It is quite obvious that the graphics take full advantage of the Playstation 2's capabilities.  The 3D models are more detailed than ever and this is why the load times are a little lengthy.  When playing this game you may think you're watching a hockey game on T.V. because of the extremely realistic player models.  These models seem to show real emotions after things such as a big goal or a penalty that they don't think they deserve.  You'll be amazed by the accurate graphics when the camera moves in for a close-up and likewise, you'll enjoy the overall smoothness of the game play views.  However, when the action gets too intense or when many players are on the screen at once, there may be some "lag" or hesitation in the game play.  I find it easy to overlook this, but others may not be so lenient.

The crowd comes alive for a change in "NHL 2001," by actually moving and cheering.  Although this is pretty cool, it must take a lot of processing power to allow for this crowd action.  Personally, I'd rather see those resources devoted to the game play rather than unnecessary detail of the crowd.  There are many camera angles to chose from and if you still prefer the classic style camera view, don't worry it's still there!  The replays take full advantage of all these different angles and the realism is pretty scary.  Another impressive quality is the net, which actually moves like a real net when the puck hits it, instead of just being a stiff texture.  Even the players' reflections on the ice look like the real thing.  I'm impressed!

The game play in "NHL 2001" has a slightly different feel than its predecessors and this new feel takes some getting used to.  Not to worry though, the change was definitely for the better.  Some new functions have been incorporated into the game allowing for increased control of the players.  The game modes remain mostly the same, they are: quick game (exhibition), season, tournament, playoffs, and shootout.  EA SPORTS™ still allows you to trade players and to keep accurate stats of all teams and players in the advanced game modes.  Also incorporated is a fantasy draft with which the teams can be built from scratch.

One new function is the "big hit" button, which lets you deliver bone-crushing body checks that you'll surely feel through the DualShock controllers. Also, when your player has the puck this button is used for the "deke" movement, which lets you fake out the goalie without using the directional pad (a manual deke). A "last man back" button was also added, which allows you switch to the last man back on defense when you are racing back to the net.  This is a very necessary function and I'm glad it was finally incorporated into the game.  When you have the puck, this same button lets you dump the puck so you can grab a line change or more easily kill of a penalty.  All of these button assignments can now be configured within the game so you don't have to quit if you need to change your controller setup.

The momentum meter is another new addition to the game, which allows teams to have a huge advantage rewarding a hot streak of great shots, hard hits, and big saves.  While this is a good idea (since team momentum is a characteristic of a real hockey game), it makes it too difficult for your opponent to compete effectively when the momentum is shifted to your side (or vice versa).  Luckily the momentum meter can be turned off if you prefer to stick with the old school.  Also added were small icons under the players' names who are either big hitters (a hammer) or big shooters (a hockey stick).  This is beneficial if you're unfamiliar with certain players' characteristics.

Another fix is the game clock.  Now, whether you choose 5,10, or 20 minute periods, the clock always starts with 20 minutes and it just changes each second to be worth a smaller amount.  The advantage with this is that it allows penalties to be relative to the amount of time they are in real hockey (rather than having a 2 minute penalty in a five minute game, etc), which makes a lot more sense.

The AI in "NHL 2001" is very impressive and it allows for smarter computer controlled teammates, which is really helpful.  Your defensive players will for the most part stay back in your end of the rink to prevent breakaways and odd-man rushes.  In previous versions they always seemed to be where they weren't helping out and that got pretty annoying.  Even the referees seem to have received some sort of upgrade, as penalty calls are now very accurate (when you see the replays you'll have to agree).

The sound is nothing short of spectacular.  Every noise you'd expect to hear at a hockey game has been taken into account and put in the game.  From the crowd cheering to players complaining to the ref, "NHL 2001" delivers big time.  The play-by-play announcing is accurate but annoyingly redundant.  When playing a season, you'll notice the same things are said about each of your players in every game.  Fortunately you can easily change the various sound settings to your personal liking.

New options in the setup menu allow for precise configuration adjustments to customize game play.  You can change how soon players feel fatigued, how long injuries last, how often the goalies will give up rebounds and much more.  Don't think enough passes are being intercepted?  Not a problem, this is another setting that the user can easily alter in "NHL 2001."  Increasing or decreasing puck friction and elasticity makes the game even more realistic as you can determine how much the puck will slide and how fast it shoots down the ice.  Depending on your skill level, you can choose from four options: beginner, rookie, pro and all star. In beginner or rookie mode, you won't have much of a problem defeating the computer opponent but the pro and all-star will challenge even the most experienced NHL veteran.  In pro or all-star mode it is much harder to score goals that it used to be.  One-timers don't go in as easily and it is a lot more difficult to get a breakaway opportunity in "NHL 2001" than in previous releases of the series.  The probability that a slap shot from the point will get past the goalie seems to be a bit higher in 2001 and this adds to the realism of the game.  The new options allow you to change just about every aspect of the game, be it how fast it moves or how hard it is to win.  This is a definite plus for those picky about play control. Whether using digital or analog mode, the control is crisp and perfectly sensitive for the most accurate movements possible.

"NHL 2001" is a great game overall and the innovative new features put it yet another step ahead of the pack.  My recommendation?  Pick this one up!

This game is rated E for everyone, but it does of course have some animated violence.
 

Gameplay: 9.5
The new features are awesome and the game still has the same solid feel that EA SPORTS™ is famous for.  My only complaint is regarding the momentum feature, which can easily give a certain team too much of an advantage (though it can be turned off, of course).

Graphics: 9.5
Stunning detail and for the most part impressive frame rates.  It's unfortunate that lag is sometimes evident in this game, but it really doesn't get too bad.

Sound: 10.0
As always, the sound is outstanding and it definitely plays a large role in the overall experience of "NHL 2001."  The new game play sounds, which are heard when someone gets slammed to the ice or when a 100+m.p.h. slap shot is let loose, are very powerful and they fit in the game surprisingly well.

Difficulty: 8.0
Beginner and rookie are too easy while pro and all-star seem a little too difficult.  The game could benefit from another intermediate setting.

Concept: 9.0
Even though it's been done many times over, EA Sports always finds a way to take it to the next level and "NHL 2001" is no exception.

Multiplayer: 10.0
Multitap allows for up to 8 players to get in on the action, but even with only 2 players multiplayer gaming doesn't get much better than this.

Overall: 9.3
I would recommend this game to both the hockey lover and to anyone else who's looking for a great new sports title.  "NHL 2001" will without a doubt provide you with hours of entertaining game play (as all NHL releases have in the past).