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GameSpot editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Mediocre
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 09/13/2000
- Updated on: 05/17/2006
- Released on: 07/30/2000
- Originally published on GameSpot: NFL QB Club 2001 Review
Looking back, Acclaim's NFL QB Club franchise - much like its pitchman, quarterback Brett Favre - has seen better times. In the days when the Green Bay Packers superstar won his Super Bowl trophies, NFL QB Club amazed gamers with its high-resolution graphics on the then-superior Nintendo 64. However, times (and video game systems) change; Favre's once-dominating Packers have slowly deteriorated, while their fearless leader has taken his share of lumps and bruises.
The same can be said about the NFL QB Club franchise. With both a new console and developer on board, Acclaim hoped to continue QB Club's legacy on the Dreamcast last season. Unfortunately, the debut version stunk up the playing field like skunks in heat, and this year's version makes it clear that the series is still in the midst of a "rebuilding" process. Indeed, improvements have been made to NFL QB Club 2001, but thanks to AI deficiencies, control flaws, and other blemishes, the game still can't shake its malodorous reputation.
The game packs the expected modes of play - practice, exhibition, season, and playoffs - as well as a unique historic simulation mode that lets you play scenarios from the past 34 Super Bowl championships. The game also offers extensive managerial features: creating and trading players, running an NFL draft, customizing playbooks and player profiles, and building a new team from scratch.
Unlike the Nintendo 64 version, the visual presentation appears smooth and crisp. The Dreamcast's horsepower allows for extra eye-candy, such as crowds on the sidelines (which are seen up close in between some plays during the game), custom camera angles, and even the ability to save instant replays to the VMU. The realistic shadows and thousand-plus animations for touchdowns, sacks, and spectacular dives add to the visual flair - although all these extras can drag the game's pace down a bit.
The transitions between different player animations don't always quite mesh, which occasionally interrupts the flow of the gameplay. For instance, pass animations seem to occur before the ball arrives, which in theory should bring out a pass interference penalty. However, because the animations sometimes appear out of sync with the gameplay, it's anybody's guess if a penalty actually occurred or not. Overall, the title looks good enough but still has room for improvement.
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