NCAA Football 12: A Review of EA Sports' Virtual Football Experience

It's the middle of July, and that means a few things for me. I'm usually looking through NBA free agents to see who can help my Bulls. I'm taking a look at the Bears roster going into training camp and I've usually already given up on my Cubs.

Another July constant is the annual release of EA Sports' NCAA Football series. In 2010, the series was strong as it delivered a slightly better virtual football experience than Madden 11, EA's more popular video gridiron release.

I have spent an embarrassing amount of hours going through the motions with this title and now that there are enough sports gamers online, the final piece of my evaluation is complete.

Here is the low down, hopefully this is of some value to my fellow sports gamers out there.

Graphics/Animation

As was the case with NCAA 11, NCAA 12 is pretty in almost every instance. It's especially clear during replays, where 3D grass, the most ballyhooed visual enhancement, is most obvious.

This enhancement shouldn't be understated. The realistic effect it has on the overall visual appeal is impressive. Watching the dirt fly up about the ankles of cutting players and their feet slightly compress against the virtual grass surface is next level.

The 3D grass effect isn't noticeable from the actual gameplay camera, but its a pretty cool visual enhancement nonetheless. One enhancement that is noticeable from every camera view is the sophisticated lighting effects.

In 2011, there was one drastic sun reflection change that took place at halftime. In this year's version the transition of the day is more gradual and much more realistic.

NCAA 12 also marks the return of the dreadlocks. Several players in college football and the NFL rock this hairstyle, so it was only right and authentic to include it as a common hairstyle for the player models in NCAA and Madden.

Other nice visual additions are more realistic player equipment, such as helmets, braces, etc. One of the few criticisms I have from a visual standpoint is that sometimes the players tend to glide on the ground in a way that resembles skating. It is slight, but noticeable.

On the glitch side, during some replays, players teleport from one spot on the field to another...Spock style. It's not during game play, so I'm not freaking out, but it happens. Also, when the QBs are throwing the ball from some angles, he doesn't appear to leave his hands correct, almost like the two aren't connected. Again, its a small issue, that is not likely to be addressed by a patch, but its not anything that prevents you from enjoying how good the game looks.

Graphics/Animation Score: 8.75 out of 10

Gameplay/Realism

The gameplay for NCAA 11 was the aspect of the game that gave it the edge over Madden 11. It is actually even stronger this year. The artificial intelligence (A.I.) is much better and probably the best I've seen in a football game.

The linebackers and secondary react to pass plays much more realistically than I've ever seen before. Another unit whose A.I. has received an adjustment are the offensive lines.

The grunts stick to assignments well and most importantly when they are out in front of ball-carriers in the intermediate areas of the field, they block much better applying football logic.

The tackling has been improved. The NCAA series had been much more wide open and free wheeling in the past to account for the differences in talent from the juggernauts to the cupcakes. In an effort to simulate this element, sometimes the game could be a little too loose and free, especially in regards to tackling.

The tackling in NCAA 12 is definitely improved and very realistic. There isn't an abundance of Marshawn Lynch-style runs; most plays run as they should. This allows you to appreciate the great runs and plays more. Things like this are what hardcore sports gamers recognize and appreciate.

The playbooks are very authentic as usual, but have been improved with even more signature plays for the universities and coaches. The players though not named, play as you would expect (more on this later). A solid gameplay experience has been augmented in this year's version.

Gameplay/Realism: 9 out of 10

Sound/Presentation

Still a big bummer here. I'm not even sure Kirk Herbstreit has to even come back into the studio to record new content, aside from the promotional spots. He and Brad Nessler are still using the same phrases and insight from about four versions ago.

Now, what used to be a positive for the series is now a clear shortcoming. The commentary needs an update badly. Erin Andrews sideline reports have flavor for all of about three games.

There is little to no clever insight given during any of the commentary and much of it is just misplaced. As most sports video games excel to some degree in visuals, the sound and presentation becomes that much more important.

Most sports gamers want a sports gaming experience that comes close to their TV style experience. NCAA 12 tries to grab a hold of this concept by utilizing the ESPN license they've had for at least three years now, but the worldwide leader's brand only appears in overlays and transitions.

Again this year, there is no halftime show, no postgame or pregame show. No College Gameday with John Saunders and the gang; it's pretty disappointing.

Overall, this remains the biggest area for improvement for the series.

Sound/Presentation 6 out of 10

Options, Modes and Extras

The NCAA series really brought it in this category. There are custom playbooks, and you can literally take any number of plays from any playbook to create your master playbook.

The awesome Team Builder option has returned. This is the option that allows you to create a custom team from your PC or MAC using custom pictures, players and uniforms. It essentially takes the normal create-a-team option to the next level.

You are able to upload your team for others to download and vice versa. Speaking of downloading, that brings me to one of my favorite things about NCAA Football, the rosters.

As many of you know, collegiate sports games aren't allowed to use real names for players as they are amateur athletes and they can't be paid...legally.

Well, NCAA has always allowed you to edit the rosters and names of all the players in the country. You may be thinking to yourself "who the hell is gonna name all those players?" Most people won't, but there are a few brave and detailed souls that will and thanks to EA's Roster Share option, these are available to every gamer.

Simply input the gamertag or PSN ID of that blessed gamer and in seconds you'll be able to benefit from hours of another person's hard work. For the XBOX360, Patrick Morty is the gamertag you want to seek out. This fellow actually has the player names as well as the head coaches and coordinators.

Another fantastic feature is the Custom Conference option. Thats right, you can completely realign the country, resetting the BCS entitlements and automatic bids. I spent a good hour and a half on this alone.

The Dynasty Mode is back with a few tweaks, but all in all it was solid and didn't require much reworking. Now you can play through this mode as a coach or coordinator. You will also find yourself part of the coaching carousel. You'll start with whatever school you choose, but like last year, you'll be offered new jobs, extensions or fired based on your performance. The biggest difference is that now coordinators are in the coaching mix.

The Road To Glory Mode has become a favorite of mine, as now you can take your created high school player through his entire senior season. He can play both sides of the ball, being evaluated as an offensive and defensive player.

You get the entire senior season to improve so that you can attend the school of your choice.

This category is a complete positive.

Options/Modes & Extras 9.5 out of 10

Online

The in-game online play is near seamless. The gaming experience only differs slightly and this is refreshing and encourages some of us that may genuinely shy away from online play.

The only drawback to the online aspect is that the conceptually awesome Online Dynasty Mode (ODM) has received no attention since last year's version. The Online Dynasty is yet to mirror the experience of the offline Dynasty Mode.

What has been added is the ability to jump weeks in the ODM. This helps when your ODM includes that guy or girl who never plays their games on time. The rest of the league doesn't have to wait for them.

Though there are some areas of complacency, the online experience is still good.

Online 8 out of 10

Overall

This is a fun and engrossing virtual football experience that could be helped so much by improving the sound and presentation.

If the resources available are better utilized, this title will be nothing less than a 9 or 9.5 out of 10.

Still, its solid and a must-have for virtual football fans.

Overall 8.25 out of 10