Gamebreaker 2001 Review. Ron Dayne's video game review

by Chris Congeni
FOR THE POST

Dynamic graphics, a realistic crowd, authentic band audio, an overall well-made game - Ron Dayne's Gamebreaker 2001 is none of these. But for some reason, it still deserves high marks.

If you are searching for the most realistic football game in the land, your quest will not end here. This is a game that has too much offense, little play selection and an unrealistic color pattern representing the fans that pack the generic-looking stadiums.

So why the proverbial two thumbs up? This game possesses characteristics that no other football video game on the market carries. Players not only have the option to celebrate after every touchdown or big play; they can celebrate after every play.

This means: Throw an interception with two minutes left in the game? Your guy can still walk off the field pumping his fists.

And there are about 20 different celebrations to choose from, ranging from cartwheels, break-dancing and fist pumping to simply taunting the other team. You might be awarded a personal foul for your celebratory actions, but it will belittle your friends just enough to put a smile on your face.

Another positive feature of Gamebreaker 2001 are the moves that your running back can perform - the part of the game Mr. Heisman spent the most time on. There are 10 different juke, jump and spin moves that help make final scores in the low- to mid-hundreds. It's also not uncommon for running backs to carry the whole team down the field en route to their fifth score of the quarter.

Don't worry though, a depressed defense can always do a backward flip to help ease the pain.

Another plus for players is the option to choose great teams from the past, but there's no guarantee the right players will bill the rosters.

The greatest aspect of this unique PlayStation game is the incorporation of Keith Jackson. For those who don't know, Jackson is a well-respected college football analyst, and players can hear his voice after every play. With more than forty years in college football, Jackson uses terms and says lines that only he can pull off, such as "You cover your man, you read the routes and then ya' have a go-od time!"

Unfortunately for video game purists, Keith Jackson is as close to real college football as you will get in this game. In short, ••Gamebreaker 2001•• will make you smile and laugh as you play. But before you spend $50 to own this game, borrow it from a friend or a video store.

Where else can a football player break dance between plays as Keith Jackson talks about the quarterback's throwing habits?