The dawn for NCAA Football 2006 is now upon us, as the anticipation for the game reaches that all time fever pitch. This year’s version of the game on the XBOX has corrected many of the issues that plagued NCAA Football 05 and also introduces a few new tweaks and modes that really make the game stand out above all others.

On the field, NCAA 06 is close to being perfect. Stepping up from past years, you’ll be happy to know that the short passing game and receiving in general has been tweaked and worked on. Receivers are now more likely to make catches in high traffic and also won’t drop the bullet passes from the top gun quarterbacks. With that in mind, the rest of the game play remains in full effect.

The home field advantage feature from last years game is back as well, although it isn’t nearly as ground breaking as it was last year. Compared to last year, you’ll find that the advantage this time around is a little more reasonable. The match up stick will add a lot of depth in regards to deciding who the primary targets will be, where to run, and who will make all the big plays.

In general, passing is a lot more reminiscent to the run and gun, wide ended play style of NCAA Football 2004; although you should beware of the passing defense. The play of the defensive backs and also the linebackers has improved a great deal and is noticeable on both All-American difficulty as well as Heisman. The defense now reacts a lot quicker to the ball and it makes for a much more realistic football experience.

Running the ball remains virtually the same, although there are a few tweaks in this area as well.  Much the same with all football games, the key to the running game is being patient, following your blockers, and then blasting through the hole.  The special moves available when carrying the ball has been given a boost; with AI opponents now missing tackles and shoulder charging proving to be a great way to break free of tackles.

On the defensive end, NCAA 06 takes on many of the pre-snap adjustment controls that were featured in Madden NFL 2005.  You can audible in individual blitzes, direct the entire line backing corps to attack the line, tell a player to drop back into a zone, direct the attack of the defensive line, spy on the quarterback, and even have players fly out into the flats for increased zoning coverage.  Much like the hit stick that was featured in Madden, the impact stick here is used to put a bone smashing hit on any ball carrier that comes near you. 

The biggest thing going for NCAA Football 06 is the brand new race for the Heisman mode.  In this mode, you are charged with taking a blue chip high school player and turning him into a high caliber athlete.  You’ll compete in many different drills to determine your talents, as well as which schools will recruit you.  This mode offers hours and hours of endless entertainment, as well as a different prospective to the college football experience.

The audio and visual in the game delivers exactly what we all have come to know and love from the series.  Graphically, the game features incredible player models as well as entirely new animations.  In terms of sound, the quality is as crisp as ever.  The default soundtrack is comprised of EA Tracks, although it is possible to switch to a soundtrack of nothing but high school fight songs.  The in game commentary is the highlight of the audio deal, with the coverage team providing quite the commentary.

The online play featured with XBOX live is as seamless as ever.  Players can access quick tournaments, quick match ups, and even view the stats from their entire NCAA 2006 career.  In game, the experience is smooth and very enjoyable. 

All in all, NCAA Football 06 delivers on the field very well and is very much the best installment of the genre.  Even though the game has a couple of shortcomings, it’s a must purchase for any college football fan.  If you’re looking for a change of pace from the traditional NFL game – this is one game that you must not pass up.