Game pumps up the crowd

As technology and resources increase in the video game field, there comes a point when games reach the apex of entertainment. EA Sports has fine-tuned its college football game for the past few years to almost-scary realistic results, and 2005 is no different. \nThis year's title is a step up from last year's game in the overall quality and features. However, it almost seems that by striving toward ultra-realism they have run out of worthwhile features to add. New to the game this year are features such as an unmerciful home field advantage. This shakes the controller and the screen in an effort to create the brutal atmosphere of college football's harshest venues. A match-up option allows for the gamer to check his own players against the opponent to better gauge mismatches or clear cut advantages. After calling a time out in this year's game, the player has the choice to better motivate one aspect of the team such as the line or secondary. This new addition works well with the matchup feature to help exploit the opposing team's weaknesses. \nJaw-jarring, momentum-swinging hits are now commonplace on the virtual playing field as the game took a swing toward defensive orientation. However, the high-powered explosive offensives are still waiting in the wings to set the scoreboard on fire. \nOverall, the game is an improvement from last year's title, but with such high expectations, the minor changes don't dramatically increase the game's entertainment. This being said, it is still the big dog college game on the block and deserves a look from all football fans.