EA Sport "NFL HEAD COACH"

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

After work today, I have the next 18 days off. I can't wait to dive into the main game in a few days.

[wade moore]

Just went and looked through the top 25 that were already shown...

I agree with those 4, and the only other name that seems glaringly missing is Joe Gibbs... Do I think he's top 5? Meh, dunno... but at the same time it seems that he should be in the top 25...

[TazFTW]

Just went and looked through the top 25 that were already shown...

I agree with those 4, and the only other name that seems glaringly missing is Joe Gibbs... Do I think he's top 5? Meh, dunno... but at the same time it seems that he should be in the top 25...

Gibbs is #6.

I'll go with Paul Brown.

[wade moore]

Gibbs is #6.

I'll go with Paul Brown.

Oops, I'm blind....

Paul Brown might be it...

[TroyF]

Gibbs is #6.

I'll go with Paul Brown.


Very good guess. I'd bet that's the five.

[AgustusM]

Gibbs ahead of Walsh and Lombardi is absurd IMO. Yes, he was a very good coach and deserves to be in the top 10.

People forget Lombardi won 5 championships before there was a superbowl meaning he won 7 "world" championships.

Walsh (with an obvious push from Brown) revolutionized the game so much that today at every level from the NFL down to high school you can still see his influence in almost every game that is played.

as far as the last 5 - I think Paul Brown has to be in there.

along with Halas, Shula, Landry, and Noll.

My top 7 would have been:

1. Lombardi
2. Hallas
3. Shula
4. Brown
5. Walsh
6. Noll
7. Landry

[WSUCougar]

What, no Jerry Glanville?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I am absolutely pissed that Ray Handley is apparently not in the top 25.

[Neuqua]

Dave Wannstedt is top 3 material.

[wheels]

Shula is one of the most overrated coaches in NFL history. Sure he won the most games, but not the most important ones most of the time. With the Colts, he loses two championship games, 27-0 against Cleveland as an 18-point favorite, and 16-7 in SB III against the Jets as 19-point favorites. He very nearly blew his perfect season against the Skins. He inherits the most prolific passer in NFL history and can't even win one championship? And the one SB he makes with Marino he loses 38-16. How could he never get Marino a running game? If good coaching is a function of wins, championships and talent, he did less with more talent in big games than practically any other coach. Take away his perfect season, and I think he coaches far fewer games, especially for the Dolphins. But as a Viking fan, I think Bud Grant has to rank up there as well.

[Izulde]

Shula is one of the most overrated coaches in NFL history. Sure he won the most games, but not the most important ones most of the time. With the Colts, he loses two championship games, 27-0 against Cleveland as an 18-point favorite, and 16-7 in SB III against the Jets as 19-point favorites. He very nearly blew his perfect season against the Skins. He inherits the most prolific passer in NFL history and can't even win one championship? And the one SB he makes with Marino he loses 38-16. How could he never get Marino a running game? If good coaching is a function of wins, championships and talent, he did less with more talent in big games than practically any other coach. Take away his perfect season, and I think he coaches far fewer games, especially for the Dolphins. But as a Viking fan, I think Bud Grant has to rank up there as well.

Well, look at what that bastard Jimmy Johnson did to Miami. He ditched all the decent receivers Marino had and sent the team in a spiral of suckitude that lasted a long time.

[Kuroth]

Well, look at what that bastard Jimmy Johnson did to Miami. He ditched all the decent receivers Marino had and sent the team in a spiral of suckitude that lasted a long time.


Ahhhhh Yes BUT..................................


"HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" :D

[gstelmack]

Well, look at what that bastard Jimmy Johnson did to Miami. He ditched all the decent receivers Marino had and sent the team in a spiral of suckitude that lasted a long time.

That brings up an interesting point. How many of these old-time coaches are great not because they were particularly good coaches, but because in the pre-FA era they were able to stockpile awesome teams? Look how many have tanked or done at best mediocre since the FA system was brought into place.

I think that's what makes the things coaches like Belichik, Cowher, and Dungy have done all the more remarkable: build teams that are consistently successful year in and year out despite having significant turnover every season.

[AgustusM]

I think the biggest selling point for Shula besides the wins, is that he was extremely good at adapting.

When he had Unitas - he had a nice balanced attack, with the 70's Dolphins he won with Csonka and Morris and the inside/outside running game and then we he got Marino he adapted again and went with a passing attack. In all 3 scenarios he was able to win. SuperBowls, no, but NFL games yes.

too often football coaches try to make their players adapt to their system, rather then adapt the system to the player.

[kcchief19]

Take away his perfect season, and I think he coaches far fewer games, especially for the Dolphins. But as a Viking fan, I think Bud Grant has to rank up there as well.
That may be one of the funniest lines of thought I have ever seen. :)

[Schmidty]

So, is this out yet? I'm lazy and don't feel like reading anything in this thread.

[Eaglesfan27]

So, is this out yet? I'm lazy and don't feel like reading anything in this thread.

4 or 5 more days until it is out.

[SirFozzie]

6/20

[Hurst2112]

I have no idea why they are releasing this game on June 22. Why not wait until its closer to football season, and a month after Madden is released to release this game. I am sure a first generation game like this could easily use the extra couple months for testing.

cause they know that jim is releasing a new FOF/TCY combo in Sept and dorks like us will drop everything for that.

;) :p

[RoastDuck]

Shula is one of the most overrated coaches in NFL history. Sure he won the most games, but not the most important ones most of the time. With the Colts, he loses two championship games, 27-0 against Cleveland as an 18-point favorite, and 16-7 in SB III against the Jets as 19-point favorites. He very nearly blew his perfect season against the Skins. He inherits the most prolific passer in NFL history and can't even win one championship? And the one SB he makes with Marino he loses 38-16. How could he never get Marino a running game? If good coaching is a function of wins, championships and talent, he did less with more talent in big games than practically any other coach. Take away his perfect season, and I think he coaches far fewer games, especially for the Dolphins. But as a Viking fan, I think Bud Grant has to rank up there as well.

We drink from the same chalice. Marv Levy owned Shula.

[ice4277]

We drink from the same chalice.

That's a good way to get mono.

[wheels]

That may be one of the funniest lines of thought I have ever seen. :) My intended thought was that Grant was terrible coaching big games, too, and thus overrated.:)

[WSUCougar]

We drink from the same chalice
He chose poorly.

[stevew]

6/20

I could have sworn i saw 6/22, but that may have just been that demo.

[Galaril]

Geez, if Cowher hadn't won the super bowl he wouldn't be in there. Jeff Fisher deseves it as much as Cowher without the SB win.

[stevew]

Jeff fisher would still be playing in the NFL if Cowher hadn't ended his career.

[ice4277]

Geez, if Cowher hadn't won the super bowl he wouldn't be in there. Jeff Fisher deseves it as much as Cowher without the SB win.

Yeah but, even if you say all other things are equal, Cowher still won the Super Bowl.

[kcchief19]

My intended thought was that Grant was terrible coaching big games, too, and thus overrated.:)
That's a bit more clear. At first I thought you were accusing Shula of being overrated, but then arguing that Bud Grant was one of the top 10 coaches of all time. :)

But the argument that Shula is incomprehensible to me. There are plenty of people who argue that if you haven't won a title you aren't a great coach. I think that's arbitrary, but it's a valid line of thought. But critics of Shula take that line even further -- that Shula is overrated because he didn't win ENOUGH titles. I think that demonstrates a lack of understanding of how difficult it is to win even once title.

I'm pretty indifferent to Shula in that I'm neither a fan nor a detractor, but I think the only coaches you could argue were better than him would be a coach with more than one title -- and he was certainly better than some of those even.

The criticism that he never won a title with Marino has never made a whole lot of sense with me. This is a man who won a Super Bowl with Bob freakin' Griese an took "Woodstrock" to a Super Bowl too. But Shula wasn't the GM -- he wasn't the one buying the groceries. He had Marino and some occassionally above average wide receivers -- I think Marino made Mark "Super" Duper rather than the other way around -- but other than he had average talent on the offensive line and below average talent at running back. His defensive talent was probably average at best too, but Shula was always great at getting more out of his defense.

But would I rate him ahead of Bill Walsh and Vince Lombardi? No, that's just kooky.

[Mota]

Has anybody heard anything about backwards capability for the XBox 360? I don't have an Xbox but I would love to get this if it will be capability for the 360.

Judging by the fact that no EA Sports games are BC, I would doubt that this one will be. Until I start seeing some of these titles show up (I have Madden 2006 and Tiger Woods 2006), I doubt this game will EVER be BC.

[jbmagic]

On PC version is there anything going to be cut out compare to the console version.

In madden pc version they always have some things cut out compare to console version.

[stevew]

The newest issue of sporting news has an ad for the game, with a 6/22 RD.

[jaygr]

I saw a banner ad on a site the other day (sorry I don't recall which one) that also said a 6/22 in store date.

[rockboy70]

Fry's had it listed as in by 4pm on 6/22 and for $29.99.

[AgustusM]

http://images.ea.com/sports/nflheadcoach/_img/shippingpromo.gif

directly from the horses mouth (ea website) - Of course shipping means you almost certainly will not get it that day - but digital download should hopefully mean we will have the game in hand on Tuesday.

[joyosects]

Best buy says they'll have it Tuesday.

[jbmagic]

Only concern left is how realistic the sim stats will look like and how they compare with games we coach out.

[cwilloughby]

I'm having trouble getting the demo to run on my PC. I get a directx error when I try to run the application or from the shortcut saying it can't find a .dll file. I have directx 9c installed so I'm wondering what's up.

Here's the exact file name in the error which is not found: d3dx9_27.dll

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

For whatever reason, you are missing the D3D Extension DLL that the game was compiled against.

You can download it here (http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?d3dx9_27). Once downloaded, place it in the program's folder next to the executable.

Hope it helps...

[GreenMonster]

We drink from the same chalice. Marv Levy owned Shula.

Yes, Shula had the best QB and didn't win a Superbowl.. Levy had a top 5 QB, RB, WR along with the 2nd best D-End, and a slew of others on Defense. Your telling me Shula doesn't win with that talent, the Dolphins had half of what Levy had to work with..

[ice4277]

They actually had a two-page ad for this in the front of Sporting News this week. I was pretty surprised to see that.

Btw, the release date there is listed as 6/22.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm surprised that I just saw a TV ad for the game during the NBA Finals. Nice to see them doing some advertising.

[FBPro]

Nice.....I wish I could have seen it if I had even the slightest interest in hoops. :)

[Izulde]

I pre-ordered Head Coach at Gamestop today and they told me I could pick up Tuesday afternoon.

I got the XBox version because on the XBox website, they specifically say on there that their plan is to eventually have *all* XB games be BC on the 360.

Oh and the XB has better graphics than the PS2 usually.

[SirFozzie]

Hopefully, the folks at EA will link my store account and my EA account so I can predownload this.

[Eaglesfan27]

I called my Gamestop earlier today and they said my PC copy should be in on Tuesday as well.

[Barkeep49]

Hopefully, the folks at EA will link my store account and my EA account so I can predownload this.
Be careful. If you download it before they want you will have stolen the game. No matter that you paid for it. So don't steal the game you have bought by downloading it.

[FBPro]

Mine should be in at that time as well.

[SirFozzie]

Be careful. If you download it before they want you will have stolen the game. No matter that you paid for it. So don't steal the game you have bought by downloading it.


ah yes, a wonderful moment in FOFC history :)

[Galaril]

I am curious if they add any thing to your pc besides the game for the download copy. I mean I am assuming it is like steam and you have to be connected to the internet to play it.

[Chubby]

Be careful. If you download it before they want you will have stolen the game. No matter that you paid for it. So don't steal the game you have bought by downloading it.

You pirate :)

[JimboJ]

Sorry if this has been answered already... but how much of the coaches job can be deligated to assistants/handled by the CPU. I am interested in drafting, signing free agents, designing plays, and calling the plays in the game. Can I let the CPU handle all the other stuff (practices, motivational speeches, etc)?

[dervack]

I got the XBox version because on the XBox website, they specifically say on there that their plan is to eventually have *all* XB games be BC on the 360.


FYI, they have been saying that for a while now, and have very little EA Sports games BC.

[Northwood_DK]

Bill Cowher talk to Mike and Mike about the game this morning. EA must have paid a few dollars to get ESPN run that infomercial.

[spleen1015]

Bill Cowher talk to Mike and Mike about the game this morning. EA must have paid a few dollars to get ESPN run that infomercial.


ESPN is part of the game.

[Surtt]

Has anyone preordered from EA before?
Do they ship it early, so it arrives on the release day?
Or do they wait until release day to ship it?

[CraigSca]

In the past I've seen that people that pre-order from the site directly are usually the last to receive it. YMMV.

[Izulde]

FYI, they have been saying that for a while now, and have very little EA Sports games BC.

Fair enough, but you'd think with this particular version they'd eventually make it BC since there's no 360 incarnation of it.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sorry if this has been answered already... but how much of the coaches job can be deligated to assistants/handled by the CPU. I am interested in drafting, signing free agents, designing plays, and calling the plays in the game. Can I let the CPU handle all the other stuff (practices, motivational speeches, etc)?

You can sim through practices and therefore have the assistant coaches handle it, I'm 99% sure. Of course, they might not be as effective as you would be at running practice. As far as the motivational speeches, they are given during the game, and I think you have to do them or they don't get done.

[Pumpy Tudors]

The guys at GameStop were stunned when I asked to preorder the PC version of this game. It was like they'd never heard of preordering a PC game before. :) Anyway, I don't know whether to expect it on Tuesday or Wednesday, but I'm looking forward to bringing the Broncos to glory! Ron Dayne will have his day!!!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dola

About backwards compatibility, who's actually responsible for creating the BC software emulator for each game? Is it Microsoft or the game's developer?

[spleen1015]

Dola

About backwards compatibility, who's actually responsible for creating the BC software emulator for each game? Is it Microsoft or the game's developer?

My understanding is that Microsoft is and they have to have permission from the developer in order to do it.

[jbmagic]

My Best Buy ad that came out on Sundays shows this game will be in on Wednesday at 5:00PM.


Usually Fry's has a special on the first week of a game release.

And Best Buy usually has a sale on there EA sports release like a week or 2 after the game comes out.

[Passacaglia]

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 7 (4 members and 3 guests)
Passacaglia, bgrubby9191, JimboJ, Joe Stallings

Hey Joe....where you goin', with that gun in your hand?

[Terps]

I'm disappointed that you can only play 5 minute quarters.

[jbmagic]

Is no one concern how the sim stats will be like?

Especially if you coach out the games and you want to compare your stats with the sim stats.

[spleen1015]

I'm disappointed that you can only play 5 minute quarters.

Has anyone confirmed that the quarters will be 5 minutes in the final version?

[KWhit]

There is so much that concerns me about this game. I have very low expectations of it and I'm amazed that so many people are preordering it.

[dervack]

Fair enough, but you'd think with this particular version they'd eventually make it BC since there's no 360 incarnation of it.
Hmm, what about MVP College Baseball or Arena Football?

[Emiliano]

I'm disappointed that you can only play 5 minute quarters.
Me too, very disappointed. In fact, if this is true, it's a HUGE game-killer to me. I am still very interested in how this game plays out, but I won't pre-order anymore. I'll wait for some impressions from you guys, and then make my decision.

[Greyroofoo]

Gah! Worst interface ever

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm disappointed that you can only play 5 minute quarters.

Where has it been confirmed that you can only play 5 minute quarters? I've scoured websites and haven't seen that confirmed anywhere.

[spleen1015]

Where has it been confirmed that you can only play 5 minute quarters? I've scoured websites and haven't seen that confirmed anywhere.

I haven't been able to find it either.

I hope that one of you guys that have pre-ordered confirms this ASAP, so that I can go get it ASAP. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I haven't been able to find it either.

I hope that one of you guys that have pre-ordered confirms this ASAP, so that I can go get it ASAP. :)

I hope to be commenting on this issue tomorrow, assuming my copy arrives at the store ok. Since I'm on vacation, I'm planning on a marathon session with plenty of impressions tomorrow.

[Vince]

Is no one concern how the sim stats will be like?

Especially if you coach out the games and you want to compare your stats with the sim stats.

I think I'm more concerned with the AI.

No, seriously. It sounds like running the practices yourself is the best idea to get the most out of your players, but I see it as something akin to time management in TCY -- once you figure it out, it's just a routine exercise. Seems to me like as players, we'll probably be able to 'ace' it after a while, while the AI won't, because of 'realism.' So our options will be to A) have the coaches handle it, not get as much as possible out of our team, but not gain an edge on the computer AI, or B) Do it ourselves and get a leg up on the AI for doing the best we can.

[Kuroth]

This does not sound good..

Go here

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=79843&tstart=0

[DaddyTorgo]

This does not sound good..

Go here

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=79843&tstart=0

yeahhh...that's making me go "whoa i'm waiting until i can see if the 5 minute quarters work or there's a patch/mod"

too bad EA, almost had me there

[cartman]

Jeebus we are a bunch of whiny biatches. First we have a 100 page thread about a football game that's too customizable, and now we are slamming another game for not being customizable enough. ;)

That being said, I haven't been inspired to write a parody song about NFL Head Coach. (yet :D )

[CraigSca]

Wow. Completely cheezy.

[Buccaneer]

Gah! Worst interface ever

Someone says that of every single game that has ever been released.

[Riggins44]

This does not sound good..

Go here

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=79843&tstart=0

I think expectations are WAY too high. Madden is not realistic statistically and this game is based on the Madden engine. All we can realistically hope for is a fun game that rewards you for your football savy... or something.

[Surtt]

There is so much that concerns me about this game. I have very low expectations of it and I'm amazed that so many people are preordering it.


I am disappointed in myself too,
It was a moment of weakness.

I read a few pages back,that, there will be no draft busts.
Right there it tells me this game is not meant for us but the madden crowd.

[Logan]

This does not sound good..

Go here

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?threadID=79843&tstart=0

I only read the first page of that thread (I think it's at 10 pages as of when I'm reading it), so maybe someone brought this up later...but that person's complaint is that you can kill a 5 minute quarter in 7 running plays. My question is...how is that different than Madden? Why is that an issue now?

[Passacaglia]

I only read the first page of that thread (I think it's at 10 pages as of when I'm reading it), so maybe someone brought this up later...but that person's complaint is that you can kill a 5 minute quarter in 7 running plays. My question is...how is that different than Madden? Why is that an issue now?

I think this game is supposed to appeal to those who want realism more.

[TroyF]

I only read the first page of that thread (I think it's at 10 pages as of when I'm reading it), so maybe someone brought this up later...but that person's complaint is that you can kill a 5 minute quarter in 7 running plays. My question is...how is that different than Madden? Why is that an issue now?


In Madden you can change the quarter length to compensate for play style. Five minute quarters are a big warning bell for me.

For starters, it butchers the 2 minute drill. (I made this point above) Beyond that, it's going to be really tough to get the amount of plays correct. And if the computer coaches aren't set to identify the changes, we are going to see them start to use their timeouts in a close game at the BEGINNING of the fourth quarter.

Why they couldn't have had 15 minutes with an accelerated clock or have made it an option is insanity.

[SirFozzie]

Lovely. They just told me that since I bought it from the EA store, I can't use the EA downloader.

Which makes NO fucking sense what so ever when you think about it.

[Blade6119]

I think this game is supposed to appeal to those who want realism more.
Nay, this game is supposed to appeal to buyers, whoever it may be.

[Logan]

In Madden you can change the quarter length to compensate for play style. Five minute quarters are a big warning bell for me.

For starters, it butchers the 2 minute drill. (I made this point above) Beyond that, it's going to be really tough to get the amount of plays correct. And if the computer coaches aren't set to identify the changes, we are going to see them start to use their timeouts in a close game at the BEGINNING of the fourth quarter.

Why they couldn't have had 15 minutes with an accelerated clock or have made it an option is insanity.

I guess it just depends on how you play. I've always played Madden on 5 min quarters and never had issues with getting off enough plays to be realistic. Of course, I don't wind the clock down, and don't spend a large portion of the clock picking the play since usually I'll know exactly what I want to run. But I understand the concern of others.

[AgustusM]

I only read the first page of that thread (I think it's at 10 pages as of when I'm reading it), so maybe someone brought this up later...but that person's complaint is that you can kill a 5 minute quarter in 7 running plays. My question is...how is that different than Madden? Why is that an issue now?

It HAS been an issue in Madden and one only partially solved by accel clock.

It drives me crazy that NONE of the game developers can get this straight - make a 15 minute game with accel clock that averages the # of plays that is averaged in the NFL - What is so fucking hard to understand about that???? allow the 10 year old A.D.D. joystick jockeys who only care about TD dances to reduce the time because they are incapable of concentration on one thing for that long, but for the love of god at least have the option to play a realistic amount of plays in there.

(anger and frustration directed at game designers, not the quoted post or anyone else)

[AgustusM]

Nay, this game is supposed to appeal to buyers, whoever it may be.

that is absurd - every product has a target market. Makers of organic tofu cubes don't spend a lot of time advertising on NASCAR.

This game was made for the target market of people who want a realistic NFL sim - if they try to make this Madden with the added feature that you can't control the players this will be a one trick pony.

The average Madden Joystick Jockey doesn't even understand why this game is being read (I have read their posts on other forums) this game MUST appeal and appease the type of people that buy FOF and OOTP and the like or it will not make it.

[Galaril]

Wow, WTF 5 minute quarters?! Well, that just solved my problem of whether to buy this EA "poser" or the real deal FM 2006. FM it is.

[DaddyTorgo]

Wow, WTF 5 minute quarters?! Well, that just solved my prblem of whether to buy this EA "poser" or the real deal FM 2006. FM it is.

i feel like this has to be a huge deal-breaker. personally i know i could spend almost the whole 30 second clock talking to players, selecting a play, etc.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, that is very disappointing about the 5 minute quarters. Hopefully, it can be modded to make the time of possession more realistic. I'm still (probably foolishly) looking forward to picking this up tomorrow.

[jbmagic]

I wonder how many minutes per quarter the sim games going to be?

[DaddyTorgo]

Well, that is very disappointing about the 5 minute quarters. Hopefully, it can be modded to make the time of possession more realistic. I'm still (probably foolishly) looking forward to picking this up tomorrow.

i'll be holding off to see if the quarter length can be successfully modded or if (for some reason) this isn't as much of a deal breaker for me as it seems to be from initial reports.

[Eaglesfan27]

i'll be holding off to see if the quarter length can be successfully modded or if (for some reason) this isn't as much of a deal breaker for me as it seems to be from initial reports.

I'll be posting stats of my first few games. I'm hoping the guy from Maddennation is right, and that I can still get off a decent number of plays while talking to my guys..

[MacroGuru]

I'll be posting stats of my first few games. I'm hoping the guy from Maddennation is right, and that I can still get off a decent number of plays while talking to my guys..

Right now Wal-mart is touting a release of the 22nd, I stopped by a rhino to see if they had it, and they are saying the 23rd, I hope the download version is out before then.

[SegRat]

Another new video up on gametrailers.com.
At the end of the video they show the number 1 coach of all time.



Don Schula

[jbmagic]

I think some of you guys are too anxious for the game. Its hard to back down now after reading about it for so long. Its human nature to feel like that.

Its probably best to wait for first game impressions before buying the game.

[CraigSca]

Another new video up on gametrailers.com.
At the end of the video they show the number 1 coach of all time.



Don Schula

Man, Don Shula was robbed!

[jbmagic]

First game Impressions by Madden Nation

http://maddennation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58191

[jbmagic]

dola

Check out this blog.

http://blog.myspace.com/maddennation

[Chubby]

I'm glad I didn't preorder

[Pumpy Tudors]

Just to show a different type of person, let me give my take on this game.

I don't care if the quarters are only 5 minutes long.
I don't care what the sim stats for the other games look like.
I don't care if there are draft busts.
I don't care if I "solve" team practices.

I'm not saying this just to seem like a dissenting bad-ass. I just really don't care. For me, if the game is fun and I enjoy coaching my team, I'll be very happy. Of course it would be nice if things were improved, but I have yet to see something that completely turns me off from this game. I'm still very excited about the release of this game. Perhaps my expectations aren't very high, and I accept that this game might end up being a disappointment to me, but I'm still planning to spend a lot of time with NFL Head Coach.

[JimboJ]

Just to show a different type of person, let me give my take on this game.

I don't care if the quarters are only 5 minutes long.
I don't care what the sim stats for the other games look like.
I don't care if there are draft busts.
I don't care if I "solve" team practices.

I'm not saying this just to seem like a dissenting bad-ass. I just really don't care. For me, if the game is fun and I enjoy coaching my team, I'll be very happy. Of course it would be nice if things were improved, but I have yet to see something that completely turns me off from this game. I'm still very excited about the release of this game. Perhaps my expectations aren't very high, and I accept that this game might end up being a disappointment to me, but I'm still planning to spend a lot of time with NFL Head Coach.

I feel the same way. I don't expect the game to be perfect, because how many games are perfect in their first release? How many versions of FOF did it take before it became the game we were all looking for?

I will buy it regardless of the reviews, mainly because I have been waiting years for this type of game to come out (since the FPS days). If we don't support this version, there may not be another version.

[Eaglesfan27]

I feel the same way. I don't expect the game to be perfect, because how many games are perfect in their first release? How many versions of FOF did it take before it became the game we were all looking for?

I will buy it regardless of the reviews, mainly because I have been waiting years for this type of game to come out (since the FPS days). If we don't support this version, there may not be another version.


I agree with this, particularly the last paragraph.

[AgustusM]

I don't expect the game to be perfect, I have yet to find one that is.

But 2 things really bother me about the clock:

1. first and foremost - this is typical EA - why give the user options when we can lock everything down - why should they care if I want to play 1 minute quarters or 7 hour quarters. I saw another post about not being able to change uniform numbers - why EA why, what is your obsession with control - so many little details in EA games are locked and limited when they should be open - If I want to change my backup WR to shoe# 4,789 that is uusally an option - but if I want to change his number so he doesn't have the same number as a hall of famer with a retired number, nope sorry.:mad:
'

2. 15 min accel clock was included and worked in the 1984 XOR NFL Challenge game - you have obvious brilliant programmers, why can't they sort out this simple and vital detail when they have been making football games for 15 years and this was working over 20 year ago.

does any of this mean I am not going to buy this game, HELL NO! I might buy it ten times so the sales go up, I will buy it the first second I get my hands on it - but damn EA why do you always come so close - but ALWAYS do something that F***s it all up?

[yabanci]

you can't play out a full sixty minute game, but you can dress your players up like barbie dolls. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

http://www.maddennation.com/headcoach/screens/coachclothes.jpg

[Vinatieri for Prez]

It would seem to me that 5 minute quarters kills any chance at a good sim. You can essentially knock the legs out from any offensive team by running the ball -- and you don't even have to be good at it. While this is acceptable in joystick Madden mostly because I reach across the room and punch the other player if he tries to kill time like this, how do you avoid this in a multiplayer sim? Or am I going to hear there is not a multiplayer sim? But hey, picking your coach's clothing, now there's something to spend time on. Dumb.

I already see this as a watered down sim that will not satisfy the joystick guys or the realism sports sim player. I don't believe there is an in-between market.

I did see the first commercial on ESPN however with Jeff Fisher, and it was pretty funny.

[ice4277]

While I'm a little disappointed in the clock issue, it is an EA game. I think maybe some folks were expecting a little too much on the realism side here. I will never play an EA game looking for the most realistic, deep stats and simulations. I have text sims for that. I can look past most EA issues as long as the gameplay is relatively fun and somewhat within the bounds of reality. I haven't enjoyed the latest Madden or NCAA releases, but its not because I felt the sim engine was off. I'm going to give this a chance for sure, but never had any preconceived notions that we would be getting FOF-like stats.

[GrantDawg]

I already see this as a watered down sim that will not satisfy the joystick guys or the realism sports sim player. I don't believe there is an in-between market.


*Raises hand*

I think there are several "in-between" guys in this thread.

As for the old "don't expect deep stats, perfect stats, etc." from EA. I don't. I just expect close. I just can't see any way this game will be close at this point. 5 minute quarters are going to kill any feel of realism, and most likely screw up the stats. I had been expecting a bug that EA never fixes (s.o.p. for EA), but to just out of the box make such a moronic design decision? I guess that shouldn't surprise me either.

[CraigSca]

The thing is, considering the power of today's PCs and consoles, having the best of both worlds (fun gameplay AND realistic stats) is not outside the realm of possibility. Why can't we expect both? I really don't think it's too much to ask.

[TroyF]

The thing is, considering the power of today's PCs and consoles, having the best of both worlds (fun gameplay AND realistic stats) is not outside the realm of possibility. Why can't we expect both? I really don't think it's too much to ask.


Agreed. This is one of those decisions that is just baffling to me. 15 minute quarters, accelerated clock. It's simple. It allows you the time to talk to your guys and get plays off. It also allows for realistic stats.

They just made a sim where realism is the key and took out clock management out of the equation. I just don't understand it.

[spleen1015]

I am finding it hard to want this game now. I want it, but I feel like every time I play I'll be bothered by this. I'll just want to see what you guys think before I take the plunge.

[jbmagic]

I don't understand why 5 mins quarters only.

Usually long drives takeup 4 mins plus.

There going to be quarters where the other team won't have possession at all.


The other questions is if sims only games stats is based on 15 mins quarters, then the games we coach out wont match when it comes to stats.

The NFl averages 120 plays for both team combine in a game. I don't see us reaching that with 5 mins quarters too.

[KWhit]

This game is really going to suck. If it doesn't have a solid game engine that can produce reasonable stats, how is this different than playing Madden and only calling the plays?

What is new here? The fact that you can click on a player and give him a motivational speech? Please.

[stevew]

Just to show a different type of person, let me give my take on this game.

I don't care if the quarters are only 5 minutes long.
I don't care what the sim stats for the other games look like.
I don't care if there are draft busts.
I don't care if I "solve" team practices.

I'm not saying this just to seem like a dissenting bad-ass. I just really don't care. For me, if the game is fun and I enjoy coaching my team, I'll be very happy. Of course it would be nice if things were improved, but I have yet to see something that completely turns me off from this game. I'm still very excited about the release of this game. Perhaps my expectations aren't very high, and I accept that this game might end up being a disappointment to me, but I'm still planning to spend a lot of time with NFL Head Coach.

I just want a fun game too. Realism would be nice. I used to just sim out Madden back in the day(maybe play 1-2 games a year), cause it was fun. I think I'll have a good time with this.

[jbmagic]

How could it be fun, if you only might get two possessions for the entire game?

It can happen if you have two long drive and the cpu team has 2 long drives thats at least 5 mins plus.

[wade moore]

How could it be fun, if you only might get two possessions for the entire game?

It can happen if you have two long drive and the cpu team has 2 long drives thats at least 5 mins plus.

You're comparing apples and oranges. In general, I'm sure they're not going to use the whole play clock.

[AgustusM]

This game is really going to suck. If it doesn't have a solid game engine that can produce reasonable stats, how is this different than playing Madden and only calling the plays?

What is new here? The fact that you can click on a player and give him a motivational speech? Please.

I agree - the only chance this game has is to be "better" then Madden in areas of realism - the "talk to players" aspect is the aspect I least care about, the most likely to turn into Terrell davis type phone calls and the one I am going to have to do instead of want to do. GM and in game play calling and clock management is what would make this game great.

[Barkeep49]

How could it be fun, if you only might get two possessions for the entire game?

It can happen if you have two long drive and the cpu team has 2 long drives thats at least 5 mins plus.
Now that's just silly. jb it seems like you're going out of your way to find faults with games without experience in the matter.

[AgustusM]

digital download = good

not knowing when they are going to make it available = bad

[jbmagic]

Now that's just silly. jb it seems like you're going out of your way to find faults with games without experience in the matter.


Its been stated the quarters will be 5 mins long. Those are the facts and Its not like I am the only one disappointed about it.

I just saying you and the cpu team might have long drives. And if that happens you won't have many possessions.

I guess we will find out soon when more people get the game. And we read more first game impressions on it.

I hope I am wrong and the game is great.

[jaygr]

Maybe I am one of those inbetween guys. I haven't played the game yet, but in theory, the 5 minute quarters don't bug me. I am glad that I don't care quite as much as others about realism (that is not a dig- I really am glad because maybe I will really enjoy this game). I kind of like that the games might be quick too. I don't have nearly as much time to play games as I used to, and admittedly I am not some great playcaller or game planner so I really don't go particulary crazy over that in the game. I just try to call the right plays, have fun, and try to win. I also don't mind if the stats aren't fully realistic to real life, I just figure that hey, in my little sim world here, those are the stats.

I hate to say it, but I don't know that this game was meant for the hardcore sim crowd. I know a lot of you would like it to be and I understand your frustration. I really think this game was meant for Madden guys who have a bigger of interest in the franchise mode. If they made it a hardcore sim, then it probably wouldn't be worth the money they put into it (poor sales probably as the hardcore sim crowd probably isn't huge.) Again, I know why a lot of you are upset, but at the same time I think EA had to try to balance between hardcore simmers and Madden junkies. But at the same time hopefully that means great sales, and them making new versions that hopefully fix a lot of issues and also maybe even lead to similar series for different sports.

[Barkeep49]

Its been stated the quarters will be 5 mins long. Those are the facts and Its not like I am the only one disappointed about it.

I just saying you and the cpu team might have long drives. And if that happens you won't have many possessions.

I guess we will find out soon when more people get the game. And we read more first game impressions on it.

I hope I am wrong and the game is great.
I say it's silly because have you played Madden? In 5 minute quarters you and the computer don't have 1 drive each half even if you grind it out every play.

It's one thing to be disappointed in the 5 minute quarters. It's another to suggest that the game designers were so incompetent as to create a game that approaches neither realistic nor fun.

[stevew]

digital download = good

not knowing when they are going to make it available = bad
Yeah, looks like they f'd up the whole "99% download" till release date thing. I'm sure the link will come up soon, hopefully.

[Toddzilla]

you can't play out a full sixty minute game, but you can dress your players up like barbie dolls. Not exactly what I was hoping for.Maximum Custo....aw, fuck it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Not to pick on anybody in particular here, but jbmagic touched on something that I thought about saying earlier.

I guess we will find out soon when more people get the game. And we read more first game impressions on it.

I hope I am wrong and the game is great.
All the first impressions in the world won't change the fact that the quarters are 5 minutes long. That kills the game for a lot of people, and there's no way around it (at least not without mods). Having looked over the features and such, a lot of people have made up their minds about this game. I'm having a hard time imagining anything that would get them to change their minds.

Really, what could we possibly say to make people think, "Oh, now I don't care that the quarters are only 5 minutes long!"? Anything? Anything at all?

[Surtt]

you can't play out a full sixty minute game, but you can dress your players up like barbie dolls. Not exactly what I was hoping for.

http://www.maddennation.com/headcoach/screens/coachclothes.jpg


EA must be feeling the pressure from Maximum Football.

[MizzouRah]

5 min quarters? Figures...........

[Mustang]

Eh, oh well. I preordered not because I'm looking for some super realistic sim, I just ordered because I'm looking for something to screw around with an have fun with. 5 minute quarters isn't going to kill it for me because it doesn't kill it for me playing Madden so, hey.. house rule for me. Don't drain the clock with running 5 running plays... (Of course, if the CPU is taking advantage of this, that is a different story but, I didn't detect the CPU taking advantage of it in Madden so..)

Of course, I can completely understand why some people would be completely turned off to the game.

[AgustusM]

Yeah, looks like they f'd up the whole "99% download" till release date thing. I'm sure the link will come up soon, hopefully.

no doubt

[Kuroth]

I went by my local Gamestop Sunday to pick up FIFA 2006 World Cup for my PC (Not a bad game)… Anyway I was talking to them and I said hey you guys still getting in head coach on the 20th.. They said yea and they pulled out this big box with these cool looking button up black short sleeve shirts with the EA logo and they had NFL Head Coach on them… They said they were for people that Pre ordered.. I had never heard of or seen this shirt pre order special.. Anyway I told the guy I had pre order on-line from Gamestop and he said after I get the game bring in my receipt and if they have any left he will give me one…. They really did look pretty sweet…

At this point I am worried the shirt might be better then the game..

[KWhit]

Maybe I am one of those inbetween guys. I haven't played the game yet, but in theory, the 5 minute quarters don't bug me. I am glad that I don't care quite as much as others about realism (that is not a dig- I really am glad because maybe I will really enjoy this game). I kind of like that the games might be quick too. I don't have nearly as much time to play games as I used to, and admittedly I am not some great playcaller or game planner so I really don't go particulary crazy over that in the game. I just try to call the right plays, have fun, and try to win. I also don't mind if the stats aren't fully realistic to real life, I just figure that hey, in my little sim world here, those are the stats.

The problem though is that it appears that the games that are simmed will generate more plays per game than when you play your games out. So you'll have AI controlled RBs that get 500 carries per season, where your top guy can only get to 400 due to you having to play 5 minute quarters limiting the # of plays you can run. So your stats will not be able to be compared to the rest of the league.

I hate to say it, but I don't know that this game was meant for the hardcore sim crowd. I know a lot of you would like it to be and I understand your frustration. I really think this game was meant for Madden guys who have a bigger of interest in the franchise mode.

But I really don't understand how the core gameplay is any different from Madden's minus the player-control. Can't you pretty much do everything in Madden that you can do in Head Coach? The only thing I noticed was the fact that you can give your players pep-talks. Without a solid kick-ass stats engine, this game doesn't add anything to what you can already get in Madden. (Unless I'm missing something, which is possible)...

[AgustusM]

I really think this game was meant for Madden guys who have a bigger of interest in the franchise mode.

If I was a "Madden" guy - I would look at this game as Madden but I can't control the players, what is the point in that - I CAN DO THAT NOW!

I think EA looked at the numbers that FM, OOTP and the like have been doing - they remember the former competition they had in FB Pro and they are trying to maximize their exclusive NFL license.

But if they really are going with "hey its Madden, you just don't get to move your players but you DO get to tell them "buck up little camper!" then this is going to me a miserable failure.

[SegRat]

Damn, my gamestop, after telling me yesterday that they would have it today, are now telling me they will have it tomorrow.

[SegRat]

dola, they also said they are sold out of the first shipment on preorders.

[Eaglesfan27]

The problem though is that it appears that the games that are simmed will generate more plays per game than when you play your games out. So you'll have AI controlled RBs that get 500 carries per season, where your top guy can only get to 400 due to you having to play 5 minute quarters limiting the # of plays you can run. So your stats will not be able to be compared to the rest of the league.



But I really don't understand how the core gameplay is any different from Madden's minus the player-control. Can't you pretty much do everything in Madden that you can do in Head Coach? The only thing I noticed was the fact that you can give your players pep-talks. Without a solid kick-ass stats engine, this game doesn't add anything to what you can already get in Madden. (Unless I'm missing something, which is possible)...

I agree with your first paragraph. That is the thing that worries me the most about 5 minute quarters, that I won't be able to get the stats that the rest of the league has, even if I coach great. Then again, RAC did get 50 plays off supposedly in his first game.

As far as the 2nd paragraph, I think the core gameplay looks similar, but from the demo, it appears the coach only mode in madden plays VASTLY inferior to this. The QB's in the demo appear to react much more realistically with their reads, their scrambles, and running plays actually seem to work.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

I'm really hoping some inteliigent fan of the game, will be able to mod the PC version to make the quarters either customizable or at least 10 minutes long. If they could somehow make it 15 minutes with accelerated clock, I would hail them as one of the greatest modders ever.

[spleen1015]

Maybe I need to play it and see the game, but I don't see how you can do all of the things that are going to be a part of the game and get realistic stats with 5 minute quarters.

Could it be that I am thinking that motiviating your players will play a bigger role than it should?

In playing the demo, those 1 minute quarters went by pretty quickly, granted I'm still not used to the game, but sheesh!

[Eaglesfan27]

After telling me on Saturday that I'd be able to pick it up today, my gamestop is now saying that their shipment "likely" won't arrive until tomorrow morning. :(

[Adamski47]

Tecmo Super Bowl had 5 minute quarters and was the best football game of all time. As long as we can coach up our players to run zig zags for an average of 15.8 ypc the game will play fine.

[stevew]

Tecmo Super Bowl had 5 minute quarters and was the best football game of all time. As long as we can coach up our players to run zig zags for an average of 15.8 ypc the game will play fine.
yeah, speaking of which, we need tecmo 2007 to come out.

[Pumpy Tudors]

From "EA Cadillac" on the official EA forums:

Hey gang.

All indications that I can see over here at EA are that this product is going to be available for download at 12:00 AM (midnight) on 6/23/06. That's roughly 5:00PM California time on Thursday. This could change though. I can add that we are busting tail over here trying to get it out in the best state possible. Also, there looks like there will be a Day 1 patch for the retail version. The downloader version will not need this patch that really only comes into play with multiplayer online.

We'll keep you posted and please accept my apologies about the delay!

Then later:

The retail version should street today but there could be a delay even there with various retailers depending on their distribution chain. The delay related to the downloadable version is related to the software encryption that protects this installation. This has to work perfectly.

We'll update the websites but like I mentioned earlier, if we don't get the digital version right soon the 23rd date could change.

Don't kill the messenger!

Wouldn't it be a kick in the pants to find out that Digital River is involved with this somehow?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Dola

Also, this dude apparently can't tell time if he thinks midnight is 5pm California time. Well, maybe EA is now running their operation out of Iceland, but I don't know.

[Mustang]

Dola

Also, this dude apparently can't tell time if he thinks midnight is 5pm California time. Well, maybe EA is now running their operation out of Iceland, but I don't know.

If the servers are running at using 12:00 AM GMT then, it would be 5:00 PM I think.. (or 4..)

edit: Actually.. must be since the game will be avail at midnight Friday and Thursday afternoon in California.

[Pumpy Tudors]

If the servers are running at using 12:00 AM GMT then, it would be 5:00 PM I think.. (or 4..)
Yep, it would be 4pm California time, so the dude is still out of his tree. :)

[wade moore]

Dola

Also, this dude apparently can't tell time if he thinks midnight is 5pm California time. Well, maybe EA is now running their operation out of Iceland, but I don't know.

Funny that that was the statement that stuck out most for me too... "uhhh... if you can't get this right"... ;)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I called the GameStop at which I preordered the game, and the guy told me that it'd be in on Friday. I told him that I preordered, and then he said that they may have it tomorrow. This release isn't quite at NCAA Football 06 levels, but it's still kinda messed up. Most companies can give you a release date. EA Sports gives you a release week and lets you fend for yourself.

[stevew]

Dola

Also, this dude apparently can't tell time if he thinks midnight is 5pm California time. Well, maybe EA is now running their operation out of Iceland, but I don't know.

Ack, that's seriously alarming.

[Izulde]

The 5 minute quarters thing does suck a little bit, because it means to get semi-realistic stats for your starters you'll have to turn fatigue off and never put your backups in. (This is what I do in all my NCAA and Madden games actually, because I can't be bothered with longer games).

[Izulde]

Ugh! Just called my Gamestop and they provided another confirmation. They said EA delayed the shipping another day and they should have it tomorrow.

I am beyond pissed right now. Today's the only day I have off this week and I specifically pre-ordered so I could get it today. :mad:

Fucking EA.

[Pumpy Tudors]

It's funny how the Madden release dates never seem to get fucked up this way, but NCAA and now Head Coach bounce around more than Doug Brien. It's nuts.

[Surtt]

This confuses me.
Assuming all the disks are pressed more then a day in advance, what does this gain them?

[AgustusM]

EA makes we wish I was all encompassing king more then any other thing on earth.

If I were supreme ruler - I would force the talented programmers to create a realistic next gen NFL football sim and I would have the people responsible for delays and stupid decisions like 5 minute quarters put to death in a long painful public display.

oh, yeah and two chicks at the same time...

[yabanci]

Not to pick on anybody in particular here, but jbmagic touched on something that I thought about saying earlier.

All the first impressions in the world won't change the fact that the quarters are 5 minutes long. That kills the game for a lot of people, and there's no way around it (at least not without mods). Having looked over the features and such, a lot of people have made up their minds about this game. I'm having a hard time imagining anything that would get them to change their minds.

Really, what could we possibly say to make people think, "Oh, now I don't care that the quarters are only 5 minutes long!"? Anything? Anything at all?

If people report that they're seeing an average of about 125 plays per game, then the length of the quarters isn't so much of an issue.

If it's a 3 to 1 time ratio and you can fit everything that happens in a 15 minute quarter into 5 minutes, fair enough. But if you're only seeing 50 or 100 plays per game, that changes everything and it's no longer an NFL coaching sim, because you're only playing partial games. It would be like having a baseball sim with 5 inning games.

[KWhit]

If people report that they're seeing an average of about 125 plays per game, then the length of the quarters isn't so much of an issue.

If it's a 3 to 1 time ratio and you can fit everything that happens in a 15 minute quarter into 5 minutes, fair enough. But if you're only seeing 50 or 100 plays per game, that changes everything and it's no longer an NFL coaching sim, because you're only playing partial games. It would be like having a baseball sim with 5 inning games.

Yep. That's the million dollar question.

[Terps]

I don't see how you could get a realistic amount of plays on 5 minutes. I can eat up a whole quarter in that time.

[FBPro]

I don't see how you could get a realistic amount of plays on 5 minutes. I can eat up a whole quarter in that time.
The whole key is that the game was designed "apparently" for the average video gamer and it appears that he couldn't give a rat's A about the clock or clock management. I'm going into it with the attitude that the I want to just rattle off plays.

[Antmeister]

The whole key is that the game was designed "apparently" for the average video gamer and it appears that he couldn't give a rat's A about the clock or clock management. I'm going into it with the attitude that the I want to just rattle off plays.

It's very hard for me to swallow that this is for the average video gamer. If that were the case, a number of features would have been way more streamlined to avoid most of the day to day activities.

If they are going to cut down the quarters to a third of an average NFL quarter, then the 2:00 warning should be reduced to about 40 seconds to compensate. I hope that this is the case.

If this is the case and I can still rattle out a number of plays that meet the NFL average, then I will be fine with that.

[AgustusM]

The whole key is that the game was designed "apparently" for the average video gamer and it appears that he couldn't give a rat's A about the clock or clock management. I'm going into it with the attitude that the I want to just rattle off plays.

but like one of the previous posts - how would the "average" video gamer feel about a baseball game that only played 5 innings?

[AgustusM]

The biggest frustration comes in the fact that IT IS SO FRIKKIN EASY to keep the quarter length adjustable - in fact that is the way it already is on the game they based in on (Madden.) So they actually had to CHANGE it so it wouldn't be adjustable.

Who was the numbnuts that suggest "hey lets force them to play a certain amount of time, instead of letting the player decide"

it is very true that you can't please everyone, but it sure is a hell of a lot easier to not piss off so many people if you give the end user the OPTION to play the game they want to.

DAMN EA is fucking stupid sometimes.

[wade moore]

I don't see how you could get a realistic amount of plays on 5 minutes. I can eat up a whole quarter in that time.

Have you ever actually PLAYED Madden?

Most people play with it at 6 or 7 minute quarters to get it at a realistic # of plays, so this is not that far-fetched to me.

To me this is a lot of squawking about something that just may not be THAT big of a deal.

[AgustusM]

Have you ever actually PLAYED Madden?

Most people play with it at 6 or 7 minute quarters to get it at a realistic # of plays, so this is not that far-fetched to me.

To me this is a lot of squawking about something that just may not be THAT big of a deal.

I reiterate - make the default 5 minutes, make the option to change it something I have to unlock, make it so I have to send EA 14 cans of crushed pineapple to get it adjustable - just make the damn thing adjustable

I don't care if some people like to play 5 minutes, great for them , play 1 minute quraters, 30 second quarters or whatever the hell you want. What I don't understand is the people telling me that I SHOULD like to play 5 minute quarters.

[TroyF]

http://www.sportsgamer.blogspot.com/

From Bill Abner.

Biggest fear realized. . . the CPU treats the clock as though it were a 15 minute clock. It starts calling TO's and knees that ball with 1 minute left in the game.

Ugh.

[Chubby]

the only way I'm buying this is if it's for the PC and there's a patch already out that fixes this crap.

[WVUFAN]

Have you ever actually PLAYED Madden?

Most people play with it at 6 or 7 minute quarters to get it at a realistic # of plays, so this is not that far-fetched to me.

To me this is a lot of squawking about something that just may not be THAT big of a deal.

Yeah, that never gives me realistic plays. It gives me realistic offensive stats, but defensive stats and TOP are always screwy when compared to the simmed games in a league (which are simmed with 15 minute quarters). Madden is an ARCADE game, whereas Head Coach is a (well, supposed to be) a simulation. Playing it without the option of longer quarters for more realism is inexcusable and lazy on the developers part.

And, for me, it's a dealbreaker. I cancelled my pre-order this morning when I found out.

[wade moore]

I reiterate - make the default 5 minutes, make the option to change it something I have to unlock, make it so I have to send EA 14 cans of crushed pineapple to get it adjustable - just make the damn thing adjustable

I don't care if some people like to play 5 minutes, great for them , play 1 minute quraters, 30 second quarters or whatever the hell you want. What I don't understand is the people telling me that I SHOULD like to play 5 minute quarters.

I love it when people assume things are "easy"... Quarter length I imagine effects many things...

*shrug*... this game may be a piece of crap, i wouldn't doubt it.. but to be hanging the fate of this game on quarter length seems quite a bit silly to me, especially knowing it is a first-gen game.

[Antmeister]

http://www.sportsgamer.blogspot.com/

From Bill Abner.

Biggest fear realized. . . the CPU treats the clock as though it were a 15 minute clock. It starts calling TO's and knees that ball with 1 minute left in the game.

Ugh.

Not cool.

[AgustusM]

I love it when people assume things are "easy"... Quarter length I imagine effects many things...

*shrug*... this game may be a piece of crap, i wouldn't doubt it.. but to be hanging the fate of this game on quarter length seems quite a bit silly to me, especially knowing it is a first-gen game.

90% of this game is simply Madden with a few things added and a few things taken out.

If quarter length is adjustable in Madden, exactly how would it be "hard" to have it be adjustable here.

quarter length IS a huge issue - would it bother you if the quarter length was set at 5 seconds, 29 hours? Obviously the length of the quarter impacts EVERYTHING in the game from stats to progression - there are few things that are in the game that are so centrally important.

[jbmagic]

Bill Abner Review


Head Coach Pt 2

It would seem that the games are in fact set to 5 min. quarters w/o the ability to change it. This was my experience with playing an Exhibition game between the Browns and 49ers. Maybe you can change it when starting youir "career" but a default game is set in stone at 5 mins...which eternally sucks. Why not allow the 15 min accelerated clock? It's a COACHING GAME!

Anyway, my first impression was watching Alex Smith run an 80 yard TD scramble on the first play of the game. After that, it honestly felt like I was playing Madden 2005 in coach mode but with the ability to "motivate" my players by giving pep talks. The game engine is pure Madden. No doubt. Is that good or bad? Well I'll leave that up to you. For a coach game I'd like to have a better interface but remember this game was designed for the consoles so we're stuck with a console interface. Now, I'd like to meet the guy that wants to play a coaching/sim game on the Xbox over playing it on the PC, but that's neither here nor there. It is what it is.

There's a lot of "stuff" involved in creating your coach and accepting a position as head coach. There really is a lot of info here -- and yet I can't play a 15 minute quarter game. I really, really, don't get that at all. And, just like Madden's AI, it sees 1:00 left in the half/game as if it were a REAL 1:00 when of course it is not. In Madden, 1:00 to play (hell it's 1/5 of a quarter, so it's basically like having 3 mins to play) is an eternity and yet the AI takes a knee on its own 20 with 1:00 until halftime. Of course I call three fast timeouts and get the ball in great field position with :47 secs to play. Nice.

Anyway, my first impression is pretty much what I expected it to be. Granted, it's a first impressiom but I think anyone that expected Front Office Football with graphics, well, you're a dolt to think that in the first place.

[Adamski47]

Can' adjust quarter length and the CPU still manages the clock like a 60 minute game? I just canceled my preorder, thanks!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Has anybody confirmed whether the quarter length is frozen in career mode?

[rexallllsc]

The 5 minute thing is a gamekiller for me personally. Like others have said, why even build a running offense at all? Yikes.

I'm not the type to run 15 or even 10 minute quarters, either. Usually 7 or 8.

[rexallllsc]

The whole key is that the game was designed "apparently" for the average video gamer and it appears that he couldn't give a rat's A about the clock or clock management. I'm going into it with the attitude that the I want to just rattle off plays.


Thing is, average video game player doesn't care about negotiating with Asst. coaches or scouting players, etc., so while I agree that they don't care, I think EA screwed up, because I don't think average video game player will be buying this game.

Whoever mentioned the thing about 2 completely diff. markets was right, imo.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just got the automated call from Gamestop that my copy will be ready to pick up tomorrow morning. I'm still looking forward to it.

[Buccaneer]

Now, I'd like to meet the guy that wants to play a coaching/sim game on the Xbox over playing it on the PC

Ooooh. Is he saying what I think he is saying?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I just got the automated call from Gamestop that my copy will be ready to pick up tomorrow morning. I'm still looking forward to it.
Likewise.

[sabotai]

and yet the AI takes a knee on its own 20 with 1:00 until halftime. Of course I call three fast timeouts and get the ball in great field position with :47 secs to play. Nice.

Well, I just found my game killer....not that I was impressed with the demo in the least bit to begin with.

[WVUFAN]

Well, I just found my game killer....not that I was impressed with the demo in the least bit to begin with.

Agreed. I didn't care for the interface at all, and there was far too many money plays in the short demo.

[stevew]

Man, if they have the right amount of plays in a 5 minute game, it seems like all they would have to do is add the accelerated clock and the game could easily play realistically over 15 minutes. In the demo you could run maybe 5-6 plays in a minute, no reason that there couldn't be 20-30 seconds between snaps, where you'd still get around 30 plays a quarter.

[FBPro]

I just got the automated call from Gamestop that my copy will be ready to pick up tomorrow morning. I'm still looking forward to it.
Concur....

[BrianD]

Have you ever actually PLAYED Madden?

Most people play with it at 6 or 7 minute quarters to get it at a realistic # of plays, so this is not that far-fetched to me.

To me this is a lot of squawking about something that just may not be THAT big of a deal.

Yes, and with 2 minutes left in a half, the computer goes into a hurry-up offense, the human goes into a hurry-up offense and there are 4-5 TDs scored. Nice model to use.

[Groundhog]

I play Madden with 12 min quarters and an accelerated clock. I use slider settings I found at maddennation, and I get realistic results. My team averages about 20 points a game. I just coach and don't control it however, but with the way the cpu plays it's certainly realistic enough to keep me happy.

[jbmagic]

I guess we don't need to worry about fatigue with 5 mins quarters.

You won't have to sub much.

[yabanci]

I play Madden with 12 min quarters and an accelerated clock. I use slider settings I found at maddennation, and I get realistic results. My team averages about 20 points a game. I just coach and don't control it however, but with the way the cpu plays it's certainly realistic enough to keep me happy.

yeah, but do you get to chose what color socks your head coach wears during practice? You're missing out on the important things in football by focusing on all that playcalling mumbo jumbo.

[FBPro]

Taken from EA forums:

Hey gang.

All indications that I can see over here at EA are that this product is going to be available for download at 12:00 AM (midnight) on 6/23/06. That's roughly 5:00PM California time on Thursday. This could change though. I can add that we are busting tail over here trying to get it out in the best state possible. Also, there looks like there will be a Day 1 patch for the retail version. The downloader version will not need this patch that really only comes into play with multiplayer online.

We'll keep you posted and please accept my apologies about the delay!

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?sls=2&tstart=0&threadID=80236

I just found this so I don't know what is included in the patch but I'm gonna see if I can find out.

[jbmagic]

Taken from EA forums:

Hey gang.

All indications that I can see over here at EA are that this product is going to be available for download at 12:00 AM (midnight) on 6/23/06. That's roughly 5:00PM California time on Thursday. This could change though. I can add that we are busting tail over here trying to get it out in the best state possible. Also, there looks like there will be a Day 1 patch for the retail version. The downloader version will not need this patch that really only comes into play with multiplayer online.

We'll keep you posted and please accept my apologies about the delay!

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread.jspa?sls=2&tstart=0&threadID=80236

I just found this so I don't know what is included in the patch but I'm gonna see if I can find out.


http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=1173765&postcount=892

[Eaglesfan27]

It sounds like the patch will probably just be some MP issues. However, the quick patch gives me hope that they might address other issues (such as the Quarter Length and if there are too many interceptions) in a future patch.

[Groundhog]

It sounds like the patch will probably just be some MP issues. However, the quick patch gives me hope that they might address other issues (such as the Quarter Length and if there are too many interceptions) in a future patch.

I doubt it. The quarter length isn't a bug, it's a "feature". And EA aren't exactly known for releasing patches to fix issues like this.

Don't worry, I'm sure 1 or 2 of them will be fixed in next year's version - along with the addition of a few more.

[DaddyTorgo]

I doubt it. The quarter length isn't a bug, it's a "feature". And EA aren't exactly known for releasing patches to fix issues like this.

Don't worry, I'm sure 1 or 2 of them will be fixed in next year's version - along with the addition of a few more.

that's E.A.'s MO...do this to ensure that people keep on buying. always release a game with at least one stupid feature/feature that doesn't work right that you can subsequently fix in order to get people to buy the next gen.

[Shkspr]

::blink:: So was I the only guinea pig to pick it up for the console today?

Not sure I can give too many impressions because...I haven't played a game yet. Haven't even hit the combine for 2006. Of course, I only played for three HOURS.

So far, I like the idea of setting up coaching interviews and being able to ask candidates questions about their philosophies. I've participated in a couple staff meetings and noticed that a major component of the game is going to be building a cohesive staff. you earn trust with each coach based on whether you agree with their recommendations or not, so I can see that part of developing a winning team is going to be knowing when to give up control. If you hire a guy who likes to go five wide on the offense and make him run a lot of two-TE sets, your receiving corps isn't going to play up to their potential because your receivers coach isn't buying into the power running offense.

The staff handling extends to the scoring system for career mode. In addition to championships, playoff wins, and regular season record, one of the catagories your coach is judged over the ages on is his ability to develop coaches. If your coordinator is hired away to take the reins of another team, his accomplishments earn you reflected glory. That's a pretty cool idea that you haven't really seen in other sims.

The biggest problem so far is that I haven't played a game yet...in fact, at the three hour mark, I haven't even begun signing free agents yet. I know that a huge part of this is exploring the menus and learning the interface, but at this rate, the actual 2006 season will be in the books by the time I get to the season opener.

[Eaglesfan27]

I read impressions on another board where a guy spent 6 hours before he got to the 1st pre-season game. He said he enjoyed the offseason activities though, so that is good.

[braggtd]

Dangit man! LOL, the first season you skim through so I can decide if I want to buy! J/K Thanks for the brief review. I am affraid that I will be putting it off for a few days to see what you big $$$ guys think. I am curious about this 5 min thing? Is it official or just on the demo. Sorry, I haven't read all the way up yet. Thanks again for the review!

[Shkspr]

The options screen consists of pretty much choosing how loud you want the music, what angle you want to watch games at, and what unis you want the team to wear. As little as I've gotten to play so far, I don't see any sliders or gameplay options.

[braggtd]

The options screen consists of pretty much choosing how loud you want the music, what angle you want to watch games at, and what unis you want the team to wear. As little as I've gotten to play so far, I don't see any sliders or gameplay options.

Ouch, that sucks. Man, I really want this game but? FM2006 should hold me over until after the world cup. Then maybe I will try out bowl bound. Who knows. I really need a new FOF though. I will probably break down and buy Head Coach anyways. Thanks again for the posts!

[Eaglesfan27]

Just got home from the store with the game. Early impressions to follow in a few hours. :)

[stevew]

Just got home from the store with the game. Early impressions to follow in a few hours. :)
Godspeed...

[dbd1963]

I just found it sitting in my local Gamestop, and against my better judgment, I bought it. And the guide. :|

[Northwood_DK]

Just got home from the store with the game. Early impressions to follow in a few hours. :)

Great.

I expect a more objective report from you then what I see on maddennation.

[SirFozzie]

I got the game yesterday. Decent, but the 5:00 is a real game killer.

[CleBrownsfan]

I got the game yesterday. Decent, but the 5:00 is a real game killer.

Getting realistic results?

[SirFozzie]

Getting realistic results?

Only got time for three quarters of a game, but it seemed to be rushed. Maybe allowing 8-9 minute quarters. You only have a second or two to make presnap adjustments on defense, so if you're not a quick ajduster, forget about it.

Had several AI farts, guy throwing into triple coverage with TE open over the middle. Guys not following blocks properly.. btw, you can tell it's NOT madden's engine they're using I think, or an older version of Madden.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Had several AI farts, guy throwing into triple coverage with TE open over the middle. Guys not following blocks properly.. btw, you can tell it's NOT madden's engine they're using I think, or an older version of Madden.
Next time Jake Plummer throws a pass into triple coverage or Kevan Barlow ignores his blockers, I'll just consider it an AI fart. :D

[Izulde]

Just got home with it but unfortunately I'll only get an hour and half worth of playing in before work.

[Darkiller]

Well, I just found my game killer....not that I was impressed with the demo in the least bit to begin with.

Is a demo file available somewhere ?

[dervack]

Is a demo file available somewhere ?
Yeah, earlier in this thread.

[dbd1963]

Looks like my copy has an installation glitch of some kind. It's hung up at 31% for thirty minutes.

UPDATE -- looks as if it was my crappy Dell laptop. I'm having no trouble putting it on a five year old Toshiba Satellite P4. Go figure.

[Darkiller]

Yeah, earlier in this thread.

damn, I can't find it....still looking.

[Izulde]

Ugh, C-Pep's not on the Dolphins. Oh well, guess that means I know what position I'll be drafting. :D

[SunDevil]

Demo Link

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=1167761&postcount=560

[Darkiller]

Demo Link

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showpost.php?p=1167761&postcount=560

thx a LOT !

[KWhit]

When somebody completes a game or two (that you actually play out) can you post the boxscore? I'm interested in the number of plays you can realistically get in a game.

I just ran a test with the demo and played the first half as fast as I possibly could. I didn't make any motivational speaches, I called the plays as fast as possible (usually just taking the recommendation for speed's sake), I called all 3 of my time outs to stop the clock, etc. Basically, I wanted to see how many plays I could get in playing as fast as possible.

The grand total in the entire half: 10 plays. Now this is just in one half of play with 1 minute quarters, but still! I was speeding through - taking no time whatsoever to think about the game or strategy of anything.

If we do the math, that will equal about 80 plays in a full game with 5 minute quarters. That's only about 2/3 of what is average in the NFL (around 120 plays per game).

[Izulde]

Wheehee! I'm firing most of my staff. I love this part. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

When somebody completes a game or two (that you actually play out) can you post the boxscore? I'm interested in the number of plays you can realistically get in a game.

I just ran a test with the demo and played the first half as fast as I possibly could. I didn't make any motivational speaches, I called the plays as fast as possible (usually just taking the recommendation for speed's sake), I called all 3 of my time outs to stop the clock, etc. Basically, I wanted to see how many plays I could get in playing as fast as possible.

The grand total in the entire half: 10 plays. Now this is just in one half of play with 1 minute quarters, but still! I was speeding through - taking no time whatsoever to think about the game or strategy of anything.

If we do the math, that will equal about 80 plays in a full game with 5 minute quarters. That's only about 2/3 of what is average in the NFL (around 120 plays per game).

I'll post some box scores when I get to that part of the game.

I've been playing just the 1st week since I got it. Staff firing and hiring is very cool.

Things I like:

You can't tell how good a coach is before you hire him in that you can't see his ratings. I fired Marty Morningweg because I just couldn't see him as my OC. He had poor QB knowledge and poor strategy. He was strong in OL and WR. I thought I would get a better guy to replace him. This guy was viewed by my Scouting director as a very good QB guru that I hired. I liked his answers in the interview. However, it turns out he is something of a dud. Sure, he is GREAT with QB's. However, his WR and OL knowledge are low and overall he is signficantly lower than Marty was :(

Speaking of the Scouting Director. Yes, every team has their own scouting director. Unfortunately, on the Eagles, my scouting director SUCKS. I think that is a bit unrealistic, but it will certainly increase the challenge since the SD answers only to the owner and I can't fire him!


Things that I didn't like:

I fired my D-Line Coach. I interviewed several candidates and all of them talked about their offensive strategies as well. I'm hiring you to be a D-Line coach, don't talk offense to me! They did have one or two extra specific D-Line type questions, but it could have been done much better.

Despite that, hiring and firing has been fun. Time to start re-signing my players :)

[CleBrownsfan]

IGN has a review up - 7.2 overall

http://pc.ign.com/articles/713/713681p1.html

[Izulde]

The limited number of interviews you have available to you really ticks me off, since I have a QB coach, WR coach, and ST coach. That's it. And the one guy I really wanted to hire for my RB coach was an asshat in negotiations.

[Icy]

Reading the comments from the guys who already own it the game could have been named "job interview manager".

[Izulde]

I think I may have run across a bug.... I went to interview this guy and I swear it said 91 for TE, so I hire him as my TE coach. ...Imagine my shock when it comes up that he's rated 13 as a TE coach, with 47 for TEs.

Needless to say, I had to do some coach juggling positions.

[TroyF]

I think I may have run across a bug.... I went to interview this guy and I swear it said 91 for TE, so I hire him as my TE coach. ...Imagine my shock when it comes up that he's rated 13 as a TE coach, with 47 for TEs.

Needless to say, I had to do some coach juggling positions.

He rigged his resume. Fire him for improper conduct.

[Eaglesfan27]

Forgot to mention that I like the job offer screens where it gives a nice overview of each of the teams offering a job including team goals that the owner has, star players, cap situation, etc. My owner in Philly wants us to draft a RB that has a max overall rating of 75 or greater. This could be problematic since my Scouting director is an asshat. I've had him scout a lot of HB's and he thinks they all stink. He has a horrible HB knowledge rating and a bad talent evaluation skill. I can see why the owner wants me to get a HB though, since my scout thinks all of our current HB's besides Westbrook are horrible. He doesn't even think that highly of Westbrook although he admits that he is a very good receiving back.

Anyway, I just went through the staff re-signing period. I managed to get Jon Runyan back very cheaply (about 3 million a year.) I also got Keith Adams back who my LB coach wanted me to keep. My OL coach really wanted me to keep Runyan and Tra Thomas. I was worried that everyone was signing too cheap, but Thomas did want a 3 year deal for about 7 million a year with a decent size signing bonus.

During all of these stages, I'm using my periods of "office time" to add plays to my playbook. I'm greatly expanding my offensive playbook. Hopefully, it doesn't become too many plays for the guys to remember.

[yabanci]

IGN has a review up - 7.2 overall

http://pc.ign.com/articles/713/713681p1.html

Here is the reason I'll wait for trusted FOFC reviewers.

This clown doesn't even mention the five minute quarters. Instead, he explains what is really missing from the game: "EA manages to capture the hectic life of a coach while he's on the clock, but it would have been nice to get a girlfriend, buy a motorcycle or spend hours on the golf course like a real coach... [It] would have added a lot of character and some humor to this very serious position."

[Northwood_DK]

Can anyone confirm if the game is missing gamelogs? That just sounds strange for a game like this.

[Izulde]

Well, I wound up with three positions unfulfilled and the owner reamed my ass.

What I think I'm going to do though is experiment when I get home by starting a new game where I fire my entire staff.

Then, after each interview I have, I'll offer the guy a position on the staff, just to see the exact number of interviews we can have in a given period.

Ideally there'll be as many interviews allowed as there are total staff positions, so I can have some semblance of building the staff entirely of my handpicked guys.

If there isn't, I'm going to be a little annoyed because starting off with a clean house is one of the priveleges you should be able to have as the new head coach, but we'll see.

[dbd1963]

I noticed that, while you could interview former HCs for coordinator positions, you couldn't tell what they would be good at before you interview them. That seems strange. Shouldn't I already know these guys, at least by reputation and what they've done in their careers? I mean, they are former HCs.

So I also got chewed out by the owner because I couldn't hire a DC. All the former HCs I wanted to check out turned out to want the OC job. The one DC I looked at was a tool.

Some of the answers they'll give you are funny too.

I don't know when the owner gets around to hiring these guys, because their chairs are still empty a week later.

[Maple Leafs]

Um....

One of the nice touches we haven't seen in Madden, for instance, is that the incoming draft class is actually made up of the real class of 2006 since they are technically out of college football. So if you want Reggie Bush in your backfield, make a play for him. Controlling the Chiefs, I happily traded away Priest Holmes and a draft pick to get Bush in my lineup next to Larry Johnson. Watch out AFC West!

[SunDevil]

Originally Posted by The IGN review
One of the nice touches we haven't seen in Madden 94, for instance, is that the incoming draft class is actually made up of the real class of 2006 since they are technically out of college football. So if you want Reggie Bush in your backfield, make a play for him. Controlling the Chiefs, I happily traded away Priest Holmes and a draft pick to get Bush in my lineup next to Larry Johnson. Watch out AFC West!

Fixed it for him.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've just finished the first trading period, and I found the trade AI to be fairly good. I tried to trade away Mike McMahon and the best I could get was a 6th round pick for him IF I threw in a 7th rounder ;)

I did find my first bug. It's easy to avoid, but also easy to exploit without even realizing it. I accidently signed a player during RFA that was an unrestricted FA. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I shouldn't have been able to sign that player until April at the earliest, right?

In any case, realizing that is a likely bug alleviated my concern that no one else was bidding on top FA's and I was getting them too easily.

[Izulde]

I noticed that, while you could interview former HCs for coordinator positions, you couldn't tell what they would be good at before you interview them. That seems strange. Shouldn't I already know these guys, at least by reputation and what they've done in their careers? I mean, they are former HCs.

So I also got chewed out by the owner because I couldn't hire a DC. All the former HCs I wanted to check out turned out to want the OC job. The one DC I looked at was a tool.

Some of the answers they'll give you are funny too.

I don't know when the owner gets around to hiring these guys, because their chairs are still empty a week later.

Did you try rotating through the positions? I know it can be damn tough to tell between the OC and the DC, but both options are there. EA really should have used a better font so that the O and D are easier to distinguish.

[Mustang]

I did find my first bug. It's easy to avoid, but also easy to exploit without even realizing it. I accidently signed a player during RFA that was an unrestricted FA. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I shouldn't have been able to sign that player until April at the earliest, right?


Was he a true FA? (Was he on a team at the end of the 2005 season and his contract expired?) I think teams can still sign guys that weren't on teams at any time..

[stevew]

Fixed it for him.
I thought the point was that there was garish AI in place, if you can trade a 30 year old priest holmes and presumedly what was not a first round pick(the guy would have said "first rounder" instead of draft pick) to get in a position to take reggie bush.

[Surtt]

I

I did find my first bug. It's easy to avoid, but also easy to exploit without even realizing it. I accidently signed a player during RFA that was an unrestricted FA. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I shouldn't have been able to sign that player until April at the earliest, right?



In the "real NFL" they both start at the same time around the beginig of march.

[Eaglesfan27]

Well, this game has a distinct UFA period that starts in April and now teams are trying to sign FA's, while the player was able to sign them in March. Maybe teams were signing non restricted FA's in March, but I didn't see any of the big names getting signed. Now, I do. I'm finally coming up to the draft. I can't believe I've spent so many hours just getting to the draft. Then again, it has been fun. The most repetitive part of the game has been only being able to add 2 playbooks to my gameplan each office period. I wish I could just do them all at once and then be able to sim ahead some. However, my gameplan/playbook should be relatively set soon as long as I don't change my philosophy (in which case the playbook resets to reflect the new philosophy.)

I really like how the scouting is done. As has been mentioned before, your scouts think everyone is great (or almost everyone) until they take a closer look. Then, usually the top number comes down and the gap narrows. Players from big schools might be able to be scouted with only 1 "scouting session." Guys from smaller schools can take 3-4 sessions to fully scout them. That being said, over the past 8-12 game weeks I've scouted 60 or 70 potential draftees to "Well Scouted" status. I'll post my draft results in a bit.

Oh yeah, I'm getting offered trades, but the trades are generally crazy one sided in favor of the AI. Some offers that stood out: Marty Booker for Donovan McNabb. Darren Howard fo Donovan. Orlando Ruff for Tra Thomas. I actually had one trade that I considered: Eric Moulds for Roderick Hood (who is rated suprisingly decently.) Oh yeah, besides Reggie Bush, my scout hates the running backs in this draft. DeAngelo Williams is second on his list and he rates him 51-68. Reggie Bush is a 68-83 according to my scout. Chris Gogong who I scouted very well is rated 76-89, so it is no wonder he is going 5th.

[TroyF]

Well, this game has a distinct UFA period that starts in April and now teams are trying to sign FA's, while the player was able to sign them in March. Maybe teams were signing non restricted FA's in March, but I didn't see any of the big names getting signed. Now, I do. I'm finally coming up to the draft. I can't believe I've spent so many hours just getting to the draft. Then again, it has been fun. The most repetitive part of the game has been only being able to add 2 playbooks to my gameplan each office period. I wish I could just do them all at once and then be able to sim ahead some. However, my gameplan/playbook should be relatively set soon as long as I don't change my philosophy (in which case the playbook resets to reflect the new philosophy.)

I really like how the scouting is done. As has been mentioned before, your scouts think everyone is great (or almost everyone) until they take a closer look. Then, usually the top number comes down and the gap narrows. Players from big schools might be able to be scouted with only 1 "scouting session." Guys from smaller schools can take 3-4 sessions to fully scout them. That being said, over the past 8-12 game weeks I've scouted 60 or 70 potential draftees to "Well Scouted" status. I'll post my draft results in a bit.

Oh yeah, I'm getting offered trades, but the trades are generally crazy one sided in favor of the AI. Some offers that stood out: Marty Booker for Donovan McNabb. Darren Howard fo Donovan. Orlando Ruff for Tra Thomas. I actually had one trade that I considered: Eric Moulds for Roderick Hood (who is rated suprisingly decently.) Oh yeah, besides Reggie Bush, my scout hates the running backs in this draft. DeAngelo Williams is second on his list and he rates him 51-68. Reggie Bush is a 68-83 according to my scout. Chris Gogong who I scouted very well is rated 76-89, so it is no wonder he is going 5th.


You didn't ship McNabb for Booker? Homer.

[Eaglesfan27]

About to start my draft now. At least according to my scout, Reggie Bush is the only player who will meet my owner's requirement of me that I draft a RB with a 75 max overall or greater. Looks like I will be pissing off my owner. I'll probably go WR in the 1st round. I have an interesting choice between Holmes and Jackson based on my scout who likes Jackson better for beating the press, but thinks Holmes has slightly better deep speed.

[condors]

I played a preseason game against the Browns. The only number that jumped out as being odd was the Browns had a total of 22 yards rushing. Other than that the stats look ok. I seem to be unable to switch applications when in the game and was unable to get a screen shot of anything. The 5 minute quaters didn't seem too bad but i was pretty much just doing what was suggested by my coaches. The Eagles won 31-10. I simmed thru a bit to get to the game and the cpu didn't sign my draft picks so i am restarting my career.

[dbd1963]

My complaint about the coach hiring is growing.. I can see the OC and DC, that isn't the problem that I meant in the above post. It is that you can hire a former HC (listed as HC, not DC or OC, in the free agent coaches list) as a coordinator, but they won't tell you which he might be good at. I guess you have to wait on a scout report, but shouldn't you know with former HCs?

A small point I guess.

A bigger point is that I brought a guy in to interview as the DC. He was listed as a DC in the free agent coaches pool. I hired him and paid him pretty well. And he went into the DL slot! I didn't know it, so I let the next DC I interviewed (who also would have been perfect) go. So I have an overqualified DL and had to hire a chump at DC with my absolutely last interview slot.

I like the idea they have going on here with the interviews, and not being able to see everyone, etc. That would be fine if I had some general idea of what people can do if the scouts don't speak about them. But it's not fine to schedule a DC interview and the guy winds up getting overpaid for the DL job. That is not a good deal.

I'm pretty sure this is accurate, because I was writing their names down as I went through the list. He was a DC, but now he's a DL (and overpaid!) I know I can promote him next year, and I will, but I shoudn't be stuck this year with a peon for DC.

[Barkeep49]

I thought, from the demo, that you could change a coach's psoition?

[jbmagic]

Eaglesfan27

How is the game manual that comes with the game?

[Eaglesfan27]

The manual is very skimpy, but there is an integrated tutorial that is decent. My draft had a few bits of wierdness. The Chiefs took Vince with the 20th pick, so I thought great, the Giants won't draft a QB. I was wrong. Apparently, their owner/GM is very set on having a QB no matter what. They took Cutler with the 25th pick. Also, there were a few trades during or just before the draft, however, there is no transaction log that I can find in the game. Therefore, it is impossible for me to determine exactly who was traded for who.

So, I mentioned draft wierdness. Besides the Giants drafting a QB, I found it odd Arizona drafted Mercedes Lewis 10th, although my scout did like him. Also, K. Clemens continues to be the 2nd rated QB by many scouts. The Bills made the most perplexing move to me. They drafted Bush 8th. That isn't a big deal as they could use two great RB's in some versatile ways. However, they took L. Maroney in the 2nd round. 2 RB's in a row?!? Also, GB took Gogong first (he is rated very highly by my scout too) but then took another DE in the 2nd round. Chicago made a great pick of LT D. Ferguson in the 1st round but took another LT in the 2nd when Winston Justice was still available. Not so bad if they switch his position, but terrible if he sits on the bench. I'll follow that situation. I also saw lots of teams that I thought drafted very smartly. I wanted to disagree with my own scouting director since I want him to quit, but he recommended Chad Jackson and I had my heart set on him, so I took him. Here is the result of the 1st round and a few other notable facts:


Oh yeah, I loved the Mel Commentary. For some picks, he talked for 45 seconds in great depth. I didn't know that A.J. Hawk was the only other unanimous All-American Selection besides Bush. Other picks, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd round, he only spoke for a few seconds.

1. Texans - A.J. Hawk

2. Saints - Leinart

3. Ten - Williams

4. Jets - Vernon Davis

5. GB - Chris Gogong

6. 49ers - Bunkley - Mel panned this pick and said it was too early for him.

7. Oak - FS J. Allen - Mel also thought this was a bad pick.

8. Buf - Reggie Bush - Mel loved this pick and wondered why he wasn't taken sooner.

9. Lions - LB C. Greenway - Mel thinks he'll only be a backup.

10. Arizona - TE Mercedes Lewis

11. Rams - T. Hali - Mel thought he was a 2nd round pick.

12. Cleveland - M. Kiwanauka - Mel mentioned he wasn't even a starter in college.

13. Bal - Michael Huff

14. Eagles - Chad Jackson - Mel loved my pick.

15. Atlanta - S. Holmes - Mel said "He has major character issues and that may make this a very bad pick. If he can mature, he is a steal."

16. Miami - QB K. Clemens

17. Colts (traded up) - CB J. Joseph - Mel hated this pick.

18. Dallas - FS K. Simpson - odd pick unless they move him with Roy Williams there.

19. Chargers - M. Lawson - mel said "He might be a big bust."

20. Chiefs - Vince Young - Mel said "He is a big project... he is an outstanding athlete... he needs to work on his delivery and working from
under center." Mel spoke for over 45 seconds on Vince.

21. NE - Ngata

22. Washington - CB A. Cromartie

23. Bucs - RE M. Anderson - "This is a big reach."

24. Bengals - D'Angelo Williams

25. Giants - J. Cutler - Mel was speechless.

26. Bears - LT. D. Ferguson

27. Panthers - WR S. Moss

28. Jaguars - HB L. White

29. Den - DE D. Tapp

30. Colts - G P. Mcquistan - "He has marginal physical skills."

31. Seattle - CB K. Jennings

32. Pittsburgh - DT G. Watson - At least they didn't try to take a QB too.

Other notables.

Buffalo took Maroney 40th for 2 straight HB's.

41. Detroit took a second straight outside linebacker.

46. I took Joseph Addai.

50. I traded up with Dallas to take Ernie Sims.

54. Redskins took QB C. Whitehurst

57. The Giants took a WR in the 2nd round.

[Buccaneer]

EaglesFan, that actually looks and sounds fascinating. For those of us that are off-season junkies in sports games, that's a dream come true - instant and critical feedback. I wonder how it will hold up in future drafts?

[dbd1963]

I thought, from the demo, that you could change a coach's psoition?

I hope so, but when I tried, it told me I had to wait for a different time to do it. I had to power down to take care of baths and dinner for my kids so I can't get back on to see if there's another chance to swap these guys. The DL and the DC would make about a perfect swap, talent wise (but the DL would be making WAY too much money then.. cause that dude got 1.8 mil over two years..)

[Groundhog]

EaglesFan, that actually looks and sounds fascinating. For those of us that are off-season junkies in sports games, that's a dream come true - instant and critical feedback. I wonder how it will hold up in future drafts?

Yeah. Obviously Mel recorded real comments about the current crop of players, but I can't imagine them being so detailed for the other 39 drafts included in the game.

The worrying thing about this would be the X-Factor that we are all hoping for. If they *did* go this indepth for all the players, you can bank on their being no X-Factor at all.

[Eaglesfan27]

There was a report about 4-7th round players disappearing. That definitely didn't occur in my game. Now, I imagine they might have if I "simmed ahead to July" like the game offered to let me do after the draft. Instead, I made sure I manually signed my picks. I had to cut 2 marginal players to make room for them all since the roster cap is 55, but I do have all of my picks and I didn't even have to cut the guys before the draft.


Someone mentioned that in the demo, certain players are missing. Certain players are missing in the draft in the real game too. I'm guessing they are players who didn't sign a contract or didn't give permission to the game. For example, I was thinking about taking a flyer on Marcus Vick late in the draft, but he isn't in the game. Instead, I drafted a fictional QB who has remarkable speed, a strong but inaccurate arm, and poor awareness.

I've now got my playbook set up (you can create and keep 10 offensive plays and 10 defensive plays and there are dozens and dozens if not hundreds of stock plays to add to your playbook, but you can only add 2 per each coaching session.) Now, that my playbook is set up and my roster is pretty much set, I'm about to finally sim ahead to training camp :)

[Buccaneer]

Yeah. Obviously Mel recorded real comments about the current crop of players, but I can't imagine them being so detailed for the other 39 drafts included in the game.

The worrying thing about this would be the X-Factor that we are all hoping for. If they *did* go this indepth for all the players, you can bank on their being no X-Factor at all.

I don't know. If you read Mel's comments, they are not specific to the player just his ability, slotting and matching to team's needs. I think you will those same comments recycled as in whenever a team drafts a QB high in the 1st and it already has a young QB, Mel will be speechless. I still thinks that's pretty cool though because we have not seen anything like that in the games we play.

[Eaglesfan27]

I just finished my first three training camp drills. I think training camp is going to be one of my favorite parts of the game. It also will cut down the need to strategize during the game some. Any instructions you give during training camp can be linked to a specific player or players and can be kept for every time you call that play in any game. That is very cool.

During my run drills, I noticed Westbrook was trying to run guys over particularly on the sweep. So, I told him to try to use his agility to make guys miss and I made that an instruction for all of the time on any play. 2 plays later he juked two guys and ran a TD for 50 plus yards. Then, when I brought the second team in, I told Addai to use his power more, and he ran a guy over and had a nice gain. Only having 10 plays per practice, makes for some tough choices. How much do I work the 1st team? What about the 2nd and 3rd teams?

Also, when I was doing the pass drill, I noticed Chad Jackson was giving up inside position on a slant pattern. So, I pulled him aside and told him every time I call that play, make sure he fights to get inside position on the defender. The next 2 times I ran it, he beat the defender to the inside and had completions. I've told him to carry that instruction over to every time I call that play in a game. Hopefully, these practice and training camp instructions can make it so very little strategy is needed in game and will allow for a somewhat decent number of plays per game.

[vyshka]

Um....

In the Madden game though aren't the incoming players from the draft already
with their respective teams? I wonder if what he meant was you can actually
draft those guys prior to the first season of play in the game.

[rexallllsc]

You can't tell how good a coach is before you hire him in that you can't see his ratings. I fired Marty Morningweg because I just couldn't see him as my OC. He had poor QB knowledge and poor strategy. He was strong in OL and WR. I thought I would get a better guy to replace him. This guy was viewed by my Scouting director as a very good QB guru that I hired. I liked his answers in the interview. However, it turns out he is something of a dud. Sure, he is GREAT with QB's. However, his WR and OL knowledge are low and overall he is signficantly lower than Marty was :(

You hit on something interesting.

Why should they have hard and fast numbers and ratings? Why not just see percpection? What would cause you to all of a sudden see a coaches worth right after you hired him? Or maybe have the ratings always chaging and "honing" in on his true skill, as derived by the coach and/or his performance?

[jbmagic]

At operationsports forum, someone posted halftime stats.

Total of only 49 plays combine for both teams.


Official Impressions thread
Halftime Stats:

Oakland 31, Cleveland 7

Oakland:

Aaron Brooks: 6 of 8, 100 yards, 2 TD's, 156.8 rating. 2 carries, 18 yards.
LaMont Jordan: 8 carries, 47 yards. 2 catches, 33 yards.
Jerry Porter: 2 catches, 41 yards
Randy Moss: 1 catch, 15 yards.
Zach Crockett: 1 catch, 11 yards.

Gallery with 4 pancakes.

Schweigert with 5 tackles.
Washington with 4 tackles.
Clark, Poole, Asomugha with 2.

Fabian Washington and Tyrone Poole both have picks returned to the house (this is concerning. I did call some blitzes and then backed off in running situations and called 8 man zones, but still. 2 in one game is an eyebrow-raiser).

Cleveland:

Dilfer: 5 of 14, 111 yards. 1 TD, 3 picks, 49.1 rating.
Droughns: 9 carries, 59 yards.
T. Smith: 3 carries, 15 yards.
Northcutt: 3 catches, 51 yards.
Jurevicius: 1 catch, 47 yards.
Edwards: 1 catch, 17 yards

Coleman with 6 pancakes, Faine with 5.

Davis and Stewart, 4 tackles.

Offense:

181 Cleveland, 159 Oakland
7 first downs Cleveland, 8 Oakland.
Cleveland with 4 turnovers.

Rushing Attempts:

Cleveland 12, Oakland 15

Passing Attempts:
Cleveland 14, Oakland 8.

Total Plays:

Cleveland 26, Oakland 23.

Again, this is at the half.

[jbmagic]

Here another one. Full game played.
Posted at operationsports forum.


OK, I'm hoping this is the exception, rather than the rule. Dilfer started the game out well, throwing the early TD to jump out to the 7-0 lead. Droughns was running through tackles left and right, and then he threw the first pick. After that, the game just fell apart for Cleveland. Seeing how many picks there were, it made me think back to that post about how Madden in coach mode had a ton of picks. Brooks didn't throw any, but Dilfer threw a ton.

Team Stats:

Total Offensive Plays:
Oakland 50, Cleveland 53

Rushing Plays
Oakland 34, Cleveland 18

Passing Plays
Cleveland 35, Oakland 16

Yardage:
Oakland 128 passing, 147 rushing
Cleveland 157 passing, 83 rushing

Brooks finished 9 of 16 for 128 with 2 TD's and a 123.7 rating.

Dilfer finished 13 for 35 for 169 with 1 TD and seven picks.

So the total plays ended up decently (102), but the yardage dropped as Clevelend was hapless and I just ran it over and over into the teeth of the defense.

More games will tell me if this is the exception or the norm. It felt like a complete hammering of an inferior team, which I should never feel while coaching Oakland. But either way, it was still strangely enjoyable. Just odd to see Dilfer throw pick after pick and they'd just keep flinging it, due to the deficit.

Total plays only includes rushes and passes, since I haven't found anywhere that lists totals. I don't know how many punts and FG attempts there were, but it was a lot of them. I wouldn't be shocked if it were 112, 115 plays in the game.

[Maple Leafs]

In the Madden game though aren't the incoming players from the draft already
with their respective teams? I wonder if what he meant was you can actually
draft those guys prior to the first season of play in the game.
As someone else pointed out, I was "um"ing the fact that you could trade a veteran RB on the verge of forced retirement for Reggie Bush.

[Maple Leafs]

My complaint about the coach hiring is growing.. I can see the OC and DC, that isn't the problem that I meant in the above post. It is that you can hire a former HC (listed as HC, not DC or OC, in the free agent coaches list) as a coordinator, but they won't tell you which he might be good at. I guess you have to wait on a scout report, but shouldn't you know with former HCs?
Memo to sports sim makers: stop doing this! "Fog of war" is a cool concept and we like that we don't know everything right away, but this is getting ridiculous. There has to be a basic amount of information available.

I booted up the OOTP demo, went into my own team, and found that apparently I didn't know anything at all about some of my own players. I guess I hadn't scouted them, but come on... a real GM could go pick up a magazine and get a decent scouting report on his own guys. It's supposed to be the fog of war, not the kevlar blindfold of war.