This game has improved a lot as far as game play is concerned. It is more balanced and it seems that you have to think more to pass. You can’t just throw your ball in the air and the receiver catches it. And the quality of your players is also a key. You can have a 99 QB but if your throwing to a 62 receiver the guy will drop it as it would happen in real life. Your receivers also tend to make more mistakes running their routes and that throws of your timing, which is a good thing if you are trying to play REAL football. As far as the new Key player and in the zone addition, it seems to work fine most of the time accept on harder difficulties the AI’s running back seems like the Hulk and no matter how many people tackle him he gets through. I would understand that if I was playing from Reggie Busch (#5 USC) and he was putting the moves on me but I was playing against Indiana State and their HB was rated around 80, so I don’t know how he can just run through all my guys like that. I think even if a Key player is in the Zone he should still be allowed to only do so much according to his abilities. The Heisman mode is also awesome and it gives you a different take on a football game. I mean if you are a QB in the Heisman mode and your are trying to go for the Heisman trophy, and your on the goal line and the game is on the line, what do you do, do you give it to your HB which would be the smart thing to do or do you put your glory over the team and try to pass? You run in to a lot scenarios like this in the game and it shows you how different it is to play the game as a player compared to just a coach. The Graphics of this game are improved from last year and they look kind of the same but still good. The fans though still look like cardboard cut outs and not a lot of action there. The other thing is when you are winning by a large margin cut scenes appear of the fans of your opponent getting mad and leaving the game, but when you are back on the field the stadium still looks full. You could be winning 77-0 (like I was) and the stadium is still full but when the game ends and you are shaking the other teams hands the stadium looks empty. I think more active fans would have been a nice addition to the rattling option added last year, but I guess you got to keep some stuff for next year. The Audio of the game is still about the same, the commentators have some new stuff to say and they are funny at times but it seems like they can’t keep up with you. If you play your game at a normal pace they are fine and sound good but if you play in the hurry mode and make good plays back to back they fall behind. There was a time when they were talking about a good play I just did and I hurried up and scored a touchdown after that but they were still talking about the player making that play all the way up to my PAT. Overall this is a very good football game and a very good warm up for Madden 06, I can’t wait to take my players in to Madden and continue in superstar mode.
For everyone who is bored with another same old Madden or pissed at Madden for putting in QB vision this game is for you. College ball is all around much better. The players want to win. They dont care about money yet... Read Full Review
Over the years EA's NCAA football franchise has been one of the best sports games out there. Not every single season has managed to improve upon the previous year however. Last year's incarnation was not as good as the 2... Read Full Review
