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Five years ago, a new system hit stores. It had all the potential of being one of the greatest systems of all time. While it started out slow, companies saw what a technological breakthrough it really was, and signed on. The system was the Sony PlayStation. Now leap ahead to the present; The system is still around, and has already lasted beyond the normal console life expectancy. While the system has a few spells left in it’s bag of tricks, FF IX, Chrono Cross, etc., it is a fact with the birth of the PS2, the original PSX will soon wither away and die. Which brings me to EA's latest sports title, NCAA Football 2001. With a rehashed engine and a few tweaks, is it really worth your money, or should you wait and hope EA does a 2002 for the PS2? Let me inform you though, as of now, EA has no plans of a College game for next year on either system, so it’s now up to you. I’d also like to mention, that I hadn’t played last year’s version till recently. I put just as much game time into last years, as with this years to give it a fair comparison. Honestly though, I did get confused, as each game is virtually identical What EA brings to the table this year, is pretty much what you were fed last year. If you’re a fan of stale leftovers, then be my guest. I for one expect more than just an upgrade on a few stats and options. The engine wasn’t touched at all. The graphics are virtually identical, with the exception of a momentum meter display. I understand that the PSX is on its last legs, but EA did do a face lift for Triple Play! Oh well, not that the game looks bad, it actually looks pretty good for a 5 year old system. It’s just a shame what little effort went in on changing the look of this year’s game.
One thing stands true, the game play is as solid as you can get. With the few exceptions, like refs getting in the way, the game plays magnificent. If there’s one thing that’s good about EA not touching last year’s engine, the remarkable game play is it. I also noticed the A.I. has been tweaked up a notch, as my money plays of last year can’t be pulled off as easily, and I can’t find any new ones. This is a nice touch, as each game you must figure out each opponent’s offense and defense as they differ with each team. This is something that holds true for any sports game, if it plays great, then looks always will come second. Sounds while not touched, are still nice. Featuring Dolby Surround Sound, if you close your eyes, you’d swear you were at a college game (of course don’t open your eyes, or reality will hit and hit hard). Team's fight songs fill the game with atmosphere, along with crowds that react very well to what’s going on down on the field. Finally, NCAA is loaded with options. Namely new features like, recruiting from high schools, and creating your own team from scratch. I couldn’t believe the depth of the create-a-team! Everything from choosing a name, to location, fight song, and even colors of home and away uniforms are all here. You can even go as far as naming each and every player in the game. Outstanding. The Dynasty mode is also slightly deeper. The amount of features is mind-boggling. I love that stuff! All in all, if you already own last year’s NCAA, then you may want to pass, unless some of the new features are "must haves" for you. If you are like me, and were swooned by the Dreamcast’s NFL 2K and didn’t leave your tomb, I mean home, then give this a go, as it’s a great game that captures college football to a tee.
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