NHL 2001
{{More citations needed|date=June 2015}}
{{Short description|2000 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = NHL 2001
| image = NHL 2001 Coverart.jpg
| caption = North American box art featuring Owen Nolan
| developer = EA Canada
| publisher = EA Sports
| engine =
| series = NHL series
| released = PlayStation, Windows
{{vgrelease|NA|September 27, 2000{{cite web |author=IGN staff |date=September 27, 2000 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/28/ea-ships-nhl-2001 |title=EA Ships NHL 2001 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417110035/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/09/28/ea-ships-nhl-2001 |archivedate=April 17, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}|EU|October 6, 2000}}PlayStation 2
{{vgrelease|NA|October 26, 2000{{cite web |author=IGN staff |date=October 27, 2000 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/28/the-ps2-launch-titles |title=The PS2 Launch Titles |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014185048/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/10/28/the-ps2-launch-titles |archivedate=October 14, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}|EU|November 24, 2000{{cite web |last=Bramwell |first=Tom |date=November 21, 2000 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-29795 |title=Launch titles confirmed |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210927065823/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_29795 |archivedate=September 27, 2021 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}}}Elitserien/SM-Liiga 2001
{{vgrelease|EU|March 8, 2001}}
| genre = Sports - Ice Hockey Sim
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
| platforms = PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows
}}
NHL 2001 is a video game released by Electronic Arts in 2000. It is the successor to NHL 2000. An add-on featuring Elitserien and SM-Liiga was released on the PC version on March 8, 2001, that added Swedish and Finnish hockey leagues and teams to the game. It is the tenth installment of the NHL series, the final to be released on PlayStation, and the first to be released on PlayStation 2.
Gameplay
Jim Hughson remains as play-by-play announcer in the game, with Bill Clement joining as an analyst for a second time, debuting in the previous edition, NHL 2000. This is also the first NHL game to appear on the PlayStation 2 and also to include Latvia and Ukraine to the 18 national teams first featured in NHL 98 (only available in the PC and PlayStation 2 versions). There is also a brand new feature called the Momentum Bar, which goes to the team who has scored goals, done big hits, etc.
Expansion
An expansion pack for the PC version of NHL 2001 including the Swedish and Finnish elite leagues was released in early 2001, titled Elitserien 2001 (SM-Liiga 2001 in Finland). It includes all 12 teams from Elitserien and all 13 teams from SM-Liiga at the time. It also includes new intro play-by-play by Arne Hegerfors in Swedish, and Mika Saukkonen in Finnish. And new arena announcers by Magnus Gustafsson in Swedish, and Pentti Lindegren in Finnish. The cover athlete on Elitserien 2001 is Henrik Zetterberg of Timrå IK, and the cover athlete on SM-Liiga 2001 is Raimo Helminen of Ilves.{{cite web |url=https://kuvat.huuto.net/v1/83ed/e8097a09ae98e6e761fa1d98cf9/474913194-m.jpg |title=SM-Liiga 2001 front cover |website=Huuto |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026050903/https://kuvat.huuto.net/v1/83ed/e8097a09ae98e6e761fa1d98cf9/474913194-m.jpg |archivedate=October 26, 2021 |url-status=dead |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://kuvat.huuto.net/v1/237a/ad9a16489455dad2f6cce73c637/474913202-orig.jpg |title=SM-Liiga 2001 back cover |website=Huuto |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026050903/https://kuvat.huuto.net/v1/237a/ad9a16489455dad2f6cce73c637/474913202-orig.jpg |archivedate=October 26, 2021 |url-status=dead |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mobygames.com/covers/7902789-elitserien-2001-windows-front-cover.jpg |title=Elitserien 2001 front cover |website=MobyGames |publisher=Atari SA |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331071517/https://cdn.mobygames.com/covers/7902789-elitserien-2001-windows-front-cover.jpg |archivedate=March 31, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://ia802802.us.archive.org/35/items/elitsm01/%20cover%20%282%29.JPG |title=Elitserien 2001 back cover |website=Internet Archive}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| PS = true
| PS2 = true
| na = true
| MC_PC = 90/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nhl-2001/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=NHL 2001 critic reviews (PC) |website=Metacritic |publisher=Fandom |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417045753/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/nhl-2001 |archivedate=April 17, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}
| CNG_PC = 9/10{{cite web |last=Rubenstein |first=Glenn |date=September 26, 2000 |url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-4815,00.html |title=NHL 2001 (PC) |website=Gamecenter |publisher=CNET |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20001017153411/http://www.gamecenter.com/Reviews/Item/0,6,0-4815,00.html |archivedate=October 17, 2000 |url-status=dead |accessdate=January 2, 2022}}
| CGSP_PC = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Abner |first=William |date=October 9, 2000 |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/030/026/nhl2001_review.html |title=NHL 2001 |website=Computer Games Strategy Plus |publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030703084213/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/030/026/nhl2001_review.html |archivedate=July 3, 2003 |url-status=dead |accessdate=May 18, 2020}}
| CGW_PC = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite magazine |last=Lackey |first=Jeff |url=https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_198.pdf |title=Shot on Goal (NHL 2001 Review) |magazine=Computer Gaming World |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=198 |date=January 2001 |pages=134–35 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404221849/https://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/issues/cgw_198.pdf |archivedate=April 4, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}
| EGM_PS = 6/10{{cite magazine |last=Leahy |first=Dan |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/62/EGM_US_137.pdf |title=NHL 2001 (PS) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=137 |date=December 2000 |page=226 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926162507/https://retrocdn.net/images/6/62/EGM_US_137.pdf |archivedate=September 26, 2022 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}
| EGM_PS2 = 9.5/10{{cite magazine |last1=Leahy |first1=Dan |last2=Kujawa |first2=Kraig |last3=Funk |first3=Joe |title=NHL 2001 (PS2) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=137 |date=December 2000 |page=231}}{{efn|Three critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the PlayStation 2 version each a score of 9/10, 9.5/10, and 10/10.}}
| EPD_PC = 9.5/10{{cite web |last=Sandhu |first=Mandip |date=October 27, 2000 |url=http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=4271&full=1 |title=NHL 2000 (PC) |website=The Electric Playground |publisher=Greedy Productions Ltd. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030718121702/http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=4271&full=1 |archivedate=July 18, 2003 |url-status=dead |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}
| GI_PS = 7.75/10{{cite magazine |title=NHL 2001 (PS) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=FuncoLand |issue=91 |date=November 2000}}
| GameFan_PS = 86%{{cite magazine |author1=Higgins, Geoff "El Nino" |author2=Jacques Strap |url=https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_12/page/n127/mode/2up |title=NHL 2001 (PS) |magazine=GameFan |publisher=BPA International |volume=8 |issue=12 |date=December 2000 |page=126 |accessdate=January 2, 2022}}{{efn|In GameFan{{'}}s viewpoint of the PlayStation version, one critic gave it 85, and the other 86.}}
| GameFan_PS2 = 93%{{cite magazine |last1=Higgins |first1=Geoff "El Nino" |last2=Van Stone |first2=Matt "Kodomo" |title=NHL 2001 (PS2) |magazine=GameFan |publisher=BPA International |volume=8 |issue=12 |date=December 2000 |page=126}}{{efn|In GameFan{{'}}s viewpoint of the PlayStation 2 version, one critic gave it 93, and the other 92.}}
| GameRev_PS2 = C+{{cite web |author=G-Wok |date=December 2000 |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/33724-nhl-2001-review |title=NHL 2001 Review (PS2) |website=GameRevolution |publisher=CraveOnline |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622072809/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/nhl-2001 |archivedate=June 22, 2015 |url-status=live |accessdate=May 18, 2020}}
| GSpot_PC = 8.8/10{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Michael E. |date=September 28, 2000 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/nhl-2001-review/1900-2634754/ |title=NHL 2001 Review (PC) |website=GameSpot |publisher=Fandom |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050115183154/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/sports/nhl2001/review.html |archivedate=January 15, 2005 |url-status=live |accessdate=June 21, 2015}}
| GSpy_PC = 89%{{cite web |last=Sparkes |first=Ralph |date=September 29, 2000 |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/october00/nhl2001/ |title=NHL 2001 (PC) |website=GameSpy |publisher=IGN Entertainment |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215122832/http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/october00/nhl2001/ |archivedate=December 15, 2004 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 22, 2015}}
| NGen_PS2 = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine |last=Preston |first=Jim |url=https://archive.org/details/NextGen72Dec2000/page/n103/mode/2up |title=NHL 2001 (PS2) |magazine=NextGen |publisher=Imagine Media |issue=72 |date=December 2000 |page=102 |accessdate=May 18, 2020}}
| OPM_PS = {{Rating|4|5}}{{cite magazine |last=Zuniga |first=Todd |url=https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-38-november-2000/page/166/mode/2up |title=NHL 2001 (PS) |magazine=Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=38 |date=November 2000 |page=166 |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}
| PCGUS_PC = 92%{{cite magazine |title=NHL 2001 |magazine=PC Gamer |publisher=Imagine Media |volume=7 |issue=12 |date=December 2000 |page=158}}
| rev1 = The Cincinnati Enquirer
| rev1_PS2 = {{Rating|4.5|5}}{{cite news |last=Saltzman |first=Marc |date=December 13, 2000 |url=http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/121300_nhl2001.html |title=NHL 2001 shoots, scores |newspaper=The Cincinnati Enquirer |publisher=Gannett Company |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060316103957/http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/121300_nhl2001.html |archivedate=March 16, 2006 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2015}}
}}
The PC version received "universal acclaim", while the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 versions received "generally favorable reviews", according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Emmett Schkloven of X-Play gave the PS2 version four stars out of five and stated, "EA has spent a lot of effort making NHL 2001 accessible to newcomers and non-hockey fanatics. Easier controls, clean gameplay and a fast, slick interface all contribute to the company's success in this endeavor. Fortunately, the depth and realism that make hockey lovers like myself such fans of the franchise have not been sacrificed. The game is not as flawless as it could be, but it is damn close. And it's still only launch year."{{cite web |last=Schkloven |first=Emmett |date=January 11, 2001 |url=http://www.techtv.com/products/games/story/0,23008,3305545,00.html |title=NHL 2001 (PS2) -- Review |website=X-Play |publisher=TechTV |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010127111200/http://www.techtv.com/products/games/story/0,23008,3305545,00.html |archivedate=January 27, 2001 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 22, 2015}} Jim Preston of NextGen said, "EA's first NHL effort on Playstation 2 [sic] is almost as deep as it is pretty."
Clayton Crooks of AllGame gave the PC version four-and-a-half stars out of five and said, "Hockey fans are sure to enjoy NHL 2001. It offers impressive (albeit repetitive) audio, superb graphics and animation to go along with exciting gameplay and fans of both arcade and simulation-style sports games should be able to find some aspect to enjoy. Online play, customizable rosters that are available for download from the Internet and multiple season modes make this a game that should occupy the hard drive for a long time, at least until the next version is released."{{cite web |last=Crooks |first=Clayton |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25318&tab=review |title=NHL 2001 (PC) - Review |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116032959/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25318&tab=review |archivedate=November 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2015}} Matt Grandstaff of the same website gave the PlayStation version four stars, saying that it was "a better game than its PS2 counterpart. Even though it lacks some of the many customizations available in the PS2 version and is an ugly duckling in comparison, gamers looking for the most authentic hockey action for the 2000-2001 season should go with the PS version -- even if they own a PS2."{{cite web |last=Grandstaff |first=Matt |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25317&tab=review |title=NHL 2001 (PS) - Review |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116031814/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25317&tab=review |archivedate=November 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2015}} However, Terry Chung gave the PS2 version three stars, calling it "a worthy attempt at bringing the series to a 128-bit system, but with a few minor problems that need to be worked out, it should have been sent down to the minors for some reconditioning before coming back up."{{cite web |last=Chung |first=Terry |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25238&tab=review |title=NHL 2001 (PS2) - Review |website=AllGame |publisher=All Media Network |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116033607/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=25238&tab=review |archivedate=November 16, 2014 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2015}}
Kevin "BIFF" Giacobbi of GameZone gave the PC version a perfect ten, calling it "a must have".{{cite web |last=Giacobbi |first=Kevin "BIFF" |date=December 22, 2000 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r15310.htm |title=NHL 2001 Review - PC Game |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040114213921/http://www.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r15310.htm |archivedate=January 14, 2004 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2015}} Kevin Krause later gave the PlayStation 2 version 9.3 out of 10, calling it "a great game overall and the innovative new features put it yet another step ahead of the pack. My recommendation? Pick this one up!"{{cite web |last=Krause |first=Kevin |date=February 5, 2001 |url=http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r15310.htm |title=NHL 2001 Review on PlayStation 2 |website=GameZone |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208045854/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r15310.htm |archivedate=February 8, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 21, 2015}}
John Marrin of GamePro said that the PC version "isn't perfect, but it's about as close as EA has come in the past. The coaching strategies, gameplay options, and superb graphics make this one sports experience that PC gamers should be thankful for."{{cite magazine |last=Marrin |first=John |date=November 9, 2000 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/7316.shtml |title=NHL 2001 Review for PC on GamePro.com |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209085206/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/7316.shtml |archivedate=February 9, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 22, 2015}}{{efn|GamePro gave the PC version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 5/5 scores for control and fun factor.}} Human Tornado said in one GamePro review that the PlayStation version "keeps its lead over Sony's NHL FaceOff, but every year, that gap gets smaller. Still, NHL 2001 has better controls and coaching strategies, and the plethora of options rounds out this excellent hockey package. NHL 2001 takes this year's PlayStation Championship, but it was a tight seven game showdown."{{cite magazine |author=Human Tornado |date=October 9, 2000 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/6970.shtml |title=NHL 2001 Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040903092050/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/6970.shtml |archivedate=September 3, 2004 |url-status=dead |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}{{efn|GamePro gave the PlayStation version 4.5/5 for graphics, 4/5 for sound, and two 5/5 scores for control and fun factor in one review.}} In another GamePro review, Air Hendrix said of the same console version, "If you're not a huge hockey fan, NHL 2001 is similar enough to its 2000 edition that you may be content with that version. For the hockey hardcore, the tuned A.I. and new features make NHL 2001 the only game in town."{{cite magazine |author=Air Hendrix |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/3/36/GamePro_US_146.pdf |title=NHL 2001 Buries One In the PlayStation Twine |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |issue=146 |date=November 2000 |page=160 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230717185751/https://retrocdn.net/images/3/36/GamePro_US_146.pdf |archivedate=July 17, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}{{efn|GamePro gave the PlayStation version two 4.5/5 scores for graphics and sound, and two 5/5 scores for control and fun factor in another review.}} The former author said in one GamePro review, "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."{{cite magazine |author=Human Tornado |date=October 20, 2000 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/7080.shtml |title=NHL 2001 Review for PS2 on GamePro.com |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG Entertainment |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209101227/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/7080.shtml |archivedate=February 9, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=June 22, 2015}}{{efn|GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version three 5/5 scores for graphics, control, and fun factor, and 4.5/5 for sound in one review.}} In another GamePro review, the latter author said of the same PlayStation 2 version, "All told, NHL 2001 is an impressive example of next-gen sports action, ranking it as one of the new system's best titles. If you were lucky enough to score a PS2 at launch, make sure you grab a copy of this gem to go with it."{{cite magazine |author=Air Hendrix |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/6/61/GamePro_US_147.pdf |title=The Best Hockey Game Ever (NHL 2001 PS2 Review) |magazine=GamePro |publisher=IDG |issue=147 |date=December 2000 |page=158 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630183607/https://retrocdn.net/images/6/61/GamePro_US_147.pdf |archivedate=June 30, 2023 |url-status=live |accessdate=October 26, 2023}}{{efn|GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version all perfect 5/5 scores for graphics, sound, control, and fun factor in another review.}}
The PS2 version was a runner-up for GameSpot{{'}}s annual "Best PlayStation 2 Game" award, which went to SSX.{{cite web |author=GameSpot staff |date=January 5, 2001 |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/p3_03.html |title=Best and Worst of 2000 (Best PlayStation 2 Game Runners-Up, Part 2) |website=GameSpot |publisher=CNET |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010629190638/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/bestof_2000/p3_03.html |archivedate=June 29, 2001 |url-status=dead |accessdate=January 1, 2022}} In the same way the PC version was a runner-up for the website's annual "Sports Game of the Year" award, which went to FIFA 2001.{{cite web |author=GameSpot staff |date=January 5, 2001 |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p3_15.html |title=Best and Worst of 2000 (PC: Sports Game of the Year, Nominees) |website=GameSpot |publisher=CNET |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010609184020/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/pc/bestof_2000/p3_15.html |archivedate=June 9, 2001 |url-status=dead |accessdate=January 2, 2022}} The same PC version won the award for Sports Game of the Year at the CNET Gamecenter Computer Game Awards for 2000.{{cite web |author=Gamecenter staff |date=January 25, 2001 |url=http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards2k/ss02b.html |title=The Gamecenter Computer Game Awards for 2000! (Sports Game of the Year Winner) |website=Gamecenter |publisher=CNET |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010206195156/http://www.gamecenter.com/Features/Exclusives/Awards2k/ss02b.html |archivedate=February 6, 2001 |url-status=dead |accessdate=January 2, 2022}} The staff of Computer Games Magazine nominated the same PC version for their 2000 "Sports Game of the Year" award, whose winner remains unknown.{{cite web |author=CGM staff |date=February 8, 2001 |url=http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/125/010208-07.html |title=Computer Games Magazine announces nominees for annual best in computer gaming awards |website=Computer Games Strategy Plus |publisher=Strategy Plus, Inc. |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209070529/http://www.cdmag.com/articles/031/125/010208-07.html |archivedate=February 9, 2005 |url-status=dead |accessdate=January 2, 2022}} It was a runner-up for "Sports Game of 2000" in both Editors' Choice and Readers' Choice at IGN{{'}}s Best of 2000 Awards.{{cite web |author=IGN staff |date=January 26, 2001 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/01/27/best-of-2000-awards-4 |title=Best of 2000 Awards (PC: Sports Game of 2000) |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010821035712/http://pc.ign.com/news/30573.html |archivedate=August 21, 2001 |url-status=live |accessdate=January 2, 2022}}
{{clear}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{moby game|id=/2483/nhl-2001/}}
{{NHL series}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nhl 2001}}
Category:Electronic Arts games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:NHL (video game series)
Category:Page 44 Studios games
Category:PlayStation (console) games
Category:Video games developed in Canada
Category:Video games scored by Mike Reagan
Category:Video games scored by Rom Di Prisco
Category:Video games set in 2000
Category:Video games set in 2001
Category:Video games set in Canada