The College football season is near and once again EA has brought out their NCAA Football series. It seems each year the release is earlier and earlier but for fans of college football it’s a welcomed sports title. Last year, while solid, the game had some issues but was an enjoyable game and solid. I have been reading comments about this year’s version and it only proves you can’t make everyone happy. Read on to see why NCAA Football 09 may be the best one yet and why EA is taking the series in the right direction. The coin toss is over so let’s kick off the full review.

Gameplay

This year the game has a few new features. It does not have as many as I would have liked to see but the ones that are new stand out. I like being asked to read the defensive set when you throw an interception. Not only does it add to a more realistic feeling, it helps teach something. I have always said that is important knowing how to read the coverage and adapt. I also like the tweaks done to the home field advantage. It’s more balanced and fair. I also like the icing of the kicker and, while some have complained about this, I think EA needed to add this feature and I would love to see it amped up even more. A kicker has to be solid and also have the right mind set. This feature shows what it is like to get iced and is done well. I know some have stated this feature is too easy to pull off, but I disagree. I have been iced and have kicked a crucial field goal. It may be tough, but it is meant to be.

Most of the modes are back from last year. The dynasty mode has been expanded to online which I am glad to see. The campus legend mode is fun, but I have to agree that more is needed in this mode. It can get a little old, but it is fun to try. Of course the mini-games and mascot games are back. Overall I enjoyed the fact it seems EA has finally started to mesh the mini-games and all the modes to make a more solid experience for the football fan. While not perfected yet, this year has a lot going for it. Looking at it honestly, it seems more of the focus is offensive this year. This tends to make the game a little unbalanced at times, but once you learn how to play the game, it’s a blast.

EA has always managed to capture that college feel and this year it seems more realistic than ever. The AI is smarter and you won’t be able to pull off the same play over and over to exploit the game as in the past versions. If I have anything to complain about, two things come to mind. First of all, blocking seems a bit off and not consistent. The second thing is the recruiting is becoming more of a chore and has become a bit dull. I like that the offline Co-Op play has returned. It also seems EA has tweaked the engine to make it fit college ball. The new adjustments after the huddle is a great step in making NCAA stand out alone. Overall the game play is smooth and most of the annoying glitches are gone leaving a solid game for fans.

Control

The controls are easy to learn but they added a few new things. Being able to adjust the run or play using an audible seems more realistic and a deeper option than in the past. I would love to see more added, but it’s a good start. The one thing that still seems untouched is the mystery penalty for having to switch to the closest player. Let me explain, if you get burned or tricked on a great play and you hit the B button, it automatically highlights the closet player to the ball, but you lose speed and ground on the runner. I know that this is a part of video football, but I hope next year this will finally be fixed or evened out a bit. Overall the controls are great and respond like they should.

Xbox Live

New to Xbox Live this year is the online Dynasty mode. Up to 12 players can join and this is a great online improvement. I think it still needs tweaked a bit but it allows gamers more depth to the online modes. You can also take custom rosters online and share them. I know a lot of the die-hard fans have wanted this for awhile now. Online the gameplay is smooth and I had no issue with lag. Finding a game or making one is easy and the lobbies are great. I would like to see some new features added to the lobbies. EA is really trying to ramp up their sports games online. I think they are on the right track. Overall, the game is a solid online showing this year. The 12-player dynasty mode should attract more players online.

Graphics

The stadiums and camera angles are perfect in the presentation of the game. It makes anyone feel like a real Saturday of college ball. The players look good and the ball and other animations are well done. It seems more animations were added including celebrations, cheerleaders and mascots.

There still are some clipping issues especially on the sidelines. Players tend to blend into each other at times. It’s not horrible, but it is noticeable. Also at times when a fumble happens near the goal line or when a lot of players are near, it’s hard to find or see the ball. I point this out not to pick at the game but show that while there are some great graphics they can still improve on them next year. NCAA 09 is a solid looking game and has some great effects added. I would love to see more added and a few things fixed but it’s a great looking game.

Audio

Custom music is now an option which is nice, but it looks for music on the hard drive and not your playlists. I hope this is tweaked and next year expanded on. It really is a great idea but having to put music on the hard drive is a pain. Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, and Brad Nessler return as the announcing team and the commentary is solid. They also seemed to muffle Corso a little more this year, almost like they did with John Madden’s comments. I like Lee but some of his catch phrasing gets old very quickly. The on field effects are good. I hope they continue to add more as it adds a realistic setting. Overall there are no issues with the audio. The crowd sounds more realistic than ever before. Of course each marching theme is included and all are done well.

Replay Value

NCAA Football 09 is loaded with replay value. Of course with any sports title some will get more out of it than others. If you love the dynasty and legend modes, then of course there is more for you. Even those just wanting to play football with friends will find replay value. The new online dynasty mode adds more replay value. I see changes in the way EA is making their sports titles and I like the changes so far this year. The replay value is high and offers plenty for the college sports fan.

Bottom Line

Overall Score: 8.5/10.0

Additional Comments

I really enjoyed what EA brought to the table with NCAA Football 09 and think it’s a solid title. I see the changes and added features as hope for more next year and not just another version with a new year on the box. It also shows they are listening to what the fans want. I enjoy being able to upload my personal favorite replay or photo and this year that feature seems less buggy than last year. While the game has room for improvement, they added enough to keep me happy and be able to recommend the game as one to buy.

Links

NCAA Football 09 Website

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