Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: July 9th, 2013
Publisher: EA
Developer: Tiburon
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: E
NCAA Football 14 is EA's latest college football game, and for a game that's basically on it's last legs for current gen systems, EA Tiburon still manages to push out another good game of college football.
NCAA Football 14's presentation is almost identical to the NCAA 13, there's only a few minor differences to the aesthetics, and this was pretty much expected. There's not much more visually EA Tiburon can do with the game, and with the publisher starting to put their focus on next gen games, you can expect the drastic improvements to come only on next gen hardware. Even with that said, the game still looks good. Players and stadiums are authentic and solidly detailed, with the weather affects never disappointing. The in game audio commentary isn't too good, well not anymore. The commentary was fine a few years ago, but seeing as how there aren't that many new audio bits in the game, it starts to repeat really quickly. The game has pretty much reached the ceiling in pretty much every facet of the presentation, which tends to happen when the console cycle comes to an end. If you can get past the dated visuals and audio, there's still some good football to play on the field.
In terms of gameplay modes and features, there isn't a lot new as well. Possibly the biggest addition to the gameplay is the new Infinity Engine, that first appeared in Madden 13, has made it's way into NCAA. The engine feels just as good as it did in Madden, and it creates some pretty realistic movements and hits. You do get some weirdness that comes along with the engine as well, like you'll see players' limbs go haywire when more than 3 players are involved in a tackle. This doesn't happen every time, but enough to notice. In the end, making cuts and shaking off defenders feel great, and it's always satisfying to pull off the long run with Carolina's halfback. Dynasty and Road to Glory mode are back, and although Road to Glory hasn't changed much, Dynasty has received a number of useful improvements. Phone calls and pitches are gone, and now recruiting has now been more streamlined by just assigning points, it's a nice addition that further simplifies the recruiting process. The new card based Ultimate Team mode has made it's way to NCAA, which has made it's way into basically every other EA Sports title out there. The more you win, the more cards you unlock, pretty simple as that. The only caveat that comes along with it, is that it's online only. If you don't want to play against another person, you still have to be connected to play against the A.I. It can be a little annoying, especially if you're not connected online.
NCAA Football 14 is just another good game of college football, and not much more. Tiburon didn't add anything groundbreaking to the game, just a new engine and some improvements to the existing modes. If you have NCAA 13, and you don't really care about the Ultimate Team Mode, then keep 13. But if you want to have the Ultimate Team Mode, then definitely go for it.
S&S Rating: 7/10 @whatsPlay