More than just an upgrade from the previous release

Every year, EA and other video game franchises hype up their annual release of their sports games so much that once consumers get their hands on the game, they are disappointed that the game does not provide all that was promised. Almost every year that has happened, that is, until NCAA Football 09 came around.

One major gripe by those who play college sports video games is that the rosters do not have the players real names. No college games are allowed to have player names because that would require them to get licensing from players, which is against NCAA rules. But this year's release allows users to upload custom rosters to their EA Locker. Anyone that has online connectivity can enter any Gamertag and download these rosters! There are many gamers that have edited the players real names into the rosters and have saved these rosters to their EA Locker. Now, in every game mode (even online play!), the players real names are used and the commentators can say them all!

Along with the ability to upload and download roster files, there are 19 other features that were not in the 2008 release of this game! Such features include a new tackling engine, online dynasty, 50+ alternate uniforms, and many new tools in recruiting!

The gameplay in NCAA Football 09 is excellent as always and has improved from previous releases. All aspects of the game, offense, defense, special teams, running, passing, tackling, etc. are more realistic than ever. Also, the graphics are astounding and this game is always fun to play!

If you are looking for a college football game, or any kind of football game, to keep your itch for football between weekends to a minimum and to hold you over through the offseason, this game does that and more. You will be hooked for hours at a time and just as you think you've done it all, you discover something new and something exciting every time you power up your PlayStation 3.

So go out there and have some fun!

Little Different than Madden Games

Pretty good game. It has its similarities to the EA Madden games but it's also different. Such as if you're playing in the "Dynasty" mode you don't draft you get to create prospects and try to recruit them. The home team has the advantage of "pumping up the crowd" on defense and it can cause the offense not to see routes or the associated buttons before the play starts. The control is a little more fluid than I played in the last madden game 2007. I remember renting Madden 2008 and thinking it was a lot better. Never played the ncaa games to compare it. Overall the plays and defenses seem to be in line with what has been in the EA games.

THE college football game to buy!!!

I'm a huge a sports fan and enjoy sports games. But I especially love football video games. Much like Madden 09, NCAA 09 has a franchise mode called Dynasty. I love playing and simulating my UCLA squad. It even goes deeper with recruiting high school players for your collegiate team. Its truly the only game where every facet of the sport is transitioned into a video game. This year they added Campus Legend where you create your high school football player and guide him through a tournament where scouts are present. Based on your performance you'll then be recruited to play at a college program. If you love football (especially college football) then this is a must have game year in and year out!

Less Than Expected

In some small aspects of the game, they seem to have taken a step backward. The crowd graphics are worse, the celebrations with the mascot are lacking, and some of the tackles are less realistic. The player graphics are as good as 08 and the stadium views are better. Playing defense is surprisingly more challenging. It is a lot more difficult to come off of blocks and make the tackle, but in turn, it's easier to break off a big one and/or return kicks for touchdowns. The new minigames are cool.

Really great game.

I have been playing the NCAA Football series since I was a kid. I started on the first every NCAA series game (Bill Walsh College Football). The game has changed many different ways and I feel this was the best one yet. The graphics are wonderful and the audio of the crowd is really something else. The player models could use some small work to make them a bit more life-like, but that is a minor issue. The new advanced recruiting in Dynasty mode is wonderful and really brings the realism into the seasons. It also contains a wonderful Campus Legend mode. I would recommend this game to anyone that likes college football. BOOMER SOONER!!