`NCAA' IS STYLE VS. SUBSTANCE.

Byline: Redmond Carolipio Staff Writer

`NCAA Football 07'' presents players the classic choice of style vs. substance.

With the franchise branching out to the Xbox 360 this year, EA delivers two different experiences for those who believe it's never too early to talk football.

The version for the Xbox 360 definitely passes the eyeball test. Wide establishing shots really do show off all the color and splendor that comes with a big-time college football game, from the liveliness of the crowd to the hugeness of a place like The Horseshoe (aka Ohio Stadium) in Columbus.

Playing it on a high-definition screen with the volume cranked up almost makes it feel like you're witnessing a real event. The crowds are outstanding, as they actually react to what's happening on the field instead of just the standard cheers and boos. Some schools even have crowd-specific chants and gestures -- for instance, the University of Florida has the Gator Chomp.

But while everything from the stadiums to the field (you even get reflections off helmets) looks outstanding, actual player movement on the field felt a little stiff and choppy, which robbed me of a consistent sense of fluidity. Runners seem to glide over the field as opposed to planting their feet and launching themselves across it.

The feeling of choppiness injures the running game, where plenty of possible big runs can be negated because you end up cruising a little too closely to a blocked defender. Only freak tailbacks like Reggie Bush (HB No. 5 on USC's 2004 team) or Bo Jackson (on Auburn's all-time team) seem to be able to gain yards consistently.

This edition of the game is also sadly missing the Campus Legend mode, which puts the players in the role of a freshman baller trying to balance studying, practice and his social life in addition to trying to excel on the field.

The other mini-games such as Bowling and Tug-of-War are entertaining nuggets, but nothing that factors into plopping down $60.

While the PS2 and Xbox versions visually pale in comparison to the big man on the 360 campus, they make up for it with more features and some nifty camera trickery that actually leads to a more fulfilling experience.

For example, kick and punt returns lead to a sudden view of the return man looking up at the ball before he catches it. The camera then zooms in closely on the player during the return, in effect simulating the mayhem of running back a kick. Bodies fly around, and there are plenty of times where a tackler will seem to come out of nowhere to nuke an unaware ball carrier.

You'll also find liberal use of slow motion when it comes to big plays, whether it's an outstanding one-armed grab or a life-altering hit on a receiver sprinting over the middle.

Then there's the aforementioned Campus Legend mode, where players will have to do everything from hopping to a party to selecting a major, complete with midterm and final exams (which I aced -- my tailback's an English major).

Both games make use of the new ``momentum'' feature, where big plays can lead to even bigger plays for your team. The impact of the play determines the size of the momentum lost or gained -- an interception will hurt, but a pick returned for a touchdown could kill you. It's the great equalizer, especially if you're going to face a team like Texas or USC.

Finally, much has been made about the new kicking controls. Instead of pointing an arrow and pushing a button, players now have to use the right thumbstick. For me, it turned the act of kicking into something worth concentrating on, instead of the afterthought it has been in past football titles.

I imagine the 360 version will be more popular due to its graphics and the mighty Xbox Live online community. Sadly, the pure depth of its current-generation siblings could get lost in the noise.

NCAA FOOTBALL 07 - Three stars

Platform: PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360.

Rated: E for Everyone.

In a nutshell: Two different experiences for those who believe it's never too early to talk football.