NCAA Football 11 by Electronic Arts for the Xbox 360 is almost exactly like NCAA Football 10 by Electronic Arts. Parts of this game are so similar, if not the exact same thing – as in the Erin Andrews in the Road to Glory mode – that I thought I was playing an update or having a really vivid flashback.
For long time fans of the franchise, you can expect a downgrade in the Road to Glory mode but an updated Dynasty mode that is rather addicting. Most of the mechanics and graphics are the same, better menu layouts and the running has been improved upon in the game play.
For game players new to the series this is by far one of the best football games on the market, for $60 you’ll get your money’s worth if you rather play college football rather than Madden 11 which comes out in August.
If you rent the game beware Electron Arts is in a nickel and dime scam worthy of Goldman Sachs, and has put a 7 day block on online playing unless you cough up $10 for an online pass – nothing like a little financial discrimination in your video games.
Games like Madden 11 and NCAA Football 11 sometimes are worth the pass because of the very deep and fun dynasty and league modes online. You’ll also find a pretty large community of players online, and if you have a large group of friends to start you own league paying extra is worth it.
NCAA Football 11 has one of the best online dynasty modes and the games played smooth without getting disconnected mid game like EA servers are known to do from time to time.
I will warn that unless you are a big time football fan, especially college football, I wouldn’t buy this game due to it being more of an update rather than a new game. The game comes with a few glitches on the field (poor A.I., camera view), a less polished look in the graphics on field, and a downgrade in the Road to Glory mode.
Overall I give NCAA Football 11 a 4.2 / 5 and recommend renting it for a week and only buying if you love college football or really need to play a football game and can’t wait until Madden 11 comes out.
4.25 – Graphics
4.5 – Sounds
4.75 – Controls
3.75 – Online (Would have been a 4.75 if not for the pay to play policy EA has taken)
4.5 – Replay Value
4.25 – Game play
3.5 – Video Game Magic* (Would have been a 4.5 if not for pay to play policy EA has taken)
Video Game Magic is the video game’s ability to transport you the player into the game experience – usually the effects this has on the human condition are, severe loss of time management, extreme video game jonesing, and an extended altered state of reality.
