EA Sport "NFL HEAD COACH"

[ice4277]

This game, done right would be my FPS 99. I've only been waiting for a game like that, every since I loaded that shitty program on my computer.

So, wouldn't you actually want it to be anything but FPS 99?

[Eaglesfan27]

Very cool looking new video with several coaches talking over video of the game on EASport's site. However, there is some very concerning draft decisions illustrated in the video. I really hope that they are tuning the AI quite a bit more. Here is the link:

http://www.easports.com/nflheadcoach/theater.jsp

The concern is that the draft picks really seem improbable. Bush is still available at #14! The first 7 taken can be seen in one shot:

Pick 1 Houston AJ Hawk
Pick 2 New Orleans Vernon Davis
Pick 3 Tennessee M. Leinart
Pick 4 NYJ Santonio Holmes
Pick 5 GB Mario Williams
Pick 6 SF B.Bunkley
Pick 7 Oak Chris GoCong - Who?

At Pick #14 Reggie Bush, Ferguson, Young, Huff and Cutler are still on the board.


There is also a nice looking trailer, but obviously it will be a disappointment if the AI isn't tuned quite a bit more.

[stevew]

Bad link.

Yeah, hopefully the AI is a lot better, or this will be a very frustrating game.

[Eaglesfan27]

I fixed the link.

[sabotai]

Why post video of your game working badly? That's like posting a video where your players on the field teleport or the game incorrectly calculates yards to go......

Oh come on. Someone HAD to do it. :p

[Eaglesfan27]

Why post video of your game working badly? That's like posting a video where your players on the field teleport or the game incorrectly calculates yards to go......

Oh come on. Someone HAD to do it. :p

I thought the same thing as I was watching the video ;)

[RoastDuck]

This game looks like a Sims NFL Expansion pack.

[yabanci]

the draft AI can't be any worse than FOF. In FOF Leinart and Young would be lucky to get drafted on day one.

[Deattribution]

the draft AI can't be any worse than FOF. In FOF Leinart and Young would be lucky to get drafted on day one.

Sad but true, Free Agency and the Draft aren't FOF's strongest points.

[yabanci]

For the sake of comparison, here is the FOF version of the 2006 NFL draft:

1. Houston - Brodrick Bunkley, DT - this is FOF. A defensive lineman has to be drafted first. Bunkley would be an exellent guy to back up Travis Johnson for four years while an undrafted rookie free agent mans the other DT spot.

2. New Orleans - Mario Williams, DE - he would make an excellent backup to DEs Charles Grant or Will Smith. Forget about actual needs. This would also help tie up an inordinate amount of cap space in the DE position and guarantee cap hell for the forseeable future.

3. Tennessee - Davin Joseph, G - who cares if the Titans desperately need a quarterback. That's what undrafted rookie free agents are for. Better to draft a guard with a top five pick.

4. NY Jets - Haloti Ngata, NT - have to draft more defensive linemen in the top five.

5. Green Bay - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT - the obligatory top five OT.

6. San Francisco - Kamerion Wimbley, DE - more defensive linemen.

7. Oakland - Winston Justice, LT - an excellent choice to back up Robert Gallery for the next four years. Note to Al Davis: draft a starting RT in round seven and let Justice rot on the bench. Don't even consider moving one of the LTs to RT.

8. Buffalo - Jimmy Williams, CB - this is the mandatory cornerback.

9. Detroit - Chad Jackson, WR - there's almost always a wide receiver thrown randomly into the top ten and since WR is not a need for Detroit, they take a WR.

10. Arizona - Santonio Holmes, WR - lots of needs here. Best to draft another WR to backup Fitzgerald and Boldin.

11. St. Louis - Reggie Bush, RB - now is a good time to take the first running back and top rated player in the draft.

Matt Leinart - drafted by the Patriots in round 5.

Vince Young - undrafted and signed by whichever team managed to make it through the offseason with free cap space. That same team will sign to 1yr/minsal deals three other big name QBs who didn't get any offers during free agency because 90% of the teams are in cap hell with only 22 players under contract (and millions and millions of dead cap space because AI teams are required to release almost the entire team at the beginning of every offseason). Meanwhile undrafted rookie free agents will start at quarterback for about seven teams.

That EA draft doesn't look so bad after all.

[Bee]

Jim created a 2006 NFL draft file?

[GrantDawg]

There is also a nice looking trailer, but obviously it will be a disappointment if the AI isn't tuned quite a bit more.


It is also possible that they "randomized" the draft enough that those picks make sense. They mentioned that there are 30 drafts set in the game, but that there is a randomness to the players ability/penitential. That may include the first one.

[Eaglesfan27]

It is also possible that they "randomized" the draft enough that those picks make sense. They mentioned that there are 30 drafts set in the game, but that there is a randomness to the players ability/penitential. That may include the first one.

Good point. Someone posted in one screenshot that Bush's "rating" is listed as 69-83 with speed of 96-99. Perhaps, the "randomized" aspect of the draft is responsible for the odd draft order.

[Northwood_DK]

9. Detroit - Chad Jackson, WR - there's almost always a wide receiver thrown randomly into the top ten and since WR is not a need for Detroit, they take a WR.


lol

I knew the Lions would take another WR.

[Pumpy Tudors]

...there is a randomness to the players ability/penitential.
This quote contains a word you don't see very often.

[IwasHere]

Does anyone know if there are any Pre-Order specials for this game? Usually when I Pre-Order a game they either have a special price or include something extra.

[stevew]

For the sake of comparison, here is the FOF version of the 2006 NFL draft:

1. Houston - Brodrick Bunkley, DT - this is FOF. A defensive lineman has to be drafted first. Bunkley would be an exellent guy to back up Travis Johnson for four years while an undrafted rookie free agent mans the other DT spot.

2. New Orleans - Mario Williams, DE - he would make an excellent backup to DEs Charles Grant or Will Smith. Forget about actual needs. This would also help tie up an inordinate amount of cap space in the DE position and guarantee cap hell for the forseeable future.

3. Tennessee - Davin Joseph, G - who cares if the Titans desperately need a quarterback. That's what undrafted rookie free agents are for. Better to draft a guard with a top five pick.

4. NY Jets - Haloti Ngata, NT - have to draft more defensive linemen in the top five.

5. Green Bay - D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT - the obligatory top five OT.

6. San Francisco - Kamerion Wimbley, DE - more defensive linemen.

7. Oakland - Winston Justice, LT - an excellent choice to back up Robert Gallery for the next four years. Note to Al Davis: draft a starting RT in round seven and let Justice rot on the bench. Don't even consider moving one of the LTs to RT.

8. Buffalo - Jimmy Williams, CB - this is the mandatory cornerback.

9. Detroit - Chad Jackson, WR - there's almost always a wide receiver thrown randomly into the top ten and since WR is not a need for Detroit, they take a WR.

10. Arizona - Santonio Holmes, WR - lots of needs here. Best to draft another WR to backup Fitzgerald and Boldin.

11. St. Louis - Reggie Bush, RB - now is a good time to take the first running back and top rated player in the draft.

Matt Leinart - drafted by the Patriots in round 5.

Vince Young - undrafted and signed by whichever team managed to make it through the offseason with free cap space. That same team will sign to 1yr/minsal deals three other big name QBs who didn't get any offers during free agency because 90% of the teams are in cap hell with only 22 players under contract (and millions and millions of dead cap space because AI teams are required to release almost the entire team at the beginning of every offseason). Meanwhile undrafted rookie free agents will start at quarterback for about seven teams.

That EA draft doesn't look so bad after all.

I laughed at this cause it isn't that far from the truth. If you get an FOF year with 3-4 70plus rated QB's, you can bank on getting 2 of them in the 4th or worse. I've seen a QB go #1 maybe on average of once every 25 years in solo careers.

[stevew]

Does anyone know if there are any Pre-Order specials for this game? Usually when I Pre-Order a game they either have a special price or include something extra.

EA is offering free shipping on it from their store. If you get that periodic 15dollar code from the EA store you could use it and get the game for 31 plus tax(shipped). I don't think you can get free shipping and use the code, however and they charge 6 bucks for shipping.

To me, this seems like it would be a title that you may want to pre-order. I dunno what kind of printing they will do on it, but it could be one of those situations like MVP NCAA where it was hard to find a copy for a couple weeks if you don't get one ahead of time.

[Julio Riddols]

Is penitential something that a future convict might have a lot of?

I always wondered how to describe those "gangster" kids back in high school who liked to start knife fights and shit at lunch and go around acting like hardasses.

Oh, thats Rodrigo Gomez.. Some professional gangs are looking at him in this years class as the guy with the most penitential...

In my opinion, thats a kick ass word, whether its a typo, a misspelling or otherwise.

------Actually, after looking it up on dictionary.com, I'm not sure I am worried whether a player (or a gangster for that matter) has a book of church rules concerning the sacrament of penance.

[astrosfan64]

Very cool looking new video with several coaches talking over video of the game on EASport's site. However, there is some very concerning draft decisions illustrated in the video. I really hope that they are tuning the AI quite a bit more. Here is the link:

http://www.easports.com/nflheadcoach/theater.jsp

The concern is that the draft picks really seem improbable. Bush is still available at #14! The first 7 taken can be seen in one shot:

Pick 1 Houston AJ Hawk
Pick 2 New Orleans Vernon Davis
Pick 3 Tennessee M. Leinart
Pick 4 NYJ Santonio Holmes
Pick 5 GB Mario Williams
Pick 6 SF B.Bunkley
Pick 7 Oak Chris GoCong - Who?

At Pick #14 Reggie Bush, Ferguson, Young, Huff and Cutler are still on the board.


There is also a nice looking trailer, but obviously it will be a disappointment if the AI isn't tuned quite a bit more.

It isn't that bad.

Hawk is a stud.

Leinert is the best QB in the draft.

Williams is a stud.

I don't think Reggie Bush is the best RB in the draft.

[Pumpy Tudors]

One day until the draft, and Reggie Bush is STILL overrated!

[Eaglesfan27]

Article on ign in which the producers of Head Coach did a simulated draft after they made sure that all of the same offseason moves happened in the game as they did in real life this year. Here are the results:

(Here is the link too): http://sports.ign.com/articles/703/703782p1.html


1. Texans: Reggie Bush, HB, USC
2. Saints: Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
3. Titans: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
4. Jets: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, LT, Virginia
5. Packers: Mario Williams, RE, NC State
6. 49ers: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State (http://sports.ign.com/articles/703/703782p1.html#)
7. Raiders: A.J. Hawk, LOLB, Ohio State (http://sports.ign.com/articles/703/703782p1.html#)
8. Bills: Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
9. Lions: Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
10. Cards: Michael Huff, SS, Texas
11. Rams: Chad Greenway, LOLB, Iowa
12. Browns: Kamerion Wimbley, ROLB, Florida State
13. Ravens: Vince Young, QB, Texas
14. Eagles: Winston Justice, LT, USC
15. Broncos: Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
16. Dolphins: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
17. Vikings: Jonathan Joseph, CB, S. Carolina
18. Cowboys: Jason Allen, FS, Tennessee
19. Chargers: Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
20. Chiefs: Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State
21. Patriots: Bobby Carpenter, ROLB, Ohio State
22. 49ers: Manny Lawson, RE, Texas Tech
23. Bucs: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech
24. Cincinnati: Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami
25. Giants: Ernie Sims, LOLB, Florida State
26. Bears: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson
27. Panthers: DeAngelo Williams, HB, Memphis
28. Jags: Tamba Hali LE, Penn State
29. Jets: LenDale White, HB, USC
30. Colts: Laurence Maroney, HB, Minnesota
31. Seahawks: Ashton Youboty, CB, Ohio State
32. Steelers: Donte Whitner, SS, Ohio State

Round 2

33. Texans: Eric Winston, LT, Miami
34. Saints: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
35. Jets: Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon
36. Packers: Mathias Kiwanuka, RE, Boston Coll.
37. Broncos: Joseph Addai, HB, LSU
38. Raiders: Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
39. Titans: D'Qwell Jackson, MLB, Maryland
40. Lions: Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State
41. Cards: Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
42. Bills: DeMeco Ryans, ROLB, Alabama
43. Browns: Darryl Tapp, RE, Virginia Tech
44. Ravens: Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama
45. Eagles: Rocky McIntosh, LOLB, Miami
46. Rams: Orien Harris, DT, Miami
47. Falcons: Cedric Griffin, CB, Texas
48. Vikings: Abdul Hodge, MLB, Iowa
49. Cowboys: Marcus McNeill, LT, Auburn
50. Chargers: Ko Simpson, FS, South Carolina
51. Dolphins: Thomas Howard, ROLB, UTEP
52. Patriots: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
53. Redskins: Mark Anderson, RE, Alabama
54. Chiefs: Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
55. Bengals: Dominique Byrd, TE, USC
56. Giants: Deuce Lutui, G, USC
57. Bears: Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
58. Panthers: Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
59. Bucs: Jason Spitz, C, Louisville
60. Jags: Brian Calhoun, HB, Wisconsin
61. Broncos: Andrew Whitworth, LT, LSU
62. Colts: David Pittman, CB, Northwestern
63. Seahawks: Gerris Wilkinson, MLB, Georgia Tech
64. Steelers: Daniel Manning, CB, Abilene Cristian


That is more encouraging to me than the previous "draft results" posted in the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

New interview up on Maddennation's site. Not much new info, but they said that you will be able to carry approximately 100 offensive plays from your playbook and 50 defensive plays into any game. That alleviates the fears of some that thought you could only have 50 plays/game. Here is the link: http://www.maddennation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54710

[SegRat]

New interview up on Maddennation's site. Not much new info, but they said that you will be able to carry approximately 100 offensive plays from your playbook and 50 defensive plays into any game. That alleviates the fears of some that thought you could only have 50 plays/game. Here is the link: http://www.maddennation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54710

I really like this:

MN:We noticed a job security meter while playing. What happens if you’re fired? Will you have the chance to coach another team?

JS:You can get fired and if you do, you will be back in your home office and have to review and accept an offer from another NFL team to continue your career.


MN:What if you’re doing really well? Could you be offered a job by another team in an attempt to lure you away from your current one?

JS:Yes you will be offered other jobs if you perform well

[MizzouRah]

This game has moved to my "most anticipated" game yet to be released.

I really hope they test the heck out of this one.

[MizzouRah]

dola,

New screens... these are for the pc!!!

http://media.pc.ign.com/media/776/776738/imgs_1.html

[wade moore]

This game is setting me up for SO much dissapointment...

[Eaglesfan27]

This game has moved to my "most anticipated" game yet to be released.

I really hope they test the heck out of this one.

Me too, on both points.

[wade moore]

Has anyone seen if this will have any form of MP? (Even local)

[stevew]

As long as h2h with other people is fun, and entertaining, I'll be okay with the game. I'll be dissapointed if the rest of the game sucks, however.

[Eaglesfan27]

Has anyone seen if this will have any form of MP? (Even local)

From what I've read, you can play on the internet against other people in "coach now" games. No career MP from what I've read.

[wade moore]

Interesting...

I'm betting there is at least a remote chance that theirs "local" MP.. what I mean by that is you and your buddies can do a career together... since this has basically always been in Madden/NCAA.

[Eaglesfan27]

dola,

New screens... these are for the pc!!!

http://media.pc.ign.com/media/776/776738/imgs_1.html


Are the pictures working when you try to click on them? I can view the thumbnails, but it keeps giving an error when I try to click on the thumbnails (I've tried a few times over the last few minutes since you posted the link.)

[Neuqua]

Are the pictures working when you try to click on them? I can view the thumbnails, but it keeps giving an error when I try to click on the thumbnails (I've tried a few times over the last few minutes since you posted the link.)

Same here.

[John Galt]

I guess I'm still in the camp (I don't know if it is really a camp since I may be the only one in it) that can't forget this is a Joe Stallings game. Maybe he isn't a big figure in its production and everything will be fine. But I just think of how Joe used to pump all of his games and advertise the pretty screens and incredible features. And yet the games usually failed in the execution. Given the incredible promises that have been made, it just seems like a total Stallings endeavor (which strangely seems to fit very well with EA's practices).

[Raiders Army]

I guess I'm still in the camp (I don't know if it is really a camp since I may be the only one in it) that can't forget this is a Joe Stallings game. Maybe he isn't a big figure in its production and everything will be fine. But I just think of how Joe used to pump all of his games and advertise the pretty screens and incredible features. And yet the games usually failed in the execution. Given the incredible promises that have been made, it just seems like a total Stallings endeavor (which strangely seems to fit very well with EA's practices).
Good point, but I'm really trying to ignore that point. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

I keep thinking (rationalizing?) that Joe probably had a small part in such a big project.

[dawgfan]

My understanding is that the primary producer on this project was a guy named David Ortiz, a guy I worked with at MS (he was a game designer on 3 of the NFL Fever projects). I think that Joe had some involvement but wasn't the main guy.

[TroyF]

I have this and OOTP on the same level right now.

On one hand, some of the screenshots and options just blow me away. It looks like it could be SOOOOOO good.

On the other, EA has made a habit of producing average or below average garbage and OOTP has dissapointed me three times in a row.

Both OOTP and this one have me sold. I'm one of the moronic masses that has to have every sports game and dream they will be good. I'll purchase both in the early days of their release. Then I'll hope and pray things work out. My prediction now is that OOTP will be the real deal this year and that this thing, in its first inclination from a company who has never shown interest in something like this before will fall on its face.

With there being other text based baseball options, I really, really hope I'm wrong.

[MizzouRah]

Are the pictures working when you try to click on them? I can view the thumbnails, but it keeps giving an error when I try to click on the thumbnails (I've tried a few times over the last few minutes since you posted the link.)

Some do and some don't.

[dervack]

Some do and some don't.
All of the ones posted today gives me the error.

[ice4277]

On the other, EA has made a habit of producing average or below average garbage and OOTP has dissapointed me three times in a row.


The one game I've been thinking a lot about recently in regards to NFL Head Coach is EA's soccer manager game. I remember when I first ordered that game, I was so pumped. FIFA-quality graphics in a coaching sim! It sounded solid, and was loaded with features. Problem was the match engine was awful (and probably still is in newer versions). Its a lot of shiny chrome but nothing underneath. I am praying Head Coach is not like this.

[Icy]

The one game I've been thinking a lot about recently in regards to NFL Head Coach is EA's soccer manager game. I remember when I first ordered that game, I was so pumped. FIFA-quality graphics in a coaching sim! It sounded solid, and was loaded with features. Problem was the match engine was awful (and probably still is in newer versions). Its a lot of shiny chrome but nothing underneath. I am praying Head Coach is not like this.

Exactly my fear. TCM from EA Sports promissed to be FM with the FIFA awesome 3D graphics and even after a few versions and years, it's like comparing Maximum Football with FOF. That is why i dont' want to get so excited.

[ice4277]

even after a few versions and years, it's like comparing Maximum Football with FOF.

Well, I wouldn't be that hard on them ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

My understanding is that the primary producer on this project was a guy named David Ortiz, a guy I worked with at MS (he was a game designer on 3 of the NFL Fever projects). I think that Joe had some involvement but wasn't the main guy.

FWIW, they have had multiple interviews with different people who were "highly" placed within the project. None of them have been Joe.

[stevew]

I may have to go all out and get a bluetooth headset, if it works correctly :)
I can imagine pacing across the living room shouting out orders, Cowher style.

[MizzouRah]

Which reminds me, I'm going with the pc version I think due to the fact you can get updated rosters, possible mods, etc..

Is that what most who are getting the game are going with?

I don't think it's coming out for the 360 is it?

[wade moore]

Which reminds me, I'm going with the pc version I think due to the fact you can get updated rosters, possible mods, etc..

Is that what most who are getting the game are going with?

I don't think it's coming out for the 360 is it?

PC Here. When I bought my new PC I told myself that I will be going the PC route at leat for about a year...

[stevew]

PC Here. Don't have a PS2 or Xbox.

[Eaglesfan27]

Even though I think it could look very nice on the new big screen TV and the Xbox, I'm going with the PC version for the mod potential.

[gstelmack]

I laughed at this cause it isn't that far from the truth. If you get an FOF year with 3-4 70plus rated QB's, you can bank on getting 2 of them in the 4th or worse. I've seen a QB go #1 maybe on average of once every 25 years in solo careers.

They may not go #1 as often as everyone would like, but in our current office league draft I was the first human to pick at #25, and the 3 60+ QBs were all gone. I had to take the 53-rated one.

[SegRat]

I will be getting the PC one.

[Eaglesfan27]

An hour ago, none of the new IGN shots were working for me (except for the thumbnails.) This site appears to have most of the same new shots:

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/10842/NFL-Head-Coach-Screenshots/


The one showing on screen action looks good. I like the camera angle. Of course, I can't wait to see the game in videos more.

[MizzouRah]

I figured most FOFC members would be getting the PC version.

The screen shot you're talking about EF reminds me what FPS 2006 could have looked like.

This game might be the closest we ever come to the all time great FPS series... and that's tough to digest with EA being the developer. :)

[wbatl1]

They may not go #1 as often as everyone would like, but in our current office league draft I was the first human to pick at #25, and the 3 60+ QBs were all gone. I had to take the 53-rated one.

Not to threadjack, but WHERE DO YOU WORK? Office league:eek: ? Thats like a pervereted fantasy of mine:p

[Blade6119]

Will NCAA draft files work with this game?

[TroyF]

I figured most FOFC members would be getting the PC version.

The screen shot you're talking about EF reminds me what FPS 2006 could have looked like.

This game might be the closest we ever come to the all time great FPS series... and that's tough to digest with EA being the developer. :)

It's why I'm keeping my expectations LOW. This could be a dream game. Then again, it could be an unmitigated disaster.

Serious question here for everyone, what would you consider a game killer for this one? I don't expect everything to be handled right, but my serious hope is that the in game AI is reasonable. I want very, very few "WTF was that?" type moments.

I'll forgive stats that are a tad off or a draft AI not perfect or even a statstic tracking type bug. I'm just worried this is going to be like a vast majority of EA game before this where if you try coach mode and watch a play, things don't look, feel or play out right.

BTW, this isn't a game bashing post. I will be getting the game and my hopes are high. It's only my expectations that are low.

[MizzouRah]

..and it's the #1 reason to get it on the pc, plus the price should be about $20 cheaper.. but patches are GOOD.

If the FA and drafts don't have reasonable AI, then the game will be shelved. Considering it's the games primary focus, I'm hoping the AI is quite good.

[stevew]

..and it's the #1 reason to get it on the pc, plus the price should be about $20 cheaper.. but patches are GOOD.

If the FA and drafts don't have reasonable AI, then the game will be shelved. Considering it's the games primary focus, I'm hoping the AI is quite good.

All versions are 40 bucks.

[MizzouRah]

All versions are 40 bucks.

That's unusual.

[TroyF]

..and it's the #1 reason to get it on the pc, plus the price should be about $20 cheaper.. but patches are GOOD.

If the FA and drafts don't have reasonable AI, then the game will be shelved. Considering it's the games primary focus, I'm hoping the AI is quite good.


Of course, EA has always came out with patches that fix the type of things I'm talking about, right?

The PC patch was a crutch EA used for years and failed miserably a majority of the time with. Usually the patch was "wait til next years game, we'll take care of the problem there and call it a feature"

So for you it's the AI in the draft/FA periods. (ie: the roster build up) It's the opposite for me. With a 30 year maximum (and probably much less if I were to watch every game I coached), I want the on the field stuff to have some logic behind it.

I guess we'll see if they get either portion of it right or not.

[sabotai]

Serious question here for everyone, what would you consider a game killer for this one? I don't expect everything to be handled right, but my serious hope is that the in game AI is reasonable. I want very, very few "WTF was that?" type moments.

I can deal with moderately reasonable off the field AI (no offense to Jim or Arlie, but every football game, sim and console, has only had what I would call "moderately reasonable" GM AI). I'll forgive a few "WTF!?" things happening with the AI management

It's the on the field AI that I won't be able to get passed if they mess that up. If there are even a few "WTF!?" moments per game, then I'll be disappointed. I know they should have players make mistakes. Players make mistakes in football. We watch games and go "WTF are you doing!?" at the players. But I'm talking about things that just are unexplaiable.

Example: Playing NFL2k5 back when it came out, I called for my OLB to blitz. I run the play and notice no pressure on the QB from that side so I check the instant replay to see what happened. What I saw on the replay defied logic. My OLB decided that instead of blitzing, he would just run around in a circle for a few seconds...then blitz (by then, the pass was thrown) Those sort of things will bother me to no end, especially in a game like this.

[MizzouRah]

Of course, EA has always came out with patches that fix the type of things I'm talking about, right?

The PC patch was a crutch EA used for years and failed miserably a majority of the time with. Usually the patch was "wait til next years game, we'll take care of the problem there and call it a feature"

So for you it's the AI in the draft/FA periods. (ie: the roster build up) It's the opposite for me. With a 30 year maximum (and probably much less if I were to watch every game I coached), I want the on the field stuff to have some logic behind it.

I guess we'll see if they get either portion of it right or not.

True.. I also like being able to get better rosters and well, look at what modders have done to MVP via PC.

I'm anxiously waiting on some reviews just to see and read what the game is like - IGN, Gamespot, etc..

[TroyF]

I can deal with moderately reasonable off the field AI (no offense to Jim or Arlie, but every football game, sim and console, has only had what I would call "moderately reasonable" GM AI). I'll forgive a few "WTF!?" things happening with the AI management

It's the on the field AI that I won't be able to get passed if they mess that up. If there are even a few "WTF!?" moments per game, then I'll be disappointed. I know they should have players make mistakes. Players make mistakes in football. We watch games and go "WTF are you doing!?" at the players. But I'm talking about things that just are unexplaiable.

Example: Playing NFL2k5 back when it came out, I called for my OLB to blitz. I run the play and notice no pressure on the QB from that side so I check the instant replay to see what happened. What I saw on the replay defied logic. My OLB decided that instead of blitzing, he would just run around in a circle for a few seconds...then blitz (by then, the pass was thrown) Those sort of things will bother me to no end, especially in a game like this.


Well said and I agree. Mistakes are A-OK. I want to watch my rookie QB miss a wide open WR and throw it into double coverage. That happens. Hell, it happens with veteran QB's. But if, for example, everytime I called for the deep post the QB looked off of him and dumped it to the RB before the WR ever made the break? I'd be pissed off beyond belief. (that very thing was in both NCAA and Madden two years ago. Neither was fixed until the following years title)

[kcchief19]

I think you guys have confused me. On the one hand, I'm seeing talk about how you're keeping expectations low, then somehow expect this first generation game not to have the same flubs inherent in almost every 3D game ever made, including NCAA and Madden from EA.

My expectations are a management AI somewhere in the mid-point between FOF and Madden, and a gameplay engine slightly below Madden. It's completely unrealistic to expect that a first generation game to be have a superior game engine than Madden in this situation. Personally, I would prefer a tight personnel management AI with the usual 3D AI nonsense. This game would be useless to me if it had the greatest gameplay AI of all time where players act realistically but has management AI of Football Mogul.

My fear is that this is merely going to be Madden with RPG elements. If the finances, roster management and gameplay are not any deeper than Madden is, this will be the most major football sim disappointment since FB Pro '99.

[MizzouRah]

I'm hoping it's a text sim first, Madden engine 3D display second.

[Eaglesfan27]

It's why I'm keeping my expectations LOW. This could be a dream game. Then again, it could be an unmitigated disaster.

Serious question here for everyone, what would you consider a game killer for this one? I don't expect everything to be handled right, but my serious hope is that the in game AI is reasonable. I want very, very few "WTF was that?" type moments.

I'll forgive stats that are a tad off or a draft AI not perfect or even a statstic tracking type bug. I'm just worried this is going to be like a vast majority of EA game before this where if you try coach mode and watch a play, things don't look, feel or play out right.

BTW, this isn't a game bashing post. I will be getting the game and my hopes are high. It's only my expectations that are low.

If the AI is drafting or signing FA unreasonably, or the stats are outside of the realm of possibility are the two main game breakers for me. However, what is reasonable AI? That is the tricky thing. We blast games that have teams draft a DE with a high pick despite having 2 great DE's. However, look at the Saints this year. They have a boat load of RB's including Deuce who is quite talented if he can come back from his injury, other needs, yet they took Reggie. I'm willing to give the AI some latitude. Like you, I just don't want too many WTF moments from the draft or FA signings.

[MizzouRah]

If the AI is drafting or signing FA unreasonably, or the stats are outside of the realm of possibility are the two main game breakers for me. However, what is reasonable AI? That is the tricky thing. We blast games that have teams draft a DE with a high pick despite having 2 great DE's. However, look at the Saints this year. They have a boat load of RB's including Deuce who is quite talented if he can come back from his injury, other needs, yet they took Reggie. I'm willing to give the AI some latitude. Like you, I just don't want too many WTF moments from the draft or FA signings.

Great point and I would probably do the same (draft Bush) given the chance.

I'll still miss the FPS style interface. :p

[jaygr]

I can't believe it is still over a month til this comes out. Wasn't the original date in April sometime? That would have been perfect because with the draft I think I had the strongest itch to play a football sim. Plus I have held off playing FOF or TPF because I don't want to get burnt out on football sims for when Head Coach comes out.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm glad they moved it back if it leads to a higher quality release, however, I'm also jonesing for some football now and am getting back into one of my FOF SP Careers.

[KWhit]

I'm hoping it's a text sim first, Madden engine 3D display second.

And that is the problem. I'm betting it's going to be the other way around. Very pretty to look at, but not so great under the hood.

[Samdari]

And that is the problem. I'm betting it's going to be the other way around. Very pretty to look at, but not so great under the hood.

Subtitled "Eva Longoria"

[KWhit]

I'd like to get under her hood.

[SegRat]

I'd like to get under her hood.
When your down there, tell me exactly how far I crawled up inside it.

[MizzouRah]

I'm glad they moved it back if it leads to a higher quality release, however, I'm also jonesing for some football now and am getting back into one of my FOF SP Careers.

Me too.

[MizzouRah]

And that is the problem. I'm betting it's going to be the other way around. Very pretty to look at, but not so great under the hood.

If that's the case, I won't buy. I'm going to wait on the reviews from sites and FOFC'ers who buy it on release day. :)

[redfox000]

Any news from E3? Has E3 started yet?

[Eaglesfan27]

Any news from E3? Has E3 started yet?

Maddennation is supposed to have a video interview from E3 as well as a preview with many user submitted questions answered either tonight or tomorrow. They also have videos and previews of NCAA and Madden already up. NCAA on the 360 looks great with no more suction blocking. I can't wait to see the head coach features once they are up.

[redfox000]

Here is some more info on the game I ran across.

http://www.vgsinet.com/newsletter/Madden-Vol3.pdf

[Eaglesfan27]

Here is some more info on the game I ran across.

http://www.vgsinet.com/newsletter/Madden-Vol3.pdf

That was actually posted a few pages ago, but it still has good info.

[SegRat]

Here is some more info on the game I ran across.

http://www.vgsinet.com/newsletter/Madden-Vol3.pdf
Damn it man, you trying to steal my thunder?

[redfox000]

Damn it man, you trying to steal my thunder?

Sorry :o I didnt' realize it was already posted.

[Eaglesfan27]

Maddennation's material isn't up yet, but they say they have multiple videos and spent about an hour getting questions answered by the producers. However, Gamespot's E3 preview is up now. They only spent a few minutes trying the game out. Not much new, except for this little tidbit of info which I hadn't heard before:

..... we noticed individual scouting reports on nearly every player on every team you face in the regular season--a pretty cool feature and one that will likely be invaluable for the more hardcore virtual coaches out there. That said, the organization of all this information can still be a bit confusing—some menus are available through by pressing the directional pad in one of four directions, while others are available by moving through various objects in your office, such as the computer, the phone, and so on. As such, it's sort of tough to tell where you need to go to access what information but, considering the depth of data on hand, organization is almost sure to be a problem.



Here is a link to the entire preview:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox/sports/nflheadcoach/news.html?sid=6150930

[MizzouRah]

Thanks for that link EF. This game sounds like it has a ton of depth, which also could mean more chances of buggies.

[kcchief19]

That said, the organization of all this information can still be a bit confusing—some menus are available through by pressing the directional pad in one of four directions, while others are available by moving through various objects in your office, such as the computer, the phone, and so on. As such, it's sort of tough to tell where you need to go to access what information but, considering the depth of data on hand, organization is almost sure to be a problem.
Sounds like this a preview of the console version. Just handling the GM/Coach aspects of NFL and NCAA console games is just excruciating.

[Eaglesfan27]

Sounds like this a preview of the console version. Just handling the GM/Coach aspects of NFL and NCAA console games is just excruciating.

Agreed. Another reason why I plan on buying the PC Version.
Also, I agree with Todd that it is more chance for bugs, but I'm glad they are being ambitious rather than making it too simplistic.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Maddennation has their first two videos up. There are quite a few more coming tonight or tomorrow. Their site is getting hammered, so expect a long wait to see the videos. Q&A should still be up later today.

Link to video thread:
http://www.maddennation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55253

[Bee]

Is this game getting much attention outside of people like us?


BTW, thanks EF27 (and others) for all the links and stuff. It's nice to be getting all the info without actually having to do any searching. :)

[MacroGuru]

Alright, from the video I just watched, it looks like it's a step into my dream game concept I have had for a while.....

I am hoping EA doesn't mess this up....it looks awesome!

[Bee]

Alright, from the video I just watched, it looks like it's a step into my dream game concept I have had for a while.....



You should sue. :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Just watched both videos, and while it's hard to tell from limited video, I definitely like what I'm seeing. A couple of the camera angles look great.

[SegRat]

I have only been able to see 1 vid, and I am more scared now than ever of disapointment, because what I just saw makes the game look amazing.

Dont you let me down EA or heads WILL roll!!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

RAC's post on Maddennation is up. Here is a link:

http://www.maddennation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55270


Some highlights (and lowlights for me):

First the good:

- Players can get hurt during practice and this happens more often with more contact drills.

- Assistant Coaches will each have their own philosophy and personality. They will conform to your schemes, but once they leave you they will run their own scheme with wrinkles from your scheme added to their game!

- First I've heard of hiring specific scouting directors.

- It's confirmed that owners will have different personalities, some will spend money like crazy, others won't.

- They don't use the NFL Draft chart for trading picks, but they use a similar point system to decide on how trades should work. They also use an "advanced" trading module for non draft picks that will make trading much more realistic than Madden.

- This is a negative possibly depending upon how it is implemented, but it sounds like players will not "completely" bust, but will vary in how quickly they develop. However, well scouted top 5 picks are going to eventually be good players.

- Live draft in which you have 5 minutes to pick. If you don't pick in that time, your scouting director will make the call. 45 seconds between computer picks, so you better be ready to make a trade quickly if you want to move up.

- They reiterated how trust works, and I think I'm going to like it. I want to try to balance all of the egos of my staff, including my scouting director, coaches, etc. Also, piss a GM off enough and they won't trade with you anymore. Same for agents and their clients.

- The scouting director can look at 8 guys per week throughout the calendar year. This can be guys on the opposing team, free agents, or guys who will be in next year's draft. At the combine, you can scout 25 guys in more depth.

- You can put guys on the IR.

- Wide variety of reasons and timing for coaches to retire.

Negatives:

- Biggest: No in game saves :( :( :(

- No expanded squads, no practice squads.

- The playbook creator only allows for a limited creation of "gadget plays."

- No firings mid season, only at the end of the season.

- Coaches that you face twice a year don't make adjustments based on the earlier game, but the producers hope to add this to next year's version.

- They took out the ability to "lure" away assistants from other teams with a promotion. Instead, assistants will decide that they are ready for a promotion and will announce themselves as FA's looking for a better job and you can bid on them in the pool with other teams also competing for their services. That might be good if it was done for game balancing purposes.

- The playbook editor allows you to customize existing formations and make plays with your customized formations or their base formations. That feature wasn't viewable at E3.



I'm still anxious awaiting this game after reading it, but I hope that there are some busts in the game. I'm also really disappointed that there are no in game saves as I imagine 15 minute quarters would take at least an hour to play.

[Flasch186]

yes, this is a must buy for me.

[stevew]

ACK

- Biggest: No in game saves

That blows. I hate when I can't save during a game.

[DaddyTorgo]

no in-game saves doesn't REALLY bother me. just means that if i only play part of a game before i have to turn off the computer I can quit and replay it later...adds to the length of time it takes to finish a career, which IMO is a good thing.

I hope that coaches that you face twice a year will learn from what you do the following year, at least that would be a start.

other than that, nothing really "bothers" me, although I think 45 seconds for computer picks might be really quick in the draft unless there's a "pause" feature? then again hopefully it will be slidered/hacked on the pc version

the other thing I am afraid of is the scouting director's scouting and to what extent that can be automatically done. it's quite a pain in NBA Live for example, to have to stop your auto-simming when you're trying to tank a season or have a "development season" in order to scout rookies and order your coaches around. but i guess that's okay.

[Yossarian]

If the game is as good as hyped (and invariably it won't be) then I'd bet the house on the next Solecismic footy game being TCY. Which is a shame for me personally since I have no interest in college and would buy the next FOF regardless of this game.

But if the game is solid, it would impinge upon fof sales in the next X months.

IMHO

[Passacaglia]

This is a negative possibly depending upon how it is implemented, but it sounds like players will not "completely" bust, but will vary in how quickly they develop. However, well scouted top 5 picks are going to eventually be good players.

This seems like a positive to me. A "complete" bust, a la FOF is too much. A player doesn't suddenly lose potential -- in fact, by definition of potential, he never loses it at all. I guess I think about Joey Harrington or Ryan Leaf -- those guys still had the potential after they've been cast off (which is why teams kept taking chances on Leaf), but they're not approaching that potential as fast as they should. But of course, like you said, it depends on implementation.

No in-game saves is okay with me. If I can deal with it in FM, I can deal with it here.

Anyway, I think I'll be able to resist on this one, and wait for some reviews. A few years ago I realized I had no interest in Madden, so if this is Madden Lite, I'll have no interest in it, either.

[RedKingGold]

If the game is as good as hyped (and invariably it won't be) then I'd bet the house on the next Solecismic footy game being TCY. Which is a shame for me personally since I have no interest in college and would buy the next FOF regardless of this game.

But if the game is solid, it would impinge upon fof sales in the next X months.

IMHO

I really doubt that Jim would base what product he would sell based on what EA makes, no matter how good NFLHC is.

[Yossarian]

Obviously I don't know anything really.. but whilst I suspect you are correct that the simple fact that there is an EA game in the arena wouldn't put someone of character off, if such a game was as good as (say) FM, then it would become a yard stick that everyone measured other football games against.

If you're going to compete with something like that you need to be confident that you're either significantly better on the same terms or different enough to satisfy a niche.

compare the prospects of releasing a product in THAT market verses the still untapped (by major publishers) market of college football and it would appear (to me at least) that there would be more money to be made in the short to medium term competing against 'air'.

[AgustusM]

I'm very excited for this game, I have already pre-ordered and all that..

but I am very disappointed to see this baby in there

- No editing of rosters.

Not that I didn't expect it, EA does seem to have a general philosophical opposition to customization.

[Emiliano]

First of all, thanks EF27 for the infos. I can't access MN at all, I'll probably do it tomorrow morning when you guys are all asleep (well, most of you...).

Very good stuff, I think. I'm not too bothered by the lack of in-game saves (although I wonder why is it so damn difficult to add, given the fact that it's already in Madden since...forever) and I'm liking these interactions with assistants, players and owners. I really hope all this stuff works well, and you influence all these people (and your career, of course) with your decisions.
I also hope they got the management part right, like if you put a player on IR you ACTUALLY gain a roster spot, not only his cap cost...

I got a question then: is the mystery of the "40 draft classes scouted" been solved??? What does this mean? We have a big pool of draftee and they change name/position/height/weight every career you start? If someone has any clarification on this, please post it.

Oh, and speaking of Maddennation (this is only for the 360 guys): have you seen the Madden videos Pastapadre has posted? They look very nice.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've seen the Madden and NCAA 360 videos from Maddennation and OS. They do look VERY nice. I'm going to preorder NCAA soon.

My understanding of the 40 draft classes is that the 1st draft will always be Reggie Bush, Vince Young and company. Each subsequent year will be 1 of the 39 other classes that will appear in a random order. However, say you get class #25, that class will always have guys with the same name, position, height, weight, etc. I haven't seen it clarified anywhere if they will develop differently via an "x-factor" but several places have said they believe this is the case.

[Passacaglia]

First of all, thanks EF27 for the infos. I can't access MN at all, I'll probably do it tomorrow morning when you guys are all asleep (well, most of you...).

Very good stuff, I think. I'm not too bothered by the lack of in-game saves (although I wonder why is it so damn difficult to add, given the fact that it's already in Madden since...forever) and I'm liking these interactions with assistants, players and owners. I really hope all this stuff works well, and you influence all these people (and your career, of course) with your decisions.
I also hope they got the management part right, like if you put a player on IR you ACTUALLY gain a roster spot, not only his cap cost...

I got a question then: is the mystery of the "40 draft classes scouted" been solved??? What does this mean? We have a big pool of draftee and they change name/position/height/weight every career you start? If someone has any clarification on this, please post it.

Oh, and speaking of Maddennation (this is only for the 360 guys): have you seen the Madden videos Pastapadre has posted? They look very nice.

Since you didn't reply in the BBCF Forum -- MSU is going down!! :)

[GrantDawg]

I'm very excited for this game, I have already pre-ordered and all that..

but I am very disappointed to see this baby in there

- No editing of rosters.

Not that I didn't expect it, EA does seem to have a general philosophical opposition to customization.

I'm surprised. You've been able to edit and create players in Madden for years. Sucks you can't in this game. It won't stop me from buying it, though.

[DaddyTorgo]

I'm surprised. You've been able to edit and create players in Madden for years. Sucks you can't in this game. It won't stop me from buying it, though.

obviously what this means is no "in-game" editing...you know that the database files will be hacked and modded (at least for accurate transfers) very quickly after release...by opening day for sure if not way before. just look at what the EA fans did with mlb 2005 to make it up-to-date

[MizzouRah]

- Assistant Coaches will each have their own philosophy and personality. They will conform to your schemes, but once they leave you they will run their own scheme with wrinkles from your scheme added to their game!


I REALLY like this idea.

I hope the game does well, that should help them add more in depth things for the next version.

[Eaglesfan27]

Just a post from a guy on EAsport's board that I thought was interesting. He made a bad draft day trade if you go buy the NFL value chart. Hopefully, the AI won't accept that deal in reverse. The proficiency with plays as you practice them sounds interesting. Hopefully, there is some time limit to how long you can practice. Very small sample size, but the instructions and their actually being implemented in 3 sounds encouraging. I wish there was some form of team chemistry, but I'd rather their be no team chemistry than poorly implemented team chemistry in this version.

Anyway, here is his post:


I went to E3 today for the first time...WOW! If you ever get a chance to go, do whatever you can get out here to L.A. I got about 30 minutes playing NFLHC with the EA Sports rep right next to me walking me through it. I gotta say, it lived up to my expectations. Here's a basic walkthrough of what I did:

1. Tried the draft. Played around a bit and traded my first overall pick for a mid 1st and 2nd rounder. I figured that it would be anti-climatic to just pick Reggie Bush. I liked having Mel Kiper in there, it provides a great atmosphere. The one thing that bothered me was that there wasn't a trade block for my pick. I had to shop each team individually to find a taker. All the while, the clock is ticking. 5 minutes goes by fast.

2. Tried a practice. Went through a number of drills and plays working different teams. You control both the defense and offense in each drill, so both sides of the ball improve each time you run a play. There is a little meter in the top right hand side of the screen that says "Money Play ##%" that goes up for the play each time you run it representing your team's proficiency at that play. Example: I ran a HB slam against a basic 4-3 cover 2. After the play, it read Money Play 20% HB Slam, Money Play 20% 4- 3 Cover 2. I ran the same offensive play against a nickel cover 2 and it said Money Play 40% HB Slam, 20% 4-3 Cover 2, 20% Nickel Cover 2. This looks like a serious investment in time if you want to work every play to perfection, but, from the other threads I've read, we're a pretty dedicated group and won't mind!

3. Played a game. Chewing out your players is a lot of fun and the strategies that you can give them while on the sidelines are deeper than I could've imagined. The players react to what you tell them and the results on the field are immediate. After getting sacked and going 3 and out, I told Roethlisberger to get rid of it faster and focus on shorter passes and...ouila...a quick out to the TE for 6 yards.

4. Asked some questions.
a. You don't have to play an entire 30 year career to make it into the HOF. There is a continuously updating feature that shows how you stack up against the greats.
b. You can't take your custom playbook on- line for head-to- head...stock plays only.
c. There isn't a team chemistry rating or any other feature that will cause the big impending moves to happen automatically, i.e. TO leaving the Eagles, Culpepper out of Minnesota. The AI controls all the moves and those things may or may not happen. This also means that there are no scripted events...YEAH!

I discussed the game with the guy for quite awhile, as there weren't a lot of folks in line to check it out. It was kind of hidden in Microsoft's enormous XBox display. It was not at the main EA booth (which, by the way, was un-friggin real!) or Sony's booth. I can't think off hand of what else we talked about, but if you think of something, go ahead and ask and I'll tell you if it rings a bell. I'm definitely going back next year!

[jaygr]

2. Tried a practice. Went through a number of drills and plays working different teams. You control both the defense and offense in each drill, so both sides of the ball improve each time you run a play. There is a little meter in the top right hand side of the screen that says "Money Play ##%" that goes up for the play each time you run it representing your team's proficiency at that play. Example: I ran a HB slam against a basic 4-3 cover 2. After the play, it read Money Play 20% HB Slam, Money Play 20% 4- 3 Cover 2. I ran the same offensive play against a nickel cover 2 and it said Money Play 40% HB Slam, 20% 4-3 Cover 2, 20% Nickel Cover 2. This looks like a serious investment in time if you want to work every play to perfection, but, from the other threads I've read, we're a pretty dedicated group and won't mind!


I'm hoping this part won't be too tedious. Going through practice twice a day got old super quickly in the superstar mode for last years Madden, and you were actually controlling the players then. I wonder how often you will have to practice- will it be twice a day for most days of the week or what? I also wonder if you will be able to sim it, and if so how the results would be compared to if you did it yourself. I am interested to see how they implement this- hopefully it is a little more fun then just Madden's practice mode but without controlling the players.

I understand this game isn't about necessarily about action, but hopefully parts of it won't be tedious either.

[Logan]

I'm hoping this part won't be too tedious. Going through practice twice a day got old super quickly in the superstar mode for last years Madden, and you were actually controlling the players then. I wonder how often you will have to practice- will it be twice a day for most days of the week or what? I also wonder if you will be able to sim it, and if so how the results would be compared to if you did it yourself. I am interested to see how they implement this- hopefully it is a little more fun then just Madden's practice mode but without controlling the players.

I understand this game isn't about necessarily about action, but hopefully parts of it won't be tedious either.

I feel the same way, which is why I'll have to read a lot of reviews before I pick it up. When I played FOF, I was much more the GM than Head Coach. I would set lineups and had a basic idea of what type of offense/defense I wanted to run, and what players would be good for it, but I found the gameplanning and dealing with all the injuries to be too tedious.

If I get this game, it would be for the (hopefully) unique, submersive draft interface, as well as the interaction between HC and front office/staff/players. The rest is just too much for what I'm looking for.

[MizzouRah]

I feel the same way, which is why I'll have to read a lot of reviews before I pick it up. When I played FOF, I was much more the GM than Head Coach. I would set lineups and had a basic idea of what type of offense/defense I wanted to run, and what players would be good for it, but I found the gameplanning and dealing with all the injuries to be too tedious.

If I get this game, it would be for the (hopefully) unique, submersive draft interface, as well as the interaction between HC and front office/staff/players. The rest is just too much for what I'm looking for.

Ditto for me, although I wish the game had a "shop all teams" option. It's amazing that FPS had stuff like that years ago.

[ice4277]

Ditto for me, although I wish the game had a "shop all teams" option. It's amazing that FPS had stuff like that years ago.

I wonder though, IRL, I don't think during the middle of the draft teams will offer a player or pick to all other teams. So in that regard, it may be a bit more realistic the way they are doing it here. In all likelihood, you probably would have one just or two teams as a target to trade with at that point.

[TroyF]

I wonder though, IRL, I don't think during the middle of the draft teams will offer a player or pick to all other teams. So in that regard, it may be a bit more realistic the way they are doing it here. In all likelihood, you probably would have one just or two teams as a target to trade with at that point.


I was thinking the same thing. So long as you have some time predraft to trade, I think it's ultra realistic. You can't just announce on the draft floor "We are now accepting deals for the #12 pick, please give us a ring.

You have two or three teams in mind and you call them and see if something pans out. Now pre draft? There should be a trade block.

[MizzouRah]

After I made my post, I thought the same thing in retrospect ice. Although in RL, you could annouce to every team.. "We are entertaining offers for the #1 pick in the draft".

[Samdari]

This seems like a positive to me. A "complete" bust, a la FOF is too much. A player doesn't suddenly lose potential -- in fact, by definition of potential, he never loses it at all. I guess I think about Joey Harrington or Ryan Leaf -- those guys still had the potential after they've been cast off (which is why teams kept taking chances on Leaf), but they're not approaching that potential as fast as they should. But of course, like you said, it depends on implementation.


This could not be more wrong.

"Potential" is a subjective evaluation of how good a player can become. When teams have a chance to see players more up close and work with them every day, that evaluation can of course change. When a team finds that they evaluated someone way above their actual future ability, and moves that estimate downwards, they have indeed lost potential.

[TroyF]

This could not be more wrong.

"Potential" is a subjective evaluation of how good a player can become. When teams have a chance to see players more up close and work with them every day, that evaluation can of course change. When a team finds that they evaluated someone way above their actual future ability, and moves that estimate downwards, they have indeed lost potential.

Exactly. The more you see a player play (including practice and games), the more you realize what his potential really is. You can still make mistakes by not utilizing a player right or giving up on a young player to soon, but there are certain busts who are so bad their potential is nearly gone after a year.

One of the things that bothers me from the post Eagles made was the "top 5 picks won't completely bust"

They should bust once in awhile. Part of the NFL is Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich, Steve Emtman, Andre Wadsworth, Heath Schuler, and Bruce Pickens.

I don't like the idea that a top five pick will never completely miss.

[Bee]

I'm hoping this part won't be too tedious. Going through practice twice a day got old super quickly in the superstar mode for last years Madden, and you were actually controlling the players then. I wonder how often you will have to practice- will it be twice a day for most days of the week or what? I also wonder if you will be able to sim it, and if so how the results would be compared to if you did it yourself. I am interested to see how they implement this- hopefully it is a little more fun then just Madden's practice mode but without controlling the players.

I understand this game isn't about necessarily about action, but hopefully parts of it won't be tedious either.

Yep, after watching the videos, my concern would be there being too much tedium in the daily practices. It's a neat feature but to me has the feel of something that would get very boring quickly. Hopefully there's a way to sim the practices and still get the benefit.

[Samdari]

Part of the NFL is Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich, Steve Emtman, Andre Wadsworth, Heath Schuler, and Bruce Pickens.

Hey now, don't forget Aundray Bruce. I think 1 of 20 1.1 picks should even bust.

[TroyF]

Hey now, don't forget Aundray Bruce. I think 1 of 20 1.1 picks should even bust.


I was trying to leave most of the Falcons busts out of it. I thought Pickens was enough mention of their failures.

The '88 draft had another complete disaster too. Drafting toward the end of the first round, the Broncos selected Syracuse NT Ted Gregory.

Gregory was traded to the Saints halfway through traning camp. He played for a year with the Saints before getting dumped from the league. He had one career sack. . . against the Broncos. Ugh.

[ice4277]

I don't like the idea that a top five pick will never completely miss.

Neither do I, but I wonder if the guy who wrote it meant 'top 5 prospects as rated per the game', not the literal first five picks. I could pick a guy at #3 who I think is going to be great, but in actuality, the game may have him ranked as the 15-20th best prospect, and could bust.

[dawgfan]

They should bust once in awhile. Part of the NFL is Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich, Steve Emtman, Andre Wadsworth, Heath Schuler, and Bruce Pickens.
Ugh. I always cringe when I see Emtman's name listed among draft busts. Maybe it's a semantics thing, and it's definitely influenced by me being a huge Husky fan, but I differentiate Emtman from guys like Leaf, Mandarich, Andre Ware, etc. in that Emtman's issue was injuries, not ability. He was having a very good rookie year before blowing out his knee, and might still have been an effective DT if he hadn't then blown out his other knee, and then the first one again.

In FOF terms, I see Emtman as a guy that lost his green and red bars after signficant injuries, not because multiple training camps revealed he was severely over-rated.

[AgustusM]

Ugh. I always cringe when I see Emtman's name listed among draft busts. Maybe it's a semantics thing, and it's definitely influenced by me being a huge Husky fan, but I differentiate Emtman from guys like Leaf, Mandarich, Andre Ware, etc. in that Emtman's issue was injuries, not ability. He was having a very good rookie year before blowing out his knee, and might still have been an effective DT if he hadn't then blown out his other knee, and then the first one again.

In FOF terms, I see Emtman as a guy that lost his green and red bars after significant injuries, not because multiple training camps revealed he was severely over-rated.

I agree with this

Leaf was a bust because he was a knucklehead, Madrich was a roid monster and Ware, etc were mostly simply overrated.

Emtman is a bust because he didn't turn into a perennial all-pro the way top5 picks are suppose to, but not because of lack of work ethic - more thorough bad luck of injuries.

[Blade6119]

Ugh. I always cringe when I see Emtman's name listed among draft busts. Maybe it's a semantics thing, and it's definitely influenced by me being a huge Husky fan, but I differentiate Emtman from guys like Leaf, Mandarich, Andre Ware, etc. in that Emtman's issue was injuries, not ability. He was having a very good rookie year before blowing out his knee, and might still have been an effective DT if he hadn't then blown out his other knee, and then the first one again.

In FOF terms, I see Emtman as a guy that lost his green and red bars after signficant injuries, not because multiple training camps revealed he was severely over-rated.
So Ki-jana carter wasnt a bust then, right?

[kcchief19]

There were a lot of questions about drafting busts and how hard players are to develop. In this year's title their aren't any busts per se, but some players will develop better and more quickly than others. What you won't see is a top 5 pick totally wash out even if you did everything 100% correct.
I'm still not sure if I completely understand this. I'm (hopefully) interpretting this to me that players won't necessarily lose their potential (bad), but
won't necessarily develop (good). That's satisfactory, although I wouldn't mind complete busts.

What I fear this means is that a "bust" is a player who will eventually fully develop, just not immediately. That is, the 1st pick in the draft will eventually be a first pick player, it's just that some will be that player right out of the box and others might take 10 years to develop. In essense, there are no Ryan Leafs, just a bunch of Vinny Testaverdes.

[Blade6119]

I'm still not sure if I completely understand this. I'm (hopefully) interpretting this to me that players won't necessarily lose their potential (bad), but
won't necessarily develop (good). That's satisfactory, although I wouldn't mind complete busts.

What I fear this means is that a "bust" is a player who will eventually fully develop, just not immediately. That is, the 1st pick in the draft will eventually be a first pick player, it's just that some will be that player right out of the box and others might take 10 years to develop. In essense, there are no Ryan Leafs, just a bunch of Vinny Testaverdes.
Thats how i read it too

[dawgfan]

So Ki-jana carter wasnt a bust then, right?
I didn't pay real close attention to Carter's career and what happened when to him, but I think there's a pretty clear difference between him and Emtman. Maybe Carter was nursing nagging injuries his first two years, but he played in 31 of 32 games his first 2 years and he sucked. Emtman on the other hand did not suck his rookie year before his knee blew out.

[Eaglesfan27]

Some new screenshots (mostly of the coach on the sideline, but a few of players):

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/10968/NFL-Head-Coach-Screenshots/

[Groundhog]

First warning bell for me: Game is designed to produce realistic stats on 6 minute quarters.

[AgustusM]

First warning bell for me: Game is designed to produce realistic stats on 6 minute quarters.

damn them!!!!

&*^&*^&(%^(&$$%$%$^$$^&

what is so friggin hard about 15 minute quarters with accl clock that works correctly????????

[TroyF]

First warning bell for me: Game is designed to produce realistic stats on 6 minute quarters.


First warning bell is that EA is making the game.

But this does come in a close second. Do the realistic stats mean the correct amount of plays? Offensive and defensive stats, or only offensive? This is a major, major warning bell.

[Groundhog]

First warning bell is that EA is making the game.

But this does come in a close second. Do the realistic stats mean the correct amount of plays? Offensive and defensive stats, or only offensive? This is a major, major warning bell.

Very true re: EA.

I was wondering your second point as well. I mean, do they consider 107yds rushing by your running back an accurate statistic if he only does it on half the attempts? I just don't see how you can get a realistic amount of snaps in 6 min quarters.

[Yossarian]

Originally Posted by GroundhogFirst warning bell for me: Game is designed to produce realistic stats on 6 minute quarters.

It's a no-win situation for ea really.

Most (and i mean this by a MASSIVE majority - even including hardcore players like those on this site) players won't play a full 15 min quarter game

most players will want their quarters to be around 6 mins (ish) - and that is why they balance it like this.

[CraigSca]

I see no problem with this, as long as the correct number of plays are run per game. That's why I personally play 8 min quarters in NCAA. If I played with 15 min quarters, I'd be running approximately double the typical amount of plays that a normal game would have.

Now...the question is - do 6 min quarters give you approx. 120 plays per game?

[TroyF]

I see no problem with this, as long as the correct number of plays are run per game. That's why I personally play 8 min quarters in NCAA. If I played with 15 min quarters, I'd be running approximately double the typical amount of plays that a normal game would have.

Now...the question is - do 6 min quarters give you approx. 120 plays per game?


That's the key, but I'm not sure how that happens. You have a game where you have a chance to chew out players between timeouts. You can coach specific players to do certain things. Yet somehow time stops during all of this and you are able to have 120 plays?

I hope I'm wrong, but that just doesn't sound good at all.

[Bee]

That's the key, but I'm not sure how that happens. You have a game where you have a chance to chew out players between timeouts. You can coach specific players to do certain things. Yet somehow time stops during all of this and you are able to have 120 plays?

I hope I'm wrong, but that just doesn't sound good at all.

I don't think time stops because I remember someone saying that if you don't call a play while doing sideline stuff then your assist. coach will take over play calling. I'm not sure how they handled it, but I really hope they have reasonable stats and # of plays per game.

[TroyF]

I don't think time stops because I remember someone saying that if you don't call a play while doing sideline stuff then your assist. coach will take over play calling. I'm not sure how they handled it, but I really hope they have reasonable stats and # of plays per game.


This also brings into question how the final 2 minutes of a game are handled.

I guess I cant' say much until the game is released and maybe I'm being to pessimistic, but this is the type of thing I'm worried about. No in game saves so they make the quarters six minutes. EA better not screw this up.

[Gary Gorski]

This also brings into question how the final 2 minutes of a game are handled.

This is what my concern about this is too - if the quarters are only 6 minutes and that gives you a realistic amount of total plays then you're obviously able to get in way more plays a minute than you normally should be able to which really is going to eliminate a 2 minute drill if you can call 5 minutes worth of plays in 2 minutes

[scooper]

I didn't pay real close attention to Carter's career and what happened when to him, but I think there's a pretty clear difference between him and Emtman. Maybe Carter was nursing nagging injuries his first two years, but he played in 31 of 32 games his first 2 years and he sucked. Emtman on the other hand did not suck his rookie year before his knee blew out.

Wrong, actually. Ki-Jana Carter ripped his knee to shreds on his first carry of his first pre-season game. He did not play at all his first year. He did play a few seasons beyond that, but his knee was never the same.

It's hard to tell if his career would have been a bust playing behind a terrible offensive line with little skill position help, but his "busting" can just as easily be attributed to injury as Emtman's.

[MalcPow]

I didn't pay real close attention to Carter's career and what happened when to him, but I think there's a pretty clear difference between him and Emtman. Maybe Carter was nursing nagging injuries his first two years, but he played in 31 of 32 games his first 2 years and he sucked. Emtman on the other hand did not suck his rookie year before his knee blew out.

Carter blew his knee out in the preseason of his rookie year and missed that entire first season. He came back and played 31 of 32 games after that, but as you said, he sucked. It's tough to say what he was really, probably a mix of both of the types of players we're talking about.

EDIT: I should read and post faster...

[MizzouRah]

Maybe I won't get this game afterall. Sheesh... again FPS had accelerated clocks years ago and never had issues with the amount of plays in 15 min quarter games.

I know they have an accelerated clock in Madden, I just have no clue why they can't do something similar and get realistic stats with 15 min accelerated quarters? The text sim community always comes 2nd to joystick jockeys.

[AgustusM]

Maybe I won't get this game afterall. Sheesh... again FPS had accelerated clocks years ago and never had issues with the amount of plays in 15 min quarter games.

I know they have an accelerated clock in Madden, I just have no clue why they can't do something similar and get realistic stats with 15 min accelerated quarters? The text sim community always comes 2nd to joystick jockeys.

and THIS was supposed to be the one game that wasn't for joystick jockeys!!!

15 min accell clock, and not the one in Madden which is not realistic is what this game needs. This was done 10 friggin years ago in FBPro!!!!

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm still going to get this on release day, but I find the idea of 6 minute quarters giving balanced stats distressing. Hopefully, that was a misunderstanding and 15 minute quarters will really give balanced stats.

[Balldog]

In Madden accel clock still sucks because during the last two minutes of the first half and the game it goes back to normal, allowing way to many plays at the end of the game. :(

[dawgfan]

Wrong, actually. Ki-Jana Carter ripped his knee to shreds on his first carry of his first pre-season game. He did not play at all his first year. He did play a few seasons beyond that, but his knee was never the same.

It's hard to tell if his career would have been a bust playing behind a terrible offensive line with little skill position help, but his "busting" can just as easily be attributed to injury as Emtman's.
Like I said, I didn't pay close attention to Carter's career. Given that info, I'd say there are similarities to Emtman in that it's hard to evaluate how much of his suckiness in the NFL was due to injury and how much was due to being over-rated. The one difference here is that Emtman had (I believe) 9 games in his rookie season before he had his first knee blowout, and he was pretty damn good for those first 9 games.

[Karlifornia]

Like I said, I didn't pay close attention to Carter's career. Given that info, I'd say there are similarities to Emtman in that it's hard to evaluate how much of his suckiness in the NFL was due to injury and how much was due to being over-rated. The one difference here is that Emtman had (I believe) 9 games in his rookie season before he had his first knee blowout, and he was pretty damn good for those first 9 games.

I hate to break it to you, but the GM that picked Emtman looks back on that pick and says the same thing that the GM's say when they look back on Andrew Ware, Akili Smith, Tony Mandarich, etc:

$%#$#^%$#$#%$#%#&&$&!!!!!!

[dawgfan]

I hate to break it to you, but the GM that picked Emtman looks back on that pick and says the same thing that the GM's say when they look back on Andrew Ware, Akili Smith, Tony Mandarich, etc:

$%#$#^%$#$#%$#%#&&$&!!!!!!
Sure he does - he didn't get the expected value out of that pick he'd hoped for. However, that's not my point - Emtman didn't provide expected value for that pick, but was it because he was simply over-rated by the Colts front office and just didn't have the ability they thought he did, or was his career derailed because of bad luck with injuries? His performance his rookie year prior to blowing out his knee suggests that he had good ability and was a productive player. That's not the case with guys like Ware, Smith and Mandarich.

[Karlifornia]

Sure he does - he didn't get the expected value out of that pick he'd hoped for. However, that's not my point - Emtman didn't provide expected value for that pick, but was it because he was simply over-rated by the Colts front office and just didn't have the ability they thought he did, or was his career derailed because of bad luck with injuries? His performance his rookie year prior to blowing out his knee suggests that he had good ability and was a productive player. That's not the case with guys like Ware, Smith and Mandarich.


I see your position more clearly than I did before. Touche.

[redfox000]

Does anybody know if there are QB audibiles? For example, if I am the coach of the Colts and I tell Manning to run play X, is he able to read the defense and call an audible for play Y by himself? This would be a cool feature.

[AgustusM]

Does anybody know if there are QB audibiles? For example, if I am the coach of the Colts and I tell Manning to run play X, is he able to read the defense and call an audible for play Y by himself? This would be a cool feature.

I agree that would be GREAT - especially if the better QB's called more and better audibles AND you could encourage or discourage your QB to call them via the "talk to" feature.

Unfortunately I thought I read that it was more like Madden where the coach calls them which is not at all realistic.

[redfox000]

Unfortunately I thought I read that it was more like Madden where the coach calls them which is not at all realistic.

I agree. Especially since Manning pretty much calls all his plays already.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yeah, unfortunately from everything I've read, it is the coach that calls the audibles. I agree it would be great if QB's audibled on their own if you gave them permission to do so.

[scooper]

That would be sweet. If the OC can call plays unassisted, why not allow your QB to audible? That would add one more coaching aspect to the game. If you don't spend enough classroom and/or practice time with your QB, allowing him to call plays would backfire.

[stevew]

This has got to be close to "gold" status by now. I hope they worked out the bugs.

[SegRat]

Gametrailers.com has a new video up. No new info, just coaches talking about motivation.

[Eaglesfan27]

About a half dozen new screens up on EA's site:

http://www.easports.com/nflheadcoach/theater.jsp?media=screenshots



I placed my pre-order on Sunday. I asked the clerk and he said they have about 15 pre-orders for the PC version. Not too bad for one little store. Hopefully, this will sell well enough that we will get sequels with further development.

[Greyroofoo]

will this be playable on the 360?

[DaddyTorgo]

any idea on the system reqs? then again i guess if i can play madden 06 on my laptop i can play this most likely hmm?

[Eaglesfan27]

any idea on the system reqs? then again i guess if i can play madden 06 on my laptop i can play this most likely hmm?


I've seen these system requirements listed a few places, so they should be close to correct:

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

CD ROM: 16X
CPU Speed: 933MHz
Disk Space: 2.0GB
Display: AGP Video Card, NVIDIA GeForce 3 +, ATI Radeon 8500 +
Memory (RAM): 256MB +
Operating System Compatibility: Win98/ME/2000/XP, Not Mac Compatible

As far as Xbox 360 compatibility, it will not be compatible at release, but might eventually be added.

I'm buying for the PC.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

New Preview up at IGN. Unfortunately, JRob wrote it, but it has some interesting tidbits of info. The draft results look odd, but it is an earlier version and perhaps there is an "X-factor." The other disappointment is that you can only save 10 created offensive and 10 defensive plays if JRob has his info correct.


http://sports.ign.com/articles/709/709630p1.html

[Neuqua]

I actually dreamt about this game last night. I woke up, realized what just happened, and shook my head.

I'm a nerd.

[AgustusM]

will this be playable on the 360?

no - xbox, pc and ps2.

I have a 360 but would get this particular title for the PC no matter what - but I don't understand why ALL new titles that come out on XBox aren't also on the 360. Seems like MS would be fairly pissed about that.

[AgustusM]

This particular screen has me very intrigued - although I haven't seen anything on the feature list, this would seem to indicate some sort of game highlights ala NFL 2k5 which I thought was very well done.

http://images.ea.com/sports/nflheadcoach/_img/screenshots/set_03/4.jpg

[Darkiller]

This is my top selling thread ever :cool:

dola, and this is my 2000th post as well. Milestones baby !

[Blade6119]

This particular screen has me very intrigued - although I haven't seen anything on the feature list, this would seem to indicate some sort of game highlights ala NFL 2k5 which I thought was very well done.

http://images.ea.com/sports/nflheadcoach/_img/screenshots/set_03/4.jpg
Im assuming its from when you start the game, they say they do a feature on sportscenter about you and your previous experience, and how your a hot coach now

[Emiliano]

Just out of curiosity: are you guys all getting this for the PC? I still have to decide, maybe I'll get it for the Xbox. I'm just not used to "football graphics" on the PC anymore. Also, I was thinking about using the headphones thing, although I'm not sure it'll work properly.

[Darkiller]

Just out of curiosity: are you guys all getting this for the PC? I still have to decide, maybe I'll get it for the Xbox. I'm just not used to "football graphics" on the PC anymore. Also, I was thinking about using the headphones thing, although I'm not sure it'll work properly.

Same here, I'm not used to PC graphics anymore as the only games I play on PC these days are text-based sports sims (FOF, TCY).
I use my PSP for the rest and would have loved to see a PSP version of NFL Headcoach.

[AgustusM]

Im assuming its from when you start the game, they say they do a feature on sportscenter about you and your previous experience, and how your a hot coach now

Yeah, Unfortunately I think you are right. I read that in the IGN preview after my initial post.

[stevew]

no - xbox, pc and ps2.

I have a 360 but would get this particular title for the PC no matter what - but I don't understand why ALL new titles that come out on XBox aren't also on the 360. Seems like MS would be fairly pissed about that.That blows that it isnt backwards compatable.

[scooper]

Dola -

New Preview up at IGN. Unfortunately, JRob wrote it, but it has some interesting tidbits of info. The draft results look odd, but it is an earlier version and perhaps there is an "X-factor." The other disappointment is that you can only save 10 created offensive and 10 defensive plays if JRob has his info correct.


http://sports.ign.com/articles/709/709630p1.html

The screen shots from this link are the best yet. They show a lot of the day to day interaction.

[AgustusM]

From IGN Preview Next question jumps into strategy: How would you attack a Cover 2 defense? My options are: Hit your receiver with a quick out route. Establish the run. Hit the tight end over the middle. That's an easy one. With the Cover 2, the safeties have too many yards to catch up if you throw a quick out. Once the receiver gets past the corner, he's in one of those open zones until the safety can run all the way over to cover his spot. I answer with the quick out route and see a boost in my strategy attributes on the side of the screen. http://sportsmedia.ign.com/sports/image/article/709/709630/diary-of-a-head-coach-20060522033659456-000.jpg

Now I don't think this is a game-breaker or anything, but I was stunned to hear this just because of how WRONG this is. Against cover 2 the quick out route is the one route guaranteed to produce a lot of TD's - that is for CB easily picking the ball off and strolling untouched into the opposite end zone.

Of ALL the basic coverages - cover 2 is the ONLY coverage where the flat defender starts in the flat!!!! on 3 and 4 the flat defender is the outside LB or nickle back.

To beat the cover 2 you can run inside (only 7 guys in the box) or better yet send 3 vertical routes, forcing the 2 safeties to choose between covering the WR on the fade or the TE on the seam.

If you want to hit an out against cover 2 - you had better make it a deeper out and combine it with a TE or back in the flat to keep the CB out of the throwing lane.

[scooper]

Now I don't think this is a game-breaker or anything, but I was stunned to hear this just because of how WRONG this is. Against cover 2 the quick out route is the one route guaranteed to produce a lot of TD's - that is for CB easily picking the ball off and strolling untouched into the opposite end zone.

Of ALL the basic coverages - cover 2 is the ONLY coverage where the flat defender starts in the flat!!!! on 3 and 4 the flat defender is the outside LB or nickle back.

To beat the cover 2 you can run inside (only 7 guys in the box) or better yet send 3 vertical routes, forcing the 2 safeties to choose between covering the WR on the fade or the TE on the seam.

If you want to hit an out against cover 2 - you had better make it a deeper out and combine it with a TE or back in the flat to keep the CB out of the throwing lane.

I was thinking the same thing. I would have gone with the TE option.

[Barkeep49]

The draft presented does not make me hopeful.

[Gallifrey]

If you want to hit an out against cover 2 - you had better make it a deeper out and combine it with a TE or back in the flat to keep the CB out of the throwing lane.

As a CB I would jump all over an out with support over the top.

When a TE would run a seam or come out in general he had to be picked up by a LB or I would have to think of peeling off to support a deep TE route too.
The TE is a great option.

But if the WR route was too deep I would let the WR go and move up to support against the run or other guys in routes.

[AgustusM]

As a CB I would jump all over an out with support over the top.

When a TE would run a seam or come out in general he had to be picked up by a LB or I would have to think of peeling off to support a deep TE route too.
The TE is a great option.

But if the WR route was too deep I would let the WR go and move up to support against the run or other guys in routes.

basic cover 2 is the 2 deep zones by the safeties, the 2 flats by the corners and the 3 underneath zones by the backers.

the deep (12-14) out by the WR with a quick arrow (2-4 yards) by TE or RB works because the QB simply reads the flat defender (in this case the CB) he drops off into the lane for the out and you hit the arrow, jumps the arrow you hit the out. In a true cover 2 the LB will not chase the TE or RB because he has the middle zone and if her chases it becomes more of an combo coverage like 2 man, which changes everything.

[MizzouRah]

The draft presented does not make me hopeful.

Yeah, me either. In a game like this, the draft absolutely has to work for me to get "into the game". I guess we'll see.

Oh, and PC all the way. Patches, mods, rosters, etc...

[Eaglesfan27]

5 new screenshots at Gamespot's site. I really like the one of the coach watching Favre practice. I think the variety of practice drills is probably going to keep practices exciting for me.

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/nflheadcoach/screenindex.html


IGN has an article beginning the countdown of the 25 greatest coaches according to the game (new article to come out each week with 5 more leading up to release.) 25-21 are up now:

http://sports.ign.com/articles/710/710002p1.html

Nice screenshots in that article as well.

[Raiders Army]

Delicious.

[Darkiller]

I really, really want to see how this game will look.
On paper, it seems really neat !

Have been waiting for a initiative like that from EA Sports for years.

[RedKingGold]

http://sportsmedia.ign.com/sports/image/article/709/709630/diary-of-a-head-coach-20060522033659456-000.jpg

Now I don't think this is a game-breaker or anything, but I was stunned to hear this just because of how WRONG this is. Against cover 2 the quick out route is the one route guaranteed to produce a lot of TD's - that is for CB easily picking the ball off and strolling untouched into the opposite end zone.

Of ALL the basic coverages - cover 2 is the ONLY coverage where the flat defender starts in the flat!!!! on 3 and 4 the flat defender is the outside LB or nickle back.

To beat the cover 2 you can run inside (only 7 guys in the box) or better yet send 3 vertical routes, forcing the 2 safeties to choose between covering the WR on the fade or the TE on the seam.

If you want to hit an out against cover 2 - you had better make it a deeper out and combine it with a TE or back in the flat to keep the CB out of the throwing lane.

Maybe each answer gives you a strategy boost. Possibly if you picked the answer C, you would get a larger boost in strategy than choosing choices a or b?

[gstelmack]

Corner route is how you beat Cover 2. Didn't anybody watch Brady at all this season?

[TroyF]

RedKing,

The quick out option shouldn't give you a boost at all. It should give you a hit. It's clearly the wrong answer. Either of the other two options could be given a boost, but that answer deserves a hit.

[RedKingGold]

RedKing,

The quick out option shouldn't give you a boost at all. It should give you a hit. It's clearly the wrong answer. Either of the other two options could be given a boost, but that answer deserves a hit.

You are right, and I'm not arguing that. But maybe the developers (who are not targeting this game to hardcore people like us) designed it a bit differently, knowing that not everyone knows the difference between a Cover Two vs. 3-4, 4-3, etc.

In other words, you are rewarded more for making a better choice instead of being penalized for making the wrong choice. (Similar to a test where you get 5 points for the right anwser, 3 for the almost right answer, and 1 for the wrong answer).

[AgustusM]

knowing that not everyone knows the difference between a Cover Two vs. 3-4, 4-3, etc.



This always annoys he hell out of me when Madden lumps these 2 concepts together.

cover 2 is a secondary coverage NOT a "defense"

and 3-4, 4-3 are the fronts NOT a "defense"

a "defense" is the front, shifts, blitzes and coverages.

you can run cover 2 out of either a 3-4 or a 4-3, just not a 4-4.

and you can run any of the basic coverages when in a 4-3 or 3-4.

[AgustusM]

Corner route is how you beat Cover 2. Didn't anybody watch Brady at all this season?

ONLY when you combo it with another route that challenges the safety like a seam or post. a straight corner with no other challenge to a safeties deep half SHOULD be covered every time.

[Surtt]

If anyone is interested.

Pre-order $37.90 at Go Gamer

hxxp://www.gogamer.com/cgi-bin/GoGamer.storefront/EN/product/001NFL

[mrsimperless]

This particular screen has me very intrigued - although I haven't seen anything on the feature list, this would seem to indicate some sort of game highlights ala NFL 2k5 which I thought was very well done.

http://images.ea.com/sports/nflheadcoach/_img/screenshots/set_03/4.jpg

Hmmmm

If you go to the EA Sports site for the game and watch the trailer you'll see the same setting as what is in the screenshot and hear the beginnings of a sound clip:

"Last week at Ford Field..."

Sounds like weekly highlights kicking off to me!!

[RedKingGold]

Hmmmm

If you go to the EA Sports site for the game and watch the trailer you'll see the same setting as what is in the screenshot and hear the beginnings of a sound clip:

"Last week at Ford Field..."

Sounds like weekly highlights kicking off to me!!

Except for that this past year's Super Bowl was at Ford Field...

[gstelmack]

ONLY when you combo it with another route that challenges the safety like a seam or post. a straight corner with no other challenge to a safeties deep half SHOULD be covered every time.

Possibly. But the key to a corner against the cover-2 is that the receiver is open for a brief window when the CB lets him go and the safety has not reached it yet. It just takes a QB with Brady's accuracy to hit that route during that brief window.

[Logan]

I think all this debating is kind of pointless until we know for sure how this stuff works.

[Surtt]

I think all this debating is kind of pointless until we know for sure how this stuff works.

LOL
So, what is your point?

[Logan]

LOL
So, what is your point?

That it's never easy to figure out the programmers' intentions just by looking at a screenshot?

[TroyF]

Possibly. But the key to a corner against the cover-2 is that the receiver is open for a brief window when the CB lets him go and the safety has not reached it yet. It just takes a QB with Brady's accuracy to hit that route during that brief window.


Maybe so, but without pressure from a TE or another WR running the seam, the S will be all over the corner route no matter how well it's thrown. Brady can fit it into a tight spot, but I'd be willing to bet money that on a majority of those corner routes there was pressure on the safety from another source.

[kcchief19]

I think all this debating is kind of pointless until we know for sure how this stuff works.
Especially since we don't know whether this actually happened in the game or the reviewer just made a mistake.

[gstelmack]

I think all this debating is kind of pointless until we know for sure how this stuff works.

We are the FOFC.

Seriously, you've been here since October 2000 and are trying to tell us that debating ANYTHING is pointless? Who would we be if we couldn't nitpick the heck out of some obscure little point? It's what we do!

[ice4277]

We are the FOFC.

Seriously, you've been here since October 2000 and are trying to tell us that debating ANYTHING is pointless? Who would we be if we couldn't nitpick the heck out of some obscure little point? It's what we do!

I'm just shocked this thread has gone this far this long with very little mention of Daivd Winter, Jim adding 3D to FOF, the Iraq conflict, or Hitler.

[AgustusM]

Maybe so, but without pressure from a TE or another WR running the seam, the S will be all over the corner route no matter how well it's thrown. Brady can fit it into a tight spot, but I'd be willing to bet money that on a majority of those corner routes there was pressure on the safety from another source.

exactly - safeties who get beat on corner routes that are not challenged by other routes learn the true meaning of N.F.L. - not for long

[Logan]

We are the FOFC.

Seriously, you've been here since October 2000 and are trying to tell us that debating ANYTHING is pointless? Who would we be if we couldn't nitpick the heck out of some obscure little point? It's what we do!

Haha...I guess that's why I usually stay out of the game preview threads.

[WVUFAN]

I'm just shocked this thread has gone this far this long with very little mention of Daivd Winter, Jim adding 3D to FOF, the Iraq conflict, or Hitler.

Well, Tom Brady's been mentioned, so we're at least partially there. :-)

[SegRat]

Another new vid up at gametrailers.com. Mainly todays coaches talking about assistant coaches, but in the back ground you see in game coaches discussing things.

[Eaglesfan27]

Only 3 more weeks until release! I'm looking forward to this more than NCAA or Madden (which I probably won't get this year.)

[MizzouRah]

Only 3 more weeks until release! I'm looking forward to this more than NCAA or Madden (which I probably won't get this year.)

I'm counting on you to either sell me, or turn me away. :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

I'm still undecided about preordering this one. I'll probably do it, but I'm running out of time. :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm counting on you to either sell me, or turn me away. :)



I'll try not to disappoint :)

[CraigSca]

Wow, I really can't say that same. Despite past disappointments, I'm still looking forward to the next NCAA the most, especially since it'll run on the PSP.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm looking forward to NCAA too (and have pre-ordered that also.) I'm just going to try to hold out against getting Madden, particularly if this game is good.

[FBPro]

.......I'm still looking forward to the next NCAA the most, especially since it'll run on the PSP.
Oh yeah, can't wait for this.....MLB 06 the show has really impressed me on the PSP hoping NCAA will do this same.

[ice4277]

Only 3 more weeks until release! I'm looking forward to this more than NCAA or Madden (which I probably won't get this year.)

Same here. But I'm hoping its because I'm so in love with Head Coach that I won't have time to play the others, rather than so fed up with EA that I never want to look at another of their titles again :D

[MizzouRah]

I'll try not to disappoint :)

I trust your opinion. Did you say you're getting the pc version?

[Eaglesfan27]

I trust your opinion. Did you say you're getting the pc version?

Yeah, I'm getting the PC version.

[MizzouRah]

Yeah, I'm getting the PC version.

Excellent!!

I would love for this game to be great. (crosses fingers)

[Blade6119]

Excellent!!

I would love for this game to be great. (crosses fingers)
I hope so to, i cant wait for your next 1 and 1/2 year dynasty!!! ;)

[MizzouRah]

I hope so to, i cant wait for your next 1 and 1/2 year dynasty!!! ;)

I will get to my Rams Super Bowl!! ..and well, you know once college football starts... :p

[Eaglesfan27]

IGN has the next 5 coaches of all time (#20-16) up on their website. #19 is a big surprise to me. One because I didn't think they would include active coaches. Secondly, because I wouldn't put him in the top 20.

http://sports.ign.com/articles/710/710682p1.html

[tanglewood]

IGN has the next 5 coaches of all time (#20-16) up on their website. #19 is a big surprise to me. One because I didn't think they would include active coaches. Secondly, because I wouldn't put him in the top 20.

http://sports.ign.com/articles/710/710682p1.html

Madden should be higher than 16. He's a top 10 easily IMHO.

[WVUFAN]

Madden should be higher than 16. He's a top 10 easily IMHO.

Shouldn't be in the Top 15. He only won 1 Super Bowl, and wasn't coach long enough really to make an impact. Jimmy Johnson was a better coach than Madden.

[tanglewood]

Shouldn't be in the Top 15. He only won 1 Super Bowl, and wasn't coach long enough really to make an impact. Jimmy Johnson was a better coach than Madden.

Highest winning percentage in history and he went out whilst still at the top, who knows what could've happened if he stayed on. The only reason he didn't win more than one ring were the absolutely incredible Steeler teams that they kept meeting in the AFC Championship game. Any other era and his Raiders make at least three Super Bowls.

[KeyserSoze]

I think it was asked but I haven't found the answer. Did we now the req of the game to PC?

[Groundhog]

I haven't seen the reqs, but I imagine that if you can run Madden 2006, you'll have no probs running this.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've seen these system requirements listed a few places, so they should be close to correct:

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

CD ROM: 16X
CPU Speed: 933MHz
Disk Space: 2.0GB
Display: AGP Video Card, NVIDIA GeForce 3 +, ATI Radeon 8500 +
Memory (RAM): 256MB +
Operating System Compatibility: Win98/ME/2000/XP, Not Mac CompatibleAs far as Xbox 360 compatibility, it will not be compatible at release, but might eventually be added.

I'm buying for the PC.

Re-posted from last page for those asking about computer specifications. I've seen these quoted on several pages, so they appear to be correct.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

Another Update by Jrob is up on IGN:

http://sports.ign.com/articles/710/710969p1.html


Pros:

- Sounds cool that the Colts' offense looked like their real life counterpart.

- I like the sound of the training camp and having limited opportunities to run plays.

- It sounds like the AI might adjust somewhat realistically to your play calls.


Cons:

- Might be an early build, but the draft sounds odd. Ernie Sims shouldn't be available in the 2nd round unless there is a significant "X-Factor."

- I don't like that the AI automatically puts late round draft picks into FA if your roster is too full. Of course, that can be avoided with some forethought.

- No overtime in preseason games?!? Starters play the whole game in pre-season? Madden had those issues correct, and it seems a big step back to not have them correct in this game.

Oh well, I'm still (perhaps foolishly) very excited to start playing this game in under 3 weeks.

[jonesz]

[QUOTE=Eaglesfan27]

- I don't like that the AI automatically puts late round draft picks into FA if your roster is too full. Of course, that can be avoided with some forethought.

[QUOTE]

This is the kind of stupid design decisions that really piss me off in a game. My guess it was fairly difficult to code the logic of expanded rosters, so they just left it out. I guess it can be avoided with some forethought, but I'm not sure how exactly unless you cut the exact postions that you plan to draft. Otherwise you'll have to cut others after the draft and sign some free agents as fill-ins. That could cause some salary cap issues as well. Grrr.

[MizzouRah]

From Bill Abner, that lucky dog:


NFL Head Coach



The PC version of this is also in-hand but it is back-burnered until the OOTP review. A management game on 3 CDS!

[Eaglesfan27]

From Bill Abner, that lucky dog:

3 CD's? Sweet! I can't wait for the 20th. :)

[stevew]

Why can't we get games on one single DVD. Jeez, almost every computer has a DVD rom these days. They keep giving us the equivalent of 8 tracks for goodness sakes. I may just directDrive it if it's possible, instead of having to deal with managing CD's.

[ice4277]

Why can't we get games on one single DVD. Jeez, almost every computer has a DVD rom these days. They keep giving us the equivalent of 8 tracks for goodness sakes. I may just directDrive it if it's possible, instead of having to deal with managing CD's.

I just installed my first PC DVD drive today. Hadn't really had a need before. *Shurg*

[WVUFAN]

I agree with SteveW -- a DVD version should at least be an option.

[aran]

3 CDs for a management game? Wow. I definitely agree with the DVD sentiments. They should just put any game larger than 2 CDs onto DVD by default and make less of the CD versions than the DVD. If you want to buy DVD versions of games now, you have to pay around an extra $10. It's almost worth it sometimes (Call of Duty 2. 6 CDs? Yeah, right.), but $10 more is a little steep when the game is already $50.

[JeeberD]

I don't have a DVD drive... :(

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't have a DVD drive... :(

At least you don't need one for this game ;)

[Darkiller]

getting closer to release date...
The game probably won't be distributed in France so I'll have to find a way to buy it online on a site where they allow the internation video game shipping (which happens less and less nowadays...)

[Emiliano]

getting closer to release date...
The game probably won't be distributed in France so I'll have to find a way to buy it online on a site where they allow the internation video game shipping (which happens less and less nowadays...)
Obviously, I'm in the same boat as you. Usually, I order Xbox USA games from Tronix (http://www.tronixweb.com/). They're based in NY, they offer a great service. For 15 $ you can get your games shipped with FedEx, they arrive in 2 days and you can track them. This will be the third year I order NCAA/Madden from them, never had a problem. Last year, I even got NCAA 2006 on the US release date, because I had pre-ordered.
It's, like, about a month that I check the site every day, searching for the Head Coach pre-order, but they still don't have it. I really hope it will be available soon.
As for other sites, I know EB Games and Gamestop offer international service, but they want 25 $ only for shipping, and I don't know how much will it takes for the games to arrive. Also, check out DVDBoxOffice (http://www.dvdboxoffice.com/735-1392135-10392140/home/), Canadian site. I know it's very reliable, but I've never tried it.

[Darkiller]

Obviously, I'm in the same boat as you. Usually, I order Xbox USA games from Tronix (http://www.tronixweb.com/). They're based in NY, they offer a great service. For 15 $ you can get your games shipped with FedEx, they arrive in 2 days and you can track them. This will be the third year I order NCAA/Madden from them, never had a problem. Last year, I even got NCAA 2006 on the US release date, because I had pre-ordered.
It's, like, about a month that I check the site every day, searching for the Head Coach pre-order, but they still don't have it. I really hope it will be available soon.
As for other sites, I know EB Games and Gamestop offer international service, but they want 25 $ only for shipping, and I don't know how much will it takes for the games to arrive. Also, check out DVDBoxOffice (http://www.dvdboxoffice.com/735-1392135-10392140/home/), Canadian site. I know it's very reliable, but I've never tried it.

Thx a LOT for these infos !!

[Emiliano]

Thx a LOT for these infos !!
You're welcome.

Life is tough for Euro guys when it comes to football games...;) We gotta help each other out!

Well, at least FM is still released here first...:D Or not???

[SegRat]

gametrailers.com has a new vid up. This time they are showing some gameplay.

[mattyeah]

Don't know if this has already been answered, but does anyone know if Head Coach will be getting a PAL release or if it'll be NTSC only?

[Emiliano]

Don't know if this has already been answered, but does anyone know if Head Coach will be getting a PAL release or if it'll be NTSC only?
I don't have the exact source right now, but I think I've read somewhere that Head Coach will be a NTSC-only release. I'm not 100% sure, but let's face it: I really don't think EA is gonna sell something like this (a first-generation, American football, strategy type of game) in Europe. Gee, it's hard to find Madden in stores here, even months after release!

[FBPro]

Well, I broke down and pre-ordered this one from Gamestop yesterday.

[Hurst2112]

What are the chances of a Best Buy having this title day of release? There is one across the street from one of my jobs. Smaller store but I would think it would be available.

[Hurst2112]

dola:

BB has it on their site. Also says that it will be available for in store pickup. I'm going this route I guess.

[FBPro]

Gamestop is slated to have it 6/21.

[Hurst2112]

Gamestop is slated to have it 6/21.

Since when do games get released on Wednesdays? Thought it was mostly a Thursday thing.

[Hurst2112]

so, it appears that BB is getting the xbox version in july. also, the PS2 version has a release of 6/23. They advertise the pc version as 1 disc but from what you guys are saying, that is incorrect?

[FBPro]

Since when do games get released on Wednesdays? Thought it was mostly a Thursday thing.
HeadCoach site says released 6/20(Tuesday) which is when games like Madden/NCAA, etc have been released in the past few years.

[dervack]

Tuesday Shipping, Wednesday in stores I would imagine.

[Eaglesfan27]

My local gamestop has said it will ship Tuesday and that I should have it by Weds. morning.

[Hurst2112]

shit. that sucks. the bosses go to their golf league on tuesdays.

[AgustusM]

Since when do games get released on Wednesdays? Thought it was mostly a Thursday thing.


games, music - pretty much all ship on Tuesday's. No idea why, but it is pretty standard.

[Super Ugly]

Don't know if this has already been answered, but does anyone know if Head Coach will be getting a PAL release or if it'll be NTSC only?

I doubt whether it will get a PAL release, but if you have a PC then it shouldn't make a difference, because it's only consoles that are affected. I hope I'm not wrong on that ...

[Antmeister]

gametrailers.com has a new vid up. This time they are showing some gameplay.

Ok, those new trailers has gotten me all excited, but I would still like to see some videos of the war room and screens of what you do on the off days. Either way, I can't wait to see what others are going to say about this. As much as I want to preorder it, I still have a small ounce of pessimism that is preventing me from doing so.

[MizzouRah]

I would be willing to bet the impressions thread for this game is going to be huge. There just seems to be alot in this football game.