First of all, I must admit, I'm a pure-blooded Nebraskan. Anyone who is remotely a football fan knows that we're bred on the sport here, and I even WAITED until EA Games cooked up the Option game. Well, I got it. I'm disappointed, and pleased at the same time. You see, the graphics and sound are terrific, regardless of the occasional slowdown and polygon clashes. The system is grade A material. Never has the college football "system" worked so realistic, as well as the diverse play types (the Option is superbly translated). With that said, let it be known I would have given this a 5.0 were it without the ABSOLUTELY terrible A.I. Simply put, it's cheap. Darn cheap. Even on the lower difficulties, you'll see the computer backing up when you pass in I Form, call a run audible, they automatically scoot up and over to the right side. No fooling them. "Miracle drives" are frequent. Fumbles on your part seem to greatly outnumber the computer's, even when you're ranked #1. It just feels like the game works in their favor 100% of the time. You may call that "evening it out," but I just call it poor programming. What could have been something beautiful seems unsatisfying and frustrating. A worthy purchase, but expect to yell at the screen frequently. #1 Clemson (9-0): 35 DUKE (0-10): 38 I rest my case.

EA Sports brings it with NCAA Football 2003 which is hands down THE BEST FOOTBALL GAME I HAVE EVER PLAYED, and I own all the Maddens (except 2003 it's not out yet). From fight songs, to cheerleaders, to rivalry trophies like the Little Brown Jug and the Jewled Shelelagh there isn't a thing missing in this game as far as special features like that go. Though it would've been nice to see smaller rivalry trophies like the Fremont Cannon (UNLV/UNR) also have an actual trophy instead of just being listed. But if you look over that small shortcoming (which is more than easy enough) it's a great feature, and the My Favorite School option is a great touch as well. The Dynasty Mode is definitely the meat and potatoes of this game and the ULTIMATE College football experience especially if you choose to create your own school as is the strong Season Mode. But for those of you that couldn't shell out the 20 smackers to buy the 251 Memory Card you guys aren't left in the dark, there are plenty of things on the game for those of you without the Memory Card. The user profiles don't take up too much memory letting you stockpile up on Pennants and Campus Challenge points as well as Mascot Teams that could take out most of the regular teams on the game handidly. Also historic All-American and School squads take the field in an exhibition mode that is just too much fun to pass up. Also there are unlockable stadiums like The Independence Bowl, and Tiburon Stadium. Power Ups come in the form of pennants as well and provide a nice boost giving players in a certain position a huge amount of power, don't be surprised to see 300+ yards from your halfback if you use this option. With all this good there has to be something bad. If you find it, please let me know.