NCAA Football 07

"Another Great NCAA Game from EA"

The new installment of NCAA Football 07 doesn't have any drastic changes, but it's still a very solid game. I've been playing since '04, and this has been the funnest of the series to me, personally.

Game play: 9/10
The game play of NCAA Football has always been towards the realistic area. I myself prefer the sim style more than the arcade, so it works out well for me. They improved the rushing game, so now you don't average 15 yards a carry by simply moving to the outside. I've only had a few 100 yard games with my running backs, and they've had to earn every inch.

The passing is what lost the perfect score. The computer seems to snag every Hail Mary they throw, which can be aggravating when you have an All American corner and a great safety on him. It doesn't break the game, not by a longshot, but it's still a little aggravating.

Also on the passing, short yard gains are more often. Not everything is a 15-20 yard pass, and the quarterbacks won't throw for 200 yards in the first half every game.

Graphics: 10/10
I could care less about graphics. To me, it doesn't matter if I can't see the guys face perfectly, I'm looking behind them 3/4 of the time anyway. It doesn't stop EA from doing a great job on it. The detail of the players is amazing. If it's raining, they don't stay white the whole game, they get nice and dirty.

During the cutscenes, you can see detail on the players faces such as the head coach or other players on the sideline. They mouthes move, their eyebrows raise, it's good stuff. Being a fan of Grand Theft Auto III, it's nice to see something other than a frozen picture on the guy.

Replay Value: 10/10
Dynasty mode, Campus Legend and online play earn the grade. In dynasty mode, you recruit players year after year, just like every edition of NCAA Football, but it's really great. You don't see the same faces year after year, and it's a relief. I usually play pro games, and they do a terrible job of generating players. NCAA does a phenominal job of it, and it's not painful to play as generated people.

Campus Legend is a little different than last years Race for the Heisman. It features your own player again, but instead of the goal being the Heisman award, you have to become a legend at whatever school you go to. More info can be found at The Eko's Campus Legend FAQ. I don't want to get into it in this review.

Sound: 7/10
Unlike last year, NCAA only has fight songs. It's not bad, but it's pretty repetitive and annoying at times. Hearing Notre Dame boast on TV is bad, but I don't want to hear it when I'm playing a game. Can't really go into anymore, but whatever.

Overall: 9/10
Heh, it averaged out to 9 exactly <_<
Anyway, the game is pretty amazing for the Next-Gen systems (or system) out. If EA just cleaned up on the deep passing and gave the game a consistant sound track, it would easily be a 10/10. I wasn't dissapointed at all with this installment, and can't wait for the next one. If you need me, I'll be playing dynasty mode.

Later.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/21/06