Well, I completed the trifecta by purchasing NFL GameDay 98. Crazily,
In the last 2 weeks I have bought three football games (NCAA 98,
Madden 98 and GameDay 98). Time willing, I will later post a head-to-
head(-to-head) comparison of the three games. I will allude to the 
other games on occasion here, but right now, GD98 is the topic.

First off, a quick note; yes, I am given a "special thanks" note
in the credits of GD98. It is a result of some suggestions I made
to a GD developer after playing last years version. Happily, they
took my advice (or someone elses similar advice) on several matters.
But rest assured, I have no allegiance to Sony over EA or any other
game maker. This review will be as impartial as anyones, but I think
it only fair that I mention the credit I received.

GRAPHICS:
The obvious difference over last year's version are the graphics.
As you all know, polygons are used instead of the usual sprites.
This apparently has many people divided, but I really don't see how;
IMO the polygons are a major step forward, and one I hope to see
EA implement (and Sony improve on) next year. The animations are,
for the most part, jaw-dropping. Wrap-tackles, sideline-tightroping
and players regaining balance are but a few of the great effects.
Simply watching the huge offensive lineman lumber up to the line
of scrimmage is a thrill, giving you a neat sense of realism.
There have been complaints of limited movement by some (the great
45 degree angle debate), but I don't see it. My one complaint is
that the ball carriers seems to rotate on an axis when they are 
cutting back, much like the pivot foot of a basketball player. But
that is a minor complaint when the rest of the animation is considered.
GRADE: A-

AUDIO:
Audio is pretty much standard fare, nothing spectacular, but nothing
to really complain about. The announcer is the same as last years
game (as well as NCAA GameBreaker) and does a decent job. The sound
of collisons/hitting is a bit better than that of Madden98/NCAA98.
The QB's cadance is a bit annoying. The music is the same from the
past incarnations. There are a few nice touches, such as crowd chants
(DEFENSE!) and the infamous Panther Roar (when playing at Carolina,
obviously). I definitely prefer the crowd noises of NCAA98.
GRADE: B

OPTIONS:
Options are plentiful, with Sony finally adding past-teams, ala the
Madden series. The stats have taken a big leap forward, though EA
is still the king here. One terrific feature is the ability to adjust
the quarter length in one minute increments; so if 5 minute quarters
are yielding low scores and stats, you can bump the quarters up to
7 or 8 minutes, rather than having to go to 10 minutes like all the
other football games out there. This really allows you to customize
the game to your liking. Add to this an adjustable computer AI (a
feature from last year's version) and adjustable opponents running 
and passing strengths, and Sony is taking some major strides towards
making the game as customizeable as you like.
Of course there are the standard create-player features, trading and
so on. Your gonna need this (more on rosters later).
 Also, player Sony also thoughtfully included 3 different season 
schedules to keep the game somewhat fresh in season mode. As nice 
as this is, I don't believe you can customize your schedules, a 
fantastic feature in NCAA 98. Penalties can be set to low or high (but
not off?), and injuries can be toggled on and off.
 The interface is somewhat clunky, especially when compared to NCAA98
or Madden98. But it works all the same, and that's what matters.
GRADE: B+

GAMEPLAY:
Ground-breaking graphics are nice, but don't mean much if the gameplay
stinks. Thankfully, Sony didn't drop the ball here. Gameplay is MUCH
like last years version, with a variety of special moves available,
as well as their much-ballyhooed Total Control Passing. The special
moves are fantastic; get near the goal line (or first down marker),
hand off to your back, hold down the L2 button and dive. The back will
leap over the line, diving for the crucial yardage.
 Total Control Passing, for the unfamiliar, involves using the L2 and
directional pad to subtly (but importantly) guide your pass. You
can use it to lead receivers, underthrow them on comeback routes, or
to put the ball in a position where only your receiver (and not the
D-back) has a chance to get it. It is quite a bit overwhelming at 
first, and a little awkward as well, but can pay huge dividends. It
also makes you feel more in control (hence the name) of the QB, and
therefore more part of the game. For those that don't wish to get
so involved in the mechanics of passing, there is an arcade mode 
which does not utilize the Total Control method.
 The CPU opponent is solid, with adjustable AI and running/passing
attacks. This adds immensely to the games realism and playability.
Play the Lions and be be prepared to chase Barry Sanders around. 
Alot. The running game is very well done. The great backs are great,
and used often. Detroit will NOT try to beat you with Scott Mitchell
alone. Barry wants the ball. And if you are dissatisfied with the
running/passing game of the CPU (as well as the defense) you can 
adjust it accordingly.
 Long passes by the CPU seem to hang in the air a bit, making them
pretty easy to defend (at least on the default level). The famous
"hit-the-receiver-and-jar-the-ball-loose" phenemenon seems pretty
much fixed; I don't recall this happening more than once or twice
in the 5 or so games I played. (NOTE: After playing some more, this
cropped up again. It happens with about the same frequency as GD97,
which is to say it is still a bit of a problem, but tolerable).
 The kicking game is pretty disappointing. The kick meter moves
much to quickly, especially since you have to aim the kick as well.
Perhaps is the meter was displayed BEFORE the ball is snapped, it
would be much more manageable, but as it is now, you hike the ball
and the meter appears and shoots like a rocket to the top. And in
field goals, you only get that one shot to make it a strong kick.
Madden98 and NCAA98 do the kicking game much better.
 The "jump" (by receivers and defensive players) is still more of
a hop. The players leaps into the air (but not too high; apparently
they all have 6 inch verticals) and is back down in a nanosecond.
I had hoped this would be addressed, but it was not. It is not a
major problem, but it looks silly and just plain feels wrong.
 In short, if you liked last years gameplay, you'll like this years.
If you didn't, chances are you won't. And if you didn't play last 
years game, well, definitely give it a shot. It is in some ways
revolutionary.
GRADE: B+

MISC:
The atmosphere is, for me, a bit sterile. I don't know if I can put
my finger on it. The stadiums are pretty well done, though I prefer
Madden 98's, and nothing can touch those of NCAA 98.
 There are little niggling problems, such as the Rams playing all 
their home games in their road jerseys (white). Other teams may also
have this problem, I have not checked.  I also don't like the way that
you ball carries just stops (though his feet keep moving) when he 
crosses the goal line. This has been the same in all three versions of
GameDay, and though it is a bit petty, it irritates the hell out of 
me all the same.  
 The rosters are predictably (given the early release date) a bit of
a mess. The Rams have players on their roster (such as RB Greg 
Robinson) that were not even invited to camp this year. Also, some of
the ratings are downright strange. Many of the Rams second-stringers
start, because they are rated higher than the starters. Kevin Carter
(and up-and-coming stud defensive end) is rated 4th of the Rams
defensive ends, when he is clearly #1 in real life.
 
OVERALL:
Despite these problems (and others I am sure I neglected), GameDay98
is a solid football title. Whether you will prefer it over Madden98
(or NCAA 98) is really impossible to say. If you are a fan of the
Madden series, I suggest at least giving GD98 a rental before making
a purchase decison. And let it be said that both Madden98 and NCAA98
are high quality games as well, and offer ample competition for
GD98 in the (thankfully) overcrowded PSX football market. Each of 
these games offers a unique, rewarding experience, and all should be
considered before you put your money down.
 GameDay98 has what most football fans are looking for: a fun,
challenging and fairly realistic simualtion of NFL football. I give
it a solid recommendation, with a few reservations.
GRADE: B+