Customer Reviews

NCAA Football 2001

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

ok, here's the deal: ncaa 2001 is great. but then again, so was ncaa 2000, and that is essentially the game you are getting when you pop that beautiful CD into your overused Playstation.

there are some added features that definately add to the hours upon hours of enjoyment, but all in all, if you're happy with ncaa 2000, ncaa 2001 may be a purchase you might want to skip. could i skip it? no way! EA Sports is a company that always brings forth perfection to the gamer's table. the hard thing for EA Sports to look at while creating ncaa 2001 was that ncaa 2000 was pretty much the most amazing football sim (pro or college) ever made. why try and fix something that ain't broke? i agree with the direction EA Sports took with 2001...they added some cool new features (expanded create a school, expanded recruiting system, expanded the ranking system, improved the running game, and strengthened the AI) but they kept the basic core of what made ncaa 2000 so freakin' great.

One thing that was added that i hate is the momentum meter. there's no need for it...the crowd is your momentum meter. the meter apparently is supposed to give more "power and finesse" to what ever team has the meter in their favor. nah...doesn't really work out that way. i just turn mine off. i let my playcalling make or break my momentum, then i feed off the crowd's enthusiasm or rage. whichever their offering at the time.

the running game was improved and given a curve in favor of the gamer. unfortunately, running can sometimes be too easy. gaining a 50 to 60 yard run off a HB-TOSS is not out of the ordinary. and that's on skill level All-American. don't get me wrong, i love the running attack, but sometimes it can get ridiculous. oh, and by the way, the turbo button really kicks in this year. those HB-Toss plays really come through with that turbo button bein' tapped like there's no tomorrow.

the passing game is still great, but man, getting picked off happens way too much. one of the main reasons it happens so much is that when your QB tosses a pass to a receiver, about 4 or 5 defenders just swarm all over your intended target. now i'm all for defense, but let's cut down on the univited guests, shall we?

all in all, i do love this game. but i think i love 2000 just a smidge more. 2001, for all of its new additions and elements is sure to please any college football fan for hours and hours...whether it's in your dorm room, or your living room after the two year old and the wife have finally fallen asleep.

that's all i have to say. EA Sports has come through with another winner. besides, i don't think EA is putting out ncaa 2002 for the PS2. this may be your last offering for a while.

see ya on the gridiron.

I will start by saying that I do really like this game, I have bought the game each year since College Football USA 96 But I like this game in the same way as I liked last year's, and hat isn't such a good thing, for a video game series aiming to improve on each new edition. This is not a big overhaul like NCAA 99 to NCAA 2000.

First I'll go over some of my initial impressions. The basic format is almost exactly like last year's. The opening FMV is short and a little disappointing, but that can be attributed to the large amount of memory FMV takes up. That's OK. I'll deal with that.

The game has a more computerized feel to it rather than traditional college football feel. The music is computerized and a little awkward in a football game. The best music in it is the music that is rehashed from last year's game. There is no new feel in this game at all. That was a little disapointing.

Next is the features, which are basically the same with a few little adjustments. Dynasty mode is still the most valuable aspect of the game, shooting up the replay value. Main changes in this area lie in recruiting, where now you can recruit Junior College transfers. Nothing really that special, except they are just a little better than most of the recruits. Some of the buttons were changes in recruiting which got me hung up a little since I played 2000 so much. No biggie.

One of the nicest new additions to the game was also in the Dynasty Mode area. There are now 2 polls to be ranked in (EA Media, EA Power polls), as well as the famous (infamous?) BCS poll. This was a great addition, mainly because it makes it more authentic. They seem to work OK, maybe not flawlessly, but it is close.

The gameplay in the game is almost exactly like last year, with only a few new animations in catching, and spin move. The players look the same. The running game was supposed to be a main concern this year, since it was too hard to run up the middle in 2000, and it is better this year. The speed burst is different, you can outrun the computer now, and vice versa, which makes it more real.

The biggest new feature in gameplay is Advanced Player Control, which allows you to control one player during an offensive play. QB, WR, RB, or OL can all be controlled by you, but you also have no control over any other players, so it takes getting used to. Sometimes the computer will not go exactly how you want it to, screwing up the play. Thankfully, this can be turned on or off during a game.

A momentum meter was added during the game too. Basically whichever team has the momentum, its abilities are enhanced. One of the problems with this seems to be when the computer does not have the momentum, it runs all passing plays, which is very irritating. Some games the computer will not run a single run play, which is the biggest drawback in the game. Thankfully, this can be turned off as well, but there still seems to be a tendency for the CPU to pass too much. Not good.

Custom options like creating a player and school are still in, and a new custom conference option is in 2001. Custom schools is a little deeper, giving you more options in designing the uniforms, and more logos. Seems to work pretty well, though it takes some time to configure all the colors, etc.

One of my biggest problems in the game is saving a dynasty. One dynasty now takes up all 15 blocks on a memory card, instead of just 14. This is a problem because you will not be able to save your user profile unless you have 2 memory cards. That is inconvenient, and takes a lot of time. You may just forget about a user profile.

Pros: Easy to understand like 2000, still the best college football graphics, great stadium graphics, better player control, more realistic player speed, a few more features in polls and recruiting for the better, works the same as 2000.

Cons: Basically the same game as 2000, no major improvements, the computer AI is very bad on offense, not a college football feel to the interface, bad music, some fight songs removed, will see a few bugs in the game, has frozen on me a few times, can't save player profile and dynasty.

NCAA 2001 doesn't improve a whole lot over NCAA 2000 except for new rosters and a few new licenses. APC needs a lot of practice to get used to, and playing vs. the new computer AI is frustrating. It should have been put out for PS2 also, like Madden. If you are looking for the best college game out, this is it, but just know it is basically no different than 2000.

It has been my experience that EA Sports has always had a "cult" following with their NCAA titles. Many people who do not like the real sport of college football, hate EA sports version of NCAA football. If this is you, do not buy the game. However, if you like strategy, commanding a team through a "dynasty", and real game play this title is for you. Each year the title adds new things and improves others, while keeping the game basically the same. I will not repeat all of those changes, since they are covered in the other reviews quite extensively. I will tell you that EA Sports has once again out done themselves. Few video games capture sports as well as their titles. Some basic suggestions:

1. If you want a good feel for the entire game, do not always play as a perennially ranked team. Control some lesser known teams and get the full experience of the stadiums, fan chants, fight songs, and other bowl games.

2. Try not to run the same plays on offense all the time. After 6 or 7 seasons of HB toss, you will master it. Part of the fun is trying to master the other plays.

3. Although Dynasty mode is the reason to buy the game, the other modes are fun to play against other people.

So, if you want a real type game experience buy NCAA 2001 by EA Sports. Every year I say I will not buy the new year title, too much like the old version. But, every year the little changes make the game better, without changing the game too much. The one problem I have with the game, and I'm sure I am the only one who feels this way, is that the celebrations are not needed. College football unlike pro, doesn't need 'pro wrestling' type celebrations to bring in fans. Buy NCAA 2001 if you have been debating it (the recruiting alone makes this title worth the money).

Like a lot of people, I look forward to the new football games every summer and fall hoping that they will make improvements on the past years offerings. In NCAA 2001, what you have is an update of last year's version with some gameplay changes and some changes to the dynasty mode.

We'll start with what is the same. Basicly the game looks just like it did last year. There are some new tackling animations, but other than that, graphically it is the same game. Of course, for the most part, sports' titles have maxed out the potential for the PSX so there's not much we can do about this. The sound remains fantastic with just the stadium announcer telling us what is going on in the game. There is no play-by-play, but when added to the fantastic crowd noise, the sound is the best for a sports title on the playstation.

Now, the changes. The gameplay has been tweaked a little, giving the offense a bit of an advantage. There is an actual speed burst, and if you have a fast running back or wide receiver in the open, they won't get caught. The running game is easier than in previous years and you are finally able to run the ball up the middle. Unfortunately, the computer still passes the ball way too often, but if the game is close, the computer will play a pretty realistic style of offense. The dynasty mode is the best "season-style" mode in any sports game period. Recruiting is fantastic, and unlike last year, freshman will actually come to school with some speed, and as they go through their four years, things like their awareness will improve a lot, not their raw physical attributes.

Overall, this game is great. It is fun to play, and does a fantastic job of capturing the feel of college football. Now if only we could get EA to make the computer play a more realistic style of offense...

Let me say this first: I am a DIEHARD follower of Madden football. I wasn't a couple of years ago (liked GameDay more), but Madden's (or should I say in general, EA's) more realistic gameplay and incredible graphics hooked me like no other. Some will always like Madden; some Gameday. But this review is about neither, right?

The first thing that you look at in NCAA 2001 are it's graphics. Sure, they are the same as last years(other than looking a bit smoother), but once you start playing it, you overlook that detail. Player animations are abundant: some players help other off the ground after a play, some signal first downs, and the touchdown celebrations are pretty nice. The way the losing team acts on the field after a loss almost makes you feel sorry that you whooped them. ALMOST. And with the addition of the new momentum meter, it makes you feel the bottom drop out of the opposing team's crowd, especially after you complete a heart-wrenching big money play.

Speaking of crowds, there's the sound. Simply put, the sound in this game rocks. You should play this game with surround sound on. the hits, fight songs, calls, and crowd chants are like no other. It's almost as if you were at the game yourself. EA did a marvelous job with the sound, making it seem as authentic as possible (with the expection of some teams' missing fight songs). It makes you want to play the game with a different team every time, just to hear the crowd's uplifting (and sometimes CORNY) chants.

The gameplay is EXTREMELY addicting for those familiar with EA's sports titles (Madden in particular), and is the deepest that you will find in ANY football game. The gameplay is pretty much the same as last year's. There are soooooo many moves you can do, compared to other football titles. Just like last years, do you wanna rush the line? You can use a spin move(!), swim move, and new power move. Wanna live out that fantasy of being an offensive lineman? You can block, using the game's special feature to play as one particular player, so now you can feel what it's like crushing a linebacker on a HB Draw. The running game here is improved from 2000's. You can call coverage audibles on D, regular audibles, shift lines, there's so much you can do. On offense, how heart-breaking would it be if you could pull up your receiver symbols, DEACTIVATE THEM and use a spin move to avoid an onrushing lineman who wants to flatten you and use you for a welcome mat, pull your symbols back up, and hit a receiver in stride for a TD? You can do that here! Just make sure you're not doing that against a human opponent, or be prepared to get punched in the face. This is a GREAT feature, however, and it's a necessity, especially if you're using running QBs.

The other modes are still there as well from NCAA 2000, such as Dynasty which uses 15(! ) blocks of memory card space, Situation, Great Games (recreate The Magic Flutie's act), and Create-A-School, which is great for those of us who didn't go to a college with a NCAA level football team (like me, *sniff*). You can create players, and watch your created player get drafted into Madden 2001, just like last year's.

All in all, even if the basic format is like NCAA 2000, this game is worthy of a purchase, because of the little tweaks here and there that EA has made. If you've never played any of the NCAA titles and are a fan of the SPORT of football, pick it up (while you're here, you might as well). It's deeper than Madden, and it beats out Sony's NCAA Gamebreaker. If you have last year's, rent it first, but be forewarned: You might not give it back.

The best college football game that you will see on any system. the over all game is very similar to last years version, but there have been some minor and major adjustments(all for the better). The Graphics are sharper then lasts years game, the players not as boxy looking, and seem to move much more fluently. Control is again very simple and easy to learn, and finally the turbo button actually makes your guy speed up. The one thing about this years edition that i love so far is tha realistic modifications that were made. Unlike the past college football titles, and nfl titles as well, when you break away you don't have to worry about a cheap come from behind tackle, which makes for more high impact plays, and a more game like feel. The dynasty mode is still in my mind the most inovative move they made, and with all the awards and different polls, you almost feel like your charging to the Orange Bowl yourself.

Gotta have game for all sports fans!

EA Sports is the "Grand Master" of all sports' games. NCAA Football 2001 is nothing short of sensational. It truly has almost anything that you can think of.

The graphics are top notch, even down to the detail in the grass and painted logos. The players look quite realistic, and the stadiums are true-to-life. There are many different playing levels, each as entertaining as the next.

The best part of the game, by far, is the sound. The school songs have never been clearer, not to mention the wonderful fan chants and fight songs. This truly adds to the college football game atmosphere, making a fairly complete experience. The only downfall of the game is the lack of an announcer (otherwise, it's 5-star game).

Overall, the game is one entertaining experience. It represents the college gameday feel better than any other Playstation game on the market. This game is a touchdown!

Deep Dynasty mode, greatest teams of all time, and just all out college football fun. better then last years by about 50 yards, and i have had more and more fun every time i play it. All the top teams, top awards, and all the bowl games you can shake a stick at. If your a college football fan then you must have this game, don't be fooled by the pretenders, theres only one contender.

If you don't have NCAA Football ... get it. It's probably the best sports game out there for the Playstation.

For those of us who already have NCAA Football 2000, are the new features worth dropping $39 on a new disk? Here's my take on 2001 ... you be the judge.

The feature that I was looking for the most was an improved running game, which EA Sports touts as a 2001 enhancement. I couldn't say that I really noticed a difference. It's still difficult to put together sustained drives running the football, even with excellent running teams. Running the football up the middle is rarely productive, even with the beefiest of linemen. The running game is still dominated by short gains followed by a run around the end where you catch the defense in the wrong formation and bust a 30-40 yard gain.

Bottom line is that most games are going to be heavily dominated by the passing game, even if you're playing with teams that traditionally keep the ball on the ground.

The most significant improvement to the on-field action is that 2001 allows you to select any player on the field. On offense you don't always need to select the ball carrier -- you can take a lineman, receiver, blocking back ...

Managing lineups is significantly improved with the addition of Depth Charts. No more guessing how to order your offensive lineman so the player you want as your starting right guard is properly assigned. You know the specific position for each player on your roster. You can even define depth charts for special teams.

Dynasty mode is a lot more fun with Junior College transfers. You can get a quick talent boost, but also need to recruit more players more often.

2001 also seems to have made the recruiting process a bit "friendlier." In 2000 I found that it was extremely difficult to build up a mid-level program, since absolutely no recruits would be interested, even after a respectable season. In 2001, it seems that more players are interested with your program and recruiting is much easier.

So ... thumbs up for many of the new enhancements, but keep working on your passing game.

You've read that this is the exact same game. That's very true with just player differences-the numbers are correct for the current season.

It's still a lot of fun to play this game-especially in Franchise mode. That can be time consuming but I can't get enough of the off-season feature. You can now sign junior-college transfers who make a more immediate impact.

I continually buy NCAA and Madden every year and have yet to disappoint me.