NCAA Football 11 has received some major improvements from last year’s NCAA Football 10 but the best improvements are definitely in presentation. EA Sports teamed up with ESPN to make the game’s presentation much better. From the main menu to playing a game the game is graphically much better. It not only just looks better, but it makes a much better playing experience. This is probably the best improvement I have seen in graphics in three years or so, with the whole game being improved with graphics, not just in the matches you play.
PRESENTATION: 9/10
Next up is game modes. The game modes are virtually the same from last year. Except for a few minor updates, like having more options without having to buy the options from the PS3 online store or XBOX market place, the game is almost the same as last year in term of different options. NCAA online dynasty is the biggest improvement however, with you being able to manage via your computer or your smart phone, with you being able to manage basically everything except for actually playing the games. Although the same, it’s still fun to play and definantly a good part of the game.
GAME MODES: 8.5/10
On to gameplay. Although graphics are much better in NCAA Football 11, I can’t say the same for gameplay. Difficulty is higher in the game, which is probably a good thing with junior varsity being much too easy. However, during the game if you are playing on All-American or Heisman difficulty, maybe in the 3rd or 4th quarter you can tell when the CPU decides when it wants to win. Your team will start dropping passes or your offensive line won’t block anyone for more than 2-3 seconds instead of a fault in your play. This is a huge problem that continues in the NCAA series that is still unresolved. However, when playing online, or playing against a friend, this won’t happen so playing online is highly recommended. Playbooks and strategy is more focused on in NCAA Football 11, and a team’s style of play is more included, with hurry-up offense much improved. So not all is lost in gameplay. Sound is also slightly better with the audience more real and the announcers are slightly better, but still much room for improvement. Players also make more realistic moves, and some bugs have been fixed, like you can make sideline catches instead of praying your player would stop running towards the sideline, they do all the time now, so you can complete the pass.
GAMEPLAY: 7/10
Lastly is lasting appeal. The game is fun no matter how long you play, with online play keeping you motivated to keep playing, although dynasty mode and road to glory can get boring after a while. It is better than NCAA 10 in keeping you at the controller playing, rather than being sick of the game after about two weeks.
LASTING APPEAL: 8.5/10
Overall, NCAA Football 11 is an improvement of NCAA Football 10. It’s more fun, more worthwhile, and keeps you entertained, although, CPU play is still a major flaw, with the CPU being able to take over any close game it wants. However, it is fun, better looking even with Tim Tebow on the cover, and is worth the buy.
OVERALL: 8.3