Ever since the early releases for the Sega Genesis, Electronic Arts' NHL series has produced some of the best loved, most well respected sports games ever. NHL 2001 for the PC offers many of the highly appreciated features of previous versions while making some noteworthy improvements to gameplay and presentation.
Players look smoother and more realistic and are more recognizable by their faces as well as their jersey numbers. The crowd animations have been enhanced and the play-by-play and color commentary is at least as detailed and situation-specific as it has been in previous NHL games. Players behave realistically, reacting more appropriately to their positions on the ice in a given game situation.
Gamers may also notice a significantly different feel while controlling different players, according to the abilities of their real-life counterparts. In addition to the speed differences represented in previous releases in the series, it may now seem a little easier to throw a good check with tough defenseman, while some forwards will be more likely to get off a good, clean shot. As usual, teams and rosters have been updated to reflect the most recent season, including the Minnesota Wild and the Columbus Blue Jackets. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
