PlayStation 3
Released in 2013 by EA Sports
Grade: A-
The last licensed college football game rests on the same strong football engine as EA’s Madden series, with speedy gameplay and attractive graphics, but it’s not without its share of annoying issues.
Where it falls in the series
It’s the last of seven NCAA games on PS3 before licensing laws put the kibosh on the series. It’s one of the most expensive sports games out there, currently priced around $60 for a used copy.
Praises and gripes
Let’s start with the positive. This game is highly playable and fun. You’ve got crisp action, responsive controls, active AI, realistic chaos, genuine plays, and deep strategy choices.
I always figured that college games appeal to a more niche audience, and would therefore be more realistic than the NFL versions, but the action actually feels arcade-like. QBs move easily and zip passes around the field, receivers are reliable catching the ball, and runners can dart with inhuman agility.
Option plays are a staple of the college game, and they use nice, simple controls. Hold the button to hand off, release it run with the QB, and press L1 to pitch. It feels natural. However, linemen clash in funky ways sometimes, making the “read” part of read option finicky. Masochistic sticklers who watch the replay because “why did that happen?” will be frustrated to see D-lineman magically get through sometimes and be helplessly stuck other times. Option plays are also extra hard to defend because the camera tilts too much, making it hard to line up a tackle.
The other big knock is that the collision physics are spastic. Tackles often look unrealistic, with players bouncing off each other like pinballs. Players fall forward and break tackles an awful lot. On rare occasions, you see awful glitches, sending players several yards in one direction or the other, like you’re watching the Matrix.
With 126 teams of widely varying skill levels, the developers had a lot to handle, and it’s not the most graceful execution. Quarterbacks usually unleash fast, precise passes, but sometimes sail a pass way out of bounds. There’s not a balanced spectrum of inaccuracy. High-ranked defenses don’t necessarily play more disciplined. They’re just faster and stronger. Playing with top-tier teams doesn’t feel much different from playing with low-tier teams.
There are slight limitations in the playcalling compared to Madden, and the game makes things harder for the visiting team. You can’t see the on-the-field view of a play if you’re in a no-huddle offense or after you make adjustments. You can’t immediately bring up the view before a play either; instead, you wait a few seconds as your teams sets up. On the bright side, all of Madden’s strategic adjustments are available.
There’s the standard dynasty mode, allowing you to labor through the recruiting process over several seasons, but you can also just play a simple season, which is nice. Unfortunately, if you play against the CPU, they’ll make atrocious coaching decisions late in games.
The graphics use textures and lighting that are more basic than Madden, giving it a remarkably colorful look. There’s flashy ESPN presentation and all the college goodness you want, like authentic stadiums, mascots, and unique crowd chants.
Overall, if you’re nuts about college football, you probably already own this game. Despite its flaws, it’s a sophisticated game striving for college football authenticity. But if you’re hoping the $60 price tag means it’s somehow superior to all other football games, save your cash.