A Good, Solid Game Of Baseball
EA's baseball games have had arguably the best graphics and smoothest gameplay of any baseball game, and that strong tradition continues in MVP 06 NCAA Basebball. EA has introduced the load and fire batting system in which you pull back and push forward on the right analog stick to swing. This new mechanic is about as realistic as it gets and now you have full control over your swing. It does take a while to get used to but once you do, you feel in control everytime you step up to the plate. A new throwing system as also been introduced, but it isnt a revolutionary as the load and fire system and sometimes it actually becomes cumbersome at times. You push the left analog stick in the direction of the base you want to throw to. How hard you push determines how hard the throw is. Other gameplay improvements are minimal but thats still great because the MVP Baseball 2005 engine was superb and that flawless gameplay is apparent here.
Graphics
The graphics in MVP Baseball 06 are good but not great. Stadiums look slightly blurry in bright light and the players are not very detailed. However the kits and bats look all right and the interface is easy to navigate and looks clean.
Feel
Anyone expceting a lot of atmosphere and collegiate feel will unfortunatly be disappointed. There are no mascots, no fight songs, no colour in the stadiums, nothing, leaving the game feeling like a spring training game. The whole televised feel is bland and the graphics that come up are simple.
Sound
The commentators in the game sound natural and do a very good job, however they sometimes give away whats going to happen with a fly ball before its even left the batface. The crowd chatter is realistic but an absence of fight songs and chants leaves the game feeling rather bland and dry.
Overall
NCAA 06 is a good game. Its new college tone doesnt really transfer into the game but for the casual gamer, its still a good pick up.