Who needs the MLB when you have the NCAA
The gameplay in this game may be one of its best attributes. There are a lot of things that are new and IMPROVED in this update to EAs baseball franchise. First, the new load and fire swinging system. Frustrating for about the first 5-8 games, but pure bliss once you get it figured out. It is definately overwhelming to learn how to not only time the swings, but the speed at which you pull the stick back and which direction you fire the stick forward truly make a difference in your result. Next, there is the new fielding system. Instead of pressing X,O,Sq,Tr, to throw the ball to corresponding bases, you have to use the right analong stick to point it at the base you want to throw it. If you hold it too long, the ball goes in the dirt, too short, its high. Don't think every throw will be an error if you mess up, it will be an error based on the fielders stats. Also, if you press the stick diagnaly, the pitch will go wide of the bag, which is not good.
The Dynasty mode is great, it's very similar to the NCAA Football game by EA. One of the main differences is that the recruiting is over the season rather than one big chunk at the end, which makes more sence. Another great addition to the franchise system is that there are levels for your hiting, pitching, fielding coaches. If you complete challenges through the season, you can hire new and better coaches to help your team. Let's not forget the create a field system. It is amazing, if you want your walls to be 50ft and 400 feet from home, go for it! How about 4 foot tall walls all 315 feet from home? Or even 50 footer next to a 4 footer, you have FULL control over your outfield. EA also supplies a ton of nice looking backdrops.
Graphics wise, this game is much improved, it was the best last year, and is even better this year. Swings are smooth, the runners touch all the bags, the ball hits the catchers glove when pitching, and most importantly, when the runner stretches to reach first base, he does not hover in the air for a second and than move forward, its smooth the whole way through whether the runner has 99 speed or 40. The menu graphics are a bit cluttered at first, but once you get into the season it is all very simple and nicely layed out. Just about 1 or 2 click to get where you need to go with all the menus.
Cling! What an amazing sound, almost nothign sounds as crisp and powerful as these bats smacking the ball around. One thing that EA shoudl be proud of is there sound department. Everything has great fidelity to it, and the play by play is on par. I've been playing for about 50 hours and don't really notice the same lines over and over, which seem to plague other EA games such as Madden, "he got his paws on it, his paws." They also do a great job of covering up the fact that it's a created player and the numbers sound right, if he is number 43, it does not sound out of place and pieced together, it sounds like he knew he was going to say it all along.
I would recommend this to anyone who is going to purchase a baseball game this year. Sure, it's college, and bats sound different, I dont know what rules are different. IF THAT REALLY BOTHERS YOU... You can set it for wooden bats and "SUMMER" rules, which basically means MLB. So, this game should appeal to most ball fans out there. Go buy it and enjoy.