It is time to lace up the cleats and take to the gridiron as EA Sports has released EA Sports College Football 26. Playing the PS5 version, I was immediately impressed with the depth of reality to the game. I chose to play my Alama Matta at the University of Washington in the Apple Cup and noted the accuracy of the stadium and details such as the mascot and lineup, who play very similarly to their real-life counterparts.
As anyone who has played a Madden or College Football game will know, players can select the offense and defensive plays as well as the main player to control during the action.
I found it a bit easier to pass than in prior games, and I was able to complete some nice mid, short, and deep shots during the game and mix in a variation of run plays to keep the game honest.
The action was intense and thrilling, and I nearly jumped from the couch after returning the second-half kickoff all the way back for a score.
Naturally, players wanting a bigger challenge can play online against friends and other opponents, and the impressive array of NCAA teams makes players spoiled for choice.
Players can also select various gameplay modes such as picking a player and position and having him advance his career, and playing out seasons with their favorite team. I enjoyed playing single games where I could match my team against top-rated teams that are not normally on their schedule.
The sound of the game really shines as the announcers are spot on, and you will hear the impact of the hits to the point where you may find yourself flinching now and then with the impact.
The graphics were solid, and the smooth play really helped me get into the flow, as watching a player juke and then run for daylight was an absolute joy that had me hooked from the first run.
I am looking forward to playing with Dynasty mode more as the new recruiting challenges make building your elite team harder than ever, but ultimately rewarding when things go your way.
The Play now and Road To Glory modes may seem overly familiar for fans who want to avoid new learning curves and get into the action, making the game accessible for new fans and familiar to those who have played prior games in the series.
While it does not reinvent the wheel, the game does offer a solid update for players eager to play College Football, and I found the game deeply engaging and enjoyable.
4 stars out of 5
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