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Every year, I eagerly anticipate the new crop of football titles. What new options will appear? Will the AI offer more realism and challenge? What kind of eye candy will be included? I start to ponder these questions in the early summer and keep my fingers crossed that the developers of football games will deliver exciting new products. After playing Madden 99 to death and hearing rumors of great new features in Madden 2000, my anticipation had never been greater than the summer of '99. The emergence of rookie titles such as NFL Fever 2000 and Sega NFL 2K added even more excitement to this anticipation. After playing all three games, I am happy to report that the state of football gaming is strong.

It is hard to believe, but the first John Madden Football game appeared 10 years ago for the Apple II computer. Over the past 10 years the Madden series has appeared on virtually every major platform-Apple, PC, Commodore 64, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Amiga, 3DO Multiplayer, Sony Playstation, Sega Saturn, and Nintendo 64. I have experienced a love-hate relationship with Madden football games over these 10 years. I loved it on the Sega Genesis, and hated it on the Super Nintendo. I loved Madden 99, but hated every PSX and PC version until the `99 series. I can safely say that the latest version of Madden is the greatest. Madden 2000 for the PC is easily the best Madden ever.

It is refreshing to see game developers listen to the consumers and implement items on their wish lists. Madden 2000 not only presents a game with the obligatory advancements in graphics and sound, but also includes enhancements that gamers have been demanding since the release of Madden 99. Such things as better online play, a stronger CPU rushing attack, adjustable AI items, and deeper franchise play have been included in Madden 2000. Read on to see why Madden 2000 is the king of the gridiron.

The gameplay of Madden 2000 is where the game truly stands out. Sure, there are some flaws in the AI and some problems with player physics near the sidelines, but overall, Madden 2000 presents a great game of football. There are many modes of play in Madden 2000: exhibition, season, tournament, practice, and the venerable franchise mode. Within the modes of play, there are the usual options to adjust such things as quarter length, penalty levels, skill level, game speed, momentum, and other various items.

The running game is quite a bit different from that of Madden 99. The CPU runs the ball more effectively in Madden 2000. I rarely hold the computer to negative rushing yardage in Madden 2000. In some cases, the CPU gets over 100 yards rushing on my defense. This point alone is worth the upgrade to Madden 2000. The user running game seems more forgiving, but is it? There are more holes through which to run in Madden 2000, making short gainers frequent. However, the long runs of Madden 99 are less frequent. This occurrence points to a better, more responsive defensive AI. In Madden 99, I had little problem busting through a hole, juking the safety, then rumbling into the end zone. In Madden 2000, the safeties take a better angle at the ball carrier.

Passing in Madden 2000 can be an adventure. First off, I throw more interceptions in Madden 2000 than I did in Madden 99. There are two reasons for this phenomenon. First, lower rated quarterbacks are more vulnerable to poor passing than in previous Madden games. Second, the defense, namely the linebackers, reacts more realistically in its pass coverage. It was fairly easy to bait the linebackers in Madden 99, but the linebackers in Madden 2000 stay home more frequently. Although the linebackers do a better job of coverage, there are still a couple problems with the passing game in Madden 2000. It is still too easy to complete bombs to speedier receivers. I can complete far too many bombs against quality secondaries. Also, there are times in which one of the safeties does not react at all to the play. This is incredibly annoying because it allows for some ultra unrealistic big plays to occur. Fortunately, the CPU plays solid defense the vast majority of the time. The passing attack of the CPU is not overly effective. The CPU still has the problem of throwing to the backs, only to have them run out of bounds for a loss. On a positive note, the adjustable AI can help the CPU gain a little more effectiveness in its passing game. One thing that is important in defending deep passes is, once the receiver catches the ball, be careful not to dive immediately at the receiver. The CPU receivers do a good job of avoiding such tactics and can make some big plays.

A new feature, that was long overdue, is the adjustable AI settings. The user can now adjust such things as CPU playcalling and defensive and offensive settings. If the running game is too tough for you, just increase the run blocking. If you are throwing too many interceptions, lower the interception frequency. These settings make a noticeable difference in the gameplay.

Another new feature to Madden 2000 is the route-based passing option. Using this feature, the user can lead the receiver and throw the ball to the original intended spot on the field. In other words, it is now possible to throw the ball before the receiver makes his cut without causing the receiver to break his route. It was frustrating in previous Maddens to throw the ball just before a cut, only to have the ball go straight to the receiver and cause him to break his pattern. Additionally, the audible system has a new feature. The quarterback can now call an audible for one receiver instead of the whole team. This feature is called "hot routes."

The difficulty of Madden 2000 at the default setting is not as great as I would like. Also, the All-Madden skill level is not overly difficult for seasoned Madden gamers. However, I found that tweaking the AI settings can go a long way in making the game more difficult. Users will have to experiment with these settings on an individual basis to allow for differences in gaming strengths and styles. In my case, I found that making the CPU more aggressive, and softening up the rushing game, provided for a greater challenge. It is weird, but the CPU actually tries fewer fake punts and field goals at the aggressive setting. At the normal setting, the CPU attempts too many fakes in the kicking game.

Overall, the gameplay of Madden 2000 is superb. I was initially disappointed with some aspects of the CPU ability level, but was placated after using the AI settings. The realism does not end with the AI. The stats are believable and consistent with actual NFL stats. I was competitive in most stat categories using 6-minute quarters at the All-Madden skill level. The rushing defense is the only major category that suffers in the realism department. Despite the beefed up rushing AI, it is still too anemic to be considered realistic. Other than this problem, I am satisfied with the all-around gameplay and AI of Madden 2000.

The gameplay alone of Madden 2000 is enough to keep you coming back for more over the long term. However, there are a few other features of Madden 2000 that add to its longevity rating. First, there is a new Madden situation creator. This feature enables the user to create any game situation, then try to conquer that situation through gameplay. There are also already-created historical situations that the user can tackle. This is actually a fun feature, and can yield some high drama.

Second, the franchise mode gives Madden 2000 incredible replay value. The franchise mode allows the user(s) to play continuous seasons, complete with career stat tracking. The allowance of multiple users in the franchise mode makes the game even better. Users will compete against each other for draft picks, free agents, and trades. The franchise mode has the same basic structure of that in Madden 99. An added feature is the introduction of comments from players' agents. The agents will make snide remarks if they do not like an offer. Also, users can now trade future draft picks for players-cool! Despite its depth and entertainment value, the franchise mode is not perfect. After spending an extensive amount of time simming seasons and managing a team, I found a couple problems. First, the CPU makes some idiotic trade offers. Second, with a little creativity and persistence, the user can finagle the CPU-controlled teams into making lopsided trades. I know-just lay off the creativity bit and only submit realistic offers. Well, it is not that simple. In multiplayer franchise mode, who is to say what is a fair offer or not? A buddy and I got into some pretty heated arguments over what were abusive trading practices. We finally agreed to not trade at all. The franchise mode, problems aside, is still incredible. It offers users the ability to play general manager, and provides a fresh experience from season to season.

Third, Madden 2000 supports a variety of remote play options. Madden 2000 supports the following types of connections: IPX (LAN), TCP/IP (Internet), and TAPI/Serial. Using an IPX network, up to eight players can play on two computers. Playing a smooth game of Madden 2000 on the Internet is dependent on a low-latency connection. Coach mode is recommended for high-latency connections, while full control play is pretty darn good with an above average connection. Modem to modem play is much improved as well. John Madden Net is a selectable option from the intro screen. This site is outstanding and has a variety of awesome features that allow users to sign up and challenge fellow Madden fans. I played several games from the Madden Net using a 56K modem and had a great time. I experienced no disconnects, and only a couple of games with high latency.

The control in Madden 2000 is virtually the same as in Madden 99. Players react to user input instantaneously. The usual moves are included in Madden 2000. On offense, the moves include speed burst, dive, QB slide, hurdle, spin, stiff arm, pump fake, and juke. On defense, the moves include line shift, secondary shift, dive, power tackle, jump, swim move, and speed burst. The user definitely needs to learn the various moves in their arsenal to compete at the All-Madden level. The juke is still important while running the ball, but not quite as effective as in Madden 99. A good thing about the juke move is that it is now possible to juke in both directions. The control of the players diminishes when playing on John Madden Net. The control is pretty decent with a good ping, but suffers tremendously if one of the users has a slow connection. I played against a user with a ping of 330, and the game was basically unplayable in terms of user control. Using a modem to modem connection I encountered little slowdown and was able to play a satisfying game of football.

The graphics in Madden 2000 are not a huge improvement over those in Madden 99, but are still solid and look great. The players are detailed, and scaled according to weight and height. Linemen look enormous in comparison to defensive backs. The players' jerseys are accurate and sport large numbers and names. The animations look nice, and are varied. The wrap tackles look outstanding.

The stadiums look great. The detail of some of the stadiums is amazing. You can actually see people behind the glass in the luxury boxes. There are even nets behind the goal posts in the appropriate stadiums. The crowds look good, especially from a distance. The sidelines now show animated players and more personnel. This option can be turned off, but if your machine can handle it, be sure to keep it on. Finally, the weather effects in the stadiums look nice. There is nothing quite like playing a game in Lambeau on a snowy afternoon.

The menu and stat screens are the prettiest ever in a Madden game. The fonts are very easy to read. The system of navigation through the stats and menus is straightforward and user friendly-just point and click with the mouse, and the appropriate menus pop-up or collapse.

One criticism of Madden 99 was in regard to the lack of commentary. This item has been addressed in Madden 2000. Pat Summerall is more involved in the play-by-play, while John Madden interjects his words of wisdom somewhat more frequently. I would still like to see more variety in the Maddenisms. Many of Madden's comments are repeated too often, and grow old quickly. Overall, though, both men do a great job and keep the announcing accurate and relevant to the game.

The on-field sounds are the typical Madden football sounds, which means they are good. The tackles, quarterbacks' calls, referees, etc... sound like they should. One of the new features in this category is the player taunts. Players will taunt their opponents after big plays. The taunts are not cheesy little sayings, but taunts that you would expect to hear in an actual NFL game. The main problem I have with the taunting is, that while it adds realism in some respects, it also takes away from the realism. For example, many NFL players rarely, if ever, taunt their opponents. The high-profile players that do not taunt in real life should not taunt in Madden 2000 either. It is a little disconcerting to see Jerry Rice mouthing off after a 25-yard reception.

The quality of the sound is good. The stereo effect is tremendous. For example, when the quarterback moves his head to the left to yell an audible, his voice is heard from the left speaker. The overall implementation of the sound provides for an immersive experience while on the field.

Installation of Madden 2000 is a breeze. Just insert the CD and follow the directions on the screen. I encountered no issues or problems during the process of installation. In fact, the game installed very quickly. I was up and running in no time flat.

Aside from NFL Fever 2000, PC football gamers looking for an arcade-based sim really have no other choice than Madden NFL 2000. Fortunately, the lack of competition in this arena has not yielded an inferior game. The developers of Madden 2000 for the PC have implemented some excellent features in the game, while keeping the same great gameplay of Madden 99. Some of the team management features still need some work, but overall, Madden 2000 does an outstanding job of providing exciting gameplay, with the depth of team management and career play. Even in comparison to the excellent Sega NFL2K, Madden 2000 offers much more in terms of realism and AI than any other football game for the PC or the console. In summary, the reasons to buy this game are the improved Internet/multiplayer features, an improved running game, a better overall AI, and the fun franchise mode. You will find no better all-around football gaming experience than Madden 2000 for the PC.