The Five Best Things About NCAA Football 2005

Each year millions of gamers have a familiar debate -- Madden or ESPN Football? However, it's another football title, one that sells nearly as well as the Madden franchise, that is always my most eagerly anticipated gridiron game. NCAA Football 2005 looks to continue the tradition of providing the best atmosphere and most enjoyable gameplay among the football contenders. After spending the day with it, I gotta say, it's been worth the wait.

This year, NCAA tries to offer several innovative features, almost as if in an attempt to one-up itself more than the competition (as there is no college football competition). While last season didn't do all that much, 2005 has come fully loaded. If you love college football, if you love playing football on your couch, or if you just need a smile, NCAA Football 2005 is gonna do you right.

We've done hands-on of this game before, and nothing's really changed since E3, aside from the fact that the game now sits in the comfy tray of my console, where it belongs. So, in honor of finally getting my most-anticipated summer title in my hands, I've composed a list of the five things that make NCAA Football 2005 great. And there are lots of things, plenty of things, that could have made the list. However, these are the five best, in order. Doubters read on. The faithful can breathe a sigh of relief -- EA hasn't mucked up NCAA in any way. They've made it faster, stronger, better.

---

#4 - Celebrate Good Times
Celebrations last year were handled by slapping the Thumbstick in different directions after a score and about 50% of the time forced a flag. This year you can still celebrate after a TD, but you can also celebrate after any good play on offense or defense. Following a positive play, squeeze either the Left or Right Trigger (for mild or extreme) and choose to have the player, the mascot and cheerleaders, or the fans celebrate. We've yet to receive a flag, so celebrate on.

I shouldn't have to explain how the combination of the Homefield Advantage and controlling crowd celebrations truly brings the college experience to life, so I won't. Okay, I just did, but you get the point.

On top of this, you can make up to 10 different custom signs for fans to hold. You've got three lines and a variety of colors to choose from. "UCLA is teh suck!" or "Go Bob, love Mom and Dad" can be yours for no cost at all. Signs fit into a number of categories, so you can have a general sign, one for TDs, one for first downs, and so on. Sadly, signs can't be used in online games, but show up in all other modes. At least you'll have the Voice Communicator online to give the smackdown to your opponent and if you are playing a buddy on the couch, you can always hold up your hand and show him who's number one any time you feel like it.