Is it a buy or a pass?

[brees fan]

So idk if I can wait much longer for madden is NCAA any good this year? I've only played madden up till now and thought I might pick up ncaa just for shits and giggles.The only problem is I could never really determine from the demo or all the talk if it was gonna be good or not. So now that its out I wouldn't mind some honest opinions on the game. There probably was one of these already, sorry but get over it....

 

[adembroski]

Opinion of '09? Basically, from what I've played so far, it's '09 as it should have been. In other words, it's a good, fun game, but it's not a great football game.

 

[CrimsonGhost56]

ive enjoyed it so far today. im not really a stickler for small stuff like some people are here. im just a online player so idk about dynasty or whatever the hell its called. its a fun game and thats all that really matters to me

 

[BossMyShiiUp24]

to me its just a rental until madden drops

 

[NAHSTE]

So idk if I can wait much longer for madden is NCAA any good this year? I've only played madden up till now and thought I might pick up ncaa just for shits and giggles.The only problem is I could never really determine from the demo or all the talk if it was gonna be good or not. So now that its out I wouldn't mind some honest opinions on the game. There probably was one of these already, sorry but get over it....

If you like college football, you'll like the title. If you are more of an NFL guy and have never played NCAA, it might not be for you.

Ask yourself if you know and care enough about college football to work around some of it's flaws, because it sounds like it has a few. But so did NCAA 2004, and people still herald that as a classic.

 

[brees fan]

to me its just a rental until madden drops

I was leaning on just getting it then returning it when madden comes out for that 40$ credit if I didnt like it.

If you like college football, you'll like the title. If you are more of an NFL guy and have never played NCAA, it might not be for you.

Ask yourself if you know and care enough about college football to work around some of it's flaws, because it sounds like it has a few. But so did NCAA 2004, and people still herald that as a classic.

Probably right, still undecided though...

 

[Maynard]

i think the game is very good. the gameplay is great and thats what matters to me....good competitive games

 

[Proof21]

I'm really enjoying it, but I also like last years version as well. I say purchase it.

 

[dave]

I've only played one game. Here are my observations:

Finally got to play.
What a barnburner I had.

Michigan (me) 44 Michigan St. (cpu) 41

Kicked a game winning FG with 4 seconds left.

I scored a 1034 on the greatest games thingy.
Played default AA with no slider or penalty adjustments.

Quick thoughts:
1) Agree with most - the new camera angle will take some getting used to. I never understand why game developers add new stuff like this, but don't give you the option to use the previous camera or option

2) CPU run game on AA underwhelming in my one game ... but it was only one game. I'm not losing sleep over it

3) Lag??? I have read this the past few days. It's not menu lag. It's just a slight delay when the cheerleader animations are showing up between plays. Hardly a big deal.

4) Not enough penalties

5) Adaptive AI - In my one game, I really did notice the CPU trying its best to adapt. I am a diverse playcaller, so it really can't focus on a money play ... since I really don't use one.

6) CPU man D - much, much improved. Very happy with it. I threw 3 INTs. All legit.

7) Getting burned on bump and run. I loved this. I call bump and run with no safety coverage support ... and the Michigan St. QB killed me.

8) Kickoffs - as advertised, they suck.

9) Atmosphere - same old, same old. Did they even touch this area of the game?

10) Pass rush - I didn't find it that big a deal. Yes there are times the CPU QB has too much time to throw the ball, but I found from time to time I could get pass rush pressure with a four-man line and no extra blitzers.
Mind you, my D gameplan is based on Jim Johnson's, so I generally like to bring the house.



OVERALL FIRST IMPRESSIONS - pretty solid. I had a hell of a fun game. And, in the end, isn't that what should count?

Is this game perfect? Not by a longshot, but the game I had was great.

Again, it's a one-game impression. And I'm more of an NFL fan than an NCAA fan. NCAA football for me (other than NCAA 04) is just an expensive monthly rental until Madden drops.

All that said, once the patch drops and the sliders work, this game will keep college fans on board throughout the season. It's a solid effort.

 

[j.hen]

to me its just a rental until madden drops

this.

 

[FlawLeSs]

glad i only rented this shit....

 

[BossMyShiiUp24]

This could be a perfect game and it would still be a one month rental until madden lol it's just the way it is

 

[Matt10]

I enjoyed it, was on the fence - and decided what the hell. Only played a half so far - was really just testing out the capabilities of player lock and auto pass.

It's got some work, but it's an EA effort game - and seems to be on the right track as far as gameplay, so I guess that is what matters.

 

[Tengo Juego]

It's got some work, but it's an EA effort game - and seems to be on the right track as far as gameplay, so I guess that is what matters.

I'm confused by this last statement. Its an EA effort? Is that a good or bad comment?

And do you really think its on the right track? Seems VERY stuck in between sim and arcade. It needs to be one or the other. Preferably sim.

 

[brees fan]

Wouldn't a month rental run 20$ or more? Seems like buying it and taking it back would be a better route than renting it, probably gonna buy it if nothing else jumps at me when I go to GS friday

 

[brees fan]

Get NCAA at GameStop, then when Madden comes out you can trade NCAA in and get $40 towards Madden if you don't like NCAA that is. It's a bit better than last years, but not a huge leap forward.

Yea thats more than likely what I'm going to do, if I do decide to return it it wont cost me anymore than a month rental would have if not less...

 

[ryne candy]

4) Not enough penalties

Unless you put aggressive in your game planning. I had it on normal and wasn't getting enough penalties, so I switched it to aggressive. I had 4 straight flags....either holding or facemask while on defense. The idea is a good but doesn't seem to work very well. Hopefully when sliders are fixed....penalty calls will be adjusted.

 

[Sven Draconian]

I rented it, like some things. Probably not worth buying though.

I've played 2 games and wrapped up the playoffs in a RTF (4 games). Heres a few thoughts.

1) Pass rush is weak. You can generate pressure with the front 4, but it requires a sacred indian dance ritual followed by a finishing code from Mortal Combat. It's improved over last year, but it isn't "fixed".

Atleast blitzing is fairly effective this year. Not great, but decent.

2) Coverage is significantly improved. Much more physical coverage, tighters zones. Overally a lot better. A few batted balls a game help as well. Fairly happy with this.

3) The branching tackle window/gang tackle addition is pretty solid. Nice animations and a lot more user steering.

4) New flexbone package = jizz in my pants.

The game is still to fast. The game is still to twitchy.

Realize that I gave up on '08 and '09 very quickly. '09 I stopped playing within a week. This game doesn't have the obvious game killing flaws (Interception/Fumbles in '08, no defense in '09) on the surface. Maybe they'll surface, but it is atleast worth the rental.

 

[brees fan]

I bought it today and I gotta say I'm digging it everything just seems real fluid, I honestly believe EA but alot of effort into this years games hopefully madden has improved along these same lines...

 

[dave]

OK. I've played it enough now to pass judgment here.

BUY

Is it perfect? No
Is it damn fun? Yes

Now that the patch is out (PS3 ... it will likely be Tuesday for the 360, not sure) - this game is gonna be a ton of fun until Madden drops.

Once Madden drops, this sucker gets traded in - but that's not a reflection of the game. I'm just an NFL fan. NCAA is an expensive one-month rental for me.

All that said, if you're a college football fanatic - run, don't walk, to get this one.