NCAA GameBreaker 2004
This could be 989 Sports' redeeming title - read on to find out why.
Published: July 10, 2003
Alas, it's that time of year again where developers are hard at work on their latest installment of their football franchise, just in time for the start of pigskin season. And while most gamers may simply expect the usual updated rosters and improved graphics, 989 Sports has a different story for this year's installment of NCAA GameBreaker 2004. The secret? Online play - a key feature that should give gamers the golden opportunity to test their skills against other gamers all over the world. Enticing, no? That's only the tip of the iceberg compared to the rest of GameBreaker 2004's new features.
First off, let's take a look at what's new. The developers' biggest step, undoubtedly, is the game's online compatibility, a feature that has enough depth to take the sports genre into a whole new direction. Both dial-up and broadband users have the ability to access the game's online features, which are more than just basic one-on-one exhibition games. 989 Studios has granted gamers the ability to talk to each other via a centralized lobby, in-game chat, and even buddy lists (believe it or not) Xbox Live-style. When it comes down to competition, though, gamers will be pleased to know that GameBreaker 2004 features tournaments and even leader boards - the best way to prove to the world your college football prowess.
For those who don't fancy online play, though, GameBreaker has a slew of new features to keep the game's action rolling. One of the game's most applaudable accomplishments, in our opinion, is its ability to appeal to both the avid college football gamers, as well as the newcomers to the series.
To keep beginners in the game, 989 has added a Practice Mode, where gamers can comfortably get a feel for the gameplay or sharpen their rusty skills. After getting more acquainted with the game, which can be done through the game's exciting modes including Exhibition, Season, Tournament and Bowl Season, then the innovative new advanced features come into play.
For those seeking to run a team their way, there's the new play editor, which gives players the full freedom to create their own plays and add them to a team's playbook. When it comes to running the plays, 989 Sports has completely revamped the offensive and defensive playbooks for each team, right down to the plays that certain college teams are famous for (Nebraska's option attack, anyone?). Not only that, but the game features authentic college formations, including the wishbone, flexbone, full house, power-I and wing-t - infamous trademarks for each college team that really bring the action from the roaring stadium home.
As if that's weren't enough to get you all giddy inside, GameBreaker 2004 features 27 playable bowl games, not to mention hidden stadiums, which you'll just have to unlock yourself if you're skilled enough.
While most players may find the urge to dive right into an exhibition once the game fires up, there are still those who favor the more creative approach to playing the game. And to satisfy those with a coaching preference, GB 2004 sports a Coaching Career Mode, where you've got to work your way up as head coach of smaller school and make it all the way to the National Championship. The classic "Blue Chip Recruiting" has also returned, giving gamers the opportunity to recruit those players with unmatched potential from both the High School and Junior College level. Making the right picks and calling the right shots will be crucial in bringing your team to the top, so coach wisely!
It's obvious that most of 989 Sports' emphasis was on how the game plays, but GameBreaker 2004 sports some great new supporting features as well. To truly complete the atmosphere of a college football game, tons of sideline personnel - including 50 spankin'-new animated mascots, as well as new animated cheerleaders doing what they do best (erm, cheering) - have been added to the mix. Providing the game with an even greater sense of realism are Tim Brant and Keith Jackson, who provide detailed play-by-play and color commentary.
Speaking of color, prepare to be wowed by the sharp and fluid-looking graphics in this year's GameBreaker, a key part of the game that gives it that real sense of college football ambience.
If 989 can deliver where they've fumbled in the past, NCAA GameBreaker 2004 won't be your average installment of a football game. With the depth added by the game's online compatibility, innovative new and returning game modes and features that truly bring the excitement of college football home, GameBreaker 2004 could have the potential to set new standards for the series. Come August, we'll see if 989's latest college pigskin effort can do just that.
First off, let's take a look at what's new. The developers' biggest step, undoubtedly, is the game's online compatibility, a feature that has enough depth to take the sports genre into a whole new direction. Both dial-up and broadband users have the ability to access the game's online features, which are more than just basic one-on-one exhibition games. 989 Studios has granted gamers the ability to talk to each other via a centralized lobby, in-game chat, and even buddy lists (believe it or not) Xbox Live-style. When it comes down to competition, though, gamers will be pleased to know that GameBreaker 2004 features tournaments and even leader boards - the best way to prove to the world your college football prowess.
For those who don't fancy online play, though, GameBreaker has a slew of new features to keep the game's action rolling. One of the game's most applaudable accomplishments, in our opinion, is its ability to appeal to both the avid college football gamers, as well as the newcomers to the series.
To keep beginners in the game, 989 has added a Practice Mode, where gamers can comfortably get a feel for the gameplay or sharpen their rusty skills. After getting more acquainted with the game, which can be done through the game's exciting modes including Exhibition, Season, Tournament and Bowl Season, then the innovative new advanced features come into play.
For those seeking to run a team their way, there's the new play editor, which gives players the full freedom to create their own plays and add them to a team's playbook. When it comes to running the plays, 989 Sports has completely revamped the offensive and defensive playbooks for each team, right down to the plays that certain college teams are famous for (Nebraska's option attack, anyone?). Not only that, but the game features authentic college formations, including the wishbone, flexbone, full house, power-I and wing-t - infamous trademarks for each college team that really bring the action from the roaring stadium home.
As if that's weren't enough to get you all giddy inside, GameBreaker 2004 features 27 playable bowl games, not to mention hidden stadiums, which you'll just have to unlock yourself if you're skilled enough.
While most players may find the urge to dive right into an exhibition once the game fires up, there are still those who favor the more creative approach to playing the game. And to satisfy those with a coaching preference, GB 2004 sports a Coaching Career Mode, where you've got to work your way up as head coach of smaller school and make it all the way to the National Championship. The classic "Blue Chip Recruiting" has also returned, giving gamers the opportunity to recruit those players with unmatched potential from both the High School and Junior College level. Making the right picks and calling the right shots will be crucial in bringing your team to the top, so coach wisely!
It's obvious that most of 989 Sports' emphasis was on how the game plays, but GameBreaker 2004 sports some great new supporting features as well. To truly complete the atmosphere of a college football game, tons of sideline personnel - including 50 spankin'-new animated mascots, as well as new animated cheerleaders doing what they do best (erm, cheering) - have been added to the mix. Providing the game with an even greater sense of realism are Tim Brant and Keith Jackson, who provide detailed play-by-play and color commentary.
Speaking of color, prepare to be wowed by the sharp and fluid-looking graphics in this year's GameBreaker, a key part of the game that gives it that real sense of college football ambience.
If 989 can deliver where they've fumbled in the past, NCAA GameBreaker 2004 won't be your average installment of a football game. With the depth added by the game's online compatibility, innovative new and returning game modes and features that truly bring the excitement of college football home, GameBreaker 2004 could have the potential to set new standards for the series. Come August, we'll see if 989's latest college pigskin effort can do just that.
