Helpful alerts and audio prompts (through the remote) provide hints and instructions when certain actions are needed. Rousing school fight songs, statistics, game scores, a large cache of team choices (almost 200), and Mii player cards also provide some nice enhancements.
The graphics match the All-Play theme with helpful ball and boosted movement trails so players can always see what's happening. The block lettering and stars reflect a neat chalkboard, learning-style format. The text is easily readable except the red colored results when your Mii player falters on the field.
The simple crowd graphics show basic movements where developers then bridge to an interactive celebration dance. Players shake the controls to raise some ruckus after a big score. Opposing players not only suffer through this display, but potentially lose influence with the crowd if the scoring player shakes hard enough. Ending results show a grid where players fill up crowd icons with their team in this entertaining mini-game competition. It's not hard to max out with a string of consecutive touchdowns, even as the opposing team.
Available hot routes/audibles and coaching options cement a solid play-calling system. Players can choose basic plays, delve into a more detailed playbook or just let the coach make the call. Different situations will trigger different player reactions. Coaches can also boost specific player performance during breaks; for example, by boosting your secondary with a four-deep defense while coaching the defensive line. Those evade movements achieved by shaking the remote are pretty satisfying as well as the resulting defensive pressure.
EA does another fine job creating something special for the Wii console version of this sports game (could a PC version be on the horizon?). This recommended game features the Michigan State Spartan mascot on the cover.
NCAA Football 09 All-Play is rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. This game can also be found on: PS2, PS3, PSP and Xbox 360.
Article comments
1 - Mark Kalriess
I've always enjoyed the Wii versions of Madden, but was a bit nervous when this "all-play" thing got announced for all Wii EA Sports games. But it sounds like I'll definitely have to check it out.
2 - Chris "UZ" White
Haha, when I saw Sparty on the cover in the tiny thumbnail I was like "What the hell happened to the avatars for the football players?"
3 - fortius54
I guess all of the sites have either been bought out by the EA machine, or they are just too afraid to make the big boys unhappy. This game is not at all good. I have already sold it back, and unless something changes very quickly, I will not be purchasing another EA game.
The graphics are very last generation. I honestly feel that the last Gamecube version looked better. The controls are not tight. It is a crap shot when it comes to passing. It is just smoke and mirrors. This is just a step backwards in what used to be my favorite franchise.
4 - bigballs02
it is awful (passing)