But then along comes NCAA Football 2003 by EA Sports, a game so good that after a few weeks, even your dog will wonder why you never find the time to communicate anymore. Start with the AI--by far the best yet in a college game. Defenses not only react to your play calling and adjust their strategies as the game evolves, but they expertly disguise their coverages and swarm to the ball with speed and decisiveness. In addition, your computer opponent actually makes intelligent clock decisions when time is running out (shocking!). The running game at times is a bit easy on the lower difficulty levels (especially if a back like Oregon's Onterrio Smith has the ball), but that's why they made All-American and Heisman levels.

The graphics, as are typical in football video games over the last couple of years, are extremely good, and the between-play animations provide extra spark to the rivalries (taunting runs rampant). But the graphics aren't the star of the show--it's the dynasty mode, stupid. With enough special features and stat categories to keep college football hopheads happy for months--including a comprehensive recruiting engine, a customizable intro screen that features your favorite school's colors and fight song, and a Trophy Room that displays all your bowl and rivalry game hardware--NCAA Football 2003 just might make fans forget the depressing length of the off-season. --Rivers Janssen

Pros:

• Terrific AI
• Fans of almost any Division I program will be happy with the team-specific features
• Passing engine actually requires you to read defenses intelligently

Cons:

• Commentary is a bit predictable

Note: This review refers to the PlayStation2 version of the game.

Amazon.com Product Description
NCAA Football 2003 includes all of the pageantry of college football, including 200 fight songs, 3-D cheerleaders, and 117 Division I-A teams with authentic uniforms. You can personalize the game interface based on your team's fight song, mascot, logos, and school colors. Dynasty mode lets you create your own school and schedule, recruit star athletes, and redshirt athletes to develop players and build a national powerhouse. You can beat your school's archrival and win one of 23 coveted trophies. The Trophy Room lets you display up to 59 total trophies, including conference championships and individual player awards.