NCAA Football 11 Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

System: PS2, PS3, X360	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA Tiburon	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Electronic Arts	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: July 13, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The A.I. is more predictable, but that’s a good thing. The developers claim they’ve smartened up the artificial intelligence, and to a degree, they have. The opponents simulate real players. They go where you would expect, making the game more realistic. You can see their running paths, and even anticipate tackles. It doesn’t make the game any easier, but there are a lot fewer surprises in store, such as someone gaining fifty yards on you in three seconds.

NCAA Football 11 screenshot

Dynasty mode remains virtually untouched. Take charge of a school and recruit players, hire and fire coaches, and lead your team to victory season after season. This mode is the reason most people buy this game. Unlike the current-gen consoles, you won’t be able to take part in any online features. This includes Dynasty Wire, where highlights and stats are uploaded to an online server for the entire world to see. You’ll have to tweet your results on your own for this version. As unchanged as the Dynasty mode is, so too is the Road to Glory, where you take a player under your wing in an attempt to make him a college superstar.

As I mentioned, the camera angles help clean up the field, but sometimes they are too over-the-top. Some angles look great from a viewer’s perspective, but when they get in too tight, the results are claustrophobic. You can’t see where your opponents are until it’s too late, which can result in a tackle and a lost down. Save the artsy shots for replays or highlights.

The ESPN theme and transitional wipes lend some authenticity and credibility. The game looks and sounds like a real TV broadcast. The old college songs are still here, as is the roar of the crowds to get your adrenaline pumping. And speaking of adrenaline pumping, Erin Andrews is back, looking exactly as we remember her from last year. And unfortunately, sounding pretty much as she did last year as well.

Like the new features in this game, Erin is nothing more than eye candy. And just in case you forgot any other details of last year’s game, NCAA Football 11 is certain to refresh your memory.

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.7

Graphics
The graphics are smoother and the camera angles are great, but should have been relegated to replays.

4.6

Control
Some options can be overwhelming, however, there are accurate commands with a good feel.

2.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
While the announcers are repetitive, the crowd noise and school songs are well done.

3.1

Play Value
NCAA Football 11 has great gameplay, but very few improvements make it hard to recommend.

3.2

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

Game Features:

An All-New Locomotion System: Your gameday experience is taken to a new level with all-new authentic running mechanics. From an explosive first step and the ability to stop momentum on a dime, to rebalancing yourself after an over-pursuit, feel what it’s like to cover the field and play at the most elite level in college football.

Play the Way the Schools Do: Run the “no-huddle” spread, triple option, wishbone, wild hog, or pistol offenses the same way as your favorite schools. Dictate the tempo of the game when running the spread as you look to the sideline for the plays, or break the huddle and study the defense at the line of scrimmage when operating a traditional, pro-style offense. The game is in your hands.

All-New ESPN Broadcast Package Integration: From kickoff to the game’s final play, feel like you’re a part of the ESPN Game of the Week! ESPN broadcasters Kirk Herbstreit and Brad Nessler offer insights and commentary while breaking down your game, and reporter Erin Andrews provides injury reports and updates from the sidelines.

Real Assignment A.I.: From new running lanes to double-team blocking, experience the most realistic and authentic offensive performance like never before.