Kombo's Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don't waste your time. This is why we've split our reviews into four sections: What the Game's About, What's Hot, What's Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.

What the Game's About
NCAA Footbll 09 is the continuation of the college football series that has spanned a number of generations and has a countless fans. Pick a team and work your way to the top by picking the right plays and starting a dynasty that will take you to legendary status.

What's Hot
If looks could kill, NCAA would be a first person shooter. The fluid animations, players, stadiums and goofy mascots look fabulous. But that is only one part of the larger equation. The game plays great. The first thing you'll notice is that this is a significant upgrade over last year's effort. Leading that change is the dynasty mode, which gives you control over an absurd amount of options and tools that would make a real college football coach jealous. You have complete control over your school's team and the direction you want it to go. If you are feeling a bit landlocked on your own console, you can take that data and transfer it to the open waters of online.



There are some college pranks up NCAA's sleeve like the Mascot Mash-Up that put you in control of the goofy looking school spirit leaders as you play games of football. Being from the Midwest, it was therapeutic to watch the University of Minnesota's Goldy the Gopher and the University of Wisconsin's Bucky Badger tackle the snot out of each other. Even with silly additions, there are some other new features that help get you into the college football experience.

Home field advantages make your quarterback more confident whereas rival schools will strike fear into the hearts of even the most stoic QB. Continuing to play off the jittery QB, you have opportunities to not lose your cool when you throw an interception by answering a defensive quiz about the play. One of the best tools to use when playing against a human opponent is "Icing the Kicker," if you call a timeout before the ball is snapped on a field goal attempt you can drastically alter what would normally be a drop in the bucket.


What's Not
The nested menu system has worked well for a number of years. As more options and modes get included with more options under that, it might be time to rethink the system. While the presentation value is good, finding the option you are looking for is now akin to the classic "hunt and peck."

The one problem that has been brewing for some time and has never been addressed is a way to curb the startling barrier to entry. Because each year is built off the previous year the knowledge required to be a beginner and cut your teeth in the latest version is staggering. Without a solid tutorial or way of easing you into playing, it can be a mountain to climb especially for those getting caught up to speed.

Final Word
Add this all up and you have a fairly authentic college football experience (minus all the house parties). The gameplay feels like it was dialed in just right with enough complexity to keep football fans tided over. This year, more than any other, it feels like NCAA won't be a stop gap until Madden hits the store shelves and can stand on its own by offering a different experience that the NFL can't match.