In case you aren’t up-to-date, EA Sports is doing their video game covers a bit differently this year. The 360, Wii, and PS3 versions of NCAA Football 09 will each have their own covers, while the PS2 and PSP versions will feature the same athlete. EA is staggering the announcements; the first cover to be revealed was that of the 360 version of the game — so Darren McFadden’s fans are already satisfied.
The Wii version’s cover was put up to a vote, and after 700,000 votes were tallied, the winner was announced today. The man who will grace the cover is ... (pause for effect) ... Sparty the Spartan!
If you’re scratching your head as to who (or what) “Sparty” is, he’s the mascot for the Michigan State Spartans. EA has included an in-game rendering of Sparty (check the gallery) along with the official press release (check the jump) for your viewing pleasure.
In addition to a brief bio, the press spiel includes some Wii-specific details: the game “will focus on a more stylized gameplay” and “will feature EA SPORTS Family Play controls”. I can’t wait. All five versions of NCAA Football 09 are set for release this July. You can head over to the official website for the Wii version to see the actual Wii box art.
SPARTY THE SPARTAN FROM MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SELECTED AS NCAA FOOTBALL 09 COVER MASCOT FOR THE WII
March 18, 2008 – The people have spoken! EA SPORTS asked college football fans to vote and determine which college mascot would have the honor of being on the cover of NCAA Football 09 for the Nintendo Wii. Although it was a tightly contested race, Sparty the Spartan from Michigan State University came out victorious.
Sparty the Spartan is Michigan State University's fearless and loveable mascot and a figure known throughout the state of Michigan across the nation. Sparty, the heart of Michigan State, is a National Mascot Champion and has participated in the Universal Cheer Association's National Championships.
Through the NCAA Football 09 Wii Cover Mascot Challenge, fans went online and cast more than 700,000 votes for their favorite mascots. Mascots from Central Florida, Washington State, Auburn, LSU, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa State, Alabama and Penn State rounded out the top ten.
NCAA Football 09 for the Nintendo Wii will focus on a more stylized gameplay that is quick and easy for fans to jump in and out of great head-to-head action, or manage their favorite college team through the "Dynasty Mode". New to the Nintendo Wii platform, NCAA Football 09 will feature EA SPORTS Family Play controls, a multiplayer social experience that allows novice users to compete against advanced players and still enjoy success. The Easy Play controls are designed for the more novice fans, but also feature a traditional default setting for the more seasoned veterans. NCAA Football 09 will feature close to 200 schools from both the FBS and FCS divisions, making it the most authentic college sports gaming experience available for the Nintendo Wii.
For more information, please visit www.ncaafootball09.com.
Contest:
5:31 PM on 03.18.2008
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Right?
I told my little brother what you said about Nick Chester possibly going to Video Games Live NYC and he almost creamed himself, he's so excited he might catch a glimpse of an editor! Then I told him about you. He actually knew who you were and all and was even more excited.
Looks like you've got a groupie. (He's 14 and thinks Dtoid is incredible.)
If you don't make it home alive that night from the Beacon, my apologies in advance. He's a bit strange.
Lol. Just saying.
I'd be happier if it was the stunning bronze statue and NOT the Mickey Mouse-like character, but who am I kidding? I don't really care about most (College) football games, it's either Tecmo Bowl or Blitz (the classic N64 version) for me.
@king3vbo: I was debating whether or not to use that joke, but I thought it was too obvious. In fact, I’m surprised it took this many comments for someone to make it. Well played, sir.
lol.
The Spartans fan in me is pleased.
That's a huge fucking campus let me tell you...
NCAA Football 09 for the Nintendo Wii will focus on a more stylized gameplay that is quick and easy for fans to jump in and out of great head-to-head action
somehow I lost my faith...
MSU has been accused of being anti-intellectual. We're not not UoM Ann Arbor for nothing. Complicated controls bad. MSU mad. MSU SMASH WiiMote!
if they were gonna go with a mascot they should have picked someone more recognizable like the buckeye or the oregon
Yeah, lets put the mascot of the 2 time defending BCS losers on the cover of our game.
LOLhio state aside, FUCK YEAH MICH. STATE. Yeah, maybe not the best choice for a foosball game, but the FUCK YEAH stands.
lets see, Zabransky, Harrington, Weinke, Wuerffel, and Tommie Frazier were all cover boys. Not exactly winners. I hate the buckeyes but just like the yankees everyone either hates them with a passion or loves them but EVERYBODY KNOWS THERE MASCOT
Are Spartans supposed to wear red?
Someone bomb their marketing department now.