First Encounter
Hey, sports fans! Are you ready for some …you know what I'm getting at. It's that time of year again, when the grass is green, the skies are blue, and impressionable young minds the country over turn towards Electronic Arts for their annual dose of gridiron goodness. Once again, pay homage to the ultimate university-level athletic extravaganza, known simply this season as NCAA® Football 06.
In an interesting twist, you play this "football sim" as a rising star. It's hardly surprising that the second you start the game, you pick a favorite team and get thrust right into the title's most noteworthy addition: Race for the Heisman mode. Because you begin as a high-school hopeful, the experience opens with a quick stint running spring drills. Perform well at your chosen position (hint: it's easier to get noticed on offense), and scouts offer you a scholarship at Ole Miss, Penn State, or one of America's other fine educational institutions. Choose the college you like, or opt for a walk-on position instead. Naturally, scoring higher point totals by successfully completing passes lands you a spot on a more prestigious squad.
Gotta catch 'em all!
While it is possible to skip these options entirely and jump straight to the main menu (and a bevy of other game modes), you're better off indulging your inner sports star. After all, being an official recruit has its perks: for instance, a snazzy dorm room complete with randomly strewn items of clothing and your own bitchin' bunk bed. Said headquarters serves as a hub from which you view fan mail, access schedules, study playbooks, and scope out how your team's doing via computer or school newsletter. Granted, your digs don't look like much. But the better you flaunt your custom-tweaked attributes (speed, strength, catching) on the field, the more administrators heap on home-improving goodies such as swankier furniture and collectible awards.
An added incentive to unseat rivals is needed: As a so-called 'impact' player, the onus is on you to crank out game-winning maneuvers. By that, I mean clearing 70 yards in a single run by spinning or stiff-arming past an entire defense line while photorealistic stadiums shake beneath the fury of the crowd's chants. Be careful, though; look around, and you notice you're not the only hotshot sporting such skills. What's more, the presence of these individuals—especially those on rival squads—simply can't be discounted.
Going for the impact play.
Much like you, while on D they pull off slick special maneuvers such as sidesteps and split-second jukes using the title's breakaway control system. On the flip side, when it's time to fight for a first down, impact players turn into unstoppable juggernauts, trampling opponents with bone-breaking charges. Invoking any of the aforementioned abilities also sparks off a signature animation—think close-ups and spinning shots—which highlights the primal energy of the performance. Needless to say, once you're in the zone, you don't feel like leaving it … meaning that you're encouraged to keep putting key players on the spot.
Respect the technique.
Can't touch this.
The whole shtick's geared towards building Heisman hype. Rack up enough, and you claim the trophy. Earn that kind of recognition, and you gain primo placement as a pro draft pick in Madden™ NFL 06 (yes, importing that character you beefed up for months is possible). Rather stick around and get your kicks ogling hot freshman cheerleaders? You can always parlay your fame into a collegiate coaching gig instead. Either way, all you need to know is that the gimmick works—when even simple practice options look appealing, you know you're hooked.
Bank on some brilliant commentary by Brad Nessler, Lee Corso, and Kirk Herbstreit as well. And those visuals—man, athlete models couldn't look crisper or more lifelike, as they stretch, shake, and grunt like sumo wrestlers when nailed by a flying tackle. From sign-waving fans (sample fare: "How does that dirt taste?") to signature school fight songs, you might as well be sitting in the bleachers.
Peep the level of graphical detail.
Hey, buddy … Watch the hands!
Score your season ticket ASAP—believe me, it's easier than waiting outside all night in the freezing cold behind 700 other knuckleheads for the real deal. And a whole lot cheaper!
By Chris Zimmerman
