NCAA Football 2007 (All) Preview
Posted by Andrew Mellick on 07.16.2006
It's that time of the year again. Time for another dose of college football brought to you by the folks at EA Sports. This time around EA has a few new tricks up their sleeve, will it be enough to revolutionize this game?
Game: NCAA Football 2007 Release: July 18, 2006 Genre: Sports Publisher: EA Multiplayer: Yes System: All Systems
NCAA Football for EA started out as little more than Madden with college teams. However, over the years the developers at EA have put in the effort to make this franchise viable on its own. With the looks of this years installment it appears all that work is about to pay off.
What we know
EA has always provided the usual with all the big teams, playbooks, off season recruiting, preseason, full rosters, and the like. The graphics have steadily improved as well and this year is no different.
What is new
The playbooks are significantly larger this year and complete with trick plays. This includes unique formations like the Gamecocks' Emory Henry for example.
Also new to the fray this year are shovel passes, snaps directly to the fullback, and the ability to abort a punt in favor of a run or pass.
Defensively, you have the option of setting up a hot route for any player on the field. So if you want to send everyone at the quarterback you can (although I wouldn't recommend it.)
The Momentum System is a new addition this year as well. Big stops, fourth down conversions, and special teams play can swing the big Mo your way, or in the way of your opponents, ensuring that it's not over until it's over!
New spring drills have been added to the mix this year. Now you can work your d-line on rushing the QB. This is only one of several new drills to help build your teams ability.
Spring games are in this year. This may not seem too exciting but it gives you the chance to evaluate your blue chip rookie coming in and decide whether to play him or red shirt him for a season. It really puts the dynasty in your hands, start someone too quick and you could cost your program years of success.
Back to school program. This is a whole new take on campus life. You must take your athlete through the rigors of a college education. Excel in class to improve your character. Balance your time between studies, practice, and social events. A very intriguing feature in '07, you can live vicariously through your character and instill the values and practices in him that will turn him into the next NFL superstar, or you can rock and roll all night and party everyday!
This year ESPN will be integrated much more into the game. You can check out how your dynasty is doing in ESPN the magazine and get real time updates from ESPN radio. A fun feature that could make the game experience even more real.
Bottom line
EA looks to really shine this year. They have put in several improvements, as well as created some very interesting ideas in The Momentum System and the Back to School program. If these ideas translate well, this could help boost NCAA to more than just Madden's kid brother.
Be sure to check back with 411 for a full review!
Confirmed Features From EA
Key Features for PlayStation 2 and Xbox:
* All-New Momentum System -- Capitalize on your window of opportunity as big plays, defensive stops, trick plays, and special teams keep you in a constant struggle for momentum.
* Back to School -- Excel in the classroom to improve your overall character, and then balance your time wisely between studies, practice, and social events as you live the life of a Student Athlete.
* All-New Spring Game -- Determine your depth chart in Dynasty Mode and decide whether to red-shirt incoming blue chip freshmen by evaluating their performances in the annual spring game.
* New Spring Drills -- Hone your skills with 11 new and challenging mini-games focusing on all aspects of the game, including Rush the Quarterback, Passing Distance, and more.
* New Ways to Play -- Utilize new gameplay mechanics like Jump the Snap, Slide Protection, Smart Routes, Defensive Hot Routes, and Precision Passing to gain every advantage over your rivals.
* All-New ESPN Integration -- Get the latest sports news with real-time updates from ESPN Radio, and track all your latest Dynasty information via ESPN the Magazine and ESPN.com.
Key Features for Xbox 360:
* All-New Momentum System -- Capitalize on your window of opportunity as big plays, defensive stops, trick plays, and special teams keep you in a constant struggle for momentum.
* Innovative Smart Fans -- Stadiums jump to life featuring unique alumni, student, and visitor sections that react dynamically to the action and momentum on the field.
* A New Dynasty -- Build your favorite school into a collegiate powerhouse with in-season recruiting, coaching contracts, customizable schedules, and the deepest stat-tracking system ever.
* Relive Your Brightest Moments -- Capture your greatest highlights anytime with the NCAA Photo Album. Add captions and share them with friends and football gamers alike.
* Master Your Skills -- Go head-to-head with your fiercest rivals in challenging mini-games that include Bowling, Option Dash, and Tug-O-War.
* All-New ESPN Integration -- Get Dynasty results, conference updates, and real-time sports scores and news updates with the 'always on' Sports Ticker powered by ESPN, or take a shot at the greatest games of all time with ESPN Instant Classics.
Key Features for PSP:
* Turn the Tide -- Shift momentum in a flash with controls that open the way for "the big play," including quarterback sacks, fake punts and field goals, and blocked kicks.
* Dynasty Mode -- Build a football powerhouse for up to 10 seasons by recruiting the nation's top athletes, setting depth charts, and dominating the top schools in the land.
* Go Deep with Wi-Fi Multiplayer -- Challenge rivals online and use full-scale stat tracking to determine the king of college football once and for all.
* Classic Rivalries -- Relive the excitement and alter history with your all-time favorite rivalries, including Oklahoma vs.Texas, Michigan vs. Ohio State, and many more.
* Experience ESPN -- Stay up to date with the latest sports news from around the world with the ESPN Sports Ticker and ESPN Radio.
* Mascot Madness -- Unleash your school spirit in an all-out, action-packed mascot game as your favorite sideline heroes take the field and put their pride on the line.
