NCAA Football 06 - Review
Added July 16th, 2005 by Kisan Parikh
Introduction:With their exclusive NCAA Football license, EA has just released its latest version of NCAA Football. An exclusive license isn’t always a good thing for gamers, because it basically means there are no competitors for that specific game type. Luckily, EA hasn’t abused this fact and has delivered a great product in NCAA Football 06. NCAA Football 06 arrives with a number of new features, gameplay tweaks, and an enormously fun new game mode (Race for the Heisman). Let’s take a look at what NCAA Football 06 brings to the table.
Gameplay:
Instead of presenting you with the typical menu during the first load of NCAA Football 06, EA decided to introduce you to their brand new game mode by launching gamers right into the middle of it. During your initial load, you will first watch a movie about what Race for the Heisman is all about and then be thrown right into the college scout camp.
At the college scout camp, you name your player and choose his position. Then, based upon this position choice, you are thrown into a drill testing your abilities at that position. These ‘Spring Drills’ can also be played separately from the Race for the Heisman. The drills included are Option Attack, Ground Attack, Passing Skeleton, and the Oklahoma Drill. In the Race for The Heisman Mode, your performance in these drills will determine which colleges will offer you a scholarship. Obviously, the better your score, the higher the rank of the interested colleges. If you want to play on a team that didn’t offer you a scholarship, don’t worry, because you can walk on to the college of your choice ………. if you are willing to risk it.
In Race for the Heisman Mode, you are then taken to your Dorm Room, which replaces a typical menu. Here you can view your schedule to jump into games, or you can do things such as viewing fan mail or stats on your computer. As you play more games, your player gradually increases his limited ratings. You can view how well he is doing by keeping an eye on your Heisman Watch meter. This meter tells you how close you are to becoming a Heisman winner. Feel free to be selfish about play-calling during games to boost your player’s stats, but keep in mind, you still want to get invited to a bowl and win.
As you become a Junior, you will be faced with important decisions such as: do you declare eligibility for the draft (import yourself into Madden 2006), or do you return for your senior year to get the Heisman? Then, you are able to stay on as a Division I college football coach! Either way you decide to play, after your years as a college football player, you are guaranteed more enjoyment either through Madden 2006 or continuing on as a coach. I really enjoyed the Race for the Heisman mode, and I am glad EA has come up with a new formula for single player fun in football games.
Despite the greatness of Race for the Heisman mode, EA didn’t forget to improve upon the popular Dynasty mode. This year, the main addition to the game is In-Season recruiting. You are now able to target prospects during the season, and as you progress, they give you feedback. To entice these prospects, you have a limited number of recruiting points to spend on them. Then, the players become available for campus visits, and you may be able to close the deal.
Another cool feature is the Athlon Sports and Sports Illustrated feature. Here you can view the Top 25 poll, Heisman watch, the top 25 toughest places to play, and more of the sort. Also, you can take care of infractions to keep your team disciplined. When a player commits an infraction, you can ignore it or suspend them for a set amount of time. To do this, you use your limited Discipline Action Points. Be careful, improper handling of an infraction can lead to NCAA imposed penalties.
This year, the Dynasty Mode is as great as ever, and you can depend on a terrific single player experience from NCAA 06 with both of the main modes of play.
There are a number of gameplay tweaks to be discussed as well. The number one tweak is the addition of Impact Players. These players are the ones that can change the game with outstanding plays. As the game progresses, these players may find themselves ‘In the Zone’. When an Impact Player is ‘In the Zone’ you are able to more easily make the big play. This includes receivers making a game changing catch and running backs breaking a tackle. Don’t worry about Impact Players being out of place in NCAA Football 06, because the ‘In the Zone Moments’ are not guaranteed plays.
Another outstanding new element to gameplay is the Match Up Stick. The right thumb-stick allows you to view the composure and skill of certain players prior to the snap. This allows you to see where possible mismatches may be, and you can adjust your play to compensate. Keep in mind that home field advantage plays into this, and a loud crowd can rattle opponents. There are a few other tweaks here and there, but these are the ones that will stand out the most. One thing that I wish was better was the AI of the secondary. On 1-5 plays a game, the safeties will completely ignore an option play until you are literally right next to them. They just mindlessly stand there for a second. For the most part the AI is great and will pick up on play calling patterns, but I thought this little glitch was annoying.
The gameplay in NCAA Football is just plain awesome. Not only does EA bring two great modes of play to the table, but they backed it up with an amazingly fun on the field experience. This is easily the strongest feature of the game, and that is exactly how it is supposed to be.
Graphics:
While the graphics of NCAA Football 06 aren’t necessarily pushing the Xbox to the limit, they are a step above the previous year’s game. There is a noticeable upgrade between the two games, and the look of the game matches the gameplay perfectly. I especially liked the visual effects featured when an Impact Player makes a big play. The camera zooms in and really shows the play off. Also, I love the animations of jukes. All of them seemed believable and at the same time extraordinary. This game is just more proof that a game with great gameplay and decent graphics is much better than a super realistic looking game that is just no fun.
In Race for the Heisman Mode, you are then taken to your Dorm Room, which replaces a typical menu. Here you can view your schedule to jump into games, or you can do things such as viewing fan mail or stats on your computer. As you play more games, your player gradually increases his limited ratings. You can view how well he is doing by keeping an eye on your Heisman Watch meter. This meter tells you how close you are to becoming a Heisman winner. Feel free to be selfish about play-calling during games to boost your player’s stats, but keep in mind, you still want to get invited to a bowl and win.
As you become a Junior, you will be faced with important decisions such as: do you declare eligibility for the draft (import yourself into Madden 2006), or do you return for your senior year to get the Heisman? Then, you are able to stay on as a Division I college football coach! Either way you decide to play, after your years as a college football player, you are guaranteed more enjoyment either through Madden 2006 or continuing on as a coach. I really enjoyed the Race for the Heisman mode, and I am glad EA has come up with a new formula for single player fun in football games.
Despite the greatness of Race for the Heisman mode, EA didn’t forget to improve upon the popular Dynasty mode. This year, the main addition to the game is In-Season recruiting. You are now able to target prospects during the season, and as you progress, they give you feedback. To entice these prospects, you have a limited number of recruiting points to spend on them. Then, the players become available for campus visits, and you may be able to close the deal.
Another cool feature is the Athlon Sports and Sports Illustrated feature. Here you can view the Top 25 poll, Heisman watch, the top 25 toughest places to play, and more of the sort. Also, you can take care of infractions to keep your team disciplined. When a player commits an infraction, you can ignore it or suspend them for a set amount of time. To do this, you use your limited Discipline Action Points. Be careful, improper handling of an infraction can lead to NCAA imposed penalties.
This year, the Dynasty Mode is as great as ever, and you can depend on a terrific single player experience from NCAA 06 with both of the main modes of play.
There are a number of gameplay tweaks to be discussed as well. The number one tweak is the addition of Impact Players. These players are the ones that can change the game with outstanding plays. As the game progresses, these players may find themselves ‘In the Zone’. When an Impact Player is ‘In the Zone’ you are able to more easily make the big play. This includes receivers making a game changing catch and running backs breaking a tackle. Don’t worry about Impact Players being out of place in NCAA Football 06, because the ‘In the Zone Moments’ are not guaranteed plays.
Another outstanding new element to gameplay is the Match Up Stick. The right thumb-stick allows you to view the composure and skill of certain players prior to the snap. This allows you to see where possible mismatches may be, and you can adjust your play to compensate. Keep in mind that home field advantage plays into this, and a loud crowd can rattle opponents. There are a few other tweaks here and there, but these are the ones that will stand out the most. One thing that I wish was better was the AI of the secondary. On 1-5 plays a game, the safeties will completely ignore an option play until you are literally right next to them. They just mindlessly stand there for a second. For the most part the AI is great and will pick up on play calling patterns, but I thought this little glitch was annoying.
The gameplay in NCAA Football is just plain awesome. Not only does EA bring two great modes of play to the table, but they backed it up with an amazingly fun on the field experience. This is easily the strongest feature of the game, and that is exactly how it is supposed to be.
Graphics:
While the graphics of NCAA Football 06 aren’t necessarily pushing the Xbox to the limit, they are a step above the previous year’s game. There is a noticeable upgrade between the two games, and the look of the game matches the gameplay perfectly. I especially liked the visual effects featured when an Impact Player makes a big play. The camera zooms in and really shows the play off. Also, I love the animations of jukes. All of them seemed believable and at the same time extraordinary. This game is just more proof that a game with great gameplay and decent graphics is much better than a super realistic looking game that is just no fun.
Audio:
The audio in NCAA Football 06 is another strong point. From the dramatic roar of the crowd to the bone crunching hits, everything as far as in-game gameplay is there. Also, the announcers featured are far better than other sports games you’ve heard in the past. They point out repeatedly failed plays and more of the like. They do make whistling noises too often, but then again, any announcer in a football game is miles ahead of Madden repeating his tired and repetitive catch phrases. Let’s hope EA works on that for Madden 2006. As, always EA delivers a great soundtrack for the menus, so don’t worry about getting bored with the music while playing the two spectacular single player modes.
Controls:
The control scheme in this game is pretty genius. EA has continued with their use of the right joystick as the juking stick for most of their sports games. I also like the use of the A button on defense as the turbo button. I always found this setup to make much more sense than having the B button used for turbo. If you are a traditionalist, however, EA has got your back. You are able to use the 2005 control scheme if you are so inclined.
Replay:
Replay is yet another bright spot for NCAA Football 06. You have already heard me talk up the impressive single player modes, but that’s not all this game offers. You can play spring drills, rivalry games, mascot games, and practice. Rivalry games and mascot games are a bit lame, but I really do enjoy the spring drills. Also, creating a school, player, playbook, and sign can be loads of fun. Take your created team into Dynasty Mode to try and become the national champion.
Another aspect of the game that provides an enormous amount of replay value is simply playing against your friends. Even in the short amount of time I have had the game, I have played with my buddies numerous times. You can set up your own little tournaments and just have a blast with this superb game. You can also play your buddies online through Xbox Live. The Live aspect of the game allows you to play the normal way or play the OT Drill. The OT drill permits you to just start up from overtime. This isn’t all, because you also are given the option of playing in Quick Tournaments. Don’t expect the online portion to consume your time, because playing on the same box with someone else and playing the great single player modes is too much fun.
As far as replay value goes, I have to say that NCAA Football 06 has a ton of it. I know I will be spending a large amount of time winning the Heisman and becoming the national champion. This one will stay in the disc tray for months to come.
The audio in NCAA Football 06 is another strong point. From the dramatic roar of the crowd to the bone crunching hits, everything as far as in-game gameplay is there. Also, the announcers featured are far better than other sports games you’ve heard in the past. They point out repeatedly failed plays and more of the like. They do make whistling noises too often, but then again, any announcer in a football game is miles ahead of Madden repeating his tired and repetitive catch phrases. Let’s hope EA works on that for Madden 2006. As, always EA delivers a great soundtrack for the menus, so don’t worry about getting bored with the music while playing the two spectacular single player modes.
Controls:
The control scheme in this game is pretty genius. EA has continued with their use of the right joystick as the juking stick for most of their sports games. I also like the use of the A button on defense as the turbo button. I always found this setup to make much more sense than having the B button used for turbo. If you are a traditionalist, however, EA has got your back. You are able to use the 2005 control scheme if you are so inclined.
Replay:
Replay is yet another bright spot for NCAA Football 06. You have already heard me talk up the impressive single player modes, but that’s not all this game offers. You can play spring drills, rivalry games, mascot games, and practice. Rivalry games and mascot games are a bit lame, but I really do enjoy the spring drills. Also, creating a school, player, playbook, and sign can be loads of fun. Take your created team into Dynasty Mode to try and become the national champion.
Another aspect of the game that provides an enormous amount of replay value is simply playing against your friends. Even in the short amount of time I have had the game, I have played with my buddies numerous times. You can set up your own little tournaments and just have a blast with this superb game. You can also play your buddies online through Xbox Live. The Live aspect of the game allows you to play the normal way or play the OT Drill. The OT drill permits you to just start up from overtime. This isn’t all, because you also are given the option of playing in Quick Tournaments. Don’t expect the online portion to consume your time, because playing on the same box with someone else and playing the great single player modes is too much fun.
As far as replay value goes, I have to say that NCAA Football 06 has a ton of it. I know I will be spending a large amount of time winning the Heisman and becoming the national champion. This one will stay in the disc tray for months to come.
Summary:
The gameplay and replay value of this game is incredibly strong, and the control scheme and audio are icing on the cake. I wouldn’t say the graphics are bad, but they aren’t going to win contests. NCAA Football 2006 is the perfect game for any football fan, and I would recommend that any fan has this one in their collection. If you aren’t big on sports, I’d still give this game a whirl, because this game is good enough to get you into it.
The gameplay and replay value of this game is incredibly strong, and the control scheme and audio are icing on the cake. I wouldn’t say the graphics are bad, but they aren’t going to win contests. NCAA Football 2006 is the perfect game for any football fan, and I would recommend that any fan has this one in their collection. If you aren’t big on sports, I’d still give this game a whirl, because this game is good enough to get you into it.
