Alright Boyz, Here We Go!!! NCAA Football 2009 impressions thread

[Kodos]

Formerly the NCAA 2009 Hype Machine Kicks In thread... The demo comes out tomorrow. Figured we might as well keep everything in one thread for NCAA 2009. :)

Let the broken promises and hype begin.

hxxp://www.gametap.com/home/read/article/4584

NCAA Football 09 Interview

First gameplay details revealed on EA's college blockbuster.

By: Jon Robinson | JRobandSteal
Mar 7, 2008

"Kendall Boyd, Product Manager, NCAA Football 09 "This is our year." Those are the words of NCAA Football's product manager Kendall Boyd as he sits down to talk about the 09 version of his game. We're rolling through the streets of Hollywood as members of Darren McFadden's entourage while Boyd talks about how Madden stepped up in 08 and it's NCAA's turn to finally rise back to prominence when it hits stores July 15.

Boyd explains how the team is much farther along in development than they were last year at this time, and when I ask him about the PS3 version's inferior frame rate, he has the words that Sony gamers have been dying to hear. "The PS3 version will run at 60 frames per second."

"You sure about that?" I ask.

"I guarantee it."

Here's what else Boyd had to say about the new gameplay enhancements in store for 09, what to expect from the Wii, and how this year's game is the one that will finally bring the series back to its PS2 glory days.

GameTap: What's been your reaction to the negative response the NCAA Football series has gotten the last couple of years on the new systems? How do you plan on bringing the series up to the level fans of the series expect on the PS3 and 360?

Kendall Boyd: I think one of the things for us is really focusing on making the transition over to the PS3 and 360. We're in our third year now, and we're finally at a point where we understand the software, the developers know the ins and outs of it, and for this year we're really putting an emphasis on what makes college football unique compared to the pro game. To do that, it comes down to one thing: the gameplay. Gameplay is the basis of any great game, so for us, that's how we're going to bring the charge back.

GameTap: Do you listen to what the NCAA community has to say in terms of making those gameplay improvements?

Kendall Boyd: We do. We actually did a ton of focus group testing and we had two different community days, one in Tiburon and one down in Los Angeles. We're listening to their feedback, and we try to do that with our gaming press as well. The fans are the most important thing, and listening to them and trying to understand what they want in the game is what we're trying to do in terms of delivering that authenticity we've always stood for at EA Sports. Over the years, our research has showed that while we do have crossover between Madden and NCAA gamers, our hardcore guys are always going to come back just to see what we're doing in dynasty [mode]. Two-thirds of our audience plays dynasty; they have grown up with that feature of the game and want us to incorporate more of that authenticity into it. That goes back to what's new at your school, what have they fixed from your stadium, what has changed about the uniform. That's what separates the college fan from the Madden fan.

GameTap: What's the hook for NCAA Football 09? How has the gameplay changed?

Kendall Boyd: The big focus this year is about wide-open gameplay and the college atmosphere. If you went to the National Championship last season, it was all about electricity. We want you to be able to feel the electricity as best you can when you go in and play the game. You do that by making it a more wide-open experience in terms of giving guys more ankle-breaking jukes. At the same time, when you hit the hole immediately at the line of scrimmage, you'll find your opening. But if you're playing against a lesser team, that hole will open, and after running five or 10 yards, it might come down to a footrace. Blocking is one of the big keys to that and [it's] the area the dev team is really concentrating on right now.

This is my game!

From an atmosphere side, if you look at what we brought last year, we had beautiful stadiums. Our stadiums have always been beautiful, but how do you make the experience more vibrant, how do you make it stand out? We want to show the contrast between the home and away teams. The sidelines are now populated and you'll see cheerleaders doing stunts. When you looked at it on PS2, the cheerleaders were part of a cutscene. Now, you'll be driving down the field and you'll see them on the sideline doing stunts and cheers in unison, and it's really cool. That's the kind of stuff we want the fans to appreciate. The subtle things.

GameTap: I hear there's a new physics engine in the game for breaking tackles. How is that going to work?

Kendall Boyd: One of the things we're focusing on this year is our breakaway animation engine. What that means is that for the first time, you really have control of all of the moves that you're doing. The moves are on both sticks, and you still have the ability to do moves off the button controls. But now, much like when you play Fight Night, you can rotate the analog stick to go into a spin move, and instead of just letting that animation play out, you can now go from animation to animation and juke to juke by your control. It's all about the fluidity. I can now run at a guy at a three-o'clock angle, where in the past I was always running at twelve-o'clock, and I can now run toward him, hit my juke, hit it again if he reacted to it, and cut back out. In the past, you were always forced to look ahead, but now you can do these moves at different angles.

Defense is also going to be influenced as it's all about the trajectory [at which] you hit someone. In the past, again, you just went into the tackle animation, but now it's about where you are as you head into the play. If your guy isn't good enough and you take a bad angle, you're going to completely miss and maybe swat at him with your arm. Shoestring tackles, arm tackles, those are all things you'll find in the college game, and that's something our game is focusing on.

GameTap: What can we expect from the playbooks in 09?

Kendall Boyd: We've got two guys who are basically--if there are such things as playbook aficionados, these are the guys. We have a guy who played quarterback for Florida on the National Championship team under Spurrier, and all he does for us is break down film. We have another guy who just sits there and reads gameplay tape. You see Urban Meyer's offense, we translate it into the game. The influence you're going to see this year is more about the strategic side of the playbook. Our depth is always going to be there. I don't think any team in sports gaming does a better job of research than the Tiburon guys, and this year it's about the strategic element. How you bluff your guy. How you do checks at the line. Basically, how you run a spread option offense and go in and no-huddle your way through. Those are just some of the things you can expect to see this year.

GameTap: This is the first year we're going to see NCAA on the Wii. What's going to differentiate the Wii version?

Kendall Boyd: The Wii's been really exciting. Not to go too much into marketing, but we're doing a mascot promotion that's basically been the most successful Web promotion we've ever done at EA Sports. We've had about a half-million unique visitors to the site and we wanted to give the fan the opportunity to vote for which mascot they would like to see on the cover. It's totally fan driven. If you go to Facebook, Michigan State put up a dedicated Wii mascot page for this and they have like 3,000 members. Every day they're hitting it and voting. You go to message boards for Nebraska and you see people asking for fans to vote. That's always been the key to us, to go in and celebrate what's great about college football. To engage the consumers and the fans--and that's what this promotion is all about.

In terms of the actual game, we want to address the Wii audience. It's going to be a much more accessible experience. Family play will be in there--the first time NCAA has had family play. If you're a hardcore player, you're still going to be able to play a great game of NCAA Football, but if you're playing against your son or your parents and you want to be able to have a good experience, you can go in and set the different difficulty levels. The other thing is, we want it to be a quicker and more accessible experience. We've eliminated a lot of the slowdown of getting in and out of the instant replays and such. It's very quick and very fun and has that Nintendo feel to it but still true to the sport.

GameTap: Getting back to the 360 and PS3, I know you guys did a lot of motion-capture work for the 09 game. What kinds of new animations can we expect to see?

Kendall Boyd: A lot of the multiple tackle hits that you'll see are all the results of our new mo-cap. Also, when we were talking about the wide-open controls, now on the left stick, a place where we've never had any moves, now you can go left-to-right on the left stick and you will do a Barry Sanders-esque shimmy. It's really sweet and that's something that came from the motion-capture. Foot-pinning is another big focus, so you can actually see the cuts. When a runner hits and plants, you'll actually be able to see the leverage of the weight. We've also added all-new player models. When you look at an NFL player, they're much more chiseled. Look at a college lineman: They still have muscle tone, but they also have some girth about them. We just want to get those differences between the two to help make the game, not only feel more authentic, but look it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

http://bottleofblog.typepad.com/bottleofblog/images/p1_paterno_all.jpg

[Dr. Sak]

He doesn't even know how to download a jar of peanut butter!

[Anthony]

yawn.

[albionmoonlight]

GameTap: This is the first year we're going to see NCAA on the Wii. What's going to differentiate the Wii version?

Kendall Boyd: The Wii's been really exciting. Not to go too much into marketing, but we're doing a mascot promotion that's basically been the most successful Web promotion we've ever done at EA Sports. We've had about a half-million unique visitors to the site and we wanted to give the fan the opportunity to vote for which mascot they would like to see on the cover. It's totally fan driven. If you go to Facebook, Michigan State put up a dedicated Wii mascot page for this and they have like 3,000 members. Every day they're hitting it and voting. You go to message boards for Nebraska and you see people asking for fans to vote. That's always been the key to us, to go in and celebrate what's great about college football. To engage the consumers and the fans--and that's what this promotion is all about.

So I'm thinking that this might be a "wait and see" for the Wii.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Amusing blog from Bill Abner about the EA hype machine................

http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/2008/03/ea-to-gamespot-i-heart-u.html

Peter Moore of EA has posted a new blog entry that talks about...EA stuff. Namely NFL Head Coach 09. Read the blog if you will but my favorite line was this beaut, "Last week, we had a group at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis showing a select group of media an early look at the game, and as our friends at GameSpot noted: “NFL Head Coach 09 is a sequel in name only”.

GameSpot Fever -- CATCH IT!

As someone who has been part of several of these "select media events" I can say without hesitation that GameSpot saw maybe some interface stuff and a few of the basic ideas that help differentiate it from the old game, but doesn't this come off sounding like an advertisement? Or at the very least a slight endorsement? Like when you see a pull quote for a really bad movie in a TV ad? "Rambo is back!" -- John Doe, Small Paper You Have Never Heard Of

And I'm happy Peter Moore considers the folks at GameSpot his buds. We're all one big happy fam in this biz.

The gaming media needs to STOP DOING THAT. So EA lets you into the Combine to see a sequel to a terribly shitty game. You are not obliged to provide tag lines to EA PR because of it. Good lord, people.

Oh, Pete also says this about the PC:

PC Games – While we’re committed to the PC as a sports game platform, it’s certainly not a platform without its business challenges due in large part because so many of you have migrated to the console as your primary platform. I think on-line will give us some innovative new ways to re-vitalize the PC sports business again, and we’ ll keep pushing from our end to make that happen. But in the meantime, understand that while we have a limited lineup of EA SPORTS games coming this summer and fall to the PC, we do continue to weigh our options on PC.

Translation: We at EA Sports consider the PC one helluva way to check email, send pictures of ugly relatives, and watch NBC reruns in your underwear. Now, go buy our $60 console games.

[Raiders Army]

I'm an idiot and I'll buy it when it comes out. I'm not that much of an idiot to buy Madden this year...

[markprior22]

I think (hope) this will be the year that I can hold off on the whole day of release buy for NCAA.

[Kodos]

I think (hope) this will be the year that I can hold off on the whole day of release buy for NCAA.

Ditto. And the same for Madden. Until I hear glowing praise from members of this board, I will try to avoid caving and buying it.

[Anthony]

Ditto. And the same for Madden. Until I hear glowing praise from members of this board, I will try to avoid caving and buying it.

i want a dime for everytime you've posted this.


i'll expect a check for $52 shortly. thank you.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm an idiot and I'll buy it when it comes out. I'm not that much of an idiot to buy Madden this year...

I have been every single year for the last 5-10 years as well.

I think (hope) this will be the year that I can hold off on the whole day of release buy for NCAA.

I also believe this will finally be the year were I won't cave. I'm refusing to believe the hype. I saw this article about a week ago. I'm not posting any hype, and I won't buy it until I see glowing reviews on here and/or OS. I might go for the rental route this year even if I see glowing reviews on OS, which I haven't done in a long time with a sports game.

[MizzouRah]

yawn.

double yawn...

I will NOT purchase NCAA 09 nor Madden 09 on release day this year! If some of my trusted folks here like it, then I'll get it.

I'm hoping APF 2k9 comes out with some sort of "career" mode or something.

[Eaglesfan27]

i want a dime for everytime you've posted this.


i'll expect a check for $52 shortly. thank you.

I'd owe you at least 60 cents. I've caved the last few years, but I'm determined to remain strong this year. I think it will be relatively easy with so many other good games to keep me busy.

[MizzouRah]

I will say this though about EA, they are #1 when it comes to hyping Madden and NCAA.

[Kodos]

i want a dime for everytime you've posted this.


i'll expect a check for $52 shortly. thank you.

Actually, I did skip Madden 2007 entirely. Why don't you go mate with a sandwich, or go attempt to get into IHOF again?

[Kodos]

double yawn...

I will NOT purchase NCAA 09 nor Madden 09 on release day this year! If some of my trusted folks here like it, then I'll get it.

I'm hoping APF 2k9 comes out with some sort of "career" mode or something.


You'd better concentrate just on having it come out at all.

[MJ4H]

Fuck EA Sports. Not a chance in hell I buy these games.

[Anthony]

Actually, I did skip Madden 2007 entirely. Why don't you go mate with a sandwich, or go attempt to get into IHOF again?

nah, i'll skip IHOF. too many sensitive pussies like you who are still hurt by some things i posted many years ago. :)

but trust me - you've said you were skipping NCAA/Madden oodles of times. oodles.

[Ksyrup]

Since I have a PS2, I'll probably just stick with '07. I have a Wii, but I didn't enjoy Madden much at all and certainly would not give a 1st gen game a chance unless it was universally praised by people other than reviewers.

[Anthony]

i want a game to play online with my friends. i don't care about franchise problems. i don't want 8 INTs and 10 fumbles per game. that's all. bells are whistles are nice. i have FOF for career play.

[Kodos]

i don't want 8 INTs and 10 fumbles per game. that's all.

From what I understand about your skills as a player, you likely aren't going to find a game that you can enjoy.

[Pumpy Tudors]

daaaaamn

[Anthony]

i've busted up Pumpy in NBA2k8, sho' nuff.

i got NCAA 2k8, astoria23. you want it - come and get it. it's right here.

[Kodos]

360 version? I have some technical difficulties -- first, I let my Live membership expire. And second, I don't have the wireless hookup for the 360. I'd have to find a long enough cord to hook it up...

KodosForPrez (or possibly Kodos4Prez)

[Anthony]

c'mon ssssson, you know it.

[Pumpy Tudors]

i've busted up Pumpy in NBA2k8, sho' nuff.
Yeah, I don't like to talk about that, thanks.

[Noop]

I haven't brought Madden in years. Every copy I have had was either someone letting me borrow it or buying it for me. I refuse to spend money on EA and the only game I will buy no matter what is NCAA Football. The rest of that junk they put out I will continue to happily ignore.

[Anthony]

Pumpy knows how i roll in NCAA 2008 (http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=60040)

that was a good game, even though Pumpy won.

[Logan]

I figured out why the gameplay sucks:

GameTap: Do you listen to what the NCAA community has to say in terms of making those gameplay improvements?

Kendall Boyd: We do. We actually did a ton of focus group testing and we had two different community days, one in Tiburon and one down in Los Angeles. We're listening to their feedback, and we try to do that with our gaming press as well. The fans are the most important thing, and listening to them and trying to understand what they want in the game is what we're trying to do in terms of delivering that authenticity we've always stood for at EA Sports. Over the years, our research has showed that while we do have crossover between Madden and NCAA gamers, our hardcore guys are always going to come back just to see what we're doing in dynasty [mode]. Two-thirds of our audience plays dynasty; they have grown up with that feature of the game and want us to incorporate more of that authenticity into it. That goes back to what's new at your school, what have they fixed from your stadium, what has changed about the uniform. That's what separates the college fan from the Madden fan.

Yeah, you nailed it.

[Kodos]

I thought the live cheerleaders working as you play was very important to the gameplay experience...

[BigDPW]

I must be the only person that enjoyed NCAA 08. I have bough NCAA at release for years now but this was my first year on the 360 and I enjoyed it. It has certainly not caught up with the old-gen versions yet but I had a good time playing it and will probably go back to playing it sometime in the next month or two.

Madden on the other hand I have skipped for 2 years running and I was tired of the madden experience even on the old-gen systems for the past 4 years.

I will probably get NCAA on release day this year as I always do. If the game doesn't get any worse then I will enjoy running a dynasty with my NC State Wolfpack as I always do. NCAA Football every year is a part of my lead up to college football season so part of my enjoyment is simply related to my anticipation of college football every year.

I will never buy Madden on release day again though. NCAA is pretty much the only game I buy on release day now anyway. I have lost faith in all that is gaming on release day (especially with sports) but NCAA is just different for me so far...

[korme]

No, but it is one of those things bound to happen, make for a fluid experience... I wonder if one day we will see a packed stadium with atleast 1,000ish different looking fans.

It's funny, in MLB 08 you can watch the crowd as all the guys in black hats and red shirts stand up and clap in unison

[Mike1409]

New Feature list. Now lets see if they actually work!

http://www.easports.com/ncaa09/news.jsp


04.01.08

Here's a taste of what you can expect to see in NCAA Football 09.

In the coming weeks we'll take a deeper dive into each of the features below, so check back for more detailed information.
Wide Open and Authentic College Style Gameplay

It's Wide Open


Bigger holes, cutback lanes, and open receivers, making the game feel more wide open than ever before
Directional pump fake on the R stick
New college specific tackling engineHome of the 12th Man and Home Field Advantage with new mini-game components


Pre-play confusion and difficulty making adjustments when on the road against tough teams
All new toughest places to play with dynamic rankingsAll-new Mascot Mode with User Controlled Celebrations


Mascot Games
Interactive TD celebrationsCollege Atmosphere

College Atmosphere & Pageantry


All-new Dynamic Crowd System
College sidelines are packed with additional players, mascots, cheerleaders, and more
All-new authentic fields with new textures, lighting, and field degradation
New college player models, including more than 50 alternate uniforms
User Customizable Stadium Sounds & Music
Breakaway crowd reactionsDepth & Innovation


Online Dynasty is here!!!
Roster file sharing online
Improved recruiting system in Dynasty mode highlighting ease and accessibility
New post game presentation and play by play commentary
1-4 player offline co-op
Return missed field goals
Bluff your play art to confuse opponents
Formation audibles
Smart routes
Bobble catches
Better passing control
Post play continuation
All-New Mini Games
Random play selection in practice mode
Quick replay
CPU vs. CPU (watch mode)
Smooth 60 FPS on PS3
Even teams option in play now

[Groundhog]

VERY happy to see CPU vs CPU is back - even if I object to a feature that has existed since the beginning of time until only very recently re-announced as a "feature".

[Radii]

well interactive TD celebrations certainly turns this into a must buy for me. :P

[Eaglesfan27]

Despite my intentions to ignore the hype, I'm now excited. Online dynasties so I can play with my best friend in NJ will be awesome if they work well and if they fix the gameplay issues with interceptions/turnovers.

[Galaxy]

New Feature list. Now lets see if they actually work!

http://www.easports.com/ncaa09/news.jsp


04.01.08

Here's a taste of what you can expect to see in NCAA Football 09.

In the coming weeks we'll take a deeper dive into each of the features below, so check back for more detailed information.
Wide Open and Authentic College Style Gameplay

It's Wide Open


Bigger holes, cutback lanes, and open receivers, making the game feel more wide open than ever before
Directional pump fake on the R stick
New college specific tackling engineHome of the 12th Man and Home Field Advantage with new mini-game components


Pre-play confusion and difficulty making adjustments when on the road against tough teams
All new toughest places to play with dynamic rankingsAll-new Mascot Mode with User Controlled Celebrations


Mascot Games
Interactive TD celebrationsCollege Atmosphere

College Atmosphere & Pageantry


All-new Dynamic Crowd System
College sidelines are packed with additional players, mascots, cheerleaders, and more
All-new authentic fields with new textures, lighting, and field degradation
New college player models, including more than 50 alternate uniforms
User Customizable Stadium Sounds & Music
Breakaway crowd reactionsDepth & Innovation


Online Dynasty is here!!!
Roster file sharing online
Improved recruiting system in Dynasty mode highlighting ease and accessibility
New post game presentation and play by play commentary
1-4 player offline co-op
Return missed field goals
Bluff your play art to confuse opponents
Formation audibles
Smart routes
Bobble catches
Better passing control
Post play continuation
All-New Mini Games
Random play selection in practice mode
Quick replay
CPU vs. CPU (watch mode)
Smooth 60 FPS on PS3
Even teams option in play now

Online dynasty?

[wade moore]

Online Dynasties is certainly appealing... Especially with CPU vs. CPU mode or maybe coach mode...

I'm wondering if they will put I-AA back in, I'm guessing no :(.

[Eaglesfan27]

With the Applachian State win over Michigan, there has been a lot of talk on the various sites that they will add at least some select I-AA teams.

[Galaxy]

Online Dynasties is certainly appealing... Especially with CPU vs. CPU mode or maybe coach mode...

I'm wondering if they will put I-AA back in, I'm guessing no :(.

If College Hoops 2k8 had online dynasties, it would be paradise.

[thesloppy]

You ever play recent Madden's 'Superstar' mode (or whatever they call it), and get annoyed at how much pre-play crap you have to go through? Let's take a look at an imaginary NCAA08 play I just generated based on the above feature list.


My team gets the ball at the 20, in my opponents house, let's get this game STARTED!
Before I pick a play it's time for the 12th man mini-game! YAY!
I lose, because my 12th man is still at home.
Time to pick a play...I'll 'bluff my play art' a couple times, so he doesn't know what I'm picking.
Cut to a shot of the new dynamic crowd and the field which has started to collect a little snow!
Because I lost the 12th-man mini game my guy stumble around confused before the play for a bit allowing my competition to adjust a bit before I can get set.
In response to defensive shifts I call a couple audibles and motion my receivers out wide, hoping to stretch out the defense and widen the field a little bit.
Meanwhile, my opponent pumps up the crowd via some button mashing, while I wait, and we get another shot of three guys in the crowd with painted faces.
As the playcock dwindles down my QB hikes the ball and fades back a couple of steps before I fake a pump to the left of the field.
15 yards out, over the middle of the field, a receiver breaks free from coverage and I fire a rocket right at his extended arms, but the MLB makes an athletic play, leaps up and grabs the ball for an interception which he returns for the TD, unchallenged.
My opponent switches to mascot mode, progresses through a few mini-games and does the worm for the next 2-3 minutes as we flash to a slightly familiar shot of those 3 guys in the stands with the painted faces.
6 hours later I fumble my third kickoff return, attempting to adjust to this year's subtle changes, and a freak slip on a McDonald's wrapper causes me to reset the game.

[kingnebwsu]

That's a list right there...sad but true. If you had slipped on a Chipotle wrapper, it would be totally acceptable :)

[wade moore]

With the Applachian State win over Michigan, there has been a lot of talk on the various sites that they will add at least some select I-AA teams.


Well, it has never been *all* of I-AA anyways. It was about 6 conferences and to use the teams/conferences in Dynasty mode you had to replace existing teams. Then the last couple of PS2 versions they didn't bother making updates and just left the old rosters. Then in PS3 and XBOX360 they took them out altogether.

But luckily W&M is in the top I-AA conference ;).

[BigDPW]

I will be curious to see what "online dynasty" entails...

I can see this being a great addition if it means multiple people can compete in the same dynasty world online. However I fear it may just mean that there is further implementation of the EASPORTSWORLD vids and pictures that shows your "dynasty" online??? Hopefully I am wrong about that though...

[Izulde]

The features list doesn't excite me and I imagine I'll be hurting for cash when it comes out, so yeah... pass on both Madden and NCAA for me this year.

I didn't even think about getting Madden last year or the year before. I think '06 was the last Madden I bought, maybe even '05.

[CU Tiger]

I cant think of much worse than some rock paper scissors mini game to determine how full your momentum meter goes after a first down run....

[KWhit]

That 'feature' list looks like ass.

[tarcone]

College sidelines are packed with additional players, mascots, cheerleaders, and more

More?

Beer tents?

[Balldog]

Nothing there to make me buy the game this year.

[Groundhog]

The only features I want that were missing last year are:

1) CPU-vs-CPU play - check
2) Stat overlays - TBD
3) Realistic turnovers - TBD

They were the game killers for me. Outside of that I was fairly happy with last year's version. Especially compared with that awful Madden thing I toyed with for a while.

[Groundhog]

Trailer:

hxxp://www.gametrailers.com/player/32876.html

[bhlloy]

So... the new features are the mascot game, cheerleader animations and some tweaks to the play diagram in game? EA aren't even trying anymore...

[Groundhog]

The lighting sure does look pretty, though.

[Balldog]

Looks ok, but I love how the Notre Dame player and the Boston College mascot were celebrating with each other after the ND player scored.

That's attention to detail right there.

[Grammaticus]

Looks ok, but I love how the Notre Dame player and the Boston College mascot were celebrating with each other after the ND player scored.

That's attention to detail right there.

I think that was supposed to be a rebuttal to the Notre Dame players Heisman pose. The BC mascot was implying, no baby I'm the Heisman hype by posing back at him.

[Eaglesfan27]

The lighting sure does look pretty, though.


It really does. However, what I really like in the trailer is the Online Dynasty. It's hard to say for sure, but it looks like it will be a fully featured online dynasty with at least 4 people. That is the main thing that is building my interest for 09 if I see gameplay videos showing they fixed the defensive AI issues with so many interceptions.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

............if I see gameplay videos showing they fixed the defensive AI issues with so many interceptions.

LOL. In all seriousness, how many years have gamers been saying that now? I can remember that problem back through the PS2 years at a minimum.

[Phototropic]

It really does. However, what I really like in the trailer is the Online Dynasty. It's hard to say for sure, but it looks like it will be a fully featured online dynasty with at least 4 people. That is the main thing that is building my interest for 09 if I see gameplay videos showing they fixed the defensive AI issues with so many interceptions.
Online dynasty could be a lot of fun, but the times I've tried to play online the last few years were just horrible experiences with lag, 5 seconds to call plays and no time to make adjustments, and just overall bad experiences.

[Eaglesfan27]

LOL. In all seriousness, how many years have gamers been saying that now? I can remember that problem back through the PS2 years at a minimum.

Honestly, last year was the first year THAT was a problem. The problem in previous years was not too many interceptions, but the fact that the deep ball was too easy to complete.


Phototropic, I agree that lag could be the killer for the online dynasty. I just want to be able to play/compete with my friend in NJ, but if it is a lag fest, that will kill it. Fortunately, last year, online on the 360 was a good experience with NCAA most of the time. It was the CPU games that were horrible for me due to the aforementioned interception issues.

[BigDPW]

I will be curious to see what "online dynasty" entails...

I can see this being a great addition if it means multiple people can compete in the same dynasty world online. However I fear it may just mean that there is further implementation of the EASPORTSWORLD vids and pictures that shows your "dynasty" online??? Hopefully I am wrong about that though...

From the looks fo that trailer I was way off on my assumption that the online dynasty would be an extension of EASPORTSWORLD. Looks like it will really be a pretty full function dynasty online with up to 3 other players based on what I saw in the trailer.

That is very exciting... I hope I can find a couple of guys on here that are reliable to play with... Or at least my buddy from college... Probably would be more fun if we were all in the same conference though...

I am still looking forward to this game despite all of the previous critics. It remains the one purchase I make every year on release day any more...

[Phototropic]

Honestly, last year was the first year THAT was a problem. The problem in previous years was not too many interceptions, but the fact that the deep ball was too easy to complete.


Phototropic, I agree that lag could be the killer for the online dynasty. I just want to be able to play/compete with my friend in NJ, but if it is a lag fest, that will kill it. Fortunately, last year, online on the 360 was a good experience with NCAA most of the time. It was the CPU games that were horrible for me due to the aforementioned interception issues.
The other thing is at the very least you could always use teams from different conferences and not face off online. You still get the benefit of recruiting from the same pool and living in the same world.

[ColtCrazy]

I hope the Wii version isn't lame. But the outlook isn't great when they ask what's different and they talk about facebook and mascot voting. Seriously, do they talk to their customers at all? Or did they talk to a pack of 15 year old girls?

[kingnebwsu]

Don't you know that most people who play the Wii are 15-year old girls? Or at least, that's what M$ and Sony would want you to believe.

[Kodos]

Of course not--A lot of geriatrics play the Wii too.

[sooner333]

Hopefully the dynasty mode will let you play head to head in all the games involving your teams. My roommates and I the past two years had some intense dynasties where we'd always play with our teams head to head against one of the other two guys. Well, I'm here in law school, a friend is in med school in another city, and the other one is working out of state...so this would be pretty cool.

[Eaglesfan27]

Hopefully the dynasty mode will let you play head to head in all the games involving your teams. My roommates and I the past two years had some intense dynasties where we'd always play with our teams head to head against one of the other two guys. Well, I'm here in law school, a friend is in med school in another city, and the other one is working out of state...so this would be pretty cool.


That is my hope as well. My and my best friend from H.S. used to play out Madden careers where I'd control the Eagles and he'd control the 49ers and we'd control each other's opponents for every game. That is what I'm hoping to do over the internet with NCAA with me controlling USC and him with Penn State.

[Eaglesfan27]

A few of the community leaders were invited to EA's headquarters to have a day or two with an "early build" of NCAA and offer feedback on any fine tuning that should be done. One of the guys is from Ncaastrategies which has always been a fairly critical audience of the series and I'm interested in reading his takes. The others have had a much less critical eye. They are all free of any NDA's reportedly. Also, they all have access to a "nearly complete game" reportedly. One of those people have already reported their early findings and it appears interceptions are still a problem:

Here is a small piece of his post from Madden Mania (things that interested me in the post):

- Still too many completions - whether it be to your own receiver or other team. Not seeing over or under throws. Definitely needs addressed before release.

- No FCS or CAS, however Western Kentucky is in the game.

(This on 360 version)
- Depth Chart Bug fixed.

- HFA = More composed your QB is, the more icons he sees on the road. Seems a lot easier to call audibles/hot routes on road as compared to last-gen.

- After INTs, there is an optional "Quiz the QB" mini-game. You have three choices in which to guess the play the defense was in. Get it right to regain some composure, answer wrong and lose composure.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

- Still too many completions - whether it be to your own receiver or other team. Not seeing over or under throws. Definitely needs addressed before release.

I like how he says 'definitely needs addressed before release' like he's going to somehow influence anyone at EA to make the necessary adjustments before release of the game.

Uhhhhh, no.`

[MizzouRah]

I like how he says 'definitely needs addressed before release' like he's going to somehow influence anyone at EA to make the necessary adjustments before release of the game.

Uhhhhh, no.`

Spot on.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Spot on.

You know what really sucks? Mizzou is going to have a great team on this year's game, but I'm likely not going to buy it because it appears little has been done to fix the problems. That really pisses me off.

[MizzouRah]

You know what really sucks? Mizzou is going to have a great team on this year's game, but I'm likely not going to buy it because it appears little has been done to fix the problems. That really pisses me off.

I'm with you. I'm not buying any EA football game without reading impressions from here and a few other sites I frequent. I don't give two shits about Madden, but NCAA I really wantto like.

[rjolley]

The Quiz the QB thing was a little joke you added, right?





Right?

[Eaglesfan27]

The Quiz the QB thing was a little joke you added, right?





Right?

I wish. Also, I didn't even cut and paste about the ice-the-kicker mini-game they are adding (which is also optional.)

[Surtt]

Is that Clemson's stadium covered in snow?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I wish. Also, I didn't even cut and paste about the ice-the-kicker mini-game they are adding (which is also optional.)

Good Lord. I was so miffed to hear that the passing game hadn't been fixed that I didn't even notice the blurb about the mini-game. TERRIBLE!

[A-Husker-4-Life]

The Quiz the QB thing was a little joke you added, right?





Right?

I'm also wondering if this is just a joke..

[Eaglesfan27]

Like I said before, the guys at NCAAStrategies are usually very critical. These impressions of their time with the early build had me excited until I read the bit about interceptions.

http://www.ncaastrategies.com/utopia/showthread.php?t=57095


It's long. Here are a few of the highlights for me (paraphrased since they asked for no copy and paste)

- Great presentation including great weather effects.

- Gameplay seems like a good combo of next gen and last gen with more fluidity.

- The option is harder to pull off when falling down and is a bit more realistic.


The big negative and the main reason I'm not excited about their long review:

1-2 interceptions returned for TD's per game. Too many interceptions. Too many on target passes that are either caught or intercepted.

Anyone who is interested in reading some good non-biased views on this "early build" of NCAA 09 should check out the link.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

This writeup also mentions the QB mini-game after INT's and explains them a bit better. It's definitely not a joke.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

1-2 interceptions returned for TD's per game. Too many interceptions. Too many on target passes that are either caught or intercepted.

This is a big problem. That likely means that the screens and short passing game are defended very tightly, because that's where you get most of your 'Pick 6' plays. Given that Mizzou is a team that likes to throw a lot of short routes and screens, this would be a big issue if I were to get the game.

[Eaglesfan27]

This is a big problem. That likely means that the screens and short passing game are defended very tightly, because that's where you get most of your 'Pick 6' plays. Given that Mizzou is a team that likes to throw a lot of short routes and screens, this would be a big issue if I were to get the game.

If it is the same issue as last year, which I'm willing to bet it is, it isn't the screens that most of the pick 6's are coming from. Simply, the cornerbacks are the fastest players on the field and they seem to be able to make unbelievable moves on interception returns. Last year, most of the pick 6's came for a deep interception in the middle of the field, the cornerback faking out a player or two and then burning everyone down a sideline. I bet it is the same this year.

As the guy from NCAA Strategies said, part of the problem is that DB's and linebackers in NCAA Football never stumble or fall after intercepting it in the game like they do in real life. They just catch it, make a perfect pivot, and then start running at full speed. If they added stumbling and such into the game, it would help the pick 6 issue greatly.

[Eaglesfan27]

Gamespot has their preview of the game up as they were at the press event this week as well. They focused at looking at online dynasty:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/ncaafootball09/news.html?page=1&sid=6189867


Highlights:

- Up to 12 people can participate in an online dynasty.

- Everyone has to finish a week before it can advance to the next week, but the commish can force an advance.

- You can pick be in the same conference or different conferences.

- All 12 players can be simultaneously recruiting, playing games, or doing whatever the week's actions call for. They can all be voice chatting with each other while doing it.

- No mention of CPU games being able to be controlled by Humans :( Of course, you play out games vs your friends online when your 2 teams meet.

[Kodos]

If the receivers were as aggressive in going after the balls as the defenders are, that would help too.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

If it is the same issue as last year, which I'm willing to bet it is, it isn't the screens that most of the pick 6's are coming from. Simply, the cornerbacks are the fastest players on the field and they seem to be able to make unbelievable moves on interception returns. Last year, most of the pick 6's came for a deep interception in the middle of the field, the cornerback faking out a player or two and then burning everyone down a sideline. I bet it is the same this year.

As the guy from NCAA Strategies said, part of the problem is that DB's and linebackers in NCAA Football never stumble or fall after intercepting it in the game like they do in real life. They just catch it, make a perfect pivot, and then start running at full speed. If they added stumbling and such into the game, it would help the pick 6 issue greatly.

That would appear to take out Quick Slants/In over the middle then. Just as tough to deal with. Limits the offense quite a bit.

[CraigSca]

Reading the impressions worries the heck out of me. 1-2 interceptions run back for a TD per game. Yeah, right. Scores are realistic with 5 min quarters. Ok, what does that say for realistic statistics then (not going to happen)? Oh, and I just LOVE to hear that the only way to stop an offense is via a turnover.

Sounds like EA is trying for an arcade version of college football. Disappointing.

[MizzouRah]

http://www.pastapadre.com/2549/ncaa-football-09-hands-on-part-one

Impressions from Pastapadre.. some good things in there.

[Kodos]

Keep in mind that he is a major EA fanboy.

[MizzouRah]

Keep in mind that he is a major EA fanboy.

Oh I know that.. I did like him mentioning that penalties just MIGHT FINALLY work now. :p

[Kodos]

It's kinda funny. A few years ago, I was the resident EA fan here at FOF. How the times have changed...

[Pumpy Tudors]

I actually think that the "Quiz the QB" mini-game looks like fun.

[Eaglesfan27]

Heh. The NCAAstrategies link I posted may no longer work. Apparently from reading on OS, EA has embargoed these hands-on previews until after May 2nd.. I'm guessing they didn't like what they were reading.

[Galaxy]

Gamespot has their preview of the game up as they were at the press event this week as well. They focused at looking at online dynasty:

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/ncaafootball09/news.html?page=1&sid=6189867


Highlights:

- Up to 12 people can participate in an online dynasty.

- Everyone has to finish a week before it can advance to the next week, but the commish can force an advance.

- You can pick be in the same conference or different conferences.

- All 12 players can be simultaneously recruiting, playing games, or doing whatever the week's actions call for. They can all be voice chatting with each other while doing it.

- No mention of CPU games being able to be controlled by Humans :( Of course, you play out games vs your friends online when your 2 teams meet.

Doesn't sound too bad.

[Eaglesfan27]

It's loading very slowly for me, but here is supposed to be video of NCAA 09 being played by Gamespot employees:

http://www.gamespot.com/video/944961/6189912/ncaa-football-09-demo


Edit: It just loaded and it is EA employees playing the game. I'm watching it now, wonder if they will show any interceptions.

[Mike1409]

It's loading very slowly for me, but here is supposed to be video of NCAA 09 being played by Gamespot employees:

http://www.gamespot.com/video/944961/6189912/ncaa-football-09-demo


Edit: It just loaded and it is EA employees playing the game. I'm watching it now, wonder if they will show any interceptions.

No they supersimmed the defense.

I noticed a couple of things while watching the video. I played as Florida last year (OK, every year), and the playbook looks the same. It is easier to set the formations as it appears you dont have to switch screens for each formation.

The supersim feature looks unchanged as well(meaning broke). They showed the sceen for one series the defense took the field at 4:12 and after 1 incomplete pass, 2 running plays and a punt there was still 3:47 left so each play took about 6 seconds. (watch that be abused in online dynasties, super sim on defense if behind to to try and save time and timeouts!)

I want to see more information about the online dynasty before making a decision, scratch that I will buy this at midnight if not before, but I am a sucker for NCAA football.

[Eaglesfan27]

Actually, they did show 1 interception. The guy controlling tried to throw a bomb into double coverage and it was picked off. That was on the easiest setting of freshman. After he threw the interception, it showed the QB mini-game.


It's going to be hard for me because I'm a sucker for NCAA Football, but I'm going to hold off buying and try to find it at a Blockbuster and rent it first.

[Noop]

This dude with the camera is pissing me off. Focus on the game numbnuts...

[Grammaticus]

I like how he says 'definitely needs addressed before release' like he's going to somehow influence anyone at EA to make the necessary adjustments before release of the game.

Uhhhhh, no.`

Here is what he said about the pre-play event. I'm just adding it as information.

"Feedback given at this event will be used to help improve the game before the release in July."

[CraigSca]

While that's encouraging, it's amazing to me that they didn't see these issues to begin with, especially with the outrage from last year's "oh look, my cornerback leads my team in scoring" debacle.

Really?! You didn't know this stuff was happening?!

[Grammaticus]

I agree, every year the pick 6 is a problem. They need to make more defensive players fall down after intercepting and after recovering fumbles.

In other scenarios, make the interceptor pause as he lands and adjusts to start the runback. Too many yards after interception.

[Kodos]

And make receivers be more aggressive in getting the ball.

[Eaglesfan27]

A new preview is up in which the development team says the turnover issue is fixed. Too bad, I don't believe them. I can't remember who asked about the number of seasons that can be played, but that is addressed in the preview as well - 60 seasons in the 12 player MP online league. I believe it is the same for single player.

http://www.gametap.com/articles/gamepreviews/ncaa_football_09_ps3_xbox_360-04292008

[Noop]

EA reminds me of a politician a whole lot of talking and promises but never delivers. And me I am a mindless numb nut whose love for college football outweighs the flaws that will envitably be in the game.

[Groundhog]

They are looking to implement stat tracking online for the multiplayer dynasties, which would be pretty cool.

[Kodos]

Sadly, I am slowly being sucked in to being interested in this game. Online dynasty could be a blast with the right group of guys...

[sabotai]

One question I have, since I have not been following this, is have they done anything to improve the RFTH mode? After trying a dynasty, I gave up on it but I still put many hours into the RFTH mode (the same mode in Madden was total crap so I'm not even looking to Madden this year).

[Eaglesfan27]

One question I have, since I have not been following this, is have they done anything to improve the RFTH mode? After trying a dynasty, I gave up on it but I still put many hours into the RFTH mode (the same mode in Madden was total crap so I'm not even looking to Madden this year).

It has gotten very little press/hype, so my guess is that it has undergone very little change unless they are saving it for the final media blitz.

[kingnebwsu]

I did like the RFTH mode playing as a running back...and watching my highly-rated QB throw 3 to 6 INT's per game. It was amazing...

[Groundhog]

This will be the first year I'm actually able to play NCAA, so I'm probably more excited about it than I should be.

[Anthony]

whats the # of teams allowed in an online MP league? that might be a lot of fun.

[Anthony]

shotgun Miami Canes.

[Eaglesfan27]

whats the # of teams allowed in an online MP league? that might be a lot of fun.

12.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

If we do get a FOF league going and we use power teams, I want USC ;)

[Logan]

Yes, let's use power teams. I'll take Rutgers :).

[Blade6119]

I would think playing within one conference would be much more fun, instead of random teams across the nation...just my 2 cents

[Kodos]

I was thinking using 80-rated or below teams would be fun. More of a challenge to get a championship too.

[Eaglesfan27]

I was thinking using 80-rated or below teams would be fun. More of a challenge to get a championship too.

Personally, I think that would be the most fun as well. Either that, or randomly selecting teams within one of the lesser conferences so we all play each either.

[DeToxRox]

Someone said before we should do the MAC. 13 schools, all low level prestige. I say we do it.

[DeToxRox]

Dola, if we do the Mac, I am shotgunning Central Michigan. I need my Dan "I gotta" LeFevour and the only cure are more touchdowns.

[Kodos]

I would think playing within one conference would be much more fun, instead of random teams across the nation...just my 2 cents


One thing to consider is that it is harder to get your human opponents to play than it is to play against the computer. So having teams spread across conferences might be good in that sense, because there would be less schedule coordination involved. But then the whole point of going online is to play against others... :) I guess at least recruiting would be cool in this scenario.


This post was worth about .012 cents. :cool:

[Blade6119]

My impression from the article, which i may be quite mistaken in, is that we cant just randomly log in and do our weekly activities. I got the impression we were all doing our weekly activities at the same time, so getting people on at the same times to play games would already be taken care of by the requirements of league. Am i totally off-base here?

[Blade6119]

Dola, that was worth at least .013 cents, as it was far more insightful then your last post ;)

[Eaglesfan27]

One thing to consider is that it is harder to get your human opponents to play than it is to play against the computer. So having teams spread across conferences might be good in that sense, because there would be less schedule coordination involved. But then the whole point of going online is to play against others... :) I guess at least recruiting would be cool in this scenario.


This post was worth about .012 cents. :cool:

My impression from the article, which i may be quite mistaken in, is that we cant just randomly log in and do our weekly activities. I got the impression we were all doing our weekly activities at the same time, so getting people on at the same times to play games would already be taken care of by the requirements of league. Am i totally off-base here?


The recruiting would be awesome in your scenario, Kodos. Plus, we could meet in Bowl games which would be theoretically less cumbersome to schedule.

I've read 3 or 4 different articles about online recruiting, and I believe that the dynasty is housed on a server and can be accessed at anytime and doesn't have to be when everyone is on at the same time. I could be wrong about that, but I don't think so. If I (and Kodos) are right, scheduling would be the major benefit to being in different conferences..

[Anthony]

Personally, I think that would be the most fun as well. Either that, or randomly selecting teams within one of the lesser conferences so we all play each either.

i would like to play lower-tier colleges, i was just claiming the Canes in the event that this was gonna be a free for all.

i have no prob playing in the same conference, but are there any conferences that have 12 teams? or would maybe 2 conferences, 6 teams each be better? full stat tracking is awesome.

this may not get off the ground, i'm just putting 2 cents in. sounds like it'd be fun.

[cartman]

i have no prob playing in the same conference, but are there any conferences that have 12 teams? or would maybe 2 conferences, 6 teams each be better? full stat tracking is awesome.


I failed calculus, but I'm pretty sure the Big 12 has 12 teams. But I can see where that could be misleading, since the Big 10 doesn't have 10 teams. :)

[Logan]

It would be pretty sweet if they let you completely change the conference structure for online dynasties.

[DeToxRox]

I failed calculus, but I'm pretty sure the Big 12 has 12 teams. But I can see where that could be misleading, since the Big 10 doesn't have 10 teams. :)

Yes, the Big 10 only has Michigan and Ohio State :)

[Passacaglia]

Yes, the Big 10 only has Michigan and Ohio State :)

Who the hell let Ohio State into the Big Ten?

[Anthony]

Someone said before we should do the MAC. 13 schools, all low level prestige. I say we do it.

i'm down with that. make sure we leave a slot open for Pumpy.

[wade moore]

I'm so up for this.

[Eaglesfan27]

this may not get off the ground, i'm just putting 2 cents in. sounds like it'd be fun.

I hear you. I'm in agreement. If we even get so far as organizing this and it looks like it will take off, this game goes from a rent-and-see to a day 1 buy.. as it is, I like what I've seen from the latest gameplay videos. It looks like in the latest build, they've slowed down the hyper speed that was being shown in the earlier builds and I'm seeing linebackers and DB's misplay balls and bat down balls that would have almost certainly been interceptions last year.

[BrianD]

Yes, the Big 10 only has Michigan and Ohio State :)

...and Wisconsin. :)

[Kodos]

I'd certainly be up for joining. Especially if we went with mid-tier teams.

[Kodos]

...and Wisconsin. :)


... and INDIANA.

[Eaglesfan27]

Like I said, I'm all for mid-tier or low prestige teams. I do think that it should be a random assignment of teams or better yet a draft system rather than who calls teams first, but that is just my opinion ;)

[Kodos]

A draft system sounds good. At least that way, people could try to grab teams that they actually have some sort of attachment to.

[INDalltheway]

The MAC sounds like a really fun conference to play with. I am definitely interested in getting in a league with some FOFCers.

[wade moore]

Is there any word on whether it will have FCS/I-AA?

[Kodos]

Is there any word on whether it will have FCS/I-AA?

Why would it? Nobody cares about those teams! :D

[Eaglesfan27]

Is there any word on whether it will have FCS/I-AA?

It won't. It will have all 120 Division I teams or whatever they are being called (which is escaping me at the moment.)

[Logan]

I could've sworn I read somewhere that some AA teams will be included (I remember seeing something about App State).

[Sun Tzu]

About 2 weeks ago I started a thread trying to get a league started for this, so I'll claim it as my idea. Which also means I get first dibs on a team.

Akron Zips = mine

Anyways, count me in for sure. To answer Blades question about recruiting, you can recruit anytime you like, there doesn't have to be "set" times for recruiting for the league. If you just so happen to be recruiting at the same time as say, Hell Atlantic, you can actually hear him speaking in strange tongues. There is 1 commissioner, who sets the ground rules and enforces them online. Say for example you have a game against the CPU and you keep quiting and restarting it until you win. The Commish will see that you started a game several times, and can change the outcome of the game as he so pleases. There's a decent amount of other stuff too...I'll try to find a link and dola it up.

[Anthony]

when i play online i always try to get the other guy to play as a mid-tier school. in a perfect world everyone i played against would be interested in playing really crappy teams - that's where this game really shines. when you're both crappy teams, what little standout players you have really dominate. if you're USC or like Michigan, every player it seems is ridiculous and it doesn't force you to be a good player since you can fall back on the talent of your team. glad to see pretty much everyone here is on the same page about mid-tier/bottom feeder schools.

[Blade6119]

I think if we do star a league, it should def. be random. Or a draft, with randomized draft order. Something to keep fair and even...

[Ironhead]

Even though I enjoyed running my dynasty last year I just can't seem to get interested in NCAA yet. I will likely buy it and enjoy it but I know there will be at least 1 fundamental aspect of the game that will leave me saying, "If only they ______ then this would be an amazing game."

[thesloppy]

STOOPID Q: Do you think NCAA seems to retain a better reputation than Madden (at least in my eyes) to some degree because it's presenting college football, rather than pro? Since the college game is more prone to turnovers, mismatches, sloppy play, and since there are more players and teams than one person could accurately track, does that result in gamers being a little more forgiving towards the NCAA franchise, because of it's license?

[Eaglesfan27]

I don't think that is stupid at all. I think that is true. People tend to be more forgiving of NCAA because statistical accuracy is more difficult to pin down in college football. That being said, I think most of us on this board were fed up with the turnover issue last year and I won't be buying this on day 1, unless a FOFC league looks like it is going to happen or my best friend buys it.

I figure at worst, if he buys it and the turnover issue is still present, we can use it to try a sim only online league which could be fun as well.

[Grammaticus]

Anybody interested in an SEC league?

Mid tier sounds pretty decent too. If you can build your own conference, it would definately make for a great setup. Make it so you can only choose D rated teams, or something like that.

[Galaxy]

I'm in.

[Galaxy]

Will you be able to move up online (from building that crap team in the MAC into a conference championship contender to a crappy team in the ACC or Pac 10)?

[DeToxRox]

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/14233291/ncaa-football-09/videos/ncaa09_051508_1.html

A full drive

[Phototropic]

I don't think that is stupid at all. I think that is true. People tend to be more forgiving of NCAA because statistical accuracy is more difficult to pin down in college football. That being said, I think most of us on this board were fed up with the turnover issue last year and I won't be buying this on day 1, unless a FOFC league looks like it is going to happen or my best friend buys it.

I figure at worst, if he buys it and the turnover issue is still present, we can use it to try a sim only online league which could be fun as well.
The turnover issue is a big deal for me as well. That was really the only big problem I had with last year's game.

With regards to Madden, the interesting thing is that NCAA's stat engine has actually been much more accurate than Madden's over the last couple of years.

[kingnebwsu]

That video...I don't know. That diving TD was just awful. There is no way you can defend a catch like that...and that's someone playing as Boston College.

No INT's is a good thing. Only 1 possible INT was thrown and the LB dropped it. We'll see how the game plays when it comes out. One drive doesn't show me that the turnover problem is fixed. We'll see I guess.

[Cringer]

The last version of this game I bought was 2004 for the PS2. It is sitting about 5 feet from me on the shelf in fact. If my PS2 still worked I could pop that in and here the same exact comments from the commentators. It's kind of annoying. I would be happy if they just did a play by play and left out the two clowns doing color.

[Groundhog]

I thought the video looked good, but I haven't played any prior versions so maybe I'm not the best judge.

Really not a fan of that lateral pass though.

[Eaglesfan27]

I thought the video looked good, but I haven't played any prior versions so maybe I'm not the best judge.

Really not a fan of that lateral pass though.

That lateral pass was horrid and is a sign that the option game will still be overpowered. Otherwise, I saw several positive signs:

On the TD pass, the QB threw to a spot instead of the receiver, that is new to the series and a much needed change.

Several passes that were thrown would have been interceptions last year, but were either knocked down or were completions in this video.

Could be my imagination, but it looks like the blocking is better and a pocket is actually starting to form.

[Eaglesfan27]

Operation Sports has a beta copy and have been posting a ton of screenshots including final polls and award winners at the end of a season. The stats look reasonable which is no surprise as I think the simmed stats were generally good last year. Later this week, they will be discussing the beta copy gameplay more.

Here is a link to the newer screenshots:

http://www.operationsports.com/mediaview.php?id=417

[CraigSca]

Here's a question that I'm hoping somebody can answer.

I'm going to pre-order NCAA, but I need advice on the platform - 360 or PS3. Generally, I like the controller on the 360 better, but I just like the PS3 "machine" more - there's no concern about overheating, it's quieter, etc. I know both versions are supposed to be the same, but when's the last time that was really true when it comes to EA produced games? If they truly ARE equal, I'll probably get the PS3 version...but I'm concerned PS3 owners are going to get hosed again. If that's the case, I'd be happy to just go with the 360.

Any advice?

[Eaglesfan27]

Go with the 360 version and join our online league ;)



As far as which version is better, those at the media events have said it runs the same on both consoles. I guess EA could mess something up between then and release, but I doubt the PS3 version will have the issues that last year's did.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

IGN has 2 insider videos of an entire half between OSU (presumably CPU - maybe online opponent?) and LSU (player) from the 360 version and from the commentary on OS, the CPU(?) is picking apart the human player and had 0 interceptions in the first half. No idea what difficulty level. There is a Youtube link to a lower quality version of the video, but I can't get it to work right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQZfMos6Zok

[kingnebwsu]

Thanks for the link.

Glad to know the coin toss is brought to me by Coke Zero ;)

Did they change how passing speed is determined? I like the old way of holding it down for a bullet & tapping it for a lob. The new way of using pressure sensitive buttons makes it a lot harder to control.

On the play-calling screen, did you notice that there's no indicator of what yard line you're on? That's not cool at all. Actually, there's never an indicator of what yard line you're on. Wow.

I've decided that many video game reviewers lack gaming skill. Did you see that attempted "tackle" on the OSU TD? Just the general "defense" of the user is not-so-impressive.

We'll see I guess. Last year's game was close...but there obviously can't be any game-breaking issues.

[Eaglesfan27]

Thanks for the link.

Glad to know the coin toss is brought to me by Coke Zero ;)

Did they change how passing speed is determined? I like the old way of holding it down for a bullet & tapping it for a lob. The new way of using pressure sensitive buttons makes it a lot harder to control.

On the play-calling screen, did you notice that there's no indicator of what yard line you're on? That's not cool at all. Actually, there's never an indicator of what yard line you're on. Wow.

I've decided that many video game reviewers lack gaming skill. Did you see that attempted "tackle" on the OSU TD? Just the general "defense" of the user is not-so-impressive.

We'll see I guess. Last year's game was close...but there obviously can't be any game-breaking issues.


I still can't see it. Apparently, my work blocks Youtube, but doesn't tell me they do so. Instead, it just times out anywhere on their site ;)

The rest of the game is also posted on youtube, now. I should be able to post links later tonight. Apparently, this "previewer" is either very new to the series or just has very poor skills with no excuse, but the CPU demolished him in this game which most people think was probably on All-American. No INT's for the CPU and the CPU passes long twice in the 2nd half which is an improvement from last year even if it is just one game.

[Kodos]

I haven't seen the videos either, but it sounds like the guy was sending too many blitzers / not using proper pass defense formations, and consequently, he got eaten alive. Also, he's apparently one of those drop back 15 yards then chuck it across the field types of players.

[kingnebwsu]

You're right on there Kodos. I was bummed when he dropped back 15 yards and heaved a pass 40-50 yards down the left sideline & completed it to a guy in single coverage. Not totally unrealistic, but when looking for faults it's not a good sign.

[kingnebwsu]

Glad to see the AI pick a crappy pass by the user.

The AI is just destroying this guy...he's awful. You think for a bigtime website (like IGN) they would put someone on the game who is at least competent or, at the very least, not god-awful.

I think many video game reviewers lack skills. This is just one example of questionable play I've seen by game reviewers. And these are the people we trust to judge our games?...

Can we count this game as the actual result for the national championship game? Ohio State up 28-7 at the half...

Being delusional is essential :)

[Eaglesfan27]

Steve, a main guy over at OS who is a straight shooter, has posted his initial impressions of the NCAA Beta:

http://www.operationsports.com/preview.php?id=36


Just a few points from his post which is long:

Under the good points:
- Interceptions and Pick 6's definitely seem toned down to him. He's had limited time with the game so far, but he has only seen 1 pick 6.
- QB's will have some errant throws for no reason - it just gets away from them sometimes.
- CPU QB seems smarter, but doesn't throw deep much at all.
- AI in general is smarter and more challenging.
- WR's are fighting for the ball much more, perhaps a bit too much.


Under the bad points:

- Heisman Trophy selection seems to heavily favor the QB's.
- Issues with the change to a 40 second play clock.
- CPU snaps the ball too quickly to allow any defensive adjustments most of the time.
- Still only 1 camera view and NCAA doesn't pan out to show wide receivers like Madden will this year.
- Offensive linemen will just stand there at times if there is no one to block, rather than looking for someone to block.


He has much more info than that which can be found at the above link. I just picked out a few of my favorite points from reading his post.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here's a question that I'm hoping somebody can answer.

I'm going to pre-order NCAA, but I need advice on the platform - 360 or PS3. Generally, I like the controller on the 360 better, but I just like the PS3 "machine" more - there's no concern about overheating, it's quieter, etc. I know both versions are supposed to be the same, but when's the last time that was really true when it comes to EA produced games? If they truly ARE equal, I'll probably get the PS3 version...but I'm concerned PS3 owners are going to get hosed again. If that's the case, I'd be happy to just go with the 360.

Any advice?

Both of the versions will be exactly the same. Last year was a PR nightmare for EA and they've gone out of their way to state numerous times that both versions will be the same and perform at 60 FPS.

[Eaglesfan27]

Links to instructions on how to create and play an online dynasty. #11 is nice as it confirms that online dynasties will be able to use modded rosters with real names if we choose :)

http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/CreatingAnOnlineDynasty1.pdf (http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/CreatingAnOnlineDynasty1.pdf)

http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/CreatingAnOnlineDynasty2.pdf (http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/CreatingAnOnlineDynasty2.pdf)

http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/Dynasty_Headquarters.pdf (http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/Dynasty_Headquarters.pdf)

http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/RunningTheOnlineDynastyAsCommiss.pdf (http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/RunningTheOnlineDynastyAsCommiss.pdf)

http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/PlayingTheDynastyAsANonComis.pdf (http://easports.com/downloads/easports/ncaa09/onlinedynasty/PlayingTheDynastyAsANonComis.pdf)

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

#13 is nice if the commish ever wants to quit the job, it allows for a fairly easy transfer of commish abilities :)

[Ironhead]

Dammit...this is starting to get my attention.

[kingnebwsu]

Good find EaglesFan.

Did you see the ratings screen? Good teams are in the 90's, but teams like Alabama (73) Syracuse (51) Nebraska (68) Wake Forest (60). Are they actually using the entire scale this year? That would be a miracle.

More good news: the commissioner can change the sliders/settings for the dynasty. I remember on another sports game years ago, you couldn't adjust any of the settings. This way people can tweak the game to their liking and use the best sliders possible. Very cool.

So much potential here...but I don't know why I am getting excited. Every year the NCAA game has some game-breaking glitch (last year: INT's, 2 years ago: blocked kicks). IF IF IF IF IF there are none of those, then I see this as a game that many members of the forum will be playing for a long time.

It's gonna kill me when there's some awful glitch in the game...because this could really be amazing. We'll see I guess.

[Eaglesfan27]

Steve from OS has posted answers to another batch of questions:

http://www.operationsports.com/preview.php?id=37


Here is an excerpt of the question I asked and the answer (he hasn't adjusted sliders at all, yet.):

eaglesfan27: Steve,

Yesterday, you mentioned that you had only seen 1 pick 6 (unless I misunderstood your answer). On average, how many CPU thrown interceptions are you seeing per game?

Thanks for taking the time to do this.

Steve: AI has thrown, on average, 2 INT's per game. I've seen as many as 4 in 7 min. qtrs and I've actually seen a game where the AI didn't throw a single pick. So far in my time of playing, I've seen 2 pick 6's now. TONS better than last year, as the AI throwing picks in general was extremely annoying.




Also, he posted screenshots of stats from a full simulated season:

http://www.operationsports.com/mediaview.php?id=417



From looking at the screenshots:

QB Ratings seem a bit high for the leaders, maybe due to high completion percentages, but in the further screenshots their are QB's throwing a good number of INT's (20 in one screenshot for a QB who threw it a lot and was one of the leaders in yardage.) Yardage totals look good. Another screenshot shows that the highest Interception totals were: 27 (with 20 TD's), 20, several guys with 17, 16, and 15. About a half dozen to a dozen guys with over 70% completion rates with the highest at 73%.

Leading rusher had 1865 yards on the year with 19 TD's. Lots more screenshots up on OS, but the stats generally look good.

[Eaglesfan27]

Dola -

One person asked him if he has seen any gamekilling glitches yet, and the worst glitch he has noticed so far is that if you call a punt block, you can get unrealistically good returns.

Edit: Other major issue was the CPU snapping the ball too quickly to allow for defensive adjustments.

[kingnebwsu]

One person? I'm that one person :) I posted that question because that's what I fear right now. I think the online dynasty will be awesome for us FOFC'ers (and other folks) but if there's something awful in the game (too many INT's, too many blocked kicks, etc.) then it will ruin the game for me.

The quick snap/no defensive adjustments thing is kind of a bummer.

The punt block giving you 20+ yards on a return is a definite bummer. Hopefully this gets fixed.

Other than that things sound pretty good. I hate to get my hopes up (again) for an NCAA game...but this one sounds like it might be sweet.

So hard for me to give EA the benefit of the doubt on anything, as I usually end up disappointed.

[Eaglesfan27]

One person? I'm that one person :)


Heh, I didn't realize that :)

Looking over the stats more, it seems like QB INT's are low particularly for the elite QB's, rushing yardage for QB's is low, and season tackle totals are low, but as usual the stat engine looks much better than Madden. At least NCAA is in the ballpark of realistic which I can accept and still enjoy the game. :)

[bhlloy]

This screen is not good news.. hxxp://www.operationsports.com/mediaview.php?id=417

Strongly suggests to me that they either haven't fixed the deep passing game at all or that part of the sim engine is deeply flawed.

I agree with EF27 - elite QB's look to have too many TD's and nowhere near enough INT's. That might be fixable with sliders though, and if not at least the game will be playable. Much better IMO to have way too few INT's than way too many in terms of gameplay.

Also, apologies if I missed it but I see Temple & UNT in those screenshots... are they putting FCS/1A teams in the game this year or did those schools get moved up to D1?

[StLee]

This screen is not good news..

Also, apologies if I missed it but I see Temple & UNT in those screenshots... are they putting FCS/1A teams in the game this year or did those schools get moved up to D1?

Both schools have been in Division I-A for years. Temple is currently in the MAC (used to be in the Big East) and UNT is in the Sun Belt.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Every year the train gains speed in the month before release. I'm always amused when the train derails and everyone acts shocked. :)

[Big Fo]

I'd like to see this one live up to the hype, it's been three or four years since I bought one of the NCAA games.

[Ironhead]

I really have to hand it to EA again for coming up with EA SportsWorld. I was just watching some videos from the dynasty I did last year. It was cool to be able to relive some of this stuff almost a year later.

[Eaglesfan27]

Gameplay videos that I saw on OS. A poster there found it on Vimeo. It's a whole game of 5 minute quarters on AA defaults.

http://www.vimeo.com/1060908?pg=embed&sec=1060908


http://www.vimeo.com/1060964?pg=embed&sec=1060964


http://www.vimeo.com/1061308?pg=embed&sec=1061308


http://www.vimeo.com/1061436?pg=embed&sec=1061436

[Grammaticus]

Cool video, but I could do without the Mountaineer Mascot freak dance.

Looks like it is taking about 20 seconds from snap to snap.

[Eaglesfan27]

Cool video, but I could do without the Mountaineer Mascot freak dance.

Looks like it is taking about 20 seconds from snap to snap.


Agreed about the mascot. The CPU offense seems smarter, especially the QB. Also, the CPU running game seems like it will be more potent than last year.

[Galaxy]

Sounds like it is better, but then you get some mixed signals. I'll wait and see. What is the release date for the game?

[Eaglesfan27]

Sounds like it is better, but then you get some mixed signals. I'll wait and see. What is the release date for the game?

July 15th.

[Noop]

That was an exciting game very engrossing. I found myself in awe of how good #7 for West Virgina was...

[Phototropic]

Very impressed with that video. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but you can see the CPU avoid tackles without simply breaking out of wraps. They are putting themselves in better positions.

The only negative I saw beside the prolonged mascot shots is the high completion percentage by the CPU, but the player was sitting back in zone from what I saw.

[CraigSca]

According to PastaPadre's site, interceptions and scoring have been toned down in the month since they last touched the game. Woohoo!

Every year at this time I think I'm not going to get sucked in and then I routinely begin my visits to the OS forums and begin to watch and get jealous of the guys who get the game 2-3 days early. I thought this year would be different, but not after hearing the latest update.

[Eaglesfan27]

According to PastaPadre's site, interceptions and scoring have been toned down in the month since they last touched the game. Woohoo!

Every year at this time I think I'm not going to get sucked in and then I routinely begin my visits to the OS forums and begin to watch and get jealous of the guys who get the game 2-3 days early. I thought this year would be different, but not after hearing the latest update.

I'm in the same boat.

The FOFC league has me fired up for this game.

[Galaxy]

Will you have the ability to create your own play book, and set up formation subs?

[Eaglesfan27]

Will you have the ability to create your own play book, and set up formation subs?

I believe the answer to both is no. However, there will be quick formation subs this year.

[kingnebwsu]

4 fumbles in the first half of the game on vetzballin.com of OSU/UGA. That's not good...

[Galaxy]

I believe the answer to both is no. However, there will be quick formation subs this year.

The lack of formation subs kind of sucked. It's a pain in the butt to go to your depth chart (which I hope is easier to use this year) every time you wanted to make a change. Playing online in a dynasty, it would be annoying. What exactly are "quick formation subs"?

[Eaglesfan27]

The lack of formation subs kind of sucked. It's a pain in the butt to go to your depth chart (which I hope is easier to use this year) every time you wanted to make a change. Playing online in a dynasty, it would be annoying. What exactly are "quick formation subs"?

The previewers say the depth chart is much smoother and the bug is fixed.

Quick formation subs are where you hit "x" or whatever button to sub in your HB into the slot, or your backup HB into the HB position, etc.

[Eaglesfan27]

There are a bunch of new previews up after a community day yesterday, and they all report a few positives:

- The option is much more realistic. No longer can QB's make great pitches while going down in the grasp of a defender.

- The game is more defensively oriented than a month ago. 14-3 and 21-3 scores aren't uncommon.

- A large expansion to most team's playbooks. Some teams run over 20 formations.

- No transfer kit needed for rosters. If you know the gamertag of someone who has rosters on the web, you can enter it and download directly to the console.

- Running game is improved from last year.

- Interceptions seem a bit more toned down.

Some negatives:

- CPU still quicksnaps.

- Short passing game is too effective, particularly passes to the RB's in the flat. (I think QB accuracy being turned down for both sides will be one of the necessary tweaks.)

- Too many big kick and punt returns are happening.

- Pass rush is weak unless you blitz.


My favorite thread for reading impressions:

http://www.ncaastrategies.com/utopia/showthread.php?p=1634053#post1634053

[bhlloy]

- No transfer kit needed for rosters. If you know the gamertag of someone who has rosters on the web, you can enter it and download directly to the console.


This is freaking awesome news. Thank God EA has finally joined the 21st century. Casual gamers everywhere rejoice :D

[CraigSca]

I really wish they'd get rid of the quick play calls on the CPU-side. It really screws up the timing of the game.

[Anthony]

my potential sucess in the FOFC MP dynasty just took a hit, now that the QB can't run the option very well as he's being taken down by defenders. 50% of my long td runs were from those types of plays.


aaaaargh.

[Galaxy]

I hated the option last year. You have two guys wrapped up on the quarterback, sideways and covered, and yet some way he still manage to make the amazing pitch.

[Anthony]

I hated the option last year. You have two guys wrapped up on the quarterback, sideways and covered, and yet some way he still manage to make the amazing pitch.

i have like 4 or 5 highlights of such a play. though unrealistic, it's really exciting to pitch the pall at the absolute last second.

[Eaglesfan27]

The community day is done and there are a bunch more impressions of this, Madden, and Head Coach. Most of the positives have already been mentioned, but the big negative that everyone is mentioning is that the pass rush is vastly underpowered. Even with sliders, it is almost impossible to get a pass rush from the front 4 and even with the blitz, it can be difficult.

http://www.ncaastrategies.com/utopia/showthread.php?t=57848

[Galaxy]

The community day is done and there are a bunch more impressions of this, Madden, and Head Coach. Most of the positives have already been mentioned, but the big negative that everyone is mentioning is that the pass rush is vastly underpowered. Even with sliders, it is almost impossible to get a pass rush from the front 4 and even with the blitz, it can be difficult.

http://www.ncaastrategies.com/utopia/showthread.php?t=57848

A game killer?

[Grammaticus]

The lack of formation subs kind of sucked. It's a pain in the butt to go to your depth chart (which I hope is easier to use this year) every time you wanted to make a change. Playing online in a dynasty, it would be annoying. What exactly are "quick formation subs"?

Quick formation subs are actually in the current version. As indicated you hit the x button to cycle through your options.

[BYU 14]

The community day is done and there are a bunch more impressions of this, Madden, and Head Coach. Most of the positives have already been mentioned, but the big negative that everyone is mentioning is that the pass rush is vastly underpowered. Even with sliders, it is almost impossible to get a pass rush from the front 4 and even with the blitz, it can be difficult.

http://www.ncaastrategies.com/utopia/showthread.php?t=57848


Bad news indeed. Last year fumbles, this year pass rush. Can it really be that hard to fix one thing without breaking another?

[kingnebwsu]

Yikes...doesn't sound too good so far. Game is 45 days away and people over there are already talking about a patch.

It's like, am I gonna be a sucker and buy it on day 1? Probably. Damn if I don't want to rent it first though. But I think even with a limited pass rush, I'd still get my money's worth out of the FOFC multiplayer dynasty.

We'll see.

BTW, I rented NCAA 08 and have been playing it a little. Turnovers are only a little better. I've had 3 games out of 8 in my current season (2 of those are post-patch) where the teams combined for 7 or 8 turnovers. I had 3 TO's all of those games and the AI had 4 or 5. 80% of them were INT's.

Playing Campus Legend mode again is pretty cool...but those damn INT's ruin everything. If that mode was functional it would be pretty sweet. I'd seriously play a 4-year career several times through without all the damn turnovers. Is it bad that the Ohio State QB leads the nation in interceptions when he's a top-10 rated QB? Plus we were 2-6 at one point...good lord. I do like to lose to Akron by 2 TD's or to Northern Illinois 33-12 (!!!).

[bhlloy]

Madden has suffered for years with an unrealistic pass rush with strong DT's getting an unreal number of sacks and rush ends being completely ineffective, but I thought NCAA was fine the last couple of years. Hard to understand how they could have gone and completely broken this.

This sounds like a potential game-killer if it's that bad. Let's see if EA has left themselves enough time to do anything about it.

[Sun Tzu]

People sure are trying really hard to find something to hate about this game.

[bhlloy]

People sure are trying really hard to find something to hate about this game.

Nah, just been burned too many times by EA games that promise the world and then "oops, there is this one little issue" :D

Out of interest, why don't you think that the fact that you can't get any rush from your front four isn't a big deal? If it's as bad as it sounds then it is going to affect the passing game, the entire way you play defense not to mention giving horrible stats for dynasties (which for this board is probably going to be a big deal)...

I'll reserve judgement. But everyone who has an advance copy of this game reporting this issue = not good.

[Eaglesfan27]

There have been many follow-up posts on Operation Sports about the lack of pass rush, and apparently, the previewers were testing primarily on Heisman level, since "the defense plays the best on that mode." Also, they were playing evenly matched teams.

I've watched some gameplay videos, which were probably on AA, and the pass rush doesn't look non-existant. So, it's possible this won't be as big of an issue for us if we use AA in our leagues which is what I think the early plan has been. Of course, it could still be an issue.

[Sun Tzu]

I feel like a standard 3 to 4 man rush in football video games has always been hit or miss. Game killing bugs I consider to be something like linebackers being able to jump 10 feet in the air an pick off anything over the middle on any given play, or franchise bugs that garauntee there wont be enough FA's for some teams to fill out their roster within 3-4 years causing the entire franchise to crash. These games will never be near perfect, so I have to set my priority list before I start hearing about these so called game killers. "It's a little tough getting pressure on the Quarterback", that's nowhere near the top of my priority list.

[CraigSca]

Yeah, if that's the big bug-a-boo this year, then it should be fine.

[Galaxy]

Will you be able to shift the o-line protection? I hope the challenge calls/booth review feature is a little more random.

[Eaglesfan27]

Yes, O-Line shifts are in the game this year.

[Galaxy]

Yes, O-Line shifts are in the game this year.

Woot!

[Eaglesfan27]

Some videos that I haven't seen before which make me think that the pass rush issues won't be a big deal. USC gets a good pass rush on Tebow on some of the plays, but his mobility allows him to roll away and make some unrealistic throws. Turning down QB accuracy should help with that.

http://www.vimeo.com/1109377

http://www.vimeo.com/1111114

[Ragone]

I don't see the "Take #1 hb in the nation to the atm to get commitment option" in recruiting.. whatever will usc do now? ;)

[Mike1409]

Here is a link to some videos. The is one with Pat White running the option to see how it has improved from 08'. I think the improvements there are nice.

http://www.maddenmatrix.com/

[Eaglesfan27]

The developer over at Operation Sports has said the demo should be out on the PS3 and 360 at the same time, and that it would be out "soon" and "in June." He has also hinted that it will be out within 2 weeks.

Also, per the developer this year the demo will have commentary with a "reduced sampling rate" that might be noticable on "fancy surround systems" but will be higher quality in game.

It will feature LSU vs OSU for the main game and will also have a mascot game (EA wants to push that for some reason) with Texas vs Florida.

[Kodos]

Oh yeah. Mascot games are BIG.

[cartman]

Bevo will stomp a mudhole on a gator.

[CraigSca]

Demo confirmed for the 360 and PS3 on the 19th of June.

[Eaglesfan27]

Demo confirmed for the 360 and PS3 on the 19th of June.

I can't wait, even though it will only be 2 minute quarters and it will be locked to varsity difficulty.

[Kodos]

Isn't it crazy how EA manages to sucker most of us every single year?

[Sun Tzu]

yes.

[MizzouRah]

Isn't it crazy how EA manages to sucker most of us every single year?

Yep.. every stinking year.. I'm passing on NCAA for the time being, but I know there will be plenty of impressions to read.

[Cringer]

Gees, I have not bought any football game since 2004 NCAA, and those videos are much pretty then the old PS2 games. :D

I might have to rent this at least. With OOTP and Saints Row 2 I am not sure I could purchase but I might have to try.

[CraigSca]

Isn't it crazy how EA manages to sucker most of us every single year?

An exclusive license will do that to you :(

[DeToxRox]

I still dont see the problem with NCAA. I buy it yearly and play the hell out of it. If that makes me a sucker, so be it. I understand there can be problems, but I've hardly noticed them.

With Madden, I know it's more prevelent, and I just don't have fun with that game, but man, every year NCAA is a blast.

[Sun Tzu]

I still dont see the problem with NCAA. I buy it yearly and play the hell out of it. If that makes me a sucker, so be it. I understand there can be problems, but I've hardly noticed them.

With Madden, I know it's more prevelent, and I just don't have fun with that game, but man, every year NCAA is a blast.

x2

[KWhit]

I still dont see the problem with NCAA. I buy it yearly and play the hell out of it. If that makes me a sucker, so be it. I understand there can be problems, but I've hardly noticed them.

Running back 1-2 interceptions for TDs in every game kind of killed the immersion for me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Running back 1-2 interceptions for TDs in every game kind of killed the immersion for me.

Same here. If that issue wasn't there, I would still be regularly playing last year's version.

[kingnebwsu]

Me too. And that game where I had 5 INT's in the first half (me picking the AI). They ended with 8 TO's that game and I had 3 defensive TD's. Or the game where I had 9 INT's vs the AI and 2 defensive TD's. This is on All-American with 5 minute quarters. It's like, the game would be challenging if they didn't end every damn drive with a turnover.

This is post-patch, BTW.

[Kodos]

Demo is scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured I should convert this into an impressions thread. Can't wait for the demo!

[Phototropic]

Argh. I thought it had released and generated 5 pages of conversation already. ;)

[Kodos]

Sorry for the fakeout. :)

[Flasch186]

yeah, my friend at EA called to tell me that. He's just happy that the production is almost over...although he said it was nothing compared to Tiger Woods last year in regards to workload.

[Eaglesfan27]

Demo is scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured I should convert this into an impressions thread. Can't wait for the demo!

I'm looking forward to it as well, but it will be hard to get good impressions since it is only on Varsity.

[kcchief19]

Just got it all installed and licensed up.. I am thinking I am going to start with the real world type league, but if anyone has any quick things they want me to look at just throw it out there.
Uh ... are you lost? :)

[Raiders Army]

Argh. I thought it had released and generated 5 pages of conversation already. ;)

ditto

[INDalltheway]

Uh ... are you lost? :)
Definitely thought I was in the OOTP thread. :) I thought I deleted it pretty fast though.

[Phototropic]

The demo is out. I'll have to wait until tonight to take a look.

[Eaglesfan27]

The demo is out. I'll have to wait until tonight to take a look.

I probably won't have time to try it until tomorrow evening, but I'm counting on you guys for some impressions ;)

[rowech]

Count me as unbelievably impressed. I liked everything about the demo...other than the fact I lost. They have some really neat little things. Quarterbacks getting rattled and their pass patterns and receiver buttons not showing up prior to the play. Chances for you to read defenses after interceptions to pick up experience points for your qb. Good use of bands, cheerleaders, mascots, officials, etc. in terms of game play. I think people are going to be VERY happy with this game and that's not even counting on any of the online stuff.

[Kodos]

Don't go getting our hopes up!

[Cringer]

I have been toying with the idea of somehow hooking up my 360 to the internet. This makes me want to just a little more....damn.

[CraigSca]

Yeah, color me impressed as well. Had one interception, but it was definitely my fault and the guy was tackled almost immediately. I was able to stop my opponent as well - I didn't see the opposing QB go 14 for 15 or anything like that.

One thing I do like added is the statistical overlays. It seems in previous years you'd find out how your RB was doing sporadically at best. This year, a little unobtrusive pop-up shows up after every play. There's a 50-50 split (it seems) between showing the results of the last play: "HB #5, 4 yard gain" or showing the stats for the player involved: "QB #2, 7/9 45 yds". I even had one that popped up near the end that said by team had 3 QB Hurries on the day. I love that - really immerses you in the current game when it lets you know how you're succeeding/failing without having to pause and manually look at the statistics.

Oh - and that whole thing about not being able to rush the passer is a load of hooey.

[Eaglesfan27]

If I recall correctly, you have been one of the most accurate critics, Craig, so I'm happy to hear you like the demo so far. :)

[CraigSca]

Temper this with the fact I only played 2 games - and they each only last 8 mins. I'm going to give the PS3 version a try later in the day when that's available to compare/contrast the two. I pre-ordered the PS3 version, but if there's a noticeable difference (or if I can't get used to the control scheme), I'll be switching back to the 360.

[Kodos]

Downloading now, though not sure when I'll get to play. Today is a busy day, unfortunately.

[rowech]

Yeah, color me impressed as well. Had one interception, but it was definitely my fault and the guy was tackled almost immediately. I was able to stop my opponent as well - I didn't see the opposing QB go 14 for 15 or anything like that.

One thing I do like added is the statistical overlays. It seems in previous years you'd find out how your RB was doing sporadically at best. This year, a little unobtrusive pop-up shows up after every play. There's a 50-50 split (it seems) between showing the results of the last play: "HB #5, 4 yard gain" or showing the stats for the player involved: "QB #2, 7/9 45 yds". I even had one that popped up near the end that said by team had 3 QB Hurries on the day. I love that - really immerses you in the current game when it lets you know how you're succeeding/failing without having to pause and manually look at the statistics.

Oh - and that whole thing about not being able to rush the passer is a load of hooey.

I thought all of the little stats graphics, score graphics, etc. were all very well done...crisp, clean, and readable.

[Izulde]

I'm going to have to try and figure out a way to hook up my 360 and lug my PS3 downstairs so I can get these demos.

[MizzouRah]

I'll start it d/l and then check it out tonight. I still don't think I'll purchase it.. but who knows with me.