NCAA 2008 makes some much needed improvements over last year's version. The physics engine is a lot better, especially with the addition of group tackling. Grahpics also improved some, and the game generally looks great (The game looks much better than All-pro Football 2k8, which I also bought). Play calling menues have been tweaked a bit, and I personally like the new system more. One of the best improvements is that the run and pass games seem more balanced. NCAA 2007 really favored the pass, especially the long passs. All you had to do was roll out (holding sprint) and hit a reciever cutting to the same sideline as the QB (espcially easy if you had a fast QB, like Ohio State in '07). In 2008, it seems a bit more difficult to pull of a string of roll-out pass bombs for easy first downs, which is a good thing. The new ability to take over as a blocker on a running play is also great, and it really opens up the running game in comparison to the 2007 version. It also seems a bit more risky to try to run with QBs, since they seem more prone to fumble than last year. This is also good, since it likewise makes the game more balanced and realisitic. Admittedly, some QBs are good on the run, but in '07 you could send recievers deep, draw the linebackers out, and then try to use the QB like a slow running back around the outside. Kinda unrealistic for the amount of times you could get away with it (in terms of the play gaining big yards as well as without taking a serious toll on your QB in terms of fatigue/injury if it was only a short 20 minute "play now" game, which is what I tend to do against my friends). So, preventing players from doing this too often in the current game is a good move. I am really glad that the "momentum" feature was taken out. It's not that momentum itself was a bad concept, but in '07 it was ridiculously easy to jack up a full momentum meter (basically score the first touchdown), and then hold the advantage for the whole game. Now they have a "motivation" system instead, but it is more of a challenge to get the players motivated. It takes a bit more skill to really get one player going, and rewarding skill is fair. Also, the penalties seem more balanced. Especially good is the reduction in the number of pass interference penalties. In '07 I played my roomate in multiple 20 minute games, during which we each got around five pass interference calls when we were not directly controlling the defensive backs on our team (i.e. the CPU aparently caused the penalties). This is my first impression of NCAA Football 2008, since I have only played about a dozen games with the "Play Now" option. Nevetheless, it is pretty obvious that this is solid football game. I havn't played out a season yet, but it looks like the recruitment options are much improved, and there are some other added features. All-pro Football 2k8 is great for nostalgic reasons, but all in all, I like NCAA 2008 better, and would say it's the best football game out right now. If you hated NCAA Football 2007, you probably won't like this either. The gameplay is still basically the same. In '08, the play balance, graphics, animation, physics, and AI are improved, but at its core, it's still the same game. If, however, you are a fan of the last game (as I am), this game keeps what was good and adds even more. There is enough new stuff to justify replacing last year's copy, and I would suggest that you pick the '08 version right away.
By callmeageeth | Review Date: Jul 17, 2007 | X360
College football fans will find enough substance to make this game worthwhile and pleasurable. The addition of dynasty mode (it is so deep) makes this game a winner to me. But I love this game because I love college fo... Read Full Review
If you’re looking for a good, honest, non bias review you've found the right one. The time of year has come again, where we start craving the leaves to start turning colors and we can smell football in the air again. EA... Read Full Review
