This past Tuesday, NCAA 09 was released for all of the major gaming systems. Well I have been playing it about non stop since then and will now give you my impressions on this years version.

There are a lot of improvements this year for the PS3. Last years PS3 version seemed to be a dumbed down, put together at the last minute type of game and this years game really steps it up on the PS3.

The Good
EA really wanted to beef up the offensive power that you see on Saturday's. They definitely accomplished this. QB's with higher accuracy rating will most likely complete 8 or 9 out of every 10 throws that they make. So for those of you that love offense, this will be the game for you. However, EA did improve computer DB coverage down field, so if you were one to just bomb it down field every play, you might need to change your strategy.

As a diehard college football fan, I really like the improved AI in this years game. It actually adjusts to how you are playing and begins to shut you down if you run the same stuff over and over.

EA also greatly updated the juke and spin moves. Instead of telling you about it, I will show you this video of me, returning a punt with DeMarco Murray, against Georgia:


As you could see from that video, the juking and spin moves are much more effective than ever before which leads to bigger gains on open field runs and kick returns.

Another big feature that EA added to this years game is the Online Dynasty. In the Online Dynasty, which I haven't got to try yet, you can gather 11 of your buddies and play a 60 season dynasty against each other. You recruit the same kids, play each other in either non conference or in conference depending on what team you picked to use, and you even get to have your own BCS controversy at the end of your seasons.

Also online, EA added a Locker Room where, instead of having to pay for rosters with all the names off the internet, you can now share or download rosters for free from any other user that has the rosters.

Dynasty mode is still as deep as ever, and they even added a quick call to recruiting if you don't want to spend a lot of time recruiting. Now all you have to do is pick quick call, and the computer will call the recruit for you.

The Bad
With the offense being so powerful and wide open this year, the defense has definitely suffered. When playing against the computer or another human, it is almost impossible to get any pressure on the QB with your D-Line. So unless you blitz, the QB will have plenty of time to sit back and look over your defense. Now not all about defense is awful as seen in this clip:

The big hits are big time in this game. The wide openness of the offense however, makes it very frustrating for those who like playing defense.

Heisman mode isn't exactly as difficult as you would expect it to be. I know I am a video game nerd when it comes to this game, but I did expect the Heisman mode to make me earn it a little more than it did.

Those of you who dislike Corso will probably be hitting the mute button on your TV. Corso and Herbstreit are back again with Brad Nessler on the commentary. Corso's lines haven't changed since about 2003 so don't look for any new lines from the Sunshine Scooter.

Some Of The Newer Features
In addition to the Online Dynasty & Juke moves, EA has added some other subtle changes. You saw in the clip above that the big hits are truly big hits this year. If your team has a mascot that roams the endzone and you score a TD in that endzone, you can now go over and celebrate with the mascot. That can be pretty cool if you can figure out how to do the different celebrations. All of the animations are upgraded too and look amazing in HD. The atmosphere of Saturdays can also definitely be felt in this game.

Overall Grade
I would give NCAA 09 a score of 8.5 out of 10. Overall the game play is more wide open and fun. If you are a die hard College Football fan like me, this is a must have. Now it is your turn, tell me what your impressions of this years version of the NCAA series are.