NCAA Football 09: A Leap Forward for College Football Gaming on PlayStation 2

NCAA Football 09 marks a significant stride for the franchise, especially on the PlayStation 2. While it might not entirely revolutionize the genre, it stands out as the finest iteration of college football gaming on that console generation. This review delves into the various aspects of the game, highlighting its achievements and shortcomings.

Online Dynasty Mode: A Long-Awaited Feature

For years, fans have clamored for a robust online dynasty mode, and EA Tiburon finally delivered with NCAA Football 09. This innovation is not only brilliantly seamless but also remarkably comprehensive. From recruiting and scheduling to convincing promising players to stay for another season, the online dynasty mode offers a wealth of features that enhance the overall gaming experience. After years of online fumbles by developer EA Tiburon, our annual war cry for an online dynasty mode has been answered.

Gameplay Improvements and Realism

One of the most noticeable improvements in NCAA Football 09 is the enhanced quarterback play. Quarterbacks now lead receivers with passes more effectively and realistically, reducing the "pro" feel of previous installments. Mistakes happen, creating opportunities for players to exploit holes in coverage. This emphasis on realism adds depth and authenticity to the gameplay, making each match feel more dynamic and unpredictable.

A Focus on College Pride

While Madden may boast big-name players and star-studded teams, NCAA Football 09 captures the essence of college football. It’s about school pride and colors, where every game carries immense weight. This focus on the simpler side of life resonates with fans who appreciate the tradition and passion of college sports. NCAA offers the simpler side of life where your school’s pride and colours is what you eat, sleep and dream about.

Minor Flaws and Overall Enjoyment

Despite its advancements, NCAA Football 09 is not without its rough spots and bugs. However, these issues are minor and can be navigated without significantly detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. The game offers an immense amount of enjoyment. I didn't mean to harp on the gimmicks, but while there were some minor flaws in the game, it's a very solid effort for the long running series.

Steady Progress and a Sincere Desire to Improve

EA has demonstrated a commitment to progress and improvement with NCAA Football 09. The game represents a sincere effort to deliver a better product than its predecessor, and it succeeds admirably in that goal. What EA has shown in NCAA Football 09 is steady progress and a sincere desire to put out a better product than it did a year earlier. NCAA Football 09 definitely passes that test with flying colors.

A Time for an Upgrade

As the PlayStation 3 gained prominence, the NCAA Football series on the PlayStation 2 reached its peak. It became evident that further advancements were limited by the console's capabilities, signaling the need for an upgrade to newer platforms. Far be it from me to turn down a great sports video game, but after awhile I realized that the NCAA Football series for Playstation 2 wasn't getting any better due to the development of the PS3, and it was time for me to upgrade.

Transition to Xbox 360: A Visual Leap

Opting for the Xbox 360, the reviewer experienced a significant visual upgrade. The graphics on the Xbox 360 version are described as amazing and incredible. The players look real, their moves look real, the equipment and everything in between is amazing. Quite possibly the most impressive aspect though, I think, are the stadiums.

Attention to Detail: Memorial Stadium

The attention to detail in the Xbox 360 version is particularly evident in the portrayal of college stadiums. Using Memorial Stadium at Indiana University as an example, the reviewer highlights the inclusion of features such as the pathway players use before games, monument busts on the side of the field, and even a church steeple located three blocks from the stadium. On XBox 360, however, Memorial Stadium features everything from the pathway that the players come out of before each game to monument busts on the side of the field, to The Rock, which lies beyond the North end zone and is touched by players before each game. To me, though, the most unbelievable part is a church steeple which appears on the game. The church actually exists about three blocks from the stadium. That kind of care to detail is simply amazing.

Stadium Sounds: Enhancing the Atmosphere

The Stadium Sounds feature on the Xbox 360 allows players to rip their CDs and play them over the stadium PA system during games, enhancing the atmosphere and creating a more immersive experience. While we're on the subject of Memorial Stadium, I'd like to point out that every third down, IU plays "Welcome to the Jungle" and the crowd goes wild. What could be better than that kind of atmosphere? NCAA 09 for the 360 makes it possible to do so with the Stadium Sounds feature. Users can rip their CDs to the 360 and hear them over the stadium PA in a number of different situations.

Read also: Deep Dive into NCAA Football 13

Dynasty Mode: Enhanced Recruiting

The dynasty mode in NCAA 09 offers an improved recruiting system, allowing players to recruit up to 35 players at a time and call each player during the season. The player learns how their recruit feels about 15 different aspects of heading to college as an athlete. It is much more in-depth than the last version. Another thing I've always loved is the recruiting in dynasty mode. The new and improved dynasty mode allows the player to recruit up to 35 players at a time, giving him the capability to call each player during the season. During that time, the player learns how their recruit feels about 15 different aspects of heading to college as an athlete. It is much more in-depth than the last version.

Discontinued Features: Create-A-Team and FCS Teams

One of the drawbacks of the Xbox 360 version is the removal of the Create-A-Team feature, which allowed players to create their own high school teams and pit them against college teams. The reviewer also laments the absence of FCS teams, which limits the game's realism and the possibility of upsets. Negatives When I was still in high school, I loved putting my New Prairie High School Cougars on NCAA 09 against the rival La Porte High School Slicers. It was one of my favorite parts of the game every year. Such a thing is no longer possible as the 360 version does not have the Create-A-Team feature. To be honest, it was obvious that EA was going to phase this out. They never really added anything new to the feature every year, including their use of the same old created logos over and over. Still, I'll really miss this feature. I also don't enjoy that EA discontinued the use of FCS teams. Come on, how are the Appalachian State Mountaineers supposed to upset their second consecutive FBS opponent if LSU actually plays host to the "FCS Southeast Lizards" in the game? It's very upsetting to me, especially considering IU plays host to the "FCS Southeast Lizards" as well in 2009.

Read also: Revisiting NCAA Football 2005

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