NCAA Football 12 vs NCAA Football 13
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NCAA Football 12 brings the excitement of college football to your console with realistic gameplay, authentic stadiums, and up-to-date rosters. Developed by EA Tiburon and published by EA Sports, it builds on the success of its predecessor with enhanced graphics and deeper game modes. Play solo or with friends in split‑screen and online multiplayer, manage teams in a full career mode, and enjoy dynamic weather that affects every play. The game offers an ESRB E rating, making it accessible for younger fans of the sport.
NCAA Football 13 brings the pageantry of Saturday gamedays to life with new team run‑outs, mascots, and trophy presentations. Play as a high‑school star, rise through Road to Glory, or guide a program to glory in Dynasty mode. Featuring a revamped passing system, read‑and‑react AI, and the Heisman Challenge, the game delivers authentic college football action for single‑player and multiplayer fans alike.
- Highly realistic college football simulation
- Robust career and recruiting features
- Strong online and split‑screen multiplayer
- Comprehensive roster updates for 2011 season
- Deep recruiting system with dynamic grades
- Authentic college football atmosphere and traditions
- Robust single‑player and multiplayer options
- Improved passing mechanics and AI
- Limited to PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms
- No post‑release updates or DLC
- Occasional AI glitches in complex plays
- Limited to PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms
- No official online matchmaking after EA's service shutdown
- Roster updates are static and may become outdated
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Alternatives to NCAA Football 12
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Experience authentic college football action on console with real teams and dynamic gameplay.
Alternatives to NCAA Football 13
View all →Experience authentic college football action on console with real teams and dynamic gameplay.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNCAA Football 13 offers newer gameplay mechanics and deeper single‑player features, while NCAA Football 12 scores higher with critics and supports larger online matches.
Key differences
- •13 adds a new passing system and adaptive defensive AI; 12 uses the previous system.
- •13’s Dynasty mode has deeper recruiting with dynamic grades; 12’s career mode is robust but less detailed.
- •Online multiplayer: 13 limited to 2 players; 12 supports up to 8 players.
- •Local split‑screen: 13 allows up to 4 players; 12 only 2.
- •Critic scores: 13 received 82/100; 12 received 88/100.
Gameplay & fun factor
13 introduces new passing mechanics, adaptive AI, Heisman Challenge and Road to Glory, enhancing on‑field realism.
Platform availability
Both are limited to PS3 and Xbox 360 with no other platforms.
Price & value
Both priced at $59.99 one‑time purchase.
Multiplayer / co‑op
12 supports up to 8 players online, whereas 13 caps online at 2; 12 wins online play.
Content & replayability
13 adds Heisman Challenge, Road to Glory, and deeper recruiting, offering more long‑term modes.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both rated ESRB E and have similar control schemes; no data shows a clear difference.
Graphics & performance
No specific graphics data provided for either title.
Choose NCAA Football 12 if…
Buy NCAA Football 12 if you prioritize higher critic rating and larger online multiplayer matches.
Choose NCAA Football 13 if…
Buy NCAA Football 13 if you want the latest mechanics, deeper single‑player modes, and larger local co‑op.
Common questions
Do either game receive post‑release updates or DLC?
Both list no post‑release updates or DLC.
Which game supports more players locally?
NCAA Football 13 supports up to 4 players split‑screen; NCAA Football 12 supports 2.
Is there a difference in online multiplayer capacity?
Yes, NCAA Football 12 allows up to 8 players online, while NCAA Football 13 is limited to 2.