NCAA Football 2008 (PS2) Review
Posted by Andrew Mellick on 08.16.2007
School is back in session and so are the gridiron warriors of college football. Another year and another round of titles to grace the bevy of systems that exist today. But in a world full of new technology, can EA bring it on an old school system?
Madden’s little collegian brother is back to put yet another mark on the world of NCAA football. It’s a world that the folks at EA have owned for quite some time. Despite this de facto monopoly, they have managed to keep the franchise fresh with new features and polish with each incarnation.
But its 2008 (as far as the franchise is concerned) and in a world of new systems, new technologies, and new competition starting to creep up, can the house that Madden built still bring the game on a franchise in its twilight? Only one way to find out…read on!
Graphics:
This game revolves pretty much around one area, in game graphics. I’m pleased to say that despite the fact that it is a PS2 title, it still looks pretty damn good. The players themselves are smooth, with no pointy edges. I know that sounds funny but if you’ve played this game before then you know what I’m talking about. The helmet is actually round and the player’s bodies look like bodies, not some odd amalgamation of Lego parts. The facial expressions are as real as can be expected on the dated hardware. But what’s great is EA has improved the look so players don’t have that deranged stare they had in games passed.
Sure they look good, but how to do they move? Well, I have to say that the in game action looks as slick as ever. Offensively players move harmoniously. Routes are run with exceptional execution, taking into account bumps and misdirections. The line shows abuse nicely, some plays the formation is perfect, other plays it breaks down and players try to adjust, sometimes successfully sometimes not. The QB’s movement looks natural as drop steps, hurry ups, and scrambles feel as realistic as ever.
On the other side of the ball, the action is fierce. Before the snaps players are adjusting and readjusting, giving that feel of intensity that a defense would have. Once the ball is snapped, the defense surges into action, lineman claw and pull their way past offensive opponents in an attempt to get to the quarterback. The secondary matches with the deep threats step for step. But when the ball carrier is reached and taken down, the movement is both fluid and fast, it actually looks like a real tackle. If you able to give your opponent a decleater, you’ll be treated to a replay. For the first time in the franchise, hard hits actually look painful.
Gameplay:
08 brings you the usual staple modes. You can take the helm of a franchise as coach and do your best to create a dynasty. This mode allows you to do some light customizations to the coach’s appearance and name. It’s nothing new but it’s still a lot of fun.
You can also create a player and take him through all the events of life that a college player would experience. Choose between studying, quizzing, or practice. The study option will give you facts, while taking a quiz will grill you on your knowledge of a particular subject.
The actual in game play is more of the same fair hot routes, audibles, alignment changes, lead blocking, and so on. It felt that all these features were tightened up a bit to make them not only easier to use but more fun. The option is actually useful now!
Overall there is nothing new or exciting in terms of game play that will revolutionize gaming. However, all the features you know have been tweaked to make them viable to learn and use. It really opens up the game over all and makes burning through 4-5 games in one sitting a snap.
Sound:
The sound quality, as usual, is top notch. The offensive line grunts and growls in an effort to move the line of scrimmage forward. The defense reacts with equal force as the secondary yells out commands and last minute changes. The field is filled with the sounds of slamming bodies and ground tearing, while the whole thing is put to a sound track of a packed stadium’s deafening roar.
Televised games are treated to the usual announcing fair. The dialog is relatively smooth, although there is a slight detection of a hiccup when a teams name is mentioned. I understand that they can’t record fresh dialog for every possible event in a game but cookie cutting one sample of an announcer saying a team name and pasting it into various situations, makes the whole thing seem canned. I would have liked to have heard at least a few variations of the name in different inflections to give a more natural feel.
My major complaint has to be the soundtrack. I’m all for school songs but I don’t need to hear Michigan’s fight song 11 times in a row while I’m customizing my player. EA does a decent job assembling a fairly balanced soundtrack for their other sports franchises, why not use some of that in the NCAA series?
Lasting Appeal:
There is plenty here to keep you busy if you are any kind of a fan of the series. Molding your team over the course of several college seasons is enough to keep you busy for hours. Not to mention the time you can spend with your customized player, and the ability to go into “play for points” mode to hone your skills.
Online play is back and it’s more of the same. There are plenty of options to keep you satisfied and playing against actual opponents is a lot of fun. However, there is a slight lag at times. It isn’t terrible but it can screw up the timing on kicks and passes.
It would have been nice to see at least one new mode or option. As it stands this game feels little more than the final product of what was a rough draft last year. Despite all that, it is football and this franchise is the best at it. This title should crave your hunger until next year…or at least until Madden comes out.
Fun Factor:
Kudos to EA on a job well done in terms of polish, this game is sharp. All the fun of last year’s incarnation has been revamped to create a smoother and ultimately more fun experience.
The game play is not only fun but addictive. I burned through several hours of my evenings whiling away on my offensive weapons, honing my skills in various drills, and taking my new found knowledge out on the field.
The lack of innovation is disappointing in what is supposed to be a new incarnation of the series. However, it’s still a lot of fun to play and is the best in the franchise to date.
The 411:
If you’ve ever played a game from this series you know what to expect. The game play is fun and addictive. It’ll definitely scratch that football itch.
08 offers plenty to keep you busy with all the various modes as well as in game controls. However, don’t expect anything new.
The game is just a polished version of last year’s incarnation. More fun, but ultimately more of the same. Still, it’s the best football game not named Madden for your buck.
Graphics
8.5
Very smooth and natural looking, especially for the PS2
Gameplay
7.0
Fun but ultimately the same as last year.
Sound
8.0
Everything you'd expect, but no sound track to speak of
Lasting Appeal
7.5
Solid online play and the usual game modes to keep you busy
