|
Without a doubt, last year’s effort for Acclaim was almost as dismal a failure as Fantastic Four for the PS. Players were asking, “What the &#@% is this catch button crap!” The game was virtually unplayable and was bashed by most of the media, including yours truly. This year was their chance to redeem themselves, and hopefully be the only football game for the N64, as with their baseball title. Unfortunately for Acclaim, EA decided to do one last Madden on the N64. While QB Club isn’t a bad game, Madden is superior in every aspect, making QB Club a buy for Madden haters (If any). Visuals are very nice, as expected, on the N64. High Voltage Software knows how to push the N64, but still has to figure out the DC. Player models are slicker this year, giving a more realistic look than past versions. Helmet reflections, different body sizes, and wonderful animations complete a masterpiece on the N64. The frame rate stutters a bit, which hurts the final score some. Stadiums are replicated perfectly, and include all the new stadiums, as well. Weather effects are also displayed properly, as well. Hight Voltage never fails to impress when it does its work on the N64, and still now this is true.
Audio is one department that really needs help here. While clashing helmets and other ambiences are fine, the all-important audio features are just terrible. Play by play is a joke with no knowledge in seaming player’s names to the plays completed. Crowd sounds are atrocious, and lacking music for big plays and huddles are disappointing as well. It’s nice to hear Dan Patrick, but his efforts were put to shame by bad editing. The most important fix this year is the play mechanics. Passing, running and yes, CATCHING is a breeze for 2001. What strikes me as odd is the A.I. seems to be better on the N64 than the DC, what gives? This game plays pretty even, finishing with realistic stats for each game. I guess this is Acclaim’s Swan Song for the N64 and it shows with its wonderful play. Frame rate chugs slightly, but once use to this fact, you’ll have game play down in minutes. Options... where are the options in 2001? Did High Voltage concentrate on only getting the play mechanics fixed? The same old options are offered this year, lacking a much needed franchise mode. While QB club offers a good amount of features, Madden just sacks them at the line of scrimmage offering the same and more. If you’re an options nut like me, you’ll choose Madden for it wide variety of options this year. Despite only having one season to play though over and over again, Acclaim did do a bang up job for possibly its last N64 football title. If you don’t like Madden’s overly easy running game, you may want QB Club as a nice alternative.
|
