NCAA GameBreaker 2001
Score: 93% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment America Developer: 989 Sports Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 8 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: Okay, the reason that you are reading this review is to find out which is better - NCAA Football 20001 (EA Sports) or NCAA GameBreaker 2001. First let me say that I am a BIG EA fan. I've always preferred EA and probably always will. It is with a sad sigh that I admit that NCAA GameBreaker 2001 is by far a much better game than NCAA Football 20001. Of course, if you love college football as much as I do, you'll get both. But, if you must choose just one, make it NCAA GameBreaker 2001. If this game was rated on graphics alone, I would have to give it a 99%. The players, fields, refs, and stadiums all look spectacular. Not only are all of the character models smooth, but the detail is also very well defined. The sidelines and crowd leave much to be desired, but I'll take that trade off any day. This is one game you just have to see to believe. NCAA GameBreaker 2001 has graphical imagery and detail that far exceeds the competition. I just can't say enough about how good the game looks. So why a 99; Why not a perfect 100? Well, as I mentioned, the crowd and sideline crew don't look all that hot. Also, I found that the stadiums are not 100% accurate. They are more than close enough, but I noticed a few discrepancies. Let's talk about the sound. Whoa Nelly . I loved the play by play. There just something about a college football game with Keith Jackson. The sound effects and player grunts are also pretty nice.
Gameplay: NCAA GameBreaker 2001 offers college football at it's finest. You can play as any of the 115 division 1-A football teams (and even a few generic 1-AA teams). You can play the game in Scrimmage Mode, Fantasy League, Tournament Season, Bowl Season, or Career Mode. Of course, Scrimmage Mode is a practice game. The Fantasy League is just that. You are given a certain amount of points to use to 'buy' players to put on your team. For all of you people out there crying for a playoff system, Tournament Season is for you. Play a single season that is capped off with a playoff grid. And for all of you traditionalist, finish your season the way is was meant to be with the Bowl Season. But what do you want the game for? That's right - the Career Mode. Select any team and coach a season. After the first season, you could get a promotion, an offer from another university, or you could even get fired. You also have the ability to recruit high school and Jr. college transfers, as well as, create walk-ons. You can even make up your own plays to add to the playbook. The game is just plain great. You want to talk about stats. This game keeps every stat you can imagine. You can check your national ranking, divisional ranking, defensive and offensive rankings, individual player rankings, and even track the all conference and all freshman teams. Of course all the bowls and awards are available as well. The game is great.
Difficulty: Of course, this game has a varying difficulty. The difficulty setting can be modified to fit your skill. The rules, game speed, and game clock can also be set to fit your own style. The AI is not perfect, but the game does have a good balance. The game is easy to play - the difficulty is what you make of it.
Game Mechanics: The only real complaint I have is that NCAA GameBreaker 2001 does run a bit on the slow side and even choppy at times. Other than that, it's a perfect game. With a pair of multitaps, you can play with seven other people. The rumble function is nice, and it is very forgiving on the memory card. The control layout is great and the game plays fine. If you buy only one sports game for your PlayStation this year . shame on you. But, if you must, make it NCAA GameBreaker 2001.
-Storm, GameVortex Communications AKA Jeremy Kelso
FIFA 2000 Jeremy McGrath 2000