NCAA Football 10: A Comprehensive Review for PlayStation 2

Every year, EA Sports delivers a new iteration of its college football simulation, and NCAA Football 10 is no exception. While often compared to its NFL counterpart, Madden, the NCAA series has carved out its own identity with unique gameplay and features. This review dives into the PlayStation 2 version of NCAA Football 10, examining its gameplay, features, graphics, and overall value.

Gameplay: A Mix of Fun and Frustration

NCAA Football 10, like its predecessors, offers a higher margin for error than Madden, encouraging players to experiment with options, reverses, halfback passes, and other trick plays. The core gameplay has been tweaked, with the most notable addition being the Setup Meter. Consistent success in running the ball builds up the Setup Meter, increasing the chances of success with play-action passes. A higher percentage on the meter indicates a greater likelihood of the safety or corner biting, leaving the receiver open. However, the absence of a similar setup function for the defense is puzzling.

Pocket presence is another key focus. A new pre-snap function allows players to shift their linemen left or right, or instruct them to be more aggressive or sit back. In practice, this often translates to linemen holding their blocks for extended periods, providing ample time against most defensive lines.

One recurring issue is glitches. For example, a shotgun snap that goes over the quarterback's head may travel 30 yards downfield and be ruled an incomplete pass. While not game-breaking, these glitches can be frustrating.

Gameplay impressions from previous versions

NCAA Football 2004 leans towards offensive gameplay, with faster player movement and more offensive options. The running game feels solid, but the inability to flip the run pre-snap is a significant drawback. The passing game allows attacks on zone coverage to the strong side of the field, but struggles with deep zone coverage. Not being able to run full speed and throw on the run as a QB is also cumbersome. Defense feels adequate, and man coverage can be effective. In 2/21/25 impressions the gameplay was reviewed as slow.
NCAA Football 2005 is considered the "Dark Souls" of the series due to its difficulty, especially on Heisman difficulty. Home Field Advantage and player composure are introduced. The matchup stick is a great strategic addition. The running game is improved with the ability to flip the run pre-snap. However, players drop the ball frequently. The quarterback still has to toggle passing icons on and off. Defense receives the most attention in this version.

Game Modes: Dynasty, Road to Glory, and More

NCAA Football 10 offers a variety of game modes to cater to different play styles.

Dynasty Mode

Dynasty mode allows players to take control of a college football program and guide it to national prominence. Recruiting is a crucial aspect of Dynasty mode. The recruiting tool has been retooled, with the simulation feature now sticking with targeted players throughout the season, rather than arbitrarily switching to other positions.

One notable drawback in NCAA Football 2004 was the absence of conference rotation in Dynasty Mode. Playing in a conference with divisions meant facing the same eight teams every year, a simple oversight by EA.

Road to Glory

Road to Glory is similar to Campus Legend mode, but with the added appeal of Erin Andrews providing narration and eye candy. Players create a player, pick a school, and a position. College life begins in your dorm, and it’s the hub throughout your journey. Games routinely take place once at the end of each week, but you’ll likely want to utilize downtime in order to catch up on school work and practice your football chops. You’ll also be asked to pick a study major, which plays into the game’s twist on a simulation. There’s no real challenge with respect to what major you choose, and the option is really only there to allow you to learn various trivia. In addition to concentrating on scholastics, you’ll also want to spread your time between social events and drills. Drills are a very welcome addition to Road to Glory that not only serve to break up the other gameplay components, but they also teach you the ropes and keep you on your game. Once you pick your play position, you’ll concentrate on that one area throughout Road to Glory.

Mascot Challenge

For new players, the Mascot Challenge is a great place to start. It teaches the mechanics of gameplay, as well as providing instruction on various plays and how they work. The Mascot Challenge is broken up into four different challenges, and it will walk you through all the basics of NCAA Football 10.

Family Play

Family Play offers a simplified experience akin to classic video-game football, with easier controls and more straightforward play options.

Read also: College Football Gaming on PS2

Other Features

The game also includes a Features menu that allows players to create their own custom plays and audibles, create custom schools and players, as well as design original sign posts the audience can display during mid-play cutscenes.

Season Showdown

Season Showdown is a unique feature where players pick a team to support and earn points for that team based on their in-game performance. These points are then added to the team's grand total on a central server, fostering rivalry and providing an extra incentive to play.

Graphics and Sound: A Solid Presentation

Last year, I noted how NCAA 09 was the first in the series that looked like it belonged on the PS3 and 360. It seems EA seemed fine with that, as the graphics have seen minimal improvements. The animations are hit or miss and the player models look identical to NCAA 09’s.

Visually, NCAA 10 on PS2 does a good job of offering players an authentic football experience. The character models exhibit a decent level of detail, and their movement is fluid and realistic, sans a few rough cut-off points at the end of each animation. The grass looks good, but crowds and stands are pretty bland. The main distraction is background shimmer, which is a hard reality to go back to in this current generation of consoles. Cinematic cuts and pans, however, go a long way to making the experience feel real and exciting.

The aural presentation fares a good deal better, however, and the announcers during games are a real treat. Some games offer only a single announcer for a more authentic college vibe, but other times you’ll get the full-on show, with various talking heads from ESPN. Rarely will you notice the same lines repeated, and the commentary is always on point with whatever happens to be going on in-game at that particular moment. The music and cheering sounds, too, fit nicely within the college-ball package on offer here, and though it’s difficult for the aged PS2 technology to rise to the occasion, you’ll still get a game that’s easy to love.

Read also: Deep Dive into NCAA Football 13

Additional Positives from Previous Versions

NCAA Football 2006 introduced Impact Players, which can significantly impact gameplay. The running and passing games were strong. The game fixed the QB running while passing by letting you use the speed button while being able to throw on the run. EA finally fixed the QB running when passing by letting you use the speed button while being able to throw on the run. Once you use it, it’s hard to play any other game without it. The deep ball gets the most hate as it can be easier to complete. In-Season recruiting was introduced.
NCAA Football 2007 toned down impact players, but the running game felt similar to 2006. The passing game was even more potent, with the curl route being particularly effective. The special teams kicking system was improved. Dynasty Mode included a Spring Game. Campus Legend replaced Race for the Heisman.

Quirks and Missed Opportunities

Despite its strengths, NCAA Football 10 has its share of quirks. "Juking" with the right analog stick feels clunky and unresponsive. There's also no real way to aim the direction of a quarterback's throw during games, despite being instructed to do so in one of the practice drills. Players must rely solely on timing their passes alongside the set formation of a particular play. The game also takes away quarterback control during most running plays, which can be disorienting.

Overall: A Worthy Addition to the Franchise

NCAA Football 10 is a solid and enjoyable college football game for the PlayStation 2. It offers a variety of gameplay options, modes, and features to keep players engaged. While it has some quirks and missed opportunities, the overall package is well-rounded and provides a satisfying college football experience.

Ratings Breakdown

Graphics: 3.9/5 - The signature PS2 shimmer is present, but solid character animations, cinematic cuts, and great play angles make for an exciting game.
Control: 4.0/5 - There's a learning curve for newcomers, even with the aid of drills. The juke control isn't as responsive as desired.
Music/Sound FX/Voice Acting: 4.5/5 - The music fits the college-football theme, and the commentators are a highlight.
Play Value: 4.3/5 - Tons of options, including playing as school mascots. Road to Glory is a great premise, though it can be shallow and repetitive.
Overall Rating: 4.2/5 - Great

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