NCAA Football 2003

"The Best Football Game on the Market"

Introduction
Like many other football fanatics across the nation, I reserved my copy of NCAA 2003 and got it the first day it came out. Let me tell you right now. I am fully satisfied with my purchase and advise everyone with an inkling of interest in their blood for college football to get this game.

Presentation: 10
From the first time that you boot up this game, it reeks of college football atmosphere. The introduction has fans of all different colleges saying the famous ''If its in the game, its in the game.'' Upon first starting, it asks for your favorite college team. From there, it customizes the menu and other assorted options according to your team. Before a game, your players will be introduced to run on the field. The fans cheer for your team and boo the opposing. Like last year, Kirk and Lee give their predictions. Even during the game, the band plays the schools fight song or other song, such as the famous Tomahawk Chop song of FSU. Another notable addition is the Trophy Case, which allows you to keep any rivalry and dynasty trophies you have won. Cheerleaders have been added to make it even better. Great job, EA.

Gameplay: 10
The game handles and plays great. The improved moves of the running back, such as the stiff arm, juke right/left, spin, hurdle, etc., work great this year and give you a chance to still get past that last defender so you can take it to pay dirt. The recievers still make too many 1 handed catches, but what can ya do. EA definetly payed attention to the numorous complaints as far as not getting enough INTs, as they have made it easier to get INTs. While we are on the subject, the DBs act much like they would in real life. If you run it up the middle 3 times in a row, then do a play action pass, the DBs may be sucked in by the play-action, leaving a reciever wide open. They also seem to break on the ball realistically.

One mode they added this year was the Mascot Game, which allows you to play a game between a couple of the mascots in the game. Nothings funnier when you have Brutus the Buckeye going against Otto the Syracuse Orange. Funny stuff. They also added a nifty Create-A-School option, which is very well done. You can even export the team into Dynasty mode.

Now, onto the real meat of the game. Dynasty Mode. The sole reason I get the game. Simply put, its great. You can play with your favorite team, or even with a created team. You can customize schedules, making it harder or easier, and redshirt players before the season starts. You can then play the games or sim them, or a good mix of both. While all this is going on, all stats and rankings (including the BCS) are kept on track. After the season ends, you can export a Draft Class for future use with Madden 2003, recruit new players, cut players, and set your depth chart. At any time during the season, you could even leave the school your at to get a job at another school. Simply put, Dynasty mode is everything a football fan could want.

Graphics/Sound: 9
The graphics look improved, and new character animations have been added. DB and tackle animations have been greatly improved from last year. My only complaint is the players still go through each other a fair amount.

The commentary is even better than last year. Its not as repetitive as most sports' games are. The field sounds, crowd noises, and bands playing adds to the overall good feeling of a stadium atmosphere. Once again, props to EA.

Lasting Appeal: 10
With a potential 60 years of Dynasty and the task of collecting pennents and trophies, NCAA 2003 will keep you busy for a long, long time.

Overall: 10

Buy or Rent?
What are you waiting for, a neon sign? Go buy this game. Now!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/02/02, Updated 09/02/02