Hell2DaNaw.com

The latest installment of the popular video game series about college football, which was originally scheduled for a July 17th release, has been pushed back indefinitely. Although an official release date has not yet been given, the press release hinted that it could take “about a month” longer.

Rumors about the delay revolve around a NCAA committee’s decision to submit a proposal banning the use of text messaging in recruiting. This proposal still needs to be approved by the Board of Directors; however, if it goes through, EA will need to recode part of the game.

NCAA Football ‘08 comes with updated rosters, playbooks, and stadiums. It also includes a retooling of the “dynasty mode” to make it more “real”. The hallmark of this year’s change is an entirely new recruiting system. A few weeks ago, H2DN was invited to sit down and playtest it at EA’s headquarters.

Because we had a limited amount of time to play, we decided to chose a team in the heart of a rich recruiting area - Auburn. After simulating an undefeated season capped off with another Sugar Bowl victory it was time for the offseason.

So far everything looked the same as before. We set our budget, said goodbye to graduating seniors, and were welcomed with a map of the United States as we began our recruiting. To start things off, we decided to target the top player in our state, a running back named Howard Bonner. And suddenly we noticed it.

So… umm… that’s it?

Not even some more hand-me-down features from the Madden franchise?

Fast forward to today, when we heard the announcement of the delay. We immediately called EA to ask them why it would take a month to change a line of text - they promptly hung up on us and have yet to return any other phone calls.

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This isn’t the first snag EA has come across in the release of the new game; EA’s first choice for cover athlete pulled out of negotiations at the last minute. In the ensuing mayhem, EA quickly offered the cover to Boise State’s Jared Zabransky.

Although Zabransky, the hero of the Fiesta Bowl, is currently popular with college football fans, EA was disappointed that they couldn’t have their first choice in order to promote the game’s new realism aspects.