Did NCAA 2011 Steal Madden's Thunder?

[msajeff]

I've been buying both games since they had just Madden and Shane Matthews on the covers. Last year I took a break from NCAA and am very tempted to do so with Madden this year. NCAA is an awesome game to play and it seems like they have actually listened to their customers about what is important. Madden yet again is a gimmick and a minor change (Gus Johnson.) Ian has even admitted that they have done next to nothing with franchise mode.

[demon19000]

Yeah the no improvements in franchise mode did it for me. I have NCAA 11 and not gonna lie, definitely worth it.

[ZoneKIller]

Havent played Madden 11 yeat but I'll go ahead and say NCAA blows Madden out the pool this year.IMO NCAA 2011 is THE best football game I have ever played.Period

[JMBOO]

For now it has.

[adembroski]

I think NCAA got the hype train this year, but it has a long ways to catch up. The NFL is simply more popular, and that plays out in the games as well.

NCAA football has been the "better" game most years of the two's existence (going all the way back to '97) because of the nature of college football. More variety in offensive and defensive systems and more teams contribute, plus balance is less of a factor as the NCAA, by virtue of being amateur and having 120 teams, isn't balanced (meaning flaws in game play tended to be less obvious or easier to forgive), the college game lends itself to great atmosphere, and college fans tend to be more connected to their team than pro fans. However, that doesn't mean much if you aren't a fan.

NCAA had to play catchup this year. They're adding everything Madden did last year and this year, so it seems like a much bigger leap.

[debauchlord]

Depends what you mean by thunder. Will NCAA steal from Madden's sales? Doubtful. Are people more excited for NCAA now more than Madden? Again, doubtful. If anything, it'd make those who wanted Madden more eager to get their hands on it. I think what you are going to see is just a base increase in NCAA sales, with Madden strong Madden sales. Both will not reach the numbers they did in the past but that is a pure economical issue not quality, but NCAA will do better than last year. This is all conjecture anyway, since people that do not spend time on forums, but buy these games, already had their minds made up weeks ago regardless.

[stopjohn61]

Hello gamers.....I have been playing the retail copy of NCAA 11 on both the ps3 and the Xbox 360. I like the feel while playing the game with the ps3 controller; however, it looks and plays best on the 360. This is the best football game that EA has produced this gen; on the other hand it is still greatly lacking... Defense is poor!!!!!!!!!! you never feel like you have control of your defensive players ; conversely, offensive controls perfectly...the running game feels incredible( still room for improvement...needs a better camera angle, better balance between the offensive and defensive lines, and pre -snap physics on the defense...ie..you should be able to move your defensive lineman by tapping them with your linebacker, having your linebacker or any defensive player run through another as it they were invisible prior to the snap is just plain lazy and unacceptable.. fixing this would greatly improve strategy when going against a hurry up offense) is the game worth 60 dollars no, should we have to pay for bonus content on line....no!!!!....is the game fun ....YES!!!!!!!!! This is the game that EA should have given us two years ago. The AI is much improved and some of the animations make you feel like you are actually in a game of football...the game isn't worth 60 because it makes you realize how lazy and lack luster EA previous efforts have been...they should discount the game if you trade in madden or nana 2010. The game needs better pass rush, commentators, and running animations...next year if they can incorporate the euphoria engine and add better in game commentary , field degradation, uniforms getting dirty and tweak the offensive vs. defensive lines balance, and we will finally have game that is next gen. As it stands now, NCAA 11 is a 7, it is headed in the right direction, is definitely fun to play, looks incredible at times; however it feels to little , too late? I would wait until November and pick it up on sale...it is worth adding to your collection, just not worth $ 60.00. PS3 owners, I would hold off until next year, the differences between the two are small but the 360 gives you the better experience
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