NCAA Football 2005

PSM Magazine

NCAA's Dynasty is the best "pure videogame" feature in any sports games. Pro franchise modes punish teams who succeed. Here, good play is rewarded with stronger recruiting power. More than any other sports game, NCAA Football plays like an RPG. [Aug 2004, p.18]

GamePro

When playing in a loud stadium, visiting teams face a rowdily vibrating controller, shaking screen, and players whose lack of composure causes bad plays. If you think you can handle it, you're in for a surpise - the overall effect is huge, really adding to the challenge in key moments like kicking a field goal. [Aug 2004, p.90]

Maxim Online

In addition to wedging the usual hundreds of teams, stadiums, and plays into the game, NCAA Football 2005 focuses on what makes college football special: the psychotic fans.

GameZone

It is far and away the most accurate representation of the sport that we have in gaming.

XGP Gaming

Honestly, I can pronounce this to be the finest offering for NCAA football ever seen on any home platform.

Gaming Nexus

This is the deepest football game to ever be released on the planet. From players transferring because of a lack of playing time, from your star quarterback cheating on his exams, if you want the most true to life, exciting football game available, NCAA Football 2005 is definitely your choice.

Game Informer

In all, it felt like the players had a slightly lower center of gravity. This allows not only for a good running back to become extra shifty through better lateral movement (without even having to use the juke button), but it also gives defenders an extra punch to their hits. [July 2004, p.112]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The option to equalize the stats of both teams in an online contest stands out as particularly brilliant. Not that most of it isn't already brilliant. Because it is. [Aug 2004, p.100]

Play Magazine

By far the best college football game to date. [Aug 2004, p.74]

Game Revolution

While other games do their damnedest to make first-person football work, NCAA Football 2005 has changed the playing field by tying the college atmosphere into the gameplay, leading to a smart, well-designed sequel.

eToychest

An excellent college football game. The controls are spot on. The graphics are solid, and the dynasty mode will keep you playing for a long time.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

Once again, it's easily the greatest college football game ever made. Once again, it's my new favorite videogame of all time. But despite some really cool additions, NOT once again do I feel entirely wowed by it. Mostly wowed, yes...but not entirely, as I always have been in the past. [Aug 2004, p.88]

Stuff

An ultra in-depth Dynasty Mode and online capabilities will keep you playing until NCAA 2006, or at least until the new Madden comes out.

GameSpy

While NCAA Football 2005 could still use a bit of a graphical overhaul, and the running game still needs some help, the additions of Homefield Advantage and the Matchup Stick really add a lot to the game.

PSX Nation

Sometimes many little things that seem small can add up to make an impact and I believe NCAA has done just that. I am once again impressed EA.

Yahoo! Games

EA Sports has nailed everything fans love about the college football experience, making it equal to their flagship "Madden."

Thunderbolt

Definitely a notable improvement over last year's offering and the new Home Field Advantage feature is marvelous, but the recycled visuals and mere handful of other additions may deter those who already own 2004 from purchasing the game.

PSX Extreme

The lack of any direct competition seems to be taking its toll on the series as each year it feels like it's slipping ever so slightly in quality.

IGN

Home Field Advantage is an inspired idea, the Matchup Stick rocks, and overall the game remains a solid sports title. Don't hesitate buying this if you're a fan of the series, just don't expect a revolution or even much of an evolution from last year's title.

netjak

It's so good, it makes me want to go out and tailgate in the stadium parking lot of a Big Ten school.

GameSpot

Still a great college football game, but longtime fans will have trouble shaking the feeling that the series isn't quite living up to its awesome potential...The PlayStation 2 version of the game is the one to get--for now.

Game Over Online

The inclusion of Home Field Advantage is a great feature, and really strengthens the strategy of the game when coupled with the Match-Up Stick. Unfortunately, these two things aside, too much of the game plays, looks and sounds like "NCAA Football 2004."

GamingWorld X

Plays and feels a lot better than 2004, and for some of you, that might be a bad thing. Taking the time to adjust to the new mechanics, mainly the passing game, will leave some frustrated out of their minds. The game certainly has a more authentic feel to it.

Gaming Age

On default, I did notice that the A.I. will make some dumb mistakes on offence and defense, but with the friendly help of provided sliders, you can customize the game so it plays perfectly to your particular standards. Once you have the game set up to your liking, the game plays brilliantly.

GMR Magazine

NCAA 2005 is not as good as "NCAA 2004." It's more on the level of colossal disappointment, actually, considering the hype surrounding 2005's release. [Sept 2004, p.87]

G4 TV

Places its emphasis on subtle refinements over sweeping changes, which is what tends to happen when the gameplay is seasoned enough to already be considered a class act.

Sports Gaming Network

I can ignore a lack of game mode additions, but when the gameplay feels untouched, the overall appeal decreases.

Gamestyle

For some experienced Madden and NCAA players there is little challenge (or reason to sustain a long career with a small college team) due to an AI that at times is lacking. However, the commentary (when it does occur) is well handled.

Cheat Code Central

While a few additions and upgrades may give the game a fresh and youthful appearance, underneath it all is the same old game that we've played for more than three years.