NCAA Football 10 Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: X360, PS3, PS2, PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA Tiburon	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: EA Sports	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: July 14, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4 (12 for tourneys)	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

While Road to Glory is supposedly a new mode of play, it really is just a re-skinned Campus Legend mode. However, the addition of ESPN's Erin Andrews providing updates on your progress is a re-skinning we can get used to. The only other truly new mode is one you won't be able to access via your console. You'll actually have to hit up your computer in order to make use of the functionality. This is what's known as Team Builder, and it was revealed at the EA press conference at E3 2009. If you couldn't glean it from the name, what this allows you to do is create and completely customize your team, including tweaking logos, players, and uniforms. This team can then be imported into your game to play with via Play Now, Dynasty, and even Online Dynasty.

NCAA Football 10 screenshot

One of the few areas this game falters is in its visuals. Crowds in particular are horrendous - they are so pixelated and fuzzy it's hard to believe it was allowed to slip by; it truly looks like placeholder graphics. Also, players are very much cookie-cutter. Within the same team, it is not odd to find twins. Thankfully, player animations and stadia are nicely rendered. Also, non-game related events are well done. For instance, marching band formations, mascot reactions, and cheerleader response help keep the atmosphere decidedly collegiate. As always, the aural presentation is outstanding. Corso and Herbstreit really work well together, and all the commentary is both funny and appropriate.

NCAA Football 10 is another successful outing for the franchise. Gameplay is still as high quality as ever, and a few new modes actually feel substantial. If you were excited for the game before reading this review, you'll definitely be happy.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
Stadiums, menus, and animations look great, but a few quirks do bring the overall appeal down.

4.8

Control
This game plays exactly how you want it to. The new Defensive Assist feature is both good and bad.

5.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
From marching band themes to Corso and Herbstreit, this game offers a blend of music and commentary that fits the game perfectly.

4.6

Play Value
If you love college football, you'll find hundreds of hours of quality content.

4.5

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

All-new Season Showdown: In this new mode, every game counts as fans declare their loyalty to a favorite school and give the ultimate show of support in a nationwide competition. Credits accumulate in-game and credits can be earned for your school via new web-based games. Prove your school is number one with the Season Showdown.

All-new EA SPORTS TeamBuilder: Build your team with the online create-a-school feature for your very own personal team. Upload logos and choose from numerous customization options for uniforms, fields, rosters, and much more. TeamBuilder gives you the opportunity to design completely original teams with infinite possibilities, and share content with ease. Experience the excitement and pageantry of college football, defined by your own personalized creations.

And much more: New strategic playcalling, and new game planning add to the excitement of college football in NCAA Football 10.

Screen Resolution: Up to 1080p (Full HD).