• ID = PS0637
• STYLE = Hockey
• DEV. = 989 Studios
• PUB. = Sony CEA, Inc.
• R-DATE = Feb-07-2000
• ESRB = E / For Everyone
• PLAYERS = 1-2 players
• LIST PRICE = $24.99
  

The 2001 edition of 989's well-established hockey series features all of the team and roster updates fans have come to expect from a first-rate annual sports title, and much, much more. This year's game features a slew of updates and enhancements over last year's already solid version. All of the players and teams from the 2000-2001 NHL season are present, including the two expansion teams and eight international teams. The game features a healthy assortment of play modes, including Tournament, Shootout, and Draft.

Other enhancements include a Line Manager that lets you control offensive and defensive play calling, and a Shot Aim Option for greater shot accuracy. The intricate player models push the genre to new heights, as 989 has motion-captured over 1,500 player animations. All of this gives NHL FACEOFF 2001 some of the most realistic looking and moving players you'll find in a sports game of any type. With NHL FACEOFF 2001, 989 Sports has taken videogame ice hockey to unprecedented levels in both visual and gameplay realism.

• Players and teams from the 2000-2001 NHL season.
• Two expansion teams and eight international teams.
• Healthy assortment of play modes.
• A Line Manager that lets you control offensive and defensive play calling.
• Shot Aim Option.

Amazon.com Review
Though this game looks like nothing more than a souped-up version of its PS One cousin--there's very little that separates the visuals in this game from the previous PlayStation versions--NHL FaceOff 2001 does reliably score in most other categories. The game has all of the usual bells and whistles associated with a big-time interactive hockey simulation, as well as a few new ones such as the puck halo, which makes the puck easier to see when it's in the corners or in front of the net. Gamers can take to the ice against a team of all-time hockey legends, including Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Phil Esposito, and Marcel Dionne. They can also draft and build their own teams from scratch.

For those new to the series, FaceOff's all-new practice mode allows you to get a feel for the game in all aspects, including passing, checking, and scoring, before going up against any one of the NHL's 30 different teams.

To make up for the game's disappointing graphics, 989 made the gameplay blazingly fast, and its smooth animation is one area where the game surpasses its PlayStation cousin. The sounds of the game, like players' skates cutting through the ice as they stride toward the net or turn quickly to cut off another player, are perfectly represented. Even crowd noises above the action and hard hits against the boards are perfectly echoed. These little things help make this game a contender for the Interactive Stanley Cup.

EA Sports' NHL 2001 definitely has some competition this year, which is very good for everybody. Either way hockey fans choose, they can't lose! --Todd Mowatt

Pros:
A lightning-quick hockey simulation.
Great control.
Brings NHL legends back to the game.

Cons:
Substandard graphics.
Scoring is at times too easy.