EA Sports NCAA 2009 Preview

By: Eric M. Martin

Monday June 30, 2008

A quick look at the upcoming NCAA title from EA Sports, with features noted from EA’s official website.
Not one to take a summer games season lying down, EA Sports makes bold moves with their anticipated release of NCAA 2009. While capitalizing on the obvious sales they will receive from Xbox 360 sports fans, the PlayStation 3 will certainly make an equal showing in the realms of graphic excellence and play control. And speaking of play control, EA Sports has a clear enough comfort window in order to launch NCAA 2009 All Play for the Nintendo Wii and NCAA 2009 Freshman Mode for the PSP.

Both the PSP and Wii versions will be sporting something known as Family Play, which is intrinsically designed with features such as one-button play calling and the option to use either a simplified or full playbook. With a move toward more of an arcade feel for these two systems, it’s clear that EA Sports is attempting to reach a broader potential sports audience in the gaming youth. More younger gamers tend to own handheld systems, and more family units also more likely to own Wiis than the other systems in regards to family interaction. Also, with the addition of Mascot Minigames, there is a clear path toward a wider range of interest.



All of that aside, EA Sports is known for one thing: the attempted illusion of realism. Most of the sports titles released by EA are geared toward the little things that take up much of the unseen time. Franchise Modes, player trading, coaching options, extrapolated playbooks, updated rosters, the works. With that in mind, their biggest target will always be the hardcore sports enthusiast. Take a look at these features, as listed on EA Sports official website for NCAA 2009, as listed for the PS3 and Xbox 360 releases.

All-New Break Away Engine - The most dynamic football animation system ever lets you take complete control of the game like never before. Break in and out of jukes, stiff arms, spins, and more in a swift, fluid motion, or use the analog stick to steer a player in any direction mid-move.

Authentic College Football Gameplay - With huge cut-back lanes, arm tackles, over-pursuing defenders, and downfield pump fakes, never before has the college game felt more wide-open. Bring a new level of strategy to your game and keep your opponents guessing with new playcall bluffs and formation-specific audibles, allowing you to quickly check off to a secret play at the line of scrimmage.

All-New Online Dynasty Mode - Build a collegiate powerhouse online and invite up to 11 players across the country. With the same ease and flexibility of managing a fantasy football league, recruit, schedule, and play for up to 60 seasons.

Build the Ultimate Fan Base - Shape your program into a perennial powerhouse and watch your team's prestige rating increase after every winning season. With Dynamic Attendance, fans hungry for a championship flock to the stadium and even travel with you on the road into the most hostile environments. String together consecutive losing seasons and your faithful won't hesitate to jump ship as your rating decreases in defeat.

The Electricity of College Game Day - Experience the pageantry of college football Saturdays as cheerleaders bring the sidelines to life with aerial stunts, celebrating every momentum-swinging moment. Take the party to the next level by celebrating touchdowns with your school mascots after a big score.

Home of the 12th Man - Maintaining your composure is key as less experienced players are prone to making bad decisions in hostile environments. Signal callers can re-gain composure by acing the Quarterback Quiz mid-game. Defensive players can also call a timeout with the new Ice the Kicker feature just seconds before an opponent attempts a game-winning kick.

July 15th is Game Day! No matter what your system preference, no matter your skill level as a video game athlete, EA Sports is taking a crack at the gaming community as a whole. If you’ve ever expressed the slightest interest in video game sports, you won’t be left without choices as far as NCAA 2009 is concerned.