NCAA Football 2003

"A good game that mostly delivers."

I'll say this right off the bat: I'm not a big fan of sports games. Usually the only sports games I like are from Midway and invovle leg drops after a play. But this game really surprised me. Maybe because I'm going off to college this fall.

Graphics: 6/10
The game's Achilles heel. While the player models are amazing, the occasional slowdown is quite noticeable. Usually, it's before the snap or after the play, but it's still annoying. But, more frustrating, is the fact that outside of a play, some people can just walk straight through each other, and MY GOD! HIS NECK JUST SNAPPED AROUND 180 DEGREES! Necks don't bend that way!

Sound: 8/10
One complaint I've heard from most of my friends about sports games is the repetitive announcing. EA has tried to erase this problem with over 8,000 lines of dialogue, but you still hear repeats fairly often. However, the majority of the time, you'll hear new dialogue, so the repeats are less noticeable.

Gameplay: 8/10
The number of plays is amazing. I've played through a season and a half as one team, and I'm still discovering plays in their playbook. The buttons for the most part are intuitive, with just a very slight tweaking needed. However, at times the movement can be clunky. It's probably realistic, but to someone like myself who is used to lightning-fast response from Action and RP games, it can be a bit frustrating. Also, as a plus, the game comes with four levels of AI. When I first rented the game, I was about to chuck it across the room for being so difficult, until I found the JV difficulty setting. What can I say, I'm a wuss. :P

Presentation: 9.9/10
The sheer number of teams, stadiums, fight songs, mascots, etc. is amazing. All 1A teams are represented, along with a few of the larger 1AA teams. Nearly every 1A fightsong is included, and 50 mascots are thrown into the mix as well. The dynasty mode is very engaging and realistic (even if I don't really understand the recruiting bit.) The game even allows you to save a draft class after a season to use in Madden 2003. Overall, a great presentation. I'd have given them a 10 in presentation, but they don't have Rice's fight song or their mascot, Sammy. :P

Overall, though, a great game. If you're a fan of sports games, this is a must-buy. And even if you're not, this game notes a rental, at least.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/05/02, Updated 08/05/02