Before I’ve even started playing the game, I have a few complaints.

First off, 2 players? When was the last time anyone saw a real gaming system that only allowed for two players? The Super Nintendo? Oh, wait. The Sony P(o)S and its successor only allowed for two players without the use of a Multitap-esque device, didn’t they? That, combined with the fact that they had substandard graphics for their games, leaves me astounded that Sony’s actually managed to become a contender in the gaming industry… but, I’m digressing, aren’t I?

Second, there’s a nice holographic sticker on the cover of the game that indicates it’s an “officially licensed collegiate product.” It looks fine on the cover, so I would’ve left it on… except that it was stuck there on top of the “Security Device Enclosed” sticker, meaning that removing that sticker tore up the nice holographic one (and the plastic underneath. Seriously, when are game and DVD makers going to learn not to put stickers on the actual case?!).

Third, the disclaimer informing me that I may not be able to play this game online after the 2006-2007 NCAA football season is over disturbs me. I understand that EA has an exclusive license on football games from the NCAA, but I’m definitely not pleased by the implications of that disclaimer. Wasn’t the whole point to Xbox Live that I wouldn’t be held hostage to the whims of companies like EA?

So, even before I’ve turned the game on, it’s got three strikes against it. It’s a good thing this isn’t NCAA Baseball, isn’t it?