EA Sports has recently announced the new features that they’ll be hyping for this year’s NCAA football game, NCAA 09. It seems they hype this game earlier and earlier every year. Football has been over for a few months now, and we are in the thick of the ‘boring sports season’ now that college basketball is over.

Last year’s NCAA offering seemed pretty awesome at first, until people started playing their dynasties and realizing that the game was a turnover-fest. 6 interceptions per game was a common stat, as well as a number of fumbles. The discerning 360 owner would be smart to rent NCAA 09 before buying to figure out whether EA has fixed the turnovers bug. Don’t take online forums’ words for it – many people are delusional when it comes to things like that.

On to the new features (in bold) with my comments in italics:

*All-new Dynamic Crowd System
Could be cool. Has already been done before in other games.
*College sidelines are packed with additional players, mascots, cheerleaders, and more
Oh hey! A last-gen feature finally makes its way to the next gen! Also done in other games already.
*All-new authentic fields with new textures, lighting, and field degradation
Field degradation has been done. New textures and lighting will be nice.
*New college player models, including more than 50 alternate uniforms
Should say “Including more than 50 Oregon alternate uniforms”
*User Customizable Stadium Sounds & Music
Eh, NFL2k5 had this. More of the same here
*Breakaway crowd reactions
This is something that NCAA 08 did well, and I’m eager to see what they’ve added.

*Online Dynasty is here!!!
This could be the deal breaker right here. If this is actually in the game, with some depth, (not just a league, an actual dynasty), this could be huge. I’d buy it just for this, even if it is only 4 player or whatever.
*Roster file sharing online
This is pretty awesome. No more hooking up an action replay.
*Improved recruiting system in Dynasty mode highlighting ease and accessibility
This is great. The new recruiting system last year was terribly obese. It made recruiting a chore.
*New post game presentation and play by play commentary
This is another ‘catch-up’ category. Other games have had this for a while.
*1-4 player offline co-op
Eh, I’m sure it’ll get used but co-op in football games has never appealed to most
*Return missed field goals
This should’ve been in from the start of next-gen
*Bluff your play art to confuse opponents
I thought this was already in
*Formation audibles
Something that should’ve been in from the start of next-gen. This was a big gripe that people had last year, good to see they’re listening at least
*Smart routes
A welcome addition
*Bobble catches
Surprising that this hasn’t been in before. I hope this doesn’t mean that the receivers will not be able to catch anything at all like in past NCAA’s
*Better passing control
We’ll see on this one. College QB’s aren’t usually known for their mastery of the pass
*Post play continuation
I’m guessing this means late hits etc. Interesting but not really where they should be spending time
*All-New Mini Games
Most gamers won’t be playing these unless they are a part of franchise mode
*Random play selection in practice mode
A welcome addition. I don’t know how many times I’ve fired up a sports game to sit in practice mode for 2 hours
*Quick replay
Pretty cool, but I dunno if it is that important
*CPU vs. CPU (watch mode)
Should’ve been in since the start of next-gen.
*Even teams option in play now
This might be good for online. 2k has had ‘Performance EQ’ since I can remember, this might be nice for online where everyone just chooses the best team.