still waiting on my NCAA 2004, any previews out there?

[Poli]

Hi guys,

I'm on day 10 waiting for the game, and trust me, every time I hear "mail call" I go running. We've had three of them in the past two days.

I'm looking for the differences I should expect from last season's game to this seasons. Kind of a preview from an actual player instead of a magazine.

Questions I have:
How are the special teams? Any different than last year?

I saw a few screen shots of unbalanced offensive lines. Is the TE shifted over, or is it a tackle? How many plays can I expect for that type of formation? What other kinds of formations are there?

Is there an option for a "global" playbook?

I think I recall someone saying the "substitute 2nd string" is back. Is that true?

I also heard they were changing up the defense. How does that look now? Any new defensive fronts?

Anything else you guys want to tell me would be great!

If you could, I'd prefer you email me the answers vice posting here, but feel free to do either.

Thanks in advance,

AE

[FBPro]

Not sure about some as I didn't play NCAA2003 but I know that "sub 2nd string" is in the game as an option.

[FBPro]

BTW, you ARE one patient man.

[Poli]

Thanks, FBPro!

I thought of another question. I heard there was going to be more trick plays. Is there, and how many new "trick" plays are there?

[FBPro]

I'm fairly sure that there are quite a few, but I really suck bad so haven't had the guts to try them yet. Come to think of it though, they might help. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[Easy Mac]

Pretty good game. IN-game isn't that different from last years, but the SI covers are cool. They are pretty much just a fancier way of showing things that were in the game last year (polls, bowls, Heisman...).

The only thing I don't like is that you cannot change 1-AA rosters outside of a dynasty. That sucks.

[Balldog]

How are the special teams? Any different than last year?

Special teams are excellent, very realistic compared to last year.

I saw a few screen shots of unbalanced offensive lines. Is the TE shifted over, or is it a tackle? How many plays can I expect for that type of formation? What other kinds of formations are there?

I forget what the formation is call but their is an ace formation that has 2 TEs on one side and another on the other. I sub my best backup OL for 1 of the TEs on the heavy side.

Is there an option for a "global" playbook?

Nope, not that I know of.


I think I recall someone saying the "substitute 2nd string" is back. Is that true?

Yes and the CPU actually uses its 2nd string in blowouts.


I also heard they were changing up the defense. How does that look now? Any new defensive fronts?

Nothing really new on defense. :(

[DolaBump]

Originally posted by Balldog


I also heard they were changing up the defense. How does that look now? Any new defensive fronts?

Nothing really new on defense. :(

Except for MUCH smarter DB's and defensive plays that make a bit more sense.

[illinifan999]

Trick plays:

WR Reverse Pass
HB Pass
HB Optioin Pass
Heard there was a flea flicker, havent seen it yet though
Reverse plays
That's all that is in my playbook, havent checked any other teams yet though, im sure there are more.

[Balldog]

Yeah there are a bunch of new plays defensively but no new defensive sets. Hopefully next year the have team specific defenses. I hate seeing teams play 4-3 one play, 3-4 the next, then 5-2 the next.

[Eaglesfan27]

One of my favorite trick plays in USC's playbook is the QB screen. He hands off to the RB and the RB throws the ball over to the QB who has a nice screen set up for him. Considering I have a QB that I signed who has 90 speed, it is very effective if he catches it :)

I also love how Special Teams is really improved from last year and seems much closer to realistic results.

[sony]

The Mass Sub is terrific. I love this feature.

[MizzouRah]

The game as a whole has been tightned up. AA default has been a challenge for the first few games so far. I've heard Heisman plays much better this year as well.

I love seeing my recievers look back at the ball when my QB throws one to them. The tackles are better this year, I've seen some great looking hard hits as well as many new tackle animations. I can finally get sacks, blocking is much better as well as screens actually work!

The SI covers really add to the overall immersion of the game. There are also alot of little details like seeing your best players stats as your next game is loading up. Oh, the crowds are the best of any game thus far.


Kind of a jibbery post, but I hope you get the jest of it. :)


Todd

[nilodor]

The game plays very tight, after you monkey around with the sliders a bit. Also for the first time in the NCAA franchise I feel that I acctually know why I am getting beat. ie If the CPU is cheating, it sure as hell does not feel like it.

[Poli]

Day 11 was unfruitful, so hopefully I will have good news tomorrow. Here's to hope.

Thanks for all the input!