NFL 2K1

GamesFirst! ( )

But despite our disappointing experience with online play, we are herewith prepared to proclaim NFL2K1 the official gold standard of video football games. There’s never been a better NFL game, and—even with the pending release of the PS2 version of Madden—we doubt a better one will come along anytime soon. Probably not until NFL2K2.

The Next Level (USA) (A)

If you want the best football game on the market, get this. Great gameplay and visuals matched with some great online features makes this the sports game to beat this year.

GamePro (US) (5 out of 5)

Football fans looking for a realistic videogame should look no further. NFL 2K1 stands helmet and shoulderpads above the rest, which is easy to do since it's the only new Dreamcast football game available. With improvements made over the already incredible NFL 2K, this year's NFL game on the Dreamcast is all a football fan could wish for.

Game industry News (GiN) ( )

Not only does this game get 5 GiN Gems for its single play and Internet play, it should get a nomination for Sports Game of the Year, even surpassing the mighty High Heat 2001. It's that good!

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( )

Building on the excellent foundation of NFL 2K, this year’s version has more than just a new set of rosters to recommend it. An immaculate AI will challenge players of all skill levels in a wide variety of modes that include Exhibition, Season, Playoffs, Fantasy and the newly introduced Franchise mode, which spans several seasons. With smooth, responsive controls, players will be gleefully pushing their way downfield while taking advantage of the excellent throwing game by using tosses that can lead the receiver with gentle lobs or bullet passes at the controller’s discretion. The running game benefits from special moves such as the spin, dive and the juke, and each of these tricks may be powered up during the run for greater effect. In addition, any dial up connection may be used to log onto Sega.net and join the growing community of online coaches for multiplayer mayhem that supports up to eight players with a seamless interface.

Game Revolution (A)

Taken as a whole, the plethora of features included in the game lead to perhaps the easiest A I'll ever give. This is an all around improvement over what was already a stellar game, and the revolutionary multi-player is something every Dreamcast owner needs to see firsthand.

GameSpot (9.9 out of 10)

The game is a much more refined, balanced, and complete version of the first game and is not only amazing for its online gameplay capabilities but also for its improved running game and greater overall depth. The game plays faster, more precisely, and closer to the real thing than any football game has before. The addition of the online gameplay feature and franchise mode is more than enough reason for you to upgrade to NFL 2K1. If there's still any doubt in your mind that NFL 2K1 is anything less than revolutionary, squash it and get to your local video game retailer before it sells out. The game is just that good.

Game Freaks 365 (9.8 out of 10)

By day’s end, NFL 2K1 is the most enjoyable experience I’ve ever had with a football game. I played this game for months at a time, and I’ll still bring it out, instead of my Xbox version (NFL 2K3). Whether you’re a die-hard or an amateur, this is the football game for you. I’d go so far as to say, this is worth buying a Dreamcast for.

Gaming Entertainment Monthly (96 out of 100)

If you had been putting off buying a Dreamcast or a NFL 2K1, you really have no excuse if you're a football fan. This is the quintessential game to own. When any game is able to be surpassing the quality and depth of NFL 2K1 on any console or platform, I'll get around to playing it. Until then, this is THE FOOTBALL GAME TO OWN There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING that can comes close to a sports game that is this enjoyable and an extremely high replay value until NFL 2K2 comes out next year.

Game Vortex (95 out of 100)

My final note: Get your ass back ON the couch and starting playing NFL 2K1 as much as possible, because football isn't just being played on Sundays anymore! And if you see me online, reddawg96, try and test your strength, if you've got the BALLS... I mean footballs!

IGN (9.5 out of 10)

If ever there was a must-own sports game on any console, NFL2K1 is that title. Unless you're some sort of fun-nazi, this game will rock your world.

Game Critics (9.5 out of 10)

And that about sums it up in a nutshell. NFL 2K1 is quite simply the most comprehensive and authentic football game around, and it's a blast to play. I hate to be repetitive, but there's just no comparing this game with anything else, and the online features make it a no-brainer. I may sound like I'm doing a plug for Sega here, but if you want the best football game out there, you're going to have to pick up a Dreamcast.

Da Gameboyz (9.5 out of 10)

NFL2K1 has finally come to the masses with a well-executed online component. The ability to play any fellow Dreamcast owner anywhere in North America is reason enough for this game to earn an almost perfect score. Combine this with improved gameplay, great graphics and superb sound, this title is a must buy not only for sports fans but also for anyone who owns a Dreamcast. Online is here baby and for that reason, this game scores a joystick way up and Da Gameboyz Player's Choice award.

Mega Fun (94 out of 100)

Ich hielt den Vorgänger vor einem Jahr für das beste Sportspiel aller Zeiten und bin daher überrascht, dass Sega mit 2K1 noch eins draufzusetzen vermochte. Bei diesem Spiel stimmt einlach alles, Grafik, Sound und Gameplay verschmelzen zu einem echten Football-Vergnügen. Kann da EA mit Madden auf PS 2 noch mehr überzeugen? Egal, wer einen importfähigen Dreamcast hat und mit American Football nicht auf Kriegsfuß steht, der braucht dieses Spiel!

Gaming Target (9.4 out of 10)

As you can see this football fanatic loved and still loves last year’s version of the NFL2K football series, and is in high anticipation for next year from what we've seen here. If you don’t own NFL2K1, you should go and pick it up just to play it online as its the first console football game to provide such a feature.

Gamer's Pulse (92 out of 100)

Should you buy NFL2K? With it's innovative features, phenomenal passing system, and incredible graphics and sound, there's no doubt that it's one hell of a football game; however, the poor running game cannot be overlooked. Were it not for this setback, as well as the lack of online play, I'd go so far as to call NFL2K revolutionary. As it stands, this is still one of the best virtual representations of the sport that you'll find anywhere. If you're a football-loving DC owner, it's a no brainer: be there, or be (EA) Square.

Gaming Age (A-)

If Sega can keep pouring out beauties like this, not only will folks forget about the dreadful World Series Baseball incident, but also they may forget about the PS2 all together…I know I have. If you've read this far without heading to your local retailer to pick this up, either you own the game already…or you're insane. This is in my opinion the best football game ever.

Game Chronicles (9 out of 10)

NFL 2K1 is just an appetizer of things to come. Even with the ominous Playstation 2 release date looming closer, Dreamcast has nothing to fear. After one year they are as strong as ever and this game proves it. While Sony and Microsoft sit back and wait for broadband Internet access to become a household standard, all of us Dreamcast owners will be enjoying great online titles such as NFL 2K1.

Planet Dreamcast (9 out of 10)

Buy it, buy it, buy it. If you are a football fan, then you are a NFL2K1 fan. Although the realistic nature of the game takes a little getting used to, this game just oozes quality, and gets better over time. It's a near perfect football game, a great way to kick off SegaNet, and a perfect alternative to Madden.

Digital Press - Classic Video Games (9 out of 10)

As you can tell, this is obviously a top-notch game by Sega Sports. While I personally prefer this version to the later installment, NFL2K2, it will be exciting to see where this series goes in upcoming years on Gamecube, X-Box and Playstation 2. This particular game is a must-buy if you are into sports games and own a Dreamcast. I could play this game all day long and never get bored of it, it's that good. Try it out and see for yourself.

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (8.8 out of 10)

Overall, NFL2K1 is one of the best football games to date, and rivals the dominating EA Madden series, for sure. Oh, and there's online play too. Woohoo!

Retro4Ever (8.75 out of 10)

The bottom line is that with NFL 2k1, it is vastly superior to the previous entry in the series, and in my opinion, is the best realistic NFL game released in the year 2000. The presentation is stellar, the gameplay is fluid for that era, and the players were gauged at a relatively realistic rating compared to their real life counterpart. I consider myself to be quite the football aficionado, but even I had forgotten about a couple of players that were in the league at this point. It’s refreshing to go back and see that a sports game can hold up this well for being over a decade old, and with it being found for under $5, I would certainly recommend the title if you are looking for an older NFL game to get into. It’s no wonder that even to this day, people still talk fondly of the NFL 2k franchise, and all it had to offer throughout the years.

SegaFan.com (8.7 out of 10)

Un maravilloso juego, sobre todo para los que gusten de este deporte, que no deberías perderte. Si te atrae mínimamente el fútbol americano no puedes dejar pasar este juego. Horas y horas de diversión aseguradas.

The Video Game Critic (B+)

A major selling point for NFL 2K1 is on on-line play, which I hear works surprisingly well. How could this game be any better? I have two minor suggestions. First, the players should interact with each other, especially after touchdowns. Second, some cheerleaders would be nice, along with a half-time show. Finally, they should adjust the difficulty; rookie is too easy, but pro is too hard!

GamersMark (8 out of 10)

Very nice game, too bad it’s a little after its time, with NFL2k2 slowing creeping around the corner, this little slice of grid iron heaven will fall in the old school section soon, but if NFL2k2 is nearly as impressive as 2k1, then we’re in the money, I’m just about ready for a new cheap defense strategy anyway.