EA SPORT'S NCAA FOOTBALL 12 MUCH IMPROVED

I have my copy of NCAA Football 12 in hand, and after playing a number of games it is clear this is a really, really good game. Much improved from last year's copy. Longtime fans of the franchise will not be disappointed, and newcomers will be drawn right into the immersive action and thrilling, fast paced game play.

There are a number of newsworthy highlights worth mentioning:

• Tailbacks have good break away speed in this year's edition. So if you hit the hole right, you're gone. Much similar to the real thing and a very nice addition.
• Interceptions are more frequent and realistic. If you chuck one over the middle into a crowd, be prepared.
• Defensive keys are tuned up and much improved. Now as a D Coordinator, you can key on a specific player very quickly and easily.
• The overall speed of the game seems faster and more realistic.
• Blocking and tackling have received a much needed boost.
• Tackling and break away animations are on point this year. Well done.
• The ESPN intro and quarter recaps are much improved and more closely resemble a live broadcast. Very well done.
• Dynasty received a shot in the arm. Too much to go into here, but you're going to love it.
• Game intros are more in tune with actually being there. Mascots and pregame traditions are present this year.
• Band is in the crowd - finally. And they play more readily throughout the game.
• Home announcer is beefed up. During a drive, you'll hear him yell out, "Another 1st Down!"
• No longer do you have to hold down trigger to call a bluff play. Hallelujah they fixed this.
• Calling the blitz and hitting pay dirt seems more much in tune this year. If you're on offense be prepared to audible in extra blockers.
• Crowd participation is jacked up. If you throw a 3rd down dagger into the end zone the home town crowd is right there with you with instant noticeable feedback.
• Coaching decisions to play injured players have been enhanced. Now you see "Injury Risk: Medium", so you might be thinking twice about keeping your injured star cornerback in the game as you might risk injury.
• Instant replay is so much better this year. After a big play the above the field cam is right there quickly replaying the action.

College Football Daily's Rating: 9.0

I would have approached a perfect score, but there were a couple minor items that were left out. (1) Game stats should be more prevalent in the game and should not be buried in the menus. They should be right front in center if you hit pause. They could very easily be displayed in between quarter and at halftime. (2) I noticed that Georgia vs Boise State and the Oregon vs LSU games are not played in their proper neutral site dome locations. The Georgia game is played in Athens and the LSU game is played in Baton Rouge in the game. Both of these marquee match ups should be moved over to their proper location. I'm not really sure how this was missed, as this is all anybody in and around college football has been talking about since February.

If you have not picked up your copy, do so in short order.

Thank me later as you'll quickly discover this is a can't miss game.


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