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NCAA Football 11 Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

NCAA Football 11 Review for PlayStation 2 (PS2)

You Might Want to Pass

There is nothing wrong with NCAA Football 11, as far as technical issues are concerned. It’s as solid as last season’s game, and therein lies the problem. Aside from some utterly useless additions, such as new accessories for the players and the ESPN Integration Package, this is virtually the same old game. On the plus side, the animation has been tweaked and the physics and A.I. have been improved. Gone is the old way to call plays. I can’t decide if the new system is an improvement, but there are definitely more options to choose from.

NCAA Football 11 screenshot

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Ultimately, if you only own a PS2, you’re getting the short end of the stick. The current-gen consoles are where the magic happens. What you’re getting with the PS2 version is little more than an expansion pack, without the online modes, updated rosters, and the general overhaul.

What I like about college ball is the accessibility. These games are fun, gritty, and more realistic. In general, the pace is a little slower, allowing you some extra time in the decision making process. You have time to size up situations and execute the appropriate commands. Some situations in Madden are out of your hands. There’s a sense of school pride with the college games, meaning there’s something personal at stake. There are 120 teams represented in this game. That’s a lot of content. You would think you’re set for the rest of the summer, but the veneer begins to wear off after a few hours. The announcers start repeating phrases, the different teams just appear different with their new accessories, and the ESPN tie-in are little more than window dressing.

I’m really surprised at the amount of fluff disguised as new features stuffed into this football game. Don’t get me wrong; the attention to detail is vastly improved, with refs on the field and numbers on the helmets, but that doesn’t make the game any more playable. This is a situation where a franchise has reached its peak. Let’s face it; the game has gone about as far as it can go on the PS2. Is it possible to squeeze any more juice out of the CPU? If so, is it really worth the effort? While it may seem like I’m ragging on NCAA Football 11 for the PS2, what I’m really saying is that it’s virtually impossible to improve it at this point. Did the game perhaps reach perfection in its tenth version?

NCAA Football 11 screenshot

NCAA Football 11 plays as good as you can expect. Running, passing, and catching have been improved. A lot of this is due to the smooth camera angles that afford you an uncluttered view of the field, but the developers are touting the Locomotion system as the reason for the improved controls. It helps that both players in control of the ball and those to whom you wish to pass are highlighted. The agility of each runner is determined by his stats. The more stars he has, the easier he will be to control. You notice this in terms of speed, ability to change direction, and accuracy in throwing. Of course, the way you guide the runner also plays a crucial role. You can use the stick to lean forwards and sideways, which comes in handy when you come in contact with an opponent. The animation is also a bit smoother. Players look less jerky, even when all the players appear onscreen at the same time.

I’m not convinced that I love the new way to make play calls, but that’s because I was comfortable with the old way. Like most people, I resist change, especially when it’s for no apparent reason. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I liked the old way; it seemed more realistic as it restricted you to three plays to accompany your chosen formation. With the new system, there are a trio of play choices including Formation, Play Type, and Ask Corso. Once you make your selection, there are a multitude of play options you can cycle through. It takes some time to get accustomed to the menu system. Ironically, all these new plays seem more restrictive simply because there are so many choices. Sometimes, less is more.

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  • 2x the graphic processing power of Quest 2 with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
  • Mixed reality blends virtual elements and physical space
  • 4K+ Infinite display
  • 3D audio with enhanced clarity and bass
  • Touch Plus controllers deliver a more intuitive experience
  • Library of over 500 titles
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

NCAA Football 11 screenshot

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.

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.

  • Meta Quest 3 128GB - Asgard’s Wrath 2 Bundle
    • 2x the graphic processing power of Quest 2 with the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
    • Mixed reality blends virtual elements and physical space
    • 4K+ Infinite display
    • 3D audio with enhanced clarity and bass
    • Touch Plus controllers deliver a more intuitive experience
    • Library of over 500 titles
    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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