What I'd like to see in NCAA 2004

[digamma]

Allow me to put on my "Kodos/EA Sports Whore" hat for a moment.

In anticipation for NCAA 2004 next week, I've been playing an old dynasty on NCAA 2003 on PS2. It has made me realize there are a few smaller items here and there that I'd like to see improved upon in 2004. Some of these have actually been mentioned as improvements in lists posted here and other places, but I'm not sure that I've seen all of them...

Here goes:

1. Have receivers catch the ball in stride more often, and be able to run after the catch. I'm tired of seeing receivers with 70 catches and 1000 yards on the season, with only 72 of those yards coming after the catch.

2. Let the defensive end beat the offensive tackle every now and then to get a sack. I think Pumpy Tudors has mentioned this, but a pass rush from the ends is almost non-existant in 2003.

3. Fix punt returns. It is just dumb that the only way to generate a punt return is to select punt block formation. In a punt return formation your corners should occasionally be able to block someone to set up a return. I've heard this is being addressed by EA.

4. The clock should not run on kick-offs until the receiver catches the ball and steps outside the end zone. Truthfully, I don't mind them screwing up the rule, but I'd like them to screw it up consistently. Sometimes the clock starts on the kick, sometimes when the guy catches the ball, sometimes not at all. I haven't figured out a pattern.

5. Either go all the way on the stadium entrances, or get rid of them. Right now the half-assed see the team jumping around just outside the end zone with no tunnel behind them looks pretty lame. Let Clemson run down the hill--Frank Howard's rock does not sit just outside the end zone. I don't really care if this stuff is in the game, but if it is there do it right.

I guess that is it for now. Anyone else?

[Marmel]

What is the release date on this? I just got a $50 Best Buy gift card which should cover the costs...

[digamma]

I think it is the 17th.

[korme]

3. Fix punt returns. It is just dumb that the only way to generate a punt return is to select punt block formation. In a punt return formation your corners should occasionally be able to block someone to set up a return. I've heard this is being addressed by EA.


OPM says this is vastly improved, along with a ton of new punt formations.

[illinifan999]

Some are saying 16th, some are saying 15th, but as far as I know the official date said by EA is the 17th. Of course I havne't checked it out in awhile, so they might've changed it.

[GrantDawg]

All I want is for it to get here.

[Butter]

Originally posted by digamma
5. Either go all the way on the stadium entrances, or get rid of them. Right now the half-assed see the team jumping around just outside the end zone with no tunnel behind them looks pretty lame. Let Clemson run down the hill--Frank Howard's rock does not sit just outside the end zone. I don't really care if this stuff is in the game, but if it is there do it right.

This is a big one for me. It would add so much to the game, and wouldn't be that hard to do. As much as I hate Florida St., seeing Chief Osceola throw that flaming whatever into the middle of the field gets me fired up. And being a Clemson fan (as well as Ohio St.), watching them touch the rock and run down the field would really add a lot.

[Kodos]

Originally posted by Marmel
What is the release date on this? I just got a $50 Best Buy gift card which should cover the costs...

Looks like someone is buyin' what the EA whores are sellin'!

[tucker342]

Originally posted by Butter_of_69
This is a big one for me. It would add so much to the game, and wouldn't be that hard to do. As much as I hate Florida St., seeing Chief Osceola throw that flaming whatever into the middle of the field gets me fired up. And being a Clemson fan (as well as Ohio St.), watching them touch the rock and run down the field would really add a lot.

I agree. Those small details add so much to the experience. I think that EA mentioned that the stadium entrances were being vastly improved...

[Marmel]

Originally posted by Kodos
Looks like someone is buyin' what the EA whores are sellin'!


I own two EA products. One of which is NCAA 2003. The other which I rarely play (NASCAR 2003 or something).

Where are you with the definitive release date at the Best Buy in my town? Whore! :) Can you use your special EA connections to reserve me a copy?

[JeeberD]

I must save my money for my girlfriends birthday. I must save my money for my girlfriends birthday. I must save my money for my girlfriends birthday....

[KWhit]

Hey guys. What are the odds that JeeberD's girlfirend will be getting a copy of NCAA 2004 for her birthday?


Girlfriend: "What the hell is this?"

JeeberD: "You always say we need to spend more time with each other. I thought we could play head to head."

Grilfriend: "You're CUT OFF"

JeeberD: "Mommy?"

[Kodos]

Girlfriend: "You're CUT OFF"

JeeberD (To himself): "More time for the game!"

[Easy Mac]

But how can you play with only one hand :)

[INDalltheway]

Here is Notre Dames entrance for this year.
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/sports/ncaafootball2004/screens.html?page=18

[digamma]

The screen shots are pretty good. One question though...why does the Georgia-Florida screenshot (a few after the ND entrance) have a "Welcome to Texas" banner on the side of the stadium?

[Rich1033]

Originally posted by JeeberD
I must save my money for my girlfriends birthday. I must save my money for my girlfriends birthday. I must save my money for my girlfriends birthday....

What is that sound?

Ooooh, looks like JeeberD's girlfriend has her whip out again. :D

[edit- forgot the smilie thing]

[KWhit]

Originally posted by digamma
The screen shots are pretty good. One question though...why does the Georgia-Florida screenshot (a few after the ND entrance) have a "Welcome to Texas" banner on the side of the stadium?


They're moving the game to Jacksonville, TEXAS?

:confused:


I would hate it if that isn't fixed. "The world's largest outdoor cocktail party" would never be held in Texas.

[A-Husker-4-Life]

Here is the screenshot.... I hope this is from a beta copy....

[GrantDawg]

Looks like someone got a little lost.

[Marmel]

You could probably pick any two teams and play them in any stadium that you want, no?

This doesn't necessarily mean it is a season mode game we are seeing.


Ack! I am sounding like Kodos now. :(

[KWhit]

The other UGA-UF screenshots have a buch of Big 12 banners all over the stadium. Surely they'll fix that before shipping.

I hope.

[GrantDawg]

Originally posted by KWhit
The other UGA-UF screenshots have a buch of Big 12 banners all over the stadium. Surely they'll fix that before shipping.

I hope.

Probably just playing in the beta stadium. No biggy.

[Fritz]

could it be a bowl game?

[tucker342]

Originally posted by INDalltheway
Here is Notre Dames entrance for this year.
http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/sports/ncaafootball2004/screens.html?page=18

That's fuckin awesome! Damn I'm excited for this game:D

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by KWhit
Hey guys. What are the odds that JeeberD's girlfirend will be getting a copy of NCAA 2004 for her birthday?


Girlfriend: "What the hell is this?"

JeeberD: "You always say we need to spend more time with each other. I thought we could play head to head."

Grilfriend: "You're CUT OFF"

JeeberD: "Mommy?"

Heh, the funny thing is that for Christmas my girlfriend got me NCAA 2K3 Basketball for my X-Box, and she played it just as much as me the first couple of weeks.

Of course, I don't think I could get away with giving her a game for her 21st birthday. I so gotta stay away from electronics stores for the next three weeks...

[rexallllsc]

I hope they get the crowd momentum right this year :)

[Kodos]

The crowd is supposed to be much improved, according to the guy Operation Sports who has been playing a beta copy. He says Brad Nessler gets more excited during a big play, and that the crowd slowly gets louder as a big play starts to break. It sounds great...

[SunDancer]

Does Notre Dame enterance actually go on more than that? Does the enterance look correct, they come out, stop then run? Looking at the next screen, it looks stupid.

Anyone more info on the enterances. Think of it, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Clemson, all of the enterances......

[Swaggs]

Wonder if it will have the new 6-team Big East! Can't wait.

[ice4277]

Originally posted by SunDancer
Anyone more info on the enterances. Think of it, Colorado, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Clemson, all of the enterances......

Unfortunately, from what I've read, the only school that has their own team-specific entry like this is The School That The Whole World Loves And God Has Annointed As His Favorite, aka Notre Dame.

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by ice4277
Unfortunately, from what I've read, the only school that has their own team-specific entry like this is The School That The Whole World Hates And Satan Has Annointed As His Favorite, aka Notre Dame.

Had to fix that for ya...

[SunDancer]

So why is EA pumping up the enterances like they did them alot?

[DataKing]

I've always played Madden and NCAA in "Coach Only Mode," but there are a few problems with this. The game will not handle kicks and punts, nor will it ever call for a fair catch. Although I am sure it hasn't been added for this year, I would love to see a true "coach only" mode sometime in the future. You call the play, then your players execute (full with computer-controlled audibles, motion, etc.). More of a wish list item than anything else, I suppose.

[ice4277]

Originally posted by JeeberD
Had to fix that for ya...

Thanks, I thought I had a couple grammatical errors in there somewhere ;) Actually I'm kind of happy that is in there, it will give me more incentive to kick their asses each season :D

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally posted by digamma
2. Let the defensive end beat the offensive tackle every now and then to get a sack. I think Pumpy Tudors has mentioned this, but a pass rush from the ends is almost non-existant in 2003.

Yes, once again, my wisdom has dribbled through. :D

[MylesKnight]

That Stadium in the UGA/UF Picture is definitely Alltel Stadium here in Jax.

Obviously there are some minor details that hopefully will be fixed before Shipment Time arrives.