Well, I knew that very soon after this game was released, I would be buying it. My birthday rolled around on the 19th of July, and that would be the day I got this game. Here's what the new game is like, and some of the features it has.
Race for the Heisman mode: As soon as you turn on this game, it takes you immediately into Race for the Heisman mode, one of the greater things Electronic Arts has done with their sports games recently. You first have to enter the last name of your player, and then it shows you with a group of other high school students and a coach. You sit through his long, boring speech, and then get to the good stuff. You choose which position you want your new player to play among the following: pocket QB, scrambling QB, running back, wide receiver, defensive tackle or end, linebacker, or defensive back.
Then, they drill you, usually with 10 reps. Some of the drills are passing strength and accuracy (pocket QB), option running (scrambling QB), rushing for touchdowns in a specific portion of the field (RB), and running routes and catching balls (WR). Depending on how well you performed, three schools will offer you scholarships, or you can walk on to a school of your choice, and then you move into your dorm room. Your dorm room has features such as fan mail, a schedule, trophies, stats, etc. From there on out, you play as if it were a dynasty mode and at the end of the season, if your player was in the top five players competing for the Heisman, you will get to see the Heisman presentation.
Recruiting: With more options on how to recruit players, like campus visits and stuff, you have a better chance at landing anyone you want on your team....IF you play smart.
Impact players: This new feature allows your best players on offense AND defense, to be recognized. On certain plays, your impact player on offense will have a much better rating for breaking tackles, while on defense, they may have a much better chance of causing a turnover.
Breakaway control: The right analog stick is used so much more in this year's version of the game. You can use it to juke, sidestep, and break tackles.
Graphics: Lighting and player models have improved in looks and reality, with the new ways to see the sky, like at sunset. I was actually playing this once, and my father walked in and said "Its college football season already? What channel is it on?"
Commentary: This feature has improved greatly as well, especially the pre-game analysis, with my favorite part being Lee Corso's patented wearing of the headgear from the winning team. He will use a helmet or a mascot's head to show who he thinks will win the game. Also, my sister was on the computer while Lee Corso whistled during the game, and it sounded so realistic, that she wouldn't believe it came from the TV.
Mini-Games: Many new mini-games like Pass Skeleton, Oklahoma Drill, Option Running, and Rushing Attack are used to improve, not only your playing skills, but your player's rating (in Dynasty or Race for the Heisman modes).
Overall, this is a huge step-up from last year's excuse for an NCAA football game that EA gave. There are many, many more features to play with, and a lot of different things you can do, which should make this game a MUST HAVE for any college football fan!
Thanks for listening, and I hope to see this game on your list soon!
