NHL 2001
- November 24, 2000 14:47 PM PST
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If you've been waiting for EA to bring the perfect hockey series to the PS2, you won't be disappointed. If you're a true hockey fan, then NHL 2001 just might make you weep with joy.
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Skate City
Controls in the PS2 version of NHL 2001 are very similar to the regular PlayStation game. The triangle button acts as a deke with the puck or as a big hit without, while the L1 and R1 buttons act as a spin move. Overall, the controls are very good. There is no icon passing, but to be honest, you won't miss it: hockey is too fast of a game for it to be really useful. Still, the PS2 version of NHL 2001 has even more game options in store for hockey fans.
The selection of coaching strategies is a banquet of delights. Offensive settings include behind the net, crash the net, auto, combo, funnel, triangle, and positional strategies. On defense, the pickings are just as good, with six different forechecking settings that you combine with seven defensive zone sets. Of course, power play and penalty killing strategies are included as well.
On The Bench
On top of coaching strategies, there is a delicious dessert cart of game settings that can be adjusted with a slider bar, including game speed, fatigue, checking power, shot blocking, and shot accuracy, along with a host of others making their appearance for the first time in a hockey simulation. Suffice it to say that the PS2 NHL 2001 has more game options than any other hockey game, ever. Hardcore fans will love to fiddle with all the settings, but you can jump into a quick game as well.
The on-ice AI can be brutally tough. If you leave an opponent free in the slot with the puck, chances are he's going to bury it in your net. There are four settings for the AI (beginner, rookie, pro, and all star) so you can adjust it to your skill level.
The graphics for the PS2 version of NHL 2001 trump even the impressive PC version. Everything from the skating and checking animations to the player faces and animated crowds are simply incredible. A great replay mode lets you view the action in very precise detail. The in-game commentary is better than ever with the commentary keeping up with the gameplay much better. Crowd noise, player voices, and ambient music top off the audio.
Stone Cold
NHL 2001 for the PS2 is one of the finest console sports games ever to ship. The sweet gameplay, delicious game options, intense graphics, and jamming audio make it a fantastic hockey simulation, and one of the best games to ship for the PS2 on launch day.
