PlayStation 2

NCAA Football 2003

NCAA College Football 2K3 and NCAA GameBreaker 2003 were still in training camp at press time, but this NCAA’s game is so strong that you can safely make it your number-one pick. Even if one of its competitors turns in stellar performances, NCAA Football 2003 is the kind of fine game that sports fans will be happy they bought.

If you do not own this game yet, stop reading and go out and purchase it immediately! The only thing that keeps it from surpassing Madden 2003 is that it doesn't include online play. Hopefully next year, we will be playing online with other college football fanatics! If you are craving a wonderful college football game, look no further as NCAA Football 2003 will be the only game for you!

The same phrases are repeated over and over again, it's aggravating and after awhile I start hoping for the P.A. announcer that is used during "non-televised" games in season play. On field sounds come off much better with cheerleaders, crowd noise, and fight songs all combining to make it sound like you're there. One touch I really liked was the inclusion of every college's fight song and a few extras for created schools. You can even customize what fight song plays during the menu screens through your profile.

EA still has the competition in pigskin territory, both in sales and actual quality. Though EA could have easily gotten away with releasing a rehash of last years game, they tried new things. Although it's true that what they did add (Mascot games among other things) are nothing more than diversions it's still nice to see developers trying new things. Other than adding new, zanier modes developer Tiburon has also heavily tweaked the already stellar football gameplay. If you're a sports game fan, and think you'd like to play as the Ducks instead of the Cowboys, then go ahead and buy this game. You won't regret it. Promise.

Challenging and satisfying is the only way to describe NCAA Football 2003. Sports games in general already have built-in longevity since no two contests will ever be alike, but with the create-a-school function, trophy case and wonderful Dynasty Mode, NCAA 2003 has set a new standard for value in a videogame. You'll drop $50 for this disc, love it and keep on loving it until spring practice. Casual gamers, hardcore sports fans, RPG fans and trenchcoat-wearing weirdos should all have a go at NCAA Football 2003, because it's the best thing going. The only thing keeping this game from scoring closer to a perfect 10 is the equally inherent nature of sports games where there's always, repeat ALWAYS room for improvement…even when you're the best in your class, like NCAA Football 2003.

NCAA Football 2003 has plenty to offer to both the casual and hard-core college football fan. The dynasty mode offers a glimpse of how difficult it can be to run a successful program, while the rivalry option lets you participate in one of the greatest aspects of college football. Simply put, NCAA Football 2003 is a great football game, and those who don't own last year's game should pick it up without a second thought.

It would be unfair to say that NCAA 2003 is a failure. It's not. In many ways it is a far superior product compared to last year's hit. But in other ways it also feels like a rushed product. Perhaps the early release (mid July) played a role in that? Maybe the developers simply didn't have enough time to test everything that needed testing? Whatever the case, there are definite problems that should have never seen the light of day. However, it's equally impossible to overlook the fact that despite those problems it's still an extremely fun game to play.

Still a very good game, but geared more towards the die-hard NCAA fan. You'll probably find more enjoyment in Madden, as I feel it's more refined than this, and has the online play that this game lacks. You'll most likely enjoy this, but if you've only got enough money for one football game (after all, Mario's out) right now, rent this, Madden, and NFL 2K3, and make your decision then - each is strong in their own right.

NCAA 2003 effectively conveys the feeling of being at a real college football game. The pre-game introductions, sideline cheerleaders, band music, and surprisingly accurate stadiums really bring the spirit and pageantry of the college game alive. I've been to plenty of college football games myself, and little details like the drums beating between plays really hit the mark. NCAA 2003 gets off on the right foot right away by initially asking you what your favorite team is, and this is used to customize the game to your taste.