But then along comes NCAA Football 2003 by EA Sports, a game so good that after a few weeks, even your dog will wonder why you never find the time to communicate anymore. Start with the AI--by far the best yet in a college game. Defenses not only react to your play calling and adjust their strategies as the game evolves, but they expertly disguise their coverages and swarm to the ball with speed and decisiveness. In addition, your computer opponent actually makes intelligent clock decisions when time is running out (shocking!). The running game at times is a bit easy on the lower difficulty levels (especially if a back like Oregon's Onterrio Smith has the ball), but that's why they made All- American and Heisman levels.

The graphics, as is typical in football video games over the last couple of years, are extremely good, and the between-play animations provide extra spark to the rivalries (taunting runs rampant). But the graphics aren't the star of the show--it's the dynasty mode, stupid. With enough special features and stat categories to keep college football hopheads happy for months--including a comprehensive recruiting engine, a customizable intro screen that features your favorite school's colors and fight song, and a Trophy Room that displays all your bowl and rivalry game hardware--NCAA Football 2003 just might make fans forget the depressing length of the offseason. --Rivers Janssen

Pros:

• Terrific AI
• Fans of almost any Divi
  Feature 1 : The College Game: Feel all the pageantry with over 200 fight songs, 3D cheerleaders, and 144 Division I-A and I-AA schools.
  Feature 2 : My Favorite Team: Personalize the game interface based on your team's fight song, mascot, logos, and school colors.
  Feature 3 : Build A Dynasty: Create your own school and schedule, recruit star athletes, and redshirt developing players to build a national powerhouse.
  Feature 4 : Rivalry Mode: Beat your school's archrival and win one of 23 covted trophies.
  Feature 5 : Trophy Room: Display over 100 total trophies including conference championships and individual player awards such as the Heisman Memorial Trophy.
  Mfr. : Electronic Arts
  Mfr. Part # : 100730
  ESRB Rating : E
  Platform : Xbox
  List Price (MSRP) : 17.99
  Height : 0.6000 inches
  Width : 5.3000 inches
  Length : 7.5000 inches
  Weight : 0.2500 pounds
  Keywords : All Games, Sports, Kids & Family
  Condition : Very Good