Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

[J Masta J]

OK, this is pretty straight forward. I'm looking to buy an NCAA title for the PS2. I had NCAA 2007 a few years back and I loved it. Absolutely fantastic game. But I've read some things online that seem to indicate NCAA 2008 included some additions to dynasty mode that make the experience a little deeper, although not everyone was sold on them. Basically, I'm wondering which game you guys think I should buy. Here are my criteria:

Dynasty
Definitely the most important aspect. Deep and challenging please.

Create-a-Team
I will create the Alaska Malamutes and replace Temple, so this is actually a pretty critical feature for me. As long as it's as good as it was in 2007, I'll be fine.

Gameplay
I had no problem with NCAA 2007's gameplay. In fact, best football gameplay I've ever experienced IMO. If you think 2008 is demonstrably better, I'd like to hear why.

OK, please vote! Thanks guys!

[Isura]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

iirc 08 had the bad pursuit angles? otoh 07 had the overpowered momentum and jump the snap feature right? 08 is more polished, i don't think there are huge improvements though. In any case 08 is dirt cheap so it couldn't hurt to try.

[Rawmin]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

06 with Desmond Howard on the cover. One of the best times for College Football in recent history. You've got really good USC, Texas, Michigan, OSU, and Notre Dame teams.

[BlastX21]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

NCAA 08 is easily the worst sports game I have ever played. You cannot go a single game without at least 3 turnovers. Most games, both teams will combine for at least 5. Seriously, turnovers are all over the place in that game. Psychic DB's are an even bigger problem in that game than in this one.

The problem we have on linebacker swats this year isn't due to their super jumping. LB's do not jump anymore than 2 feet in the air. The problem is the passing trajectory being so low that its easy for them to reach the ball. Well in 08, the trajectory is fine, except that the LB's really do jump 5 feet. Making for some extremely frustrating moments.

Fumbles are also extremely common. You'll average about 2 a game if not more. Holding RB doesn't change anything. Combined with the defense's insane ability to get picks, it makes for a really frustrating game.

Whats hilarious though is that when you're not turning the ball over, offense is super easy. You can take an average team and move it all over the field on the #1 defense in the country. But you'll still score less that 20 points because of the turnovers.

The option game is the only consistent way to move the ball without worrying about unfair picks, though fumbles still apply. But thats only because the option is overpowered as hell. You are able to pitch the ball with 2 defenders draped all over you. This abuses the defense because once they converge on the QB, he's able to pitch the ball no matter how many defenders are tackling him, giving the ball to a now wide open RB. You can run nothing but the power option and speed option, and rush for 300 yards.

So seriously, don't get 08. It has way too many "throw your controller across the room in frustration" moments.

[jjbreez90]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

I started playing NCAA 07 a week ago after trading in NCAA 12 a loooooong time ago and had an absolute BLAST. Some of teh animations and the way the players look is amazing.

It is ridiculous to me that the animations have gotten so bad compared to the PS2 days. I also love having all the FCS teams in the game. There is no teambuilder but the create-a-team isn't too shabby (and it even lets you choose your rival and PRIDE STICKERS!)

[All-Vol]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

'06 was my last PS2 ncaa...loved it. The thing I miss most was finding 3 star guys who could legitimately develop into stars. In these next gen games the only way you find a 3 star stud is if he's JUCO.

[cjnoles9399]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

If you decide to go with a post-2006 NCAA I would get 07 or 09. Like someone said, 08 is a turnover fest and the big hits that cause fumbles will tick you off. I'll never forget I was FSU playing Duke and got smoked 21-7 while committing 8 turnovers.

Those games are fun and remain challenging if you limit your 5 star recruits and develop a roster of 3 and 4 star guys.

[sportzbro]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

Does anyone have input on 11 for PS2? Thinking about buying a ps2 again...

[hitstreak13]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

Does anyone have input on 11 for PS2? Thinking about buying a ps2 again...

I love 07 the most. I still play it to this day as I have been unsatisfied with the PS3 version. With the Idaho Vandals, here is what I have done over my career:

Year 1: 4-8 (No Bowl Game)
Year 2: 3-9 (No Bowl Game)
Year 3: 6-6 (No Bowl Game)
Year 4: 6-7 (Lost New Orleans Bowl)
Year 5: 7-5 (No Bowl Game)
Year 6: 8-5 (Won GMAC Bowl)
Year 7: 3-1 (1-0 in conference thus far)

Career: 34-41 (1-1 in Bowls)

Im surprised I wasn't fired after year 4. I was about 1 loss away in year 5 from getting fired but won my last two including a major upset over Boise State 21-20. Year 6 and 7 have been great! I do play every game and it has taken me 4 years to get through 6.5 seasons as I am busy (plus play madden 07 still). I love seeing my guys play in the NFL. Enderle is having a nice career in DAL (7th round pick) and Deonte Jackson is starting for the Texans after being selected in the 5th round.

[PRB]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

Does anyone have input on 11 for PS2? Thinking about buying a ps2 again...

I am also thinking of getting a PS2 and would also like to know if NCAA Football 11 is any good. I have 08 for XBox and would like to know if the last-generation games got any better after that.

[simgamer0005]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

08 on PS2 / Orig Xbox had QB evade (right analog stick) while in the pocket and receiver direct when you rolled out of the pocket, where you could control a receiver with the right analog stick while moving your qb with the left analog stick. it's pretty cool sending a receiver to open space at the last second before passing it. the 08 graphics (especially on the Orig Xbox) are the best graphics of any NCAA game imho. also there is an incredible amount of plays in 08 compared to 07, but there are some bugs in the custom playbook editor in 08, like you couldn't select all the plays to add to your custom formation (some plays were only available when you selected a team's default playbook) 08 though has a lot of bugs and quirks. some people complained about pursuit angles. the pass defense is very good in 08 though. to limit fumbles, increasing RB ability in sliders (and tackling to keep it balanced) and decrease the interception slider. the defensive awareness slider can help with pursuit angles. there's definitely some new animations in 08 and the whole game just feels much more dynamic and thrilling. 08 had kickoffs from the 30, 07 had them from the 35. i think the open field lateral was enhanced in 08, too. also the momentum meter was toned down in 08 compared to 07. i would recommend getting them both. they both offer something different. even with all its quirks, 08 is a very entertaining game. as far as features are concerned, it doesn't get any better than 08. if they ever fixed the bugs to that game that would be the only football game we'd ever need to play.

[BDawg35]

Re: Which to Buy? NCAA 07 or NCAA 08? (for PS2)

NCAA 2007 may have been the best version of the game. NCAA 2004 was the most fun I ever had, but it was the first year of online play, so that had a lot to do with it. I met some guys playing online who I still have contact with to this day.

NCAA 2007's gameplay was solid. The B.S. was minimal. As the user, I felt it was a little easy to bail myself out with a bomb, but all in all it was a great game. I played 17 seasons with Vanderbilt and got to only three national championship games, winning two. As we all know, most of us usually have a higher percentage of national title appearances than that. The game was a fun challenge.