Games
Sony
Microsoft
Nintendo
Other Platforms
Upcoming &
Recent Releases
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.
NCAA Football 2004
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 13 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 19 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >
Game Info
Publisher: EA Sports
Developer: Electronic Arts - Tiburon
Genre(s): Sports, Football
Players: 4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Release Date: July 15, 2003
Summary
Get in the end zone with new trick plays like the Halfback Throwback and Wide Receiver Double Reverse Pass. New animations include sideline tackles, stumbles, new over-the-shoulder and basket catches, user-controlled celebrations, and much more. See the receivers better through a new QB Rollout camera and use the Play-Action Pass camera to fake out the defense. New College Classics mode: Replay 20 of the greatest college football games from the last two decades. Take over the game at a key situation, relive the glorious victory, or change history with an upset. Over 150 new teams: Play as one of 36 new 1-AA teams or one of the 100+ NEW Classic Teams including 1930 Notre Dame, 1956 Oklahoma, 1972 USC, 1985 Auburn, and 2002 Ohio State. Continuing the dynasty: Project the season's top performers with the new Pre-Season All-American Team and revel in your weekly accomplishments with new Sports Illustrated magazine covers. [EA Sports]
Also On Metacritic
GAMES: NCAA Football 06 NCAA Football 2003 NCAA Football 2005
Cheat Codes & Hints: 1UP Strategy Guide Cheat Code Central
Also On The Web: IGN Preview Official Website Trojan Update
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
GamePro
Throughout the action, the controls handle sweetly, combining the depth of a large number of moves with smooth playability.
Read Full Review >GamingTrend
It's the updated version to the best sports game of last year and brings a bit more to the table such as better defensive backs and more control on the offensive side of the ball.
Read Full Review >Gaming Age
The real reason to pick up this version over last year's are the presentation upgrades.
Read Full Review >TeamXbox
So good, at times it can be too much to take. When it comes to football games, it simply doesn’t get any better than this folks. Whether you’re a casual or die hard fan of football, spend the money and build a college dynasty on your Xbox.
Read Full Review >IGN
From creating schools to recruiting players to fighting for your shot at number one, every aspect from the gameplay to the gridiron has been improved over its predecessor and once again takes the series to that next level.
Read Full Review >GameZone
Although NCAA Football 2004 could be called NCAA Football 2003 – Episode 2, it still offers enough of the little things for College Football fanatics.
Read Full Review >GameSpy
An incredibly solid NCAA game that will keep you and your friends entertained -- you'll just have to play on the same Xbox.
Read Full Review >Game Revolution
Despite the unfortunate lack of online compatibility in both the Xbox and GC versions of NCAA Football 2004, this is still the premiere college football game and is clearly the best of its breed. If you also own a PS2, though, I'd go with that version instead.
Read Full Review >GameSpot
If you're a casual college football fan and you already own last year's game, then there really isn't a huge reason for you to buy the Xbox or GameCube versions of the game, especially since neither features online play. But if you're a hard-core fan, then you will certainly enjoy all of the new features.
Read Full Review >Xbox Nation Magazine
Dynasty mode allows you to enjoy one of the best college football games ever created in a setting that, at times, feels like an adventure or role-playing game. [Aug 2003, p.88]
Cheat Code Central
The new features are great but some require some awkward finger movement and could have been laid out a little better.
All Game Guide
Dynasty Mode is the main selling point and it is a lot of fun, especially the recruiting. After getting wrapped up in the Dynasty Mode you might even forget about Madden, at least for a short time.
Read Full Review >What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this game is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 19 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Fire Pants gave it a9:
Lots of fun. i like building crappy schools into powerhouses, but if your looking for gameplay, go buy Madden. I like the mag covers and the fact that i can save my prospects and draft them on madden.
SUNGUS gave it a 9:
Very good game. In fact, it's just about the only game I even play any more... Personally, I like taking bottom feeder schools and turning them into powerhouses over the course of 5 seasons. Although it is very similar to the 2003 version (I only bought the 2004 when me version of 2003 quit on me), there are some added extras (Sports Illustrated covers, recruiting enhancements) that make it worth buying IMHO. Not perfect though. Sometimes, the screen starts bugging during certain things, e.g., interception returns. But overall, the best football game out there.
Bob L. gave it a 10:
I love the dynasty mode and anyone that thinks the names are that important, in dynasty mode, you get them in the off season for fresman and transfers. i love it nomater the names or not. it has all the bowls, all the awards, and the off-season stuff like recruting is AWESOME!!!!! Buy if if you have 40 bucks now!!!!!
Ricko L gave it a 10:
The guy that voted a 5 ... should be smacked around for five or so hours.
Matt R. gave it a 10:
Whoever says there are no improvements hasn't played much. How about the very convincing play action animations? How about the more realistic tackling physics? How about the better, more balanced AI? Then there's a slew of non-gameplay additions, such as the SI covers (GREAT idea), the incredible depth in Dynasty mode, etc. This game is fast, loose and fun. Just like college football.
Nick M. gave it a 10:
Great game alot like last year but better. New animations are the bomb but a downer to the celebrations are the penalties. But i love the game and got it the day it come out. Now i waiting for the nfl version (madden) to come out. I give it a 10.
Maria T. gave it a 10:
Who cares about online play? Most of the people I've played against are jerks, cheat, or hang up before you finish the game. This game rocks, anyone who says the changes are cosmetic hasn't played it for more than a few hours.
