From: Electronic Arts Average Rating: Binding: Video Game ESRB Age Rating: Rating Pending Label: Electronic Arts Model: 15461 Platform: PLAYSTATION 3 Release Date: July 15, 2008
Features:
Wide Open and Authentic College Style Gameplay
College Atmosphere & Pageantry
Home Field Advantage with new mini-game components
Product Description: Brings college pigskin action back with a new break away animation mechanic that will allow increased maneuverability on the field / ESRB E for Everyone
Huge upgrade This is a significant upgrade for the PS3 from NCAA 08, so if you are debating whether to buy the new version my answer is "Most definitely, buy this version". The player control is smoother, greater attention to detail with the stadiums, crowds, etc, and the mascot challenge is an enjoyable break from the action. From the moment I broke it out of the plastic I haven't been able to put it down. Once you have configured the game for your team, there are even unique pictures for that particular team that you will recognize if you went to that particular school.
One minor glitch I have noticed is that occasionally when reviewing your play call on the field, the receiver routes will get all wavy (best way I know how to describe it) and the receiver designation will appear as a question mark, rather than circle or square. I'm thinking this is a memory writing issue with the game as it goes away with the next play called.
Updated Rosters, Slightly better gameplay This year I was very excited to get the new NCAA Football game. Unfortunately, as usual, EA Sports failed to live up to the hype. While the gameplay is more fluid than in seasons past, and the tackling is "somewhat" more realistic, there are still several flaws that make this game not really worth the ticket price. For starters, everyone runs like they are highstepping... all the time. In real life they would get jacked up and seriously injured if they ran like that. Next, I really wish they would have added the new Madden gamestyle that tailors the game to your level. Instead you still have it being too easy at one level and then when you up it to the next level, it's not more difficult, but your Oline decides they don't have to block anymore, your receivers forget how to run routes, and your QB with a 95 arm strength becomes a "candy arm" QB. This is not how they difficulty levels should be. Make it more challenging, yes! But not challenging in that the computer cheats more. In any case, if you are a die hard football fan it is a good game, but go with the new Madden instead, Madden actually changed a few things this year that matter.
Worst version I have ever played. This was a major step backward; I would say six years or so. The game plays awful, it's slower, you can't set up the controller the way you want to. The rosters are wrong and the playbook modification option is gone. The recruiting during the season is absolutely ridiculous. They took a major step in the wrong direction. The people who made this year's version couldn't have played the other versions before. Sucks bad!
EA Sports Does It Again NCAA Football 2009 is by far the BEST yet. Sure, there are still some areas that can be improved upon or fixed. But, the game play, crowd interaction, icing kicker option, and many many other things make this an impressive and incredible game. I have been playing this nightly and can't seem to get enough. This WILL have you screaming from your couch just like watching real NCAA football.
COOL ITEMS:
- Icing the kicker: Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it's a cool and welcomed addition to the reality of football.
- Turnovers aren't quite that easy: In 2007-08, picks and fumbles were all over the field. Now, having to be more aligned with the ball and needing a bit more skill, it's not a turnover free for all.
NOT SO COOL ITEMS:
- Celebrate with the Mascot: It's cool for the first few times but gets a bit repetitive or boring. Would be great if you could use select buttons to execute a celebration (or unlock celebrations with 'user' points
- The graphics can be a bit "choppy". Someimes the ball magically moves out of the QBs hands or receptions go through a players head/arms. These glitches should have been fixed by now considering the technological & graphical improvements already made.
- Guessing the defense when you turn the ball over? What does this really get you other than an intermission? And added feature would be gaining coaching experience points when getting it right in order to unlock hidden playbooks or even plays of the other team (game film for future games).
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE (IF EA EVER LOOKS AT AMAZON): User tackles and such don't do much for you: Would recommend making 'user points' like you get with Madden. Maybe then you can earn points toward player improvements, coaching improvements, or even buy things for your campus (a new library, new uniforms). Just would make it even more fun to knock around people and have interaction! Include this and a celebration addition and it'll be even greater!
Overall - I give this 5 STARS and recommend it to anyone that LOVES football. It's as real as it gets!
What Happened??????? They took out all the things that made the game Fun; developing players during preseasons in dynasty mode (mini camps), pre-game and in game commentary, constant game time stats, player accolades and summaries, the momentum meter, etc... The game looks good but does not feel the same. Why mess up a good thing EA? I have been a loyal fan since the beginning, but I most likely keep this game on the shelf, return it or sell it this year...I hope you guys didn't ruin Madden this year.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
