Video game gets real
NCAA Football 2003 is the perfect embodiment of college football – no matter what platform the game is being played on.
Fans of previous EA Sports football games such as Madden and NCAA Football 2002 won’t notice any major changes. But NCAA Football 2003 houses a plethora of college mascots, fight songs, and rivalries including the TCU/SMU Iron Skillet rivalry.
Controlling the game is simple. Just pick your play with the buttons corresponding to the play and you’re off. All you have to do is run on a run play and pick a receiver with his corresponding button on a pass play and you’re on your way to the end zone, hopefully.
There is a small improvement in graphics – they look a more crisp. The graphic team paid great attention to detail. Cheerleaders are accurately depicted, as are the stadiums, player heights and mascots.
Sound is one aspect of the game that’s sub par. The commentary hasn’t really changed, but the crowd noise and bands are what really stick out. The crowd will even boo or cheer depending on the plays you run and how successful you are.
The game’s best new feature is the off-season. With this option, you are free to recruit players from all over the country.
Building your dream team is still no easy task. Your team must compete with every team in the country when it comes to recruitment. After recruitment you can choose which players you want to red shirt and set up your depth chart for more control over your team.
SMU is in the game and I was impressed by the game’s accuracy. The roster was a little inaccurate and the stands seemed a little more packed than at our home games, but other than that, everything was right on target.
Even the girls from down the hall were impressed, and they aren’t usually impressed by video games. The Mustang Band plays all the right songs and you actually feel like you’re at a game.
Overall, you will play this video game over and over again. It’s a nice study break.
NCAA Football 2003 is worth buying, but if you’re still skeptical, then rent it first.
And if you still aren’t impressed you’ve probably never been to a college football game.
