Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

NHL FaceOff 2001 takes the core hockey simulation experience to new heights by pitting modern-day NHL stars against legends like Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Phil Esposito, and Marcel Dionne. The ability to recreate dream matchups adds a deep layer of replayability, as you can test your skills against or alongside some of the greatest names in the sport. Each legend brings a distinct playstyle and historical flair, giving exhibition games a sense of authenticity and nostalgia.

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The variety of modes is impressive, with exhibition play supporting up to eight participants via the Multitap. Whether hosting a rancorous couch tournament or a casual pickup session, FaceOff 2001 delivers seamless, fast-paced action. The season mode offers a full-length campaign, while dedicated playoff and tournament modes intensify the stakes for those craving that bracket-clinching goal. A practice option and specialized shootout mode help newcomers and veterans alike sharpen breakaway maneuvers, dekes, and one-on-one goaltending tactics.

Controls feel responsive, with tight passing, crisp checking, and intuitive puck handling. The momentum-driven engine rewards strategic positioning—pinching the defenseman at the right moment can spark an offensive rush, while careful backchecking prevents odd-man opportunities. On-ice physics have been refined from previous editions, and collisions now carry more weight, making every physical battle along the boards count. Special moves, like toe drags and spin-o-ramas, are easier to execute yet still require timing and skill.

Rosters have been thoroughly updated to include all NHL teams as well as the new expansion clubs, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild. This means you can experience realistic lineups straight out of the gate. With everyone from up-and-coming rookies to established veterans represented, your strategic options remain fresh and dynamic throughout the season. FaceOff 2001 nails the feeling of managing a real roster, with trades and line adjustments critical during the long haul.

Graphics

On the visuals front, NHL FaceOff 2001 delivers crisp, detailed ice arenas and convincing player models for the PlayStation era. Lighting effects are enhanced, producing realistic rink reflections that gleam under overhead lights. Textures on boards, glass, and uniforms remain sharp, contributing to a sense of immersion every time you hit the ice.

Player animations are smoother and more varied compared to last year’s installment. You’ll notice subtle touches like the flex of a skating stride, realistic stickhandling transitions, and authentic goal celebrations. Dive checks, body slams, and goalie saves all look believable, emphasizing the physicality that makes hockey so thrilling. Camera angles during instant replays are well-chosen, highlighting dramatic collisions or game-winning goals from multiple perspectives.

The presentation package feels like a televised broadcast, thanks largely to the dynamic camera cuts and polished overlays. An arena crowd pulses with life, waving towels and reacting appropriately to big hits or missed opportunities. In goal celebrations, confetti and lighting cues add a layer of spectacle that elevates the excitement. It all comes together to make you feel like you’re part of a packed NHL stadium.

Story

While sports games aren’t typically known for narrative depth, NHL FaceOff 2001 crafts an engaging backdrop by weaving in legendary matchups and season-long arcs. The inclusion of all-time greats like Howe and Esposito grants each exhibition game a mini “story,” where you can rewrite history or cement your status as the next hockey immortal. Facing off against Marcel Dionne’s slick dekes or Bobby Hull’s blistering slapshot feels like stepping onto ice time machines, bridging generations of fans.

The season mode unfolds like a long-form drama, complete with injury updates, power-play heroics, and midseason trade rumors that keep you invested off the ice. Though there’s no voiced cutscene narrative, the flow of wins, losses, and locker-room chatter narrated by Mike Emrick and Darren Pang gives each contest its own storyline. Their commentary adapts to key moments—whether calling a jaw-dropping highlight or noting an underdog’s rise—reinforcing the sense of progression.

Playoff mode feels particularly cinematic as you advance through intense series, replicating the do-or-die stakes of real NHL postseason hockey. You can almost taste the tension: one mistake can swing a series, and every goal becomes a plot point. Even in tournament or shootout modes, each victory contributes to your personal highlight reel, creating mini-narratives that keep you coming back for “one more match.”

Overall Experience

NHL FaceOff 2001 hits the mark for both hardcore fans and casual players seeking an authentic hockey simulation. With updated rosters, deep game modes, smooth animations, and a polished broadcast-style presentation, it’s hard to find a more complete package on the PlayStation. The blend of historical legends and current stars broadens its appeal, while the extra modes ensure there’s always something new to explore.

Commentary by Mike Emrick and Darren Pang elevates the immersion, delivering crisp play-by-play and color analysis that mirror a real TV broadcast. Their voices punctuate the action appropriately, calling attention to big saves, high-speed rushes, and gritty board battles. The audio presentation, combined with realistic crowd noise and arena ambiance, makes you feel like you’re in the stands.

Minor quirks remain, such as occasional collision clipping and a few AI quirks in penalty-kill situations, but they rarely detract from the overall fun. Whether you’re battling friends in a high-stakes eight-player Multitap session or carving out a career in season mode, NHL FaceOff 2001 delivers a robust, entertaining hockey experience. It’s a slam-dunk recommendation for anyone looking to lace up virtual skates and hit the ice.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10