackles. This is how it should be done. And I love the way the battle goes on a bit after the whistle and trash is talked.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

The best football game ever? Matters who you're talking to. Online play without lag? Matters what ISP your using. Is it fun? You can bet your bag of potatoe chips it is!

When the game first hit store shelves I was just expecting mostly a graphic overhaul with online play thrown into the mix, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only has visual concepts redefined how a football game should be, it also revolutionizes how sports games should be PLAYED.... online.

Madden and NFL really are to different games in my opinion and both should be categorized differently: arcade and simulation. If you want an action packed game with plenty of bone jarring hits, stick with NFL, if you want to use some strategy and like amazing physics with phenominal graphics that makes your jaw drop, you probably want to pick up Madden. Both games are great and I play both fairly often, (even though I don't own a PS2) but I think I might have to give NFL2K1 the edge because of its online aspect.

Sound

Another strong point that puts NFL2K1 ahead of the rest *cough*Madden*cough*. Hearing the Jaguar roar over the loudspeaker in Jaxsonville after a first down always gives you that great feeling of satisfaction after making that one handed grab. And you gota love the chants the fans give when your opponent throws an incomplete pass. The Commentary although appropriate for the situation, sometimes gets rather repetitive after a couple of days of play, but certainly realistic and both of them sound very clear.

Gameplay

sure you have some nice moves that you can perform on the field but there are so many options in this game it is almost impossible to not play this game throughout the whole football season, or until NFL2K2 is released at that. Franchise, Tourny, Exhibition, Season, Practice, Create players and plays, aren't even the major aspects of the game. Oh yes I'm talking about online play. Not only is this the first online multiplayer game made for the DC (chu chu rocket doesn't count!) the way that it has been emplemented really i