NCAA Football 2002

"College Football At Its Greatest"

Right when NCAA Football 2002 came out I ran to my local videogame store and picked this game up. I was very surprised with the number of copies that the store had on it's shelves. When I came home, I discovered that the control was just like Madden 2001's. I had so much fun playing the first game that I couldn't stop playing for five hours straight. Now that I took a break from the game, I have decided to write about how good NCAA Football 2002 really is.

Graphics: 9/10
The graphics in NCAA Football 2002 are marvelous. Take Madden 2001's graphics, make the players a little taller and more realistic level, add about 125 more stadiums, touch up the animation, and bam you have NCAA Football 2002. The only thing that sucks about NCAA Football 2002 is the face models and the crowd. I saw about five guys that look like Steve McNair for some strange reason. The crowd is basically the same as Madden's except possibly a little touched up. Other than that, the graphics are great. The mascots are designed especially realistic and I was amazed that the sideline looked as good as it did. I really give props to EA Sports for doing such a good job on the graphics.

Gameplay: 10/10
This is where NCAA Football 2002 blows out its competition. In this game there is a exhibition mode, a season, mode, a practice mode, and a dynasty mode. The Dynasty Mode is where all the fun is. Pick any team of your choice and play through years of football drafting new players, cutting players, firing coaches, and seeing your seniors graduate. You couldn't ask for more in a football game! NCAA Football 2002 plays exactly like Madden does so if you like the gameplay in Madden you'll love the gameplay in this game. The only thing that I didn't really like that they changed from Madden is the kicking. The kicking in NCAA Football 2002 takes a while to get use to. I had some trouble kicking my first extra points actually. Other than that, gameplay-wise NCAA Football 2002 is great.

Control: 10/10
How much control do you want in a football game? After playing this game, I don't think you could say anything that this game doesn't have. Hands on action on and off the field in NCAA Football 2002. The control is extremely similiar to Madden 2001 so if you are familiar with those controls there is no use to read the instruction booklet. The only thign new that NCAA Football 2002 has is the new lateral button which is a great addition to the game. Other than that, passing and running comes natural, and defense takes a few games to get use to. Interceptions are hard to come by and fumbles rarely happen. Games are usually low scoring when playing against the computer on Heisman level, and there is practically no slowdown. Well done EA Sports.

Sound: 9/10
I actually really enjoy the sound in NCAA Football 2002. Not only is there 3 announcers that make very witty comments in the game, there is actually some pretty catchy tunes when you start up the game. Also, if the game isn't televised then the announcers don't show and there is only one PA announcer. If the game is televised on national television expect very witty comments and a lot of chatting. I think that this was an excellent idea by EA Sports because it really makes you want to make your team good enough to play on television. I don't see how this game could be better in sound, this is one of the best sounding football games on the market.

Overall: 10/10
Go out and buy this game now. You won't get bored of it for at least six months. If you liked Madden 2001 you'll love this game. Even if you aren't a major college football fan you should still buy this game if you like football at all. If you don't watch football or don't like football, then I don't even know why you're reading this review. Everyone, go out and buy this game now!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/26/01, Updated 07/26/01