RSS FeedSportable Reviews: Upon Further Review, NCAA ‘08 Still Owns
Posted by ryan on July 15, 2007
We promised a review and here it is. Thanks to the kind folks at EA Sports, Sportable was able to secure a retail copy of their new release, NCAA Football 2008. Last month, I was able to get an early peek at the game at the Tiburon Studios in Orlando. The game that I saw there made me excited about football video games again. The finished product has confirmed that excitement. This game is a must-buy thanks to a bunch of new features and animations.
Before looking into the new bells and whistles of Dynasty Mode and Campus Legend, you need to break down what really matters here: the gameplay. Complaints over a herky-jerky NCAA 2007 on next-gen have been addressed in the best way possible. Instead of the game playing at 30 FPS (frames per second), it’s now playing at 60 for the XBOX 360. This means the game will be playing smoother than ever, which makes those new animations look even sweeter. It’s a change you’ll notice right out of the box and it’s one of the reasons the hardcore players are loving what they’re seeing thus far. You’re in control of your player at every possible second. Instead of an animation controlling you, you’re controlling the animation.
With the improved framerate of the game, you’re able to see plays unfold like never before. Offensive line play is greatly improved, which makes the running game an absolute blast. An early game with Arkansas and the 99 overall Darren McFadden showed exactly why. Because of improved fatigue settings, I felt like I was able to wear down an opponent thanks to the running game. This led to McFadden getting more breathing room and the chance to break off some nice runs. Past titles didn’t seem to place enough emphasis on progressive fatigue but in NCAA ‘08, you can effectively wear down the opposition or viceversa.
Players, beware. After playing several games on both All-American and Heisman levels, I’ve come to the conclusion that the passing game is really tough. Mistakes will be punished because for the first time in video game history, defensive backs have good hands. While playing during the community event, my usual hapless defense transformed into a bunch of ball-hawks. Defensive back AI is incredibly improved, which has frustrated me quite a bit. However, it’s not unfair either. Good decisions and good playcalls will be rewarded with some solid gains in the air. It just takes time. If you can avoid throwing your controller, you’ll be much better off.
While I won’t fully dive into Dynasty Mode until some roster sets are created, early impressions look very, very promising. The reason I prefer NCAA’s Dynasty to Madden’s Franchise is the ability to recruit high school prospects. This year, recruiting has been completely changed around. Instead of being given a weekly allotment of points, you now have hours. Coaches are given ten hours a week to call and try to influence those Blue-Chip prospects to come play. That appears to be a real difficult task, given the complexities of the new phone call system. Depending on what you choose as a sales pitch (location, prestige, pro factory, etc.), you’ll get a sense of how the recruit responds. If you sound like a douchebag, he’ll hang up on you and you’ll be SOL.
However, the talk of most community members was geared towards the major improvements in Campus Legend mode, which gives you the chance to create one player and guide him through college football and hopefully, into the NFL Draft. Campus Legend has been greatly improved thanks in part to Super Sim, which allows you to simulate parts of the game. If you’re a wide receiver, you won’t have to sit through a defensive series. Last year’s Campus Legend was nearly unplayable because you’d have to watch plays you weren’t even involved in. Not this year.
All you do is Super Sim and you’re right back in the game. This allows you to play a game in only about 15 minutes. Quicker games mean quicker reasons and ultimately, quicker graduation into the NFL Draft. After filling in some information about your high schooler (including city and school colors), you’re dumped into the state playoffs, where it’s up to you to impress college scouts. The bigger the game, the bigger the crowd of scouts. Once you arrive on campus, you’re well on your way to progressing up the depth charts and into the NFL.
Other impressions
-Gang Tackling is legit. MaddenMania, a board I frequent, was able to capture the following video that sums up gang tackling very well.
- Ratings actually matter this year. For once, you’ll see the difference between a 90 player and an 80. Elite players are a step above the rest. Don’t believe me? Give the rock to Darren McFadden or Steve Slaton and you’ll see what I mean.
- Where’s that ESPN incorporation? You get some bells and whistles in dynasty mode but overall, it’s still lacking. Why hasn’t EA Sports included a highlight show similar to those ESPN 2K games? This year’s pregame show consists of Brad Nessler telling us what stadium the game is being played in. Hell, players don’t even run out on the field this year.
- Too many turnovers? While I’m still definitely learning the ropes to the game, the amount of turnovers may be a bit of a concern. Look for custom sliders to be released that tone these down. But out of the box, you’re probably going to notice more fumbles and interceptions than normal.
- That EA Highlights feature is still badass. I loved it a month ago and I still do. After every game, you can go back and look at the replays of every play in the game. You’re allowed to save any of them to a custom highlight reel that plays on the main menu. You can do the same thing with photographic stills of the replays. Very cool feature. You can post those clips online at EA Sports World, which just launched.
With NCAA ‘08 hitting store shelves this week, you can say football season has officially begun. With a renewed XBOX Live account, I’m ready for any and all challengers. My XBOX Live gamertag is onthegreenrb. Don’t hesitate to send me a friend request.
Hellisan said,
July 15, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Nice work, you covered most of the bases and I agree with everything here. And good meeting you.
Slizeezyc said,
July 15, 2007 @ 7:43 pm
You’re so dreamy….Errr good review.
DJ Rhude said,
July 15, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
Nice writeup onthegreenrb. You pretty much nailed it dead on….
Was also a pleasure meeting you as well
WinningTheTurnoverBattle said,
July 16, 2007 @ 3:54 am
Nice write up. I am going to go get the it tonight, and I had a few questions about the game if you don’t mind:
1.) Since the DBs evidently have much better hands this year, does that mean the WRs do as well? The insane number of dropped passes the past few years have been my #1 pet peeve.
2.) Do the DEs for the AI contain better on the option than in previous years?
3.) Does EA have Noel Devine…err…RB #7, on West Virginia? And if so, how are his ratings?
Sports Gossip » The Roundup: Jeter Jealous of Bonds? Berman the Sea Lion? Baseball Bloggers vs. Wilbon said,
July 16, 2007 @ 4:03 am
[...] review for NCAA 08 for xbox 360: favorable. [...]
Mookie said,
July 16, 2007 @ 11:02 am
What do you think of the commentary of Brad Nessler and crew?
ryan said,
July 16, 2007 @ 2:50 pm
Turnover- Yes, I do think receivers have better hands. I’ve made some real sick manual catches. We’ve had a couple drops but I’d say it’s been better than past years. As far as the option goes, I haven’t noticed much from DE’s to be honest. It does seem a bit harder this year.
However, the laterals are a bit of a problem. I’ve gotten some pitches off despite being tackled by two guys and falling to the ground. It’s growing to be an issue among guys who run the option offense. It’s not a game killer or anything (no matter what people tell you), but it’s a bit annoying.
I did see Devine on the game. He’s rated an 83 with 94 speed.
Mookie- It’s mostly the same stuff as years past. I’ve noticed a couple new things but Corso is still whistling and saying the same shit.
soonermagic00 said,
July 17, 2007 @ 11:13 am
WEll, I just picked my copy up, still at work……… will be playing here in about 3 hours or so. Forget about Devine, is Demarco Murray ( #7 ) on Oklahoma’s roster? He looks better in the preseason than Peterson did !!!!
soonermagic00 said,
July 17, 2007 @ 11:18 am
oh, by the way, my gamer tag is sooner til i dy (xbox 360) if anybody wants a little preseason competition, send me a friend request, or you can catch me online tonight…..
The Sock Drawer » Blog Archive » Dynasty Mode Disappointment? said,
July 17, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
[...] my 360. Which leads me back to my purchasing decision: to buy or not to buy. At least there’s one favorable 360 review. That’s enocuraging. Honestly, I’m sure I’ll break down and get it at some point. [...]
Check back tomorrow for our comprehensive review of NCAA 2008 >> Sportable, Where Sports are a Lifestyle said,
July 17, 2007 @ 2:08 pm
[...] UPDATE: We’ve posted our comprehensive review of NCAA 2008 Football here. [...]
T said,
July 17, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Where do you download the rosters from?
T said,
July 17, 2007 @ 3:03 pm
What are the preseason (default) rankings for 2007-2008 season?
1-10?
Ben said,
July 18, 2007 @ 1:32 pm
how come there are no refs in the game an the playing style is exactly like 2K…..i am scared for what madden08 will look like
Ben said,
July 18, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
also when i play my friend i can see his plays an he can see mine…
dmack4heisman said,
July 18, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
I agree with you completely on this review! I played last night and got 4 picks off of Alabama and threw 4. Passing very hard… I mopped the floor with every team that I played on last years game and found it not very challenging. Not the case this year almost was beat by Troy. Needless to say defense is serious.
Is there anyway to get the real rosters and put them in the game? I know that EA can’t do it? Any hacks that can be done on that.?
I have a question/thing to add, does anyone else experience LAG on the announcers. I can be done with the play and about to select the next play before they catch up sometimes. Everything else is smooth. I just wanted to get an opinion on this as I am new to the 360 I finally broke down and purchased one last week because of this game coming out.
Jeff said,
July 19, 2007 @ 7:03 am
You can get rosters here with names and more accurate gear also.
http://www.psxsports.com
jeremy said,
July 19, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
this game is AWESOME
Week in Review 7-20-07 >> Sportable, Where Sports are a Lifestyle said,
July 20, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
[...] what we think of EA Sports’ NCAA Football [...]
Mike said,
July 22, 2007 @ 5:44 am
I love the game but i only have one problem with it. I have never seen so many fucking injuries. Anyone else?
smokehole said,
July 22, 2007 @ 6:22 pm
Is it because of PS2 or what, but I cant get my game to do the super sim in legand mode or have high school games. I bought the game thinking all this was true but it wasn’t the review completely missed it.
ryan said,
July 22, 2007 @ 9:46 pm
I haven’t played the current-gen version of the game. I never discussed other versions besides XBox 360 in the review.
Rob said,
July 25, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Dissappointing. They have eliminated the create-a-team option, which was my favorite part. Also the camera angle sucks…I play MLB in CL mode, and the camera will follow the ball, which means I am often off the screen somewhere, with no idea what is around me. (example-the defensive play puts me in zone coverage to the left, and it’s a swing pass right)
I’m going back to 2007.
damian said,
July 26, 2007 @ 10:17 am
how do u call prospects in the preseason recruiting board
R said,
August 27, 2007 @ 7:27 pm
Season mode is driving me nuts. my Team (oregon) is undefeated at 11-0, beat usc and mich, and still ranked 9th (behind usc and mich)
what the $#(!
Kyle said,
January 1, 2008 @ 9:39 pm
is there any way not to play super sim
Mike said,
March 11, 2008 @ 10:41 am
You can pick up the Xsata which goes between the HArddrive and your xbox360 to copy saves from you harddrive on the 360 to your puter and vica versa.. then search for the rosters and download!