The controls for the game remain relatively unchanged, the main difference being the more natural reactions of the players to your commands. The most noteworthy thing about the controls was the dual stick function. The left stick is used to move the player, while the right stick is used to control the player’s upper body. While running it isn’t of much worth, you will be more worried about using the stiff arm and juke controls. It really comes into its own on defense, where it becomes the hit stick. When engaging an opponent that is blocking, moving the right stick will try to shake the blocker. When engaging the ball carrier, the right stick is used to lunge into him for the tackle. This allows you to attempt to tackle the ball carrier without committing to a dive, which if missed, results in losing your chance to stop them.

There are many features and several game types offered by NCAA 11, including the Road to Glory mode where you manage your team to victory through the season. In career mode you not only have to play to win your games, but you also have to manage your rosters and depth charts. While managing your rosters, you are able to look at prospective players, make deals, and promise scholarships to sway them to play for you. This adds an interesting element to the game because if you can make the deal sweet enough, you can take players from other teams. This negatively affects that team’s performance, furthering your cause for a winning season. The only drawback is that some of the features are tricky to work, and you will have to brush up on your college ball dialect if you want to be able to tell what some of the features even do. Not to mention the time investment required to make the most of them. Fortunately for the casual gamer, NCAA 11 will simulate through anything you don’t want to do yourself.

Also returning to NCAA is the Dynasty mode, which remains unchanged for single player. The online Dynasty mode is where the game really sets itself apart. Players can use not only their console to interact with the other players, but also their computer and mobile phone. This function can really engage those players that love college ball and the competition that comes with it. Each player is allowed ten hours per week to talk to each of their thirty-five prospects. These talks can include promises of playtime or scholarships, as well as comparisons of your school against others. Using the right tactics while recruiting can make all the difference in helping you fight your way to the top of the Dynasty Online food chain.

Overall, NCAA 11 is a great game. The solid controls, improved graphics, and the natural feel of the gameplay help make up for the lack of new gametypes, while the Dynasty Online mode engages players in a way unlike any other sports franchise on the market. If you love college ball, or even if you are looking for a good football game to play, then NCAA Football 2011 is definitely worth picking up.

By Greig McAllister
CCC Freelance Writer