NCAA Football 2K3

A working knowledge of college playbooks can be very helpful as the sets here are often highly complex. The producers have added a slew of subtle but significant features to simulate the game's nuances as well: a quarterback's accuracy greatly improves when his feet are set; you can totally hide your play-calling by holding down the X button and scrolling through decoy plays; you can anticipate using a spin move on offense by hitting the O button before contact; and you can use the analog sticks (as opposed to the directional buttons) to run with the ball (and in maximum passing mode, you can add zip or a lob touch while also adjusting throws in the air).

The graphics--including players, stadiums, the ESPN-style presentation, and game intro--are all top-notch. With 117 Division I-A teams at your disposal, devoted players can play full seasons (complete with rankings and bowl selections) or, in legacy mode, multiple seasons, going so far as recruiting high schoolers and running spring drills. The major drawback here is the no-name announcing team, a flat-out terrible crew offering an endless stream of stupid jokes and poor analysis. But you'll have the sound off and the stereo spinning anyway. --Marc Greilsamer

Pros:

• Smooth, realistic game flow
• Top-notch graphics and visual presentation
• Attention to game action's nuances

Cons:

• Game announcers are silly and ill-informed
• Injury information is erratic

The new college-look player models and animations mean that, finally, NCAA football players have the proportions and physiques of real college-age athletes. You can choose from all 117 Division I-A teams and selected Division I-AA teams. The comprehensive Legacy mode lets you assemble your football program from the ground up and build a Division I-A powerhouse. You can also create a school and join the conference of your choice. The game also lets you compete for the nation's top high-school recruits and develop your squad in the off-season with spring practice sessions.

Compare your coaching effectiveness with history's greatest college coaches. You can also save senior players from NCAA College Football 2K3 and draft them into NFL 2K3. New player names will appear on the backs of jerseys. The authentic ranking system lets you track your team's performance and its shot at the national title using the AP poll, coaches' poll, and BCS standings. You will compete in the postseason classics, including all four BCS games: the Fiesta Bowl (the 2003 BCS championship game), the Rose Bowl, the Orange Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl. You will be surrounded with the sounds of pep bands playing university fight songs, students in the rooting section yelling school chants, and cheerleaders and mascots that use hundreds of motion-captured moves.