Whether it be playing for rivalry trophies, regular exhibition games, or a dynasty. Every year it seemed to be better than before.
A lot of things stay the same, but they usually improve enough to warrant spending another $60 to get the new game, with the new features and the new updated roster.
This year's NCAA Football is definitely the same story. I feel that EA definitely stepped it up this year.
Starting with the basics, the colors are more dynamic, the uniforms are updated and now you can choose different gloves for your team.
The intros to the games are different, making it look more like a television broadcast. The only nit-pick I have with this is it looks to be clips from the game you are getting ready to play, which seems weird, but not anything too detrimental.
At halftime they have added a new "halftime show". You don't have anyone sitting at a desk analyzing the game, but it has analyze along with replays if big plays as well as a side by side comparison of team stats.
Adding this along with the new infinity running system and updated option plays that work a lot better than years past, it makes for exciting and entertaining games.
Last year's game seemed to have a little trouble with passing, more specifically yards after catch. It seemed most passes, your wide receiver would catch the ball and immediately get tackled. This year's game seems to have a lot more opportunity for the receiver to escape tacklers, and gain those important yards after the catch.
On the other side of the ball, the defense seems to be a little tougher this year, especially trying to stop a no-huddle option running offense.
You have to mix up your defensive plays more this year, making the game seem even more realistic. Every once in a while I do notice wide receivers getting wide open when you pick an obvious pass defense, but it happens sometimes. You just have to know how to adjust.
When you go further into the game, the dynasty mode seems to be similar to last year, although recruiting is more simple, and much quicker. Instead of having to choose phone calls for every prospect, you have a pool of "points" that you can use for each person. You can spend anywhere from 5 points to however mug you want to spend, although you most likely want to spread them out somewhat evenly.
In recruiting it also shows you how far behind you are compared to other teams, so you know about how many points you need to spend on this prospect to jump the opposing teams.
I'll admit, I haven't cracked into the Ultimate Team mode yet, other than opening up my complimentary packs of cards. However, this is only day one of NCAA Football 14.
After about a full day of playing NCAA Football 14, I can honestly say that in my opinion this is the best of the series. 12 was good, 13 was better, and 14 is downright awesome.
Updated rosters and graphics are enough for me to want to run out and buy the game year after year, but after you run some plays and really get to see the way it plays out on the field, you should be able to tell the difference between this game and the years past.
You can pick it up at any local video game store, as well as big box stores like Best Buy and Wal-Mart. I encourage you to do so, and play the best NCAA Football that EA has put out.
- Matt Lytle
@mattlytle
