"Great new features, but small flaws to core components."

Introduction - Ok, let me start off by saying that there were some awesome new additions to the game. The Heisman mode was a pretty great idea, and the Dynasty mode was almost untouched, so they did the smart thing and didn't try to fix what wasn't broken there. But there were some pretty weird drawbacks.

Gameplay - First off, the gameplay is pretty much the same, except they changed some controls around. For instance, the sprint button is now the same on both offense and defense, and the "switch" player buttons have been reversed. It takes some time to get used to, but it's worth it in the end because it makes the game much easier to play now that you don't have to hold the controller so awkwardly to play defense.

The main thing they added is the "Impact Player" thingy. Basically your 2 key skill players, on both offense and defense, can get "in the zone" if a few things go well in a row, or if you're in a clutch situation. For instance, if a running back is in the zone he is pretty much guaranteed to break the first tackler that hits him, if a defensive back is in the zone, he'll cover his assignments perfectly and is more likely to get an interception. Pretty cool idea, and it works to both sides advantage.

They also changed the controls for running with the football, instead of using R to juke and L to stiff arm, you now must use the right stick to do juke moves. The one bonus is that you now have two more directional juke moves, the bad thing is that it takes more time to move your thumb from sprint to juke, and you can't juke and sprint unless you hold the controller strangely. The glaring problem with it, is that this is the only game that uses that system. It's not in the 06 Madden game. So once you get used to it in the college game, and move on to the pros, it doesn't carry over and you have to relearn the old buttons.

On defense, they added the hitstick from the Madden games... kind of. It is very VERY slow to react, and by the time it responds, he's 5 yards behind you. So, nice try, cause the hit stick rocks, but not so much with the execution part.

Overall the gameplay added a couple of nice things, and as many... odd things.

Race for the Heisman - This was a brilliant idea, one I suggested to them about 4 years ago by the way, but anyway. Basically you chose your position, and give yourself a name. Then there's some really cheesy dialouge by some fat sprite who's supposed to be the camp director. But anyway, you perform in a series of position specific drills, and depending on how well you do you get offered a scholarship to a school, don't worry though, if you don't get your school you just just walk on to another program and it won't make any difference.

Basically, think of dynasty mode, except you can't play other teams games, change depth charts (out of game), recruit or punish players. You live as a player of the team. So it's actually pretty cool. There is only one glaring problem. Say you make a quarterback, and you get a scholarship to USC. Well you'll find out soon that you are the STARTER at QB for USC. A true freshman nobody, will start in front of Matt Leinart. Anyone else see what I'm talking about? If you go to a school with a prominent player at your position, you should not automatically start. I understand that you want to use your player, but it's not realistic people. It's much more fun to earn a spot rather than just have it be given to you.

Dynasty Mode - Played Dynasty Mode in a different game? Of course you have. Add the fact that you can recruit the blue chip prospects in season, and it's EXACTLY the same.

Create A _____ - The same as last time. No matter if it's signs, schools, or players.

Rosters - Here's the one majorly nice feature for this new game. Auto-Name Roster. That means that if you make a player, who will obviously have a name, rather than something like HB #35, he won't be the only one. It will give random names to every player from every roster in the game. It also comes in handy for exporting draft classes. If you want to go in and change the names of the big name college players, then it won't throw off everything, it's kind of nice.

Overall - Overall it's a safe game to say the least. A few little things that rock, a few little things that are annoying, same as all of the sports games. If you liked the last one, you'll like this one.

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