EA Ships NHL 2001 For The PlayStation 2

REDWOOD CITY, CA -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- 10/24/00 -- It's time once again to lace up your skates, throw on your helmet and get into the game with NHL(R) 2001 for the new PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, released today by Electronic Arts ("EA"). The first hockey title available for the next generation console, NHL 2001 provides the most realistic hockey experience to date, challenging gamers to get out of the stands and onto the ice.

Get on the ice and skate with or against any of the 30 NHL(R) franchises, including the expansion Columbus Blue Jackets(TM) and Minnesota Wild(TM), or choose from 20 of the best International teams. State of the art PlayStation 2 graphics deliver the in-game drama of a real hockey match, as gamers can watch skaters jostle for position prior to a face-off, or coaches pace behind the bench while voicing their opinion about a referee's call. Only in NHL 2001 can gamers feel the tension as two skaters jaw at each other until the referee warns them to back off or they'll do time in the "box." In addition, face mapping was used in designing the skater's faces in order to make them spitting images of their NHL counterparts. The creative team at EA Canada spent more than a year adding the real faces of more than 700 active NHL players to the player models for the ultimate in realism.

"We have gone to great lengths to ensure that if it happens on the ice, it will occur in NHL 2001," said Executive Producer Rory Armes. "The PlayStation 2 has allowed us to raise the bar graphically and with how the game plays. We think that gamers will feel an emotional involvement in the game, as if they were actually on the ice and because of this we think this will be the most fun and immersive console hockey game ever," continued Armes.

NHL 2001 offers a variety of game modes to choose from including: Quick Game, Season Play, Playoffs, Shootout and Tournament. Season mode has been enhanced, as gamers become General Manager and trade for star players or create their own cyber skaters. NHL 2001 also affords gamers the ability to customize numerous settings to their own preference. With the "Customize Gameplay" option, players use bar sliders to adjust speed, scoring, checking, shooting, and more. Everything from the way the puck bounces to checking aggressiveness can be tweaked to perfection.

Adding to the realism is the Momentum Meter(TM) that fluctuates during the game according to each team's performance on the ice. As in the NHL, scoring key goals, making big hits, and dramatic comebacks increase team moral and pump the team up, while the opposite adversely affects the team, and now players can experience these intangible boosts and lulls while playing NHL 2001. Adding to the ease of play are the Big Shots and Big Hitters icons. These icons, in the shape of a hockey stick blade for Big Shots and a hammer for Big Hitter, allow newcomers the ability to easily identify their prolific scorers and check-minded defenders with ease. In addition, more responsive controls provide an easy to learn and enjoyable experience. Longtime NHL series fans will be excited with the advanced control with real maneuvers, as well as all new goalie and defensive Artificial Intelligence. players physics new motion captured moves from NHL players and new checks performed by Hollywood stuntmen, deliver the life-like checks, shots and skate cycles seen in the game. There are exciting ways to score, such as cannon shots from the point, one-footed wristers, and a shot-meter that allows gamers to gauge shot velocity. All these features combined make NHL 2001 the most intuitive and realistic interactive hockey experience to date.

NHL 2001 is an official game of the NHL and NHLPA(R). San Jose Sharks(TM) Captain Owen Nolan's image appears on all NHL 2001 packaging and merchandising. In-game music for NHL 2001 is provided by Collective Soul, who contributed their hit song "Heavy", and Canadian band Templar and their song "Here We Go." Also assisting in the production of NHL 2001 was Mission Hockey, a global company focused on the development and design of hockey equipment, which provided logistical assistance and equipment for the cover shoot with Nolan. Land-Sports.com is the provider of player ratings for NHL 2001.

Developed by EA Canada, NHL 2001 is rated "E" (Everyone). NHL 2001 is analog controller compatible and supports up to eight players. Consumers may purchase the game directly at the EA Store(SM) (www.eastore.ea.com) or by calling EA Direct Sales at 1.800.245.4525 or where video games are sold. The game has a suggested retail price of $49.95. NHL 2001 is also available for the PlayStation ($39.95) and PC ($39.95).

EA SPORTS(TM) (www.easports.com) is the leading interactive sports software brand in the world. Its top-selling franchises and games include FIFA Soccer, John Madden Football(TM), NHL(R) Hockey, Knockout Kings(TM), NBA LIVE Basketball, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR(R) Golf, Triple Play Baseball(TM) and NASCAR(R).

Electronic Arts (Nasdaq: ERTS), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, Electronic Arts posted revenues of more than $1.4 billion for fiscal 2000. The company develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide for the Internet, personal computers and video game systems. Electronic Arts markets its products under three brand names: EA SPORTS(TM), EA GAMES(TM) and EA.COM(SM). More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at www.ea.com.

Electronic Arts, EA SPORTS, EA GAMES, Momentum Meter and EA Store are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA.COM is a service mark of EA.com Inc. NHL and Stanley Cup are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. All Rights Reserved. NHLPA is a registered trademark of the National Hockey League Players' Association. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.