NCAA Football 2004

[illinifan999]

From the EA Sports Website:


No other football game delivers the spirit, atmosphere, and emotion of college football like NCAA Football 2004. Celebrate the history of college football with classic teams like the 1924 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, or replay one of the 20 greatest college football games from the last two decades. Feel the tradition of college football Saturdays with all-new pre-game introductions and experience the in-game pageantry with new mascots, flag-waving cheerleaders, and cannons.
Key Features for 2004:

Take the rivalry online: Battle Michigan vs. Ohio State, USC vs. Notre Dame, Oklahoma vs. Nebraska, and more in online head-to-head exhibition games. Chat or sing your favorite fight song in-game with EA SPORTS™ Talk*, or follow the stat leaders across the country in the Online Top 100.

College-style gameplay: Get in the end zone with new trick plays like the Halfback Throwback and Wide Receiver Double Reverse Pass. New animations include sideline tackles, stumbles, new over-the-shoulder and basket catches, user-controlled celebrations, and much more. See the receivers better through a new QB Rollout camera and use the Play-Action Pass camera to fake out the defense.

New College Classics mode: Replay 20 of the greatest college football games from the last two decades. Take over the game at a key situation, relive the glorious victory, or change history with an upset.

Over 150 new teams: Play as one of 36 new 1-AA teams or one of the 100+ NEW Classic Teams including 1930 Notre Dame, 1956 Oklahoma, 1972 USC, 1985 Auburn, and 2002 Ohio State.
Continuing the dynasty: Project the season’s top performers with the new Pre-Season All-American Team and revel in your weekly accomplishments with new Sports Illustrated magazine covers.

Hmmmm.....Pre-Season All America. Been waiting for that. Am very interested in the new SI Mag covers. Can't wait to see how that comes out. :D


http://images.ea.com/sports/games/2004/ncaa/screenshots/playstation2/04.jpg

This looks like fun. ;)

From Gamecube:

http://images.ea.com/sports/games/2004/ncaa/screenshots/nintendogamecube/02.jpg

http://images.ea.com/sports/games/2004/ncaa/screenshots/nintendogamecube/04.jpg


Drool......

[INDalltheway]

I can't wait to get my hands on this game. Those last features sound awesome!

[Kodos]

Droooooool. Even more than usual.

[KWhit]

The 2003 edition is one of my favorite games EVER (on pc or platform). Probably in my top 3-5. I can't wait for the new version. Bring it on!

[illinifan999]

http://www.sportplanet.com/ncaa/ncaautopia/gamenews.html

http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/sports/ncaafootball2004/screenindex.html?page=1

http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/sports/ncaafootball2004/screenindex.html

Last two have screens, first is news.

[illinifan999]

From IGN:

Here's a down and dirty list of the simple additions, you know, things that basically pad the stats from last year:


36 new AA teams
20 new mascots -- 70 total!
5 new fight songs (there were already quite a lot last year)
165 new teams
10 new formations
Over 200 new plays
More trophies to win
More bowls

As dandy as all this sounds, none of it compares to the final big addition. After a big upset, or at the conclusion of a "great game", fans may storm the field and rip down the goal posts. Now that's what I'm talking about.

On the dynasty mode:

This year, you'll get to take on a greater role as coach of your team. Recruiting is based on your coaching style and you'll actually pitch recruits on different aspects of your program. As coach, you may be fired, offered a contract extension, or given offers from other schools, based on your performance, which is measured by a job security meter.

Beyond this, your entire team can be in jeopardy based on their ongoing performance. With conference prestige now making a difference (and thus fixing some problems with the poll logic), teams the under-perform for a significant amount of time can actually get dropped from their conference. At the same time, Notre Dame could do well and decide to join a conference.

Better yet, there's new in-game commentary related to career records. Get close to the career rushing record, win record, or any assortment of other prestigious marks and the commentators will give you props.

Toss in alternate unis (each team now has four unis total) and the ability to choose your mascot when creating a school, and you're pretty much set for another year of college football. Ah, but there's even more goodies in store for faithful gamers.

Much of the information seen in last year's Dynasty mode is returning with a few enhancements, but the magazine presentation will offer a prettier package. Each week you'll get a new cover based on events across the entire NCAA. One cover I saw had the headline "Upset Saturday", because there'd been five major upsets that weekend. EA plans a preseason issue and then an issue for each week of the season. Beyond the cool covers, which look about as authentic as possible, there'll be some substance lurking in the virtual pages.

A Heisman watch, All-American hopefuls, and conference outlook will all be staples of this changing magazine. Archived covers can be checked out throughout the season but, unfortunately, they don't stay throughout an entire Dynasty.


EA bio
NCAA Football 2004 is the first EA game to utilize the EA Sports Bio. Whichever genius came up with the bio deserves two raises and a bigger office, because the Bio is, essentially, the ultimate franchise mode. It links every future EA game, because the more you play and accomplish the more you unlock across the entire EA Sports library.

You got game
Not directly linked to the Bio (though you do earn points for them), is a final cool touch for NCAA Football 2004. NCAA saves your top 10 greatest games. Using a formula so complex even NASA can't understand it, each game is calculated for it's "greatness score". Factors include margin of victory, whether it was a come-from-behind victory, if it was a big upset, and other numerous incidentals. The date, outcome, and box score of your 10 greatest games are saved for posterity.

This isn't fair. Why couldn't I have found this 2 days before the game was released. Can't wait to see screenshots with the magazine. Oh, I am pre-ordering this one.

[Dr. Sak]

NCAA2004 INFO (http://www.maddenmania.com/teammm/info.shtml)

Scroll down to see the features on the page or read em here...



General

PS2 will be only online as of right now. Top 100 Rankings and voice chat for broadband only are included.
Carson Palmer is the coverboy
Features

100 Classic teams and over 20 great games from the past
36 new 1-AA Teams from the Big Sky, Southern, A-10, and Gateway Conference
A-10: Delaware, Hofstra, James Madison, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northeastern, Rhode Island, Richmond, Villanova, William & Mary
Big Sky: Eastern Washington, Idaho State, Montana, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Portland State, Sacramento State, Weber State
Southern: Appalachian State, Chattanooga, Citadel, East Tennessee State, Elon, Furman, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, Wofford
Gateway: Illinois State, Indiana State, Northern Iowa, SMS, Southern Illinois, Western Illinois, Western Kentucky, Youngstown State


Dynamic home/away crowd
New Tunnel Entrances and a "special" Notre Dame one
My NCAA®: Write your own page in NCAA Football history: track your most memorable games ever with Greatest Games, and track new career and school records in the Record Book. The trophy room features all-new individual player awards, more Bowl games, rivalries, and conference championship trophies. Campus Challenge is now available in two-player games so you earn more credits.
4 Uniforms per team
Graphics

EA has teamed up with NVIDA to bring some "special effects" to is 2004 lineup of games. This could be anything from weather effects to lighting effects.
EA has signed an agreement with Bitstream to use its Font Fusion font rendering engine and a set of Bitstream's fonts for several of EA's titles.
Fans will tear down the goalposts this year
New tunnel entrances(team specific entrances possibly) are in
Crowds sit "on the hill" now in some stadiums
New animations include sideline tackles, stumbles, over-the-shoulder catches, basket catches, and user controlled celebrations
Weather Based Accessories
Gameplay

Artie Gigantino recently e-mailed me with this: "I am working with EASports to improve the special teams and defensive system the game uses. The special teams will sport a new look which is more realistic to last years version. I am also working with them (EA) to get new defensive concepts and looks into the game. The new systems are all using my philosophies and will be much better than last years game."
New trick plays such as halfback throwback and wide reciever double reverse pass.
New QB Rollout Camera to help the player see the field better
Play-Action Pass Camera to fake out the defense
MASS SUBSTITUTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
New Playbooks

Sound

300 New Team Specific and Situational Chants
Up to 20 new fight songs
Interface

Dynasty

Pre-Season All-American Team in Dynasty Mode
New recruiting tactics, be able to pitch different parts of your program to recruits
Pre-Season Magazine covers, in-season magazine covers. This will be a magazine with a headline that would read something like "Upset Saturday" if many upsets happened, etc.
Changing Conferences: If you're a small school and sustaining sucess (from MWC or Sun Belt) a bigger conference can come calling but if your a bigger school and you're an embarassment to the local society (Baylor) then the conference will kick you out.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by illinifan999
With conference prestige now making a difference (and thus fixing some problems with the poll logic), teams the under-perform for a significant amount of time can actually get dropped from their conference. At the same time, Notre Dame could do well and decide to join a conference.


This will fix the biggest beef with the 2003 version I had. After a couple of years, TCU and Marshall became powerhouses because they would win most/all their games. Even though they were in a shitty conference, they were always granted really high spots in the polls and got BCS bowl games. I'll be glad if that's fixed in 2004.


When does it come out?????

[KWhit]

Dola - I just saw it's supposed to be released in July.


Woo Hoo!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Uh, tunnels and smoke and fans on the field are nice and all, but what about tiny little things like varying conference schedule (as Memphis, I never got to play East Carolina, and I always finished the season against TCU), in-game saves (not holding my breath for that one), and bigger rosters?

Or are those things less important than 20 new mascots and 4 jerseys for each team?

[Swaggs]

This is my next purchase.

[SuburbanPimp]

Finally...



Miami players are wearing black shoes.



That always urked the hell outta me. Oh, and the game sounds really cool.

[sooner333]

I already reserved my copy...just $5 down at Software Etc. and I'm getting the game when it comes out. Pumped hardly describes my feelings. The good news, I only have to wait until July.

[Poli]

Maybe we'll see the Wing T and the Double Wing!

[MizzouRah]

A must buy for me. I'm so broke soon...



Todd

[tucker342]

:drool:

[JeeberD]

I finally understand bbor's ejaculation QOTM...

[sabotai]

Looks like I'll be buying a PS2...(not coming out on PC, right?)

[Neuqua]

I tell myself every year that I can only buy one football game (Madden or NCAA) and every friggin' year I get both. They both look so damn promising.

Grrr.

[mckerney]

And maybe a real flexbone offense instead of that disgrace to the flex in last years game.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by Neuqua
I tell myself every year that I can only buy one football game (Madden or NCAA) and every friggin' year I get both. They both look so damn promising.

Grrr.

If you do go with one, NCAA 2004 should be the one dude. Madden can't compete IMO (of course I'm a college fan mostly).

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Oh My I cant wait .

[Neuqua]

Originally posted by KWhit
If you do go with one, NCAA 2004 should be the one dude. Madden can't compete IMO (of course I'm a college fan mostly).

Problem is, I'm more of an NFL fan. In fact, I don't even watch college football. But for some reason I've always like the NCAA games, I know I put more hours into last years NCAA than I did with the Madden.

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

If Ncaa 's gameplay is as good as last years Im sold .
My dream comes true the 1945 Notre Dame team Vs. 2004 Ohio State team....what a game that would be .Now if they could improve the crowd animation ..l;

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Dola: No PC version ?

[Ragone]

I haven't really payed much attention.. But does ncaa 2004 have the autoname players function so you won't export qb #17 to madden.. I really don't wanna wait the 2 months it takes someone to type up the rosters of college players.. and besides after 4 years... they are all random named anyway :)

[Pumpy Tudors]

Yeah, I guess shoe colors and teams from the Middle Ages are more important than being able to generate a pass rush. Well, I'll get the game anyway and just find more "little" things like customizable playbooks to complain about.

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
Yeah, I guess shoe colors and teams from the Middle Ages are more important than being able to generate a pass rush. Well, I'll get the game anyway and just find more "little" things like customizable playbooks to complain about.

That is true, it's damn near impossible to get a sack in the game. Hopefully that's an unannounced addition to the game...

[MizzouRah]

I couldn't get sacks in Madden either. In fact, didn't NFL 2k3 have the same problem?

We want sacks!



Todd

[Pumpy Tudors]

Huh? I thought we wanted fans pulling the goalposts down. You all have to make up your minds. :)

[tucker342]

I average about one sack every 5 or 6 games in NCAA 2003, hopefully they made that a little bit better...

[illinifan999]

I seem to get a realistic amount of sacks every game. I use the DT, and use the swim moves. Of course it might help that he is usually 90 for strength.

I DO want fans pulling down the goalposts. As soon as Southern Illinois goes to the Big Ten and beats Ohio State in Carbondale, down the goalposts will go. Muahahahahahaha!!!!

[ColtCrazy]

I could usually get sacks in NCAA with blitzs up the middle from quick LBs. In Madden, it's the other way around. Even with computer pass blocking on zero, I usually rank around 25th in the league with sacks.

I cannot wait for this game to come out. I've been playing 2003 lately, creating teams and all. This one should be unbelievable, but more sacks would be nice.

Ragone has a point. I hated Sega's College Basketball 2k3, but I loved the autoname feature. I hope NCAA 2004 gets this.

[sabotai]

CHEMICAL, there wasn't a PC version last year, so I doubt they'll be one this year.

[sooner333]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
Huh? I thought we wanted fans pulling the goalposts down. You all have to make up your minds. :)

Yeah, its for the Ok St. Aggie fans who tear down the goalposts or storm the basketball court every time they beat a top 25 team in either the USA Today, AP, Sagarin, RPI, Solecismic, or Colley Matrix polls. If their rating also adds up to more than 25 with those polls, they will also tear down the goalposts. Then they'll wear the T-Shirt for years to come.

[rexallllsc]

Originally posted by CHEMICAL SOLDIER
If Ncaa 's gameplay is as good as last years Im sold .
My dream comes true the 1945 Notre Dame team Vs. 2004 Ohio State team....what a game that would be .Now if they could improve the crowd animation ..l;

How about instead of crowd animation, the crowd sounds? I dont know any crowds that wait until AFTER a play is over to cheer. If a guy is breaking a 20 year run, the crowd should get louder and louder. if a QB throws a bomb, there should be a "ooohhhhh" and upon completion, everyone should go CRAZY....

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by rexallllsc
How about instead of crowd animation, the crowd sounds? I dont know any crowds that wait until AFTER a play is over to cheer. If a guy is breaking a 20 year run, the crowd should get louder and louder. if a QB throws a bomb, there should be a "ooohhhhh" and upon completion, everyone should go CRAZY....


Don't know about Madden yet, but in a NFL2k4 clip I saw, the crowd did get louder when Owens caught a pass and then proceeded to run 50+ yards for a TD. In fact, it was the best crowd reaction I've heard so far in a football game.


Todd

[illinifan999]

Got some new info:


Taken from NCAA Utopia


The SI covers feature pictures of real players on the teams (at whatever point in the dynasty you're at) and a "cover" of a real game-type situation within the SI mag setup. You can review all of them, from the pre-season edition all the way through, all season.

Coach Contracts have apparently been overhauled well. No longer are the "goals" or "parameters," so to speak, etched in stone. You won't get fired for not meeting every goal perfectly if you still did a good job and had a good record. Also, as you're playing, better teams can offer you a job.

Recruiting is still on a 5-week system, but you now have to try and "sell" each recruit on some aspect of your team when you first approach them. There are around 6 options, stuff like facilities, playing early, having time to develop, location close, location far, etc. Also, EA has actually implemented the feature of recruits responding to your game play style. It really WILL be hard for Nebraska to recruit good wideouts this year.

Create-A-Team evidently now has mascots available for created teams. Stadiums have been improved, etc and seems to be really improved.

Ton of new chants have been added including "overrated!" for if you're beating a higher-rated team at home.

You can "spend" recruiting points on trying to keep players that are leaving prematurely, if you wish.

The game also keeps track of your "ten greatest wins" somewhere in there, as well.

Source: Operation Sports via MaddenMania

Excited about using recruiting points to try to keep that talented junior from leaving. Be able to have mascots with create a team is nice, and I'm really interested in the pitch different aspects of your program.

[illinifan999]

Originally posted by rexallllsc
How about instead of crowd animation, the crowd sounds? I dont know any crowds that wait until AFTER a play is over to cheer. If a guy is breaking a 20 year run, the crowd should get louder and louder. if a QB throws a bomb, there should be a "ooohhhhh" and upon completion, everyone should go CRAZY....

Many people who have been able to preview the game said that this has been improved dramatically.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by illinifan999

Coach Contracts have apparently been overhauled well. No longer are the "goals" or "parameters," so to speak, etched in stone. You won't get fired for not meeting every goal perfectly if you still did a good job and had a good record.

This is a major improvement. I HATED it when I was fired just one season after winning a nat championship because I didn't make the top ten in the polls.

[Easy Mac]

Originally posted by bsak16
Southern: Appalachian State, Chattanooga, Citadel, East Tennessee State, Elon, Furman, Georgia Southern, Western Carolina, Wofford

This is all I've cared about for college sports games over the past 3 years, and the only reason I bought NCAA 2k3. This is enough of a reason for me to buy. Looks like my girl's ring is going to have to wait. I think I just filled the cup... Must go buy game.

[Kodos]

More info from a reliable guy at the IGN boards:

Electronic Arts will release the latest entry in its NCAA Football series on July 17.
NCAA Football 2004 will be available in stores on that date for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube. This year’s biggest addition is the ability for PS2 owners to take the game online and play opponents—complete with EA Sports Talk functionality.
Other new features will include new trick plays, a “deeper” Dynasty mode—which will incorporate more awards and even magazine covers—and a long-awaited College Classics mode that will let players replay 20 of the greatest college matchups of all time. 150 new teams will also be added, including 36 Division 1-AA teams and 100 Classic teams.
NCAA Football 2004 will also be the first EA title to incorporate something called the EA Sports Bio, which will keep track of all EA Sports games played on a single console, and issue special content and rewards for players of multiple EA games.

Also read that Madden online will have a Fair Play mode which forces players to punt on 4th except in certain situations, and which addresses most of the complaints of cheating/cheesing online. Sounds good to me!

[Pumpy Tudors]

Yet still no mention of being able to generate a pass rush...

[MizzouRah]

I've read on os that sacks are better as well (at least in Madden). The moderator posting had about 3-4 sacks per game in the limited time he played. I would hope this translates over to NCAA as well.

It all seems to good to be true, I hope it all comes together without taking away from the gameplay.


Todd

[dawgfan]

Hmm, maybe I'm in the minority but I didn't think NCAA 2003 was that far off on pass rush/sack results. Based off of recollections (it's been a few months since I played) I was probably averaging 3-5 sacks per game on defense. I was playing a lot of 5-2 on first downs and bringing guys in off the edge or 4-3 and blitzing multiple LB's. I didn't think getting sacks was easy, but it seemed far from impossible...

Next to Halo2, this is the Xbox game I'm most looking forward to. With EA improving the poll logic and relaxing the requirements for coaching contracts, plus all the fun stuff like the old-time unis, school specific intros, stadium specific rituals/chants/sounds this game is going to rock.

[ice4277]

I agree with Dawg, I had an easier time getting sacks on NCAA than I did on Madden. However, it still seemed as though sack totals may have been a bit low in both.

[Super Ugly]

I'm so jealous. Once again it looks as though EA won't be releasing NCAA over here in Britain, even though the Madden series always does well. Maybe it's time I bought a US console and import the games instead of waiting for the companies to give us foreigners a break ...

[oykib]

Originally posted by Super Ugly
I'm so jealous. Once again it looks as though EA won't be releasing NCAA over here in Britain, even though the Madden series always does well. Maybe it's time I bought a US console and import the games instead of waiting for the companies to give us foreigners a break ...

Just get a chip. That alone doesn't make you a pirate.

[Aylmar]

Originally posted by sooner333
Yeah, its for the Ok St. Aggie fans who tear down the goalposts or storm the basketball court every time they beat a top 25 team in either the USA Today, AP, Sagarin, RPI, Solecismic, or Colley Matrix polls. If their rating also adds up to more than 25 with those polls, they will also tear down the goalposts. Then they'll wear the T-Shirt for years to come.

Except for the games where they beat Stoops...that doesn't seem to be such a big deal anymore. ;)

Bob Stoops

7-1 against teams in the Top 10
1-2 against Oklahoma State

[mrsimperless]

I didn't see anything about fixing the not being able to use the swat passes as a DB feature on the XBOX. (It apparently worked fine on the PS2 and was DOCUMENTED as a working feature in the xbox manual, but it didn't work) Dammit, but this bug pissed me off!! Quit trying to screw the xbox owners already!!

[Kodos]

EA hearts the PS2. :) I heart them both.

I usually do okay with sacks. Now if I could actually intercept the ball myself...

[SunDancer]

Anyone know more about school specific enterances?

Will announcers say the name of created schools?

IS their a play editor?

[Pumpy Tudors]

If you have to play a 5-2 or blitz multiple linebackers to get a reasonable number of sacks, something is wrong. I was playing as Memphis. I didn't have to lead C-USA in sacks or anything, but playing my standard 3-4 with one linebacker rushing half the time, I should've gotten more than 15 sacks a season.

[illinifan999]

EASPORTS:

Hits STORES JULY 17th! For PS2, XBOX, and Gamecube! Yay!!!!

And new dynasty news/ from NCAA Utopia:

NCAA First Impressions

The game play has been improved over last year's already solid structure. The first thing that I noticed was how well the offensive line blocked. Pulling linemen will now pull like they are supposed to and not get caught up like last year. The same goes for setting up the HB Screen. The linemen will now get out in front and block like they supposed to do.

EA has really put the time in this part of the game and it shows. NCAA has a ton of new plays on both offense and defense. Offensive playbooks have been redone to add more realism to each team. EA also added better diagrams at the play calling screen to show off zone coverages. Now you can tell who covers where. The only complaint I had was all teams have the same defensive playbooks. I hope next year will add some more varity.

Franchise mode has been improved with a better presentation. Adding Sports Illustrated features really enhances weekly rankings with fresh covers and stories of top performances. Another nice touch was during the 5 week recruiting period, you could see player's attributes changing weekly.

For instance in the first week you decide to recruit a CB who intially runs 4.45 40 yard dash. The next week you decide you want to coninue pursuing him. You decide to check his stats and this time he runs a 4.42 40 yard dash. If his time was slower, you may not want to pursue recruiting him anymore.

Overall NCAA 2004 really brings the total package of college football. EA continues to make the game better year after year by tweaking the AI, improving the graphics and adding new features. With the addtion of online play on the PSX2, NCAA 2004 will rank among the top video sport games of the year.

[tucker342]

So does that mean it will be even tougher to get sacks in this version?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Finally, my wisdom has broken through.

[MizzouRah]

Can you tell the faster players from the slower ones? Meaning: Does a WR with a 95sp pull away faster from a 70sp player than a 90sp player? Does busting one up the hole with a fast RB result in a huge yard game becuase he leaves most players in the dust or do the db's swarm him? It's been awhile since I've played NCAA 2003, but I remember it being hard to distinguish a really fast player from a normal player (DB).

Maybe it was Madden...?


Todd

[Bishop]

Originally posted by MizzouRah
Can you tell the faster players from the slower ones? Meaning: Does a WR with a 95sp pull away faster from a 70sp player than a 90sp player? Does busting one up the hole with a fast RB result in a huge yard game becuase he leaves most players in the dust or do the db's swarm him? It's been awhile since I've played NCAA 2003, but I remember it being hard to distinguish a really fast player from a normal player (DB).

Maybe it was Madden...?


Todd

Madden and NCAA are for the most part, the same game as far as gameplay goes. other then the obvious college/nfl differences.

[MizzouRah]

Do you mean the 2004 versions?

Madden 2003 and NCAA 2003 played much differently, imo. I loved NCAA's gameplay much better than Madden's. I thought Madden played slower than NCAA. I had perfect sliders, thanks to Bill Abner, and finally played the heck out of a console football game. Something I haven't done since NFL2k1 on the Dreamcast.


Todd

[Bishop]

Originally posted by MizzouRah
Do you mean the 2004 versions?

Madden 2003 and NCAA 2003 played much differently, imo. I loved NCAA's gameplay much better than Madden's. I thought Madden played slower than NCAA. I had perfect sliders, thanks to Bill Abner, and finally played the heck out of a console football game. Something I haven't done since NFL2k1 on the Dreamcast.


Todd

No I meant all the NCAA/Madden games, they use the game graphic, game play system and mechanics to create both games.

Though they may have different developement teams.

The difference that you saw in Madden may been because of the sliders for NCAA, or just the difference in the nfl and college talent level.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally posted by MizzouRah
Do you mean the 2004 versions?

Madden 2003 and NCAA 2003 played much differently, imo. I loved NCAA's gameplay much better than Madden's. I thought Madden played slower than NCAA. I had perfect sliders, thanks to Bill Abner, and finally played the heck out of a console football game. Something I haven't done since NFL2k1 on the Dreamcast.


Todd


What settings did you (or Abner) find to be perfect?

[KWhit]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
What settings did you (or Abner) find to be perfect?

Yes, please share.

[MizzouRah]

Here you go:

These are courtesy of Bill Abner and worked better than any other settings for ME. If they don't work for you, no big deal as everyone plays differently, but the only shortcomings I found had to do with the game itself, not slider settings.

My one BIG gripe is finding the right amount of mins to play the game on. Nine was perfect for me, but why can't they implement an accelerated clock feature? FPS had this years ago!!!!!!


Per Bill:

Before I continue I should point out that each game I play uses All American difficulty, 9-minute quarters, with the following AI Slider adjustments:

CPU Offense:

Accuracy: +14
Pass Block: +5
Catching: +5
Run Block: +15
Run Ability: +15

Human Offense:

Accuracy: +5
Pass Block: +5
Catching: +5
Run Block: +5
Run Ability: +10

Advertisement
CPU Defense:

Awareness: +15
Knockdowns: +15
Interceptions: +15
Break Block: +15
Tackling: +10

Human Defense:

Awareness: +9
Knockdowns: +15
Interceptions: +10
Break Block: +10
Tackling: +10
Special teams are set to default except for a lowering of Human FG Accuracy to +3. All penalties are raised +5 except holding and facemask.

[KWhit]

I agree 9 is definitely the right amt of time per qtr. It takes a little over an hour per game, which is a lot.

[CK#12]

Super Ugly,

I bought a chipped XBOX last year just so I could play NCAA 2003.
I have to say I have not regreted that decision.
It was the best £250 I've ever spent.

I can't wait for NCAA 2004.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Thanks for the info, Mizzou. I'll give it a shot.

I wish I could play 9 minute quarters. I pretty much have to limit to the minimum 5. Games take anywhere from between 30-40 minutes. The lady of the house wont toleare too much more than that.

[MizzouRah]

Originally posted by Honolulu_Blue
Thanks for the info, Mizzou. I'll give it a shot.

I wish I could play 9 minute quarters. I pretty much have to limit to the minimum 5. Games take anywhere from between 30-40 minutes. The lady of the house wont toleare too much more than that.


Hence we need a save game feature! ;)


Todd

[Kodos]

But the womenfolk must never know of the save game feature. Tell that at peril of losing the "But I'm in the middle of a game" excuse.

[MizzouRah]

I just want my TV back! My ps2 is in the bedroom on the 'normal' TV. I can't even use my monster component cables on that TV!


Todd

[CamEdwards]

Originally posted by Kodos
But the womenfolk must never know of the save game feature. Tell that at peril of losing the "But I'm in the middle of a game" excuse.

save game feature? did I miss that somewhere?

[Kodos]

It's in Madden 2003. Not NCAA 2003. Sorry if I confused you. I don't know if it is in the 2004 versions or not.

[illinifan999]

New screens (http://www.operationsports.com/ReviewVault/GameScreenshots.asp?game=ose32003&image=/images/other/e32003/e35.jpg)

[Airhog]

I guess im going to have to find the cash for the game and the Network adapter

[Blade6119]

no airhog

[Airhog]

:D

[Blade6119]

bad airhog

[illinifan999]

Some more interviews:

EA Sports Interview (http://www.easports.com/games/ncaa2004/prodinterview.jsp)

IGN Interview (http://ps2.ign.com/articles/424/424136p1.html?fromint=1)

Some notable news from the IGN interview:

IGN: What are some of the other new features that you incorporated into this year's game?

Jeff Luhr: The Sports Illustrated magazine presentation in Dynasty mode is huge. We spent a lot of time implementing a system that tries to capture everything that's going on during the season and figure out what the cover story is. Every week there are the big upsets, there's the Bowl rankings, there's the Heisman watch, there's the controversy -- so we have this giant system in place that tries to figure out what the big story is each week, and then generates a new cover for each issue of Sports Illustrated that comes out throughout your Dynasty mode. And the photos used for the covers are actually action shots from a real game that happened that week. And these covers keep coming for all 60 years of your Dynasty mode, and keep up with all of the latest players in the game. As players get names, or you name your players, the names will even appear on the covers at any point during the season or offseason. You can then look through all of the covers over the past year to see how the season unfolded.


60 years of dynasty mode!!!! :D :D :D

Unfortunatly this showed up:


IGN: Did the NCAA make you take out any of the celebrations that you wanted to include?

Jeff Luhr: Unfortunately, the goalposts being ripped down has been taken out of this year's game.


Not a gamebreaker, but it still woulda been a nice added touch. :( :(

Still can't wait for July 17th!

[ice4277]

Originally posted by illinifan999
Not a gamebreaker, but it still woulda been a nice added touch. :( :(

Yeah, but it would probably be one of those things that, after you saw it a few times, would become old hat anyways.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Maybe there won't be a save game feature, maybe there won't be better pass rushing, and maybe there won't be bigger rosters, but hey, I get to see a guy on Sports Illustrated. Too bad the damn goalposts can't come down.

[SunDancer]

Anyone know bout these "special enterances". I can picture it, Here come the Buffaloes! Colorado takes the field behind the stampedin' Raphie.

[dawgfan]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
Maybe there won't be a save game feature, maybe there won't be better pass rushing, and maybe there won't be bigger rosters, but hey, I get to see a guy on Sports Illustrated. Too bad the damn goalposts can't come down.

I thought I'd read where EA had added the ability to save games mid-game this time; if not, I would agree this is a bizarre feature to not include.

Roster size I suspect is limited partly due to memory concerns for saved dynasties. It may also be a conscious game design decision - they probably feel most users don't want to get too bogged-down in roster management and to make recruiting not take as long. Even TCY had limited rosters in comparison to NCAA rules.

Pass rush is not something I had real issues with, but isn't that something that can be tuned to your preference with the sliders?

I'm amazed how many people complain about features in console sports games that are designed to improve the whole presentation. If you want a hyper-realistic simulation, play a text-sim. I think the SI cover thing will probably get a little stale after time, but it's probably going to be pretty fun for the first few times you look at it. I love the other things, like the more customized entrances to games by teams, the throwback jerseys, etc. - these are all things that will make the game seem even more like a real Saturday of college football.

[ice4277]

One thing I'm curious about; I've heard alot of clamor for bigger rosters in the past but, honestly, does anybody even use 2/3 of the players they currently have on their roster on a regular basis. I could have 55 players or 550 but at the end of the day, I will probably only use about 35 to 40 for the entire season.

[dawgfan]

Originally posted by ice4277
One thing I'm curious about; I've heard alot of clamor for bigger rosters in the past but, honestly, does anybody even use 2/3 of the players they currently have on their roster on a regular basis. I could have 55 players or 550 but at the end of the day, I will probably only use about 35 to 40 for the entire season.

You may not use that many players in an individual season, but if you're running a dynasty you need to have some depth to account for the continuous roster turnover.

Even in single season mode, I've had seasons where a particular position group was hit hard by injury and I'd have been toast if the rosters were any smaller.

[ice4277]

Originally posted by dawgfan
You may not use that many players in an individual season, but if you're running a dynasty you need to have some depth to account for the continuous roster turnover.

Even in single season mode, I've had seasons where a particular position group was hit hard by injury and I'd have been toast if the rosters were any smaller.

That's true, and that leads into the one thing that I've always had an issue with; human-controlled teams almost never suffer any sorf of injury problems. My injuries are almost always limited to 1 or 2 quarters, rarely do they extend longer than a week. I think I have this happen maybe, at most, once a season.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally posted by dawgfan
I'm amazed how many people complain about features in console sports games that are designed to improve the whole presentation. If you want a hyper-realistic simulation, play a text-sim. I think the SI cover thing will probably get a little stale after time, but it's probably going to be pretty fun for the first few times you look at it. I love the other things, like the more customized entrances to games by teams, the throwback jerseys, etc. - these are all things that will make the game seem even more like a real Saturday of college football.

Hyper-realism is one thing. Realism is another. When there are (seemingly) obvious problems in the gameplay or roster management, why does presentation take precedence over those things? I don't need FOF-like statistical accuracy. What I DO need is the feeling that I can actually get a senior 280-pound defensive end around a slow, undersized freshman tackle from Troy State. NCAA 2003 didn't give me that feeling, and if NCAA 2004 doesn't, I'll be unhappy. If the conference schedule doesn't change (or at least rotate) every year, I'll be unhappy. As Memphis, even though East Carolina was in Conference USA with me, I never played them. Isn't this a problem? Isn't this more important than the players' entrances? My problems are all about priority.

I'm not asking for the world. I just hope that certain factors which NEVER get old don't get overlooked for Sports Illustrated covers which will lose their luster after a season or two.

I want to stress that I LOVE NCAA 2003. At times, it did seem too easy, but in four seasons of playing almost every game, I "only" won the national championship once, and that was in my third season. I can't really complain about that. I just saw some things that I think should be addressed without even a second thought. If those things are ignored so we can watch a buffalo run down the field for a few seconds, I'm sorry, but I'll be disappointed.

[MizzouRah]

The first part of your post seems corrected, at least that's what I've read. The speed of the game is faster and the producer said you can definitly tell speed differences in players.

We'll see..


Todd

[illinifan999]

More interviews, plus the game is ready to ship out and will be in stores July 17th.

Interview 1 (http://www.operationsports.com/reviewvault/features.asp?game=ncaafb2004int)

Interview 2 (http://www.sports-gaming.com/football/ncaa_2004/interview1.shtml)

Highlights of the two interviews:

Operation Sports: Will there be in gave saves?
Tom Vuong: Not this year.

Operation Sports: Can you please elaborate on the recruiting improvements?
Tom Vuong: We spent a lot of time improving the current recruiting system as we know that it’s a huge part of our Dynasty Mode.
First, we added the ability to use one of four recruiting pitches (Location, Program, Coaching Style, and Playing Time). Each prospect has a main preference based on one of these, so if the user pitches correctly (and his/her school has that to sell), then the chances of that prospect signing are increased.

Secondly, we added better feedback during recruiting. So if you unlock a comment that says “Johnny is faster than we originally thought,” his actual 40 Time will be revealed. We also included feedback to your pitches. So if you pitch something that a prospect is not interested in, you’ll know to pitch something else.

We also improved the recruiting AI for determining prospect preferences based on which teams are recruiting him and for CPU-controlled schools to recruit based on the four factors above as well.

All that, coupled with being able to use your recruiting points to talk a player that’s leaving early into staying and limiting your available recruiting points based on the number of scholarships remaining, have added a level of strategy to recruiting like never before.

Operation Sports: How has the create-a-school feature been enhanced and are the same logos still available for use in 2004?
Tom Vuong: We’ve added the ability to have a mascot, as well as alternate uniforms. We also added new logos to better represent teams that a user would likely create and added better weather data for created schools.

Operation Sports: Are there any all-star games at the end of the season for the nation's best seniors?

Tom Vuong: No.

Was really hoping for that one. :(

Operation Sports: Will we see any new trophies?
Tom Vuong: Yes, we’ve added 10 bowl trophies, 15 rivalry trophies, and 11 individual award trophies such as the Maxwell Award.

Those are from interview 1.

From interview 2:

2. From all the hands-on impressions I have read, they said only minor tweaks have been made graphically. Why didn't the game receive a much bigger jump in the area? Specifically, what are a few things we can look forward to as gamers for graphics enhancements?


That's interesting because all of the people I've talked to have mentioned how much the graphics had been improved in NCAA Football 2004. Specifically, we've added new hi-res crowds, crowds on the hill, major stadium upgrades, new fields, Nike decals on uniforms, Nike football and shoes, new specular helmet reflections, tunnel entrances in the pregame, Notre Dame's classic entrance down the staircase, improved coaches, improved player faces, tons of new animations, new facial animation, stadium shadows on the field, all new lighting schemes, multiple new historic player models, and the list goes on.

Think they have a NIKE license? ;)

4. One of the problems in last year's game for many fans, was the lack of a passionate crowd. The crowd cheered and jeered, and the band played boldly, but the passion of fans did not seem to translate into the game. There weren't enough chants I think is what I'm getting at. How did you improve in this area? It is reported there are over 300…how many were there last year?

You're correct - we've added over 300 new team-specific and situational chants. You will notice the crowd's involvement right away on the opening kickoff. The chants are a very nice addition, but this is not what was lacking from last year's game. The problem was that there was little if any reaction to what was happening during the play. This year? Complete turnaround. Hearing the crowd ramp up and go wild as you bust a long one down the sideline is just what this game needed to get the heart beating.

6. How has the conference jumping been worked into the dynasty system? How many years do you have to be really good or really bad before you get the oust? And, how often should gamers expect it to happen?


This all depends on the team you're playing with. If you're Michigan and already playing in the prestigious Big 10 conference, you probably won't get invited into another conference ever. But if you were run the program into the ground - then you might get booted after a few years. But you'd probably get fired before then anyways.
A more realistic example would be a team like Marshall. If you were to take Marshall and start winning National Championships, it's a safe bet that the Big Ten or Big East would come knocking after a couple seasons.

I wouldn't expect it to happen too often though - we don't want to have a complete conference re-alignment in Dynasty Mode, even if it is 60 years into the future.

Again stated that it will go 60 years. :D And also sounds like the conferences are more regional in choosing a new applicant.

9. Has the pancake block stat been fixed? Most every award in NCAA is winnable, EXCEPT for the offensive lineman award because of the lack of pancakes.


Yes, the pancakes earned from playing a game are much more in line now with pancakes earned from simulating a game.

[Kodos]

One month from now, this baby will be mine!

[A-Husker-4-Life]

I just can't wait for it, to bad about the NO-In game saves... Plus, they had to take out the "tearing down of goal-posts after a big win", the ncaa made EA do it...

[Pumpy Tudors]

The NCAA made them take tearing-down-the-goalposts out of the game. I wonder if it ever was IN the game. If so, I'd like to thank EA for originally including that and leaving in-game saves out.

Love them priorities.

[Kodos]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
The NCAA made them take tearing-down-the-goalposts out of the game. I wonder if it ever was IN the game. If so, I'd like to thank EA for originally including that and leaving in-game saves out.

Love them priorities.

Do you EVER have something positive to say about anything?

[illinifan999]

Originally posted by Pumpy Tudors
The NCAA made them take tearing-down-the-goalposts out of the game. I wonder if it ever was IN the game. If so, I'd like to thank EA for originally including that and leaving in-game saves out.

Love them priorities.

They were in the game. They posted a few screenshots of it.

Kodos....I think he works for SEGA. ;)

[ice4277]

I hope for the next version of NCAA they decide to go a different route and produce a dry stats-based text sim loosely based on the NCAA. Oh and they need to include astrological signs as a key factor as well ;)

Different strokes for different folks I guess.

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally posted by Kodos
Do you EVER have something positive to say about anything?

Well, I like the new recruiting options.

[illinifan999]

Well one of the guys at OPS got his beta game and is answeing questions in a thread on their forums. You have to register, but it's worth it IMO.

Here'e the link:

OPS Thread of NCAA Football 2004 (http://forums.operationsports.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=459668&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=6&vc=1)

[mrsimperless]

Yes, the registration is well worth it. The improvements sound to be well worth the purchase.

[illinifan999]

Dola, my favorite part of the thread.

Create-a-team options:

Primary Color
Secondary Color
Flag Color
School Logo - 65 generics - NCAA Teams -English Letter A-Z -Greek Letter
Nickname
School Name
Abreviation
City
State
Playbook -Westcoast, option run, balanced run, run and gun, pass heavy, balanced pass or any other team playbook
Team Type - 12 different types, from the strongest to the weakest
Rival School
Fight Song - 10 generic or any other school
Mascot - 70 mascots to choose from
Stadium Name
Stadium Type - 6 different ones
Orientation - east/west or north/south
Scoreboard - none, east endzone, west endzone or both
video Screen - none, east endzone, west endzone or both
Press Box - none, north, south or both
Field Surface - artifical, grassy turf, blue turf, multi turf or natural
Midfield Logo - none, school logo, ea sports logo or NCAA logo
25 yd Logo - none, school logo, ea sports logo or NCAA logo
End Zone Art - school name number one, shool name number 2, nickname number 1 and nickname number 2, diamonds, checkerboard, slashes,
background primary, secondary, white or black
Track - yes or no
Backdrop - desert, campus, metro, rural or mountains


Uniform information (you can change home, away, alternate 1 and 2)
Helmet Style - classic, numbers, plain, single stripe, single stripe with logo, triple stripe with logo, triple stripe, short stripe with logo or short stripe
Helmet Color
Helmet Stripe 1
Helmet stripe 2
Facemask Color
Pride Sticker 34 different ones
Jersey Type - classic, modern, single sleeve, triple sleeve, single shoulder or triple shoulder
Jersey Color
shoulder/sleeve - shoulder numbers, sleeve numbers, sleeve logo number and logo plain number
Number Style - there are 5 styles
Number and Name Color
Outline Color
Chest Logo - left, right or none
Player Name - on or off
pants style - single stripe. triple stripe. short stripe, plain
Pants Color
Pants stripe one
Pants stripe two
Hip logo - none, left, right or both
Belt color
Sock style - long, long with stripe, medium or short
Sock color
Sock stripe
shoe color
Create and save


Create-a-player options:

First name
Last name
Team
Position
Number
Year - freshmen sophomore jr senior w/ or w/o red shirt
Hand left or right
Height - from 5"5 - 7"0
Weight - from 160-415
Skin - light, medium or dark
Hair color - black, blonde, brown, red, light brown or gray
Hair style - 14 different ones
Face - 16 of them
Face shape - 16 of them
Body size
Muscles
Facemask - 11 different ones
Face protector - none or cold only
Visor - none, clear or dark
Eyepaint - none or black
Nasal strip - none or normal
Mouth piece - none or normal
Neck pad - none, neck roll or extended
QB jacket - none or normal
Right elbow - normal, rubber pad, black pad, white pad, black team color pad, white team color pad, black sweatband, white sweatband, red sweatband or team color sweat band
left elbow - normal, rubber pad, black pad, white pad, black team color pad, white team color pad, black sweatband, white sweatband, red sweatband or team color sweat band
Turf tape - none, always or turf only
Long sleeve - none or cold only always
Long sleeve type - white, black or team color
Right wrist - normal, QB wrist, white wrist, black wrist or team color wrist
left wrist - normal, QB wrist, white wrist, black wrist or team color wrist
Right hand - normal, taped or gloved
Left hand - normal, taped or gloved
Right ankle - normal, white tape, black tape or team color tape
left ankle - normal, white tape, black tape or team color tape

Ratings
speed
strength
awareness
agility
acceleration
catching
carrying
jumping
break tackle
tackle
throw power
throw accuracy
pass blocking
run blockign
kick power
kick accuracy
stamina
injury
Create and save

[sabotai]

Sweet. Less than a month away!

[Butter]

Anyone else read the OPS thread and think that they really haven't changed a whole lot for this year? The special teams AI improvement and switching conferences capability alone might be worth the purchase, but I don't understand why they implement certain special features (i.e. special entrances, REALLY detailed stadiums) for only the elite few schools and leave 100 or so others in the cold. All the create a school and player stuff sounds about the same. All the playbooks sound about the same, with very limited increases (to the main 10 or 15 schools, I'm sure). The end of season stuff sounds about the same. No in-conference rotation of schedules is crap, just like last year.

I'm not as enamored as most with the "additions" to the game, and the SI covers probably aren't going to do much for me, although to read some people discuss it, it sounds like they need a towel to clean up after hearing about it.

[KWhit]

Originally posted by Butter_of_69

I'm not as enamored as most with the "additions" to the game, and the SI covers probably aren't going to do much for me, although to read some people discuss it, it sounds like they need a towel to clean up after hearing about it.

Well, I certainly don't need to clean up after reading about any computer game (except maybe VR Janine, but that's a different type of "game").

But the thing that makes me the most excited is the fact that the polls will more accurately reflect a team's stature. In other words, you won't have AI teams like UTEP, Marshall, and TCU winning National Championships all the time like you did in 2003.

[rexallllsc]

Originally posted by Butter_of_69

I'm not as enamored as most with the "additions" to the game, and the SI covers probably aren't going to do much for me, although to read some people discuss it, it sounds like they need a towel to clean up after hearing about it.

I think the SI covers will help me stay interested. I always play 3 or 4 seasons, then get bored of the game....because I don't really know who the good players are, etc...I think this will help a lot.

Thats my one gripe with OOTP...I hate having to look around and see who te best players are...TELL ME! :)

[JeeberD]

Originally posted by KWhit
But the thing that makes me the most excited is the fact that the polls will more accurately reflect a team's stature. In other words, you won't have AI teams like UTEP...winning National Championships all the time...

:( :(

[KWhit]

Originally posted by JeeberD
:( :(


What I meant to say is that you won't have CRAPPY teams like UTEP winning National Championships all the time.


Sorry for the confusion JeeberD.

:D