coaches calling plays

[Mobarak]

In my recent match I noticed that the play calling for defense doesn't always go in the order listed in the game plan. For example in the 113 formation most of us have 3 plays I assume. I expected these plays to run like a script as offense does but it doesn't. Is this affected by the play call rating of the defensive coach?.. Like if I have tampa, cover 1, press 1 in that order.. it doesn't call the plays in that order when the 113 formations is called up.

When multiple plays are available in a formation, does the coach call the play based on the alignment of the QB, RB etc..? like pro/weak etc.. ?

This isn't the first time I've noticed it but it was literally in the first 4 plays of the game so it was overly obvious.. 3 first downs in a row.. all in the 113 and my defense didn't even come close to calling the plays in the order I had them listed.

[Sharkn20]

In my recent match I noticed that the play calling for defense doesn't always go in the order listed in the game plan. For example in the 113 formation most of us have 3 plays I assume. I expected these plays to run like a script as offense does but it doesn't. Is this affected by the play call rating of the defensive coach?.. Like if I have tampa, cover 1, press 1 in that order.. it doesn't call the plays in that order when the 113 formations is called up.

When multiple plays are available in a formation, does the coach call the play based on the alignment of the QB, RB etc..? like pro/weak etc.. ?

This isn't the first time I've noticed it but it was literally in the first 4 plays of the game so it was overly obvious.. 3 first downs in a row.. all in the 113 and my defense didn't even come close to calling the plays in the order I had them listed.

There is differences in down and distance, then in the redzone or not. Check it out. Mine are working fine as I ask them.

[Mobarak]

Lol, again, the first 4 plays of the game... It's 1st and 10, three times in a row. All 3 plays in the 113 formation, not in the red zone. The defensive plays called for are NOT in the order listed in my game plan for the 113 formation.

There is no difference in downs or distance, its 1st and 10 all three times. of the 3 plays it called for me, it called the middle play once and the bottom play twice... it never even called the first play.

[Hammer]

Yeah I have noticed this. I couldn't find a pattern, just seemed random. I just tend to use 1 defensive play now, even on 113 normal.

[Ushikawa]

Yup, it happens seemingly without rhyme or reason. No biggie though

[PikeStance]

I am guessing it is the DC that decides. Unlike the Offensive game- planning, there isn't a feature to move plays up or down, so I assume when there is a choice the DC will make it.

An AI will never act by randomization unless Jim put it such a variable in the programming. I doubt that he would. Most likely it is mathematical.

[Hammer]

I am not saying you are wrong, but if that is the case it doesn't sound like a good idea to me. It is pretty clear the AI has little idea how to counter an offense. You can see that when you press Rex. Rex isn't a million miles away from random when it throws plays in to slots.

We can sweep all this under the carpet if we want, and enjoy the rest of the game as it is excellent in many departments. No point pretending defence works though, it really is pretty poor. Random, poorly explained and with little logic behind it.

It could be fixed and improved but probably beyond a patch? 3rd and 3 shouldn't be covered with the same umberrella as 3rd and 13. AI needs a bit more savvy. DC needs sorting. End of game play calling.

As for the way play calls are dropped in we could do with some "reactions". For example simply, 1. Sequence down the list as per offense, then repeat. 2. Rotate down the list, only move on when a play fails. 3. Have an option where a call higher up the list is called more often say 66% at the top then 33%. Or if it is 3 plays 50%, 33%, 17% kind of thing.

When the underlying brains of the AI is so poor, leaving anything to it isn't far short of a coin toss.

If Jim wanted to make this a GM based game I would get it. But offense is so good and easy to control now, it just comes across that defense is a cock up.

[PikeStance]

You are preaching to the choir. The defense end of the game can be drastically improved.
If you do not have m2m CBs then you are more or less screwed calling Cover defense outside of Cover 3 or 4.

The ending of games are entertaining and annoying. I have had my fair share of High School Football drama.

[Mobarak]

My initial thinking was, if there are 2 or 3 plays available in that formation, depending on where the QB/RB line up (pistol/shotgun, pro/weak etc) play calling might be a factor. It's most likely not and just a bug.

[Mobarak]

You are preaching to the choir. The defense end of the game can be drastically improved.
If you do not have m2m CBs then you are more or less screwed calling Cover defense outside of Cover 3 or 4.

The ending of games are entertaining and annoying. I have had my fair share of High School Football drama.


You have so few options on defense. I really think all that needs to happens is make the information/mechanics of those options work as intended. In my opinion that would be enough to bring a good balance.

[Hammer]

You are preaching to the choir. The defense end of the game can be drastically improved

Sure. I guess it bugs me that some people try to make out everything is fine. It doesn't help. Jim reads this stuff, no doubt.

Lets make no bones about it. Sales were disappointing. Setting marketing aside, that is down to the product. Interface matters to some, to others it is the quality of the game - defense in the main. Also a game that is easier to pick up - improved help file. Real explanations. It isn't a balanced product. We all want FOF to suceed. It came a long way in many areas and we love it overall as hardcore fans. But to get it into the mainstream it needs to be a better, improved product. Sending out a message saying everything is fine might make Jim think this type of game is dead and has no future, when that isn't the case. Offense is evidence enough that defense could be so much better. But yeah, I know you get that already lol.