NCAA Football '12 impressions thread

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by SegRat

IMO buying the game on release day just means your a beta tester. They just want the game working by the start of college football season. Doesn't madden come out like a week before the start of the season, then by the time they release a patch to fix most of the bugs, you over over a month into the NFL season. I Feel it's a win win with NCAA.

And with this, we have seen a new low in what sports gamers expect in a game release. If any non-sports game was released in the state we've seen some of these EA football games at release, they'd get a 50 on Metacritic. But since it's released early, it's a win-win because we get to beta test it for a month? I guess it would be too much to ask EA to test it PROPERLY for another month rather than release it early?

The problem is that another month of EA testing may actually break more existing features given what we've seen thus far.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

And with this, we have seen a new low in what sports gamers expect in a game release. If any non-sports game was released in the state we've seen some of these EA football games at release, they'd get a 50 on Metacritic. But since it's released early, it's a win-win because we get to beta test it for a month? I guess it would be too much to ask EA to test it PROPERLY for another month rather than release it early?

The problem is that another month of EA testing may actually break more existing features given what we've seen thus far.

Thank you for your concern. You've already well established that you refuse to buy any EA games, and refuse to admit that anyone might find them fun to play. Each year's thread is sure to have you railbirding about this or that making the release yet another new low in the gaming universe. Outside of the player editing bug that has caused online dynasties using real players to be delayed (which was a last minute addition, and very well could have been caught with an extra month of play testing), the game is very solid and fun to play. I know that some others have complained about portions of the game play, but I myself (as well as many others here) would rate the game far above a 50.

There are numerous examples of games that were much worse off than this year's NCAA at launch.

[digamma]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Finally got around to opening this. Played a quick exhibition and felt like I was playing 11. Honestly, I don't even notice the difference with tackling. I still need to play a bunch of exhibition games and get a feel for what skill level and slider settings will work best for me.

I did start a dynasty, though, to see how the coaching carousel works, and it's pretty cool. I usually sim through 4 years before I start playing anyway, so I set myself up as the OC for Western Michigan, simmed 2 years, and looked at my options. One thing that kinda sucks is if your current position comes up for a decision on whether you want to re-sign or not, you have to commit one way or the other before you see what other offers are out there. I decided to gamble, decline a 3-year deal with WMU as OC, and as I went through offers, I got nervous enough that I took Arkansas State's OC job because I was never sure if I'd get another offer.

Spent 1 year there, and did well enough to get the Oregon State OC job. Had a nice year there and finally got a decent HC job with Colorado State. So as soon as I get better at playing the games and figuring out the sliders and such, I'm going to start playing my dynasty for real in year 5 as a HC after 4 years as OC at 3 different schools.

When you are an OC, are you only playing offense for your team? Is the game any different than being a head coach?

[Ksyrup]

I only simmed through the OC years but yes, I believe you only control your half of the team during games. Now, you're still responsible for recruiting and such, which doesn't make much sense, but as far as in-game, I believe the OC only control the offense and the defense is simmed.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

Thank you for your concern. You've already well established that you refuse to buy any EA games, and refuse to admit that anyone might find them fun to play. Each year's thread is sure to have you railbirding about this or that making the release yet another new low in the gaming universe. Outside of the player editing bug that has caused online dynasties using real players to be delayed (which was a last minute addition, and very well could have been caught with an extra month of play testing), the game is very solid and fun to play. I know that some others have complained about portions of the game play, but I myself (as well as many others here) would rate the game far above a 50.

There are numerous examples of games that were much worse off than this year's NCAA at launch.

And you obviously haven't been paying attention because what you've stated isn't even correct. I bought Tiger Woods 12, NHL 11, and FIFA 11 all at launch. I purchase games that are actually GOOD games made by EA Sports. The football games have gone down a brutal path of mismanagement and rush deadlines that have lead to a game that is worse than the same game 2-3 years ago.

Anyone who defends this debacle looks pretty silly at this point.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

Anyone who defends this debacle looks pretty silly at this point.

Again, thank you for your concern.

Front Page Football Pro '99 - debacle
Maximum Football - debacle
NCAA Football '12 - not a debacle

Yes it is frustrating that you can't create a player that is anything but default playing style until the patch, but that does not rise anywhere near the level of a debacle. But you are always free to have your opinion, and your track record on your opinions and predictions at this board speaks for itself.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

The football games have gone down a brutal path of mismanagement and rush deadlines that have lead to a game that is worse than the same game 2-3 years ago.

The game 2-3 years ago was definitely not better. There has been a lot of improvement.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

The game 2-3 years ago was definitely not better. There has been a lot of improvement.

When you break things that worked in previous years, that's not an improvement. But the new socks with stripes look nice.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by cartman

Front Page Football Pro '99 - debacle
Maximum Football - debacle
NCAA Football '12 - not a debacle

"NCAA Football '12 - We're better than Maximum Football or FPFP '99!"

A ringing endorsement to be sure.

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Mizzou B-ball fan

"NCAA Football '12 - We're better than Maximum Football or FPFP '99!"

A ringing endorsement to be sure.

Yep, those were debacles, this isn't. Thanks again for your concern.

[lungs]

Still tweaking the sliders for my own uses, but I'd hardly call this game a debacle. Perfect? No. I haven't played NCAA in a few years but I remember several years back turning WR catching sliders up to 100 and still having dozens of dropped passes per game.

This isn't a masterpiece, but it's not trash.

[Mota]

Agreeing with the "not debacle" side. The running game (inside) is very strong. Outside could use a lot of work, RB's can't hit open space quickly enough. The passing game feels good as well, QB's aren't throwing 4-5 picks a game like they used to. My stats are looking pretty darn good after each game. I think it is FAR BETTER than last year, I've already played more games than in 11 and they will make some tweaks with patches to improve on it more.

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by digamma

When you are an OC, are you only playing offense for your team? Is the game any different than being a head coach?

I started off as the DC of Tulane and only controlled the defense. I was in control of recruiting, but I just left all of the AI options on so after I targeted some players I wanted and worked them up, I just let the AI take over.

The only main issue I have with the game is that when I'm controlling the DE, sometimes when the ball is snapped, my starts off running in the wrong direction. Very annoying so I switched to controlling the SS (which is who I usually control on defense).

[Vegas Vic]

It looks like the custom conference scheduling bug will be addressed in the patch. That's a good thing, now you will be able to change conferences at will and have the correct scheduling.

[Kodos]

Looks like NCAA 2012 was the top seller last month. MBBF will be disappointed, no doubt.

July U.S. Retail Video Game Sales Lowest Since 2006 | PCWorld

[Ksyrup]

"Highest grossing debacle of all-time!"

[dubb93]

Has this thing been patched yet?

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by dubb93

Has this thing been patched yet?

Not yet.. I would expect that to happen right before Madden drops.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Looks like NCAA 2012 was the top seller last month. MBBF will be disappointed, no doubt.

July U.S. Retail Video Game Sales Lowest Since 2006 | PCWorld

Not sure why I'd be disappointed. People can spend their money wherever they like. The reason they release it in July is because there's not many AAA releases that month. Whoever told you that the game wouldn't be the top seller in July was an idiot and doesn't know the grand scheme of things in the video game world. Give EA Sports credit for knowing marketing and release schedules. That's the main reason they make money despite a widely varying quality on their games.

[Kodos]

Can you use Teambuilder teams for online exhibition games? My nephew is thinking about getting the game, and wants to play as Towson (he's starting there next week).

[bhlloy]

I'm hoping somebody has a good set of sliders for AA, because right now after 3 games I absolutely hate this game with a passion. Super jumpy linebackers are back. Defenders jumping routes and making picks while your receivers make absolutely no play on the ball and just continue running their merry route seems to have taken a big step back from the improvement they made last year. Running with the ball feels like your back has roller skates on. Trying to tackle somebody feels like trying to perform brain surgery.

Usually I start out having fun and tweak the sliders to make it more realistic but this year, it feels horrible from the get go. Halp please.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

I'm hoping somebody has a good set of sliders for AA, because right now after 3 games I absolutely hate this game with a passion. Super jumpy linebackers are back. Defenders jumping routes and making picks while your receivers make absolutely no play on the ball and just continue running their merry route seems to have taken a big step back from the improvement they made last year. Running with the ball feels like your back has roller skates on. Trying to tackle somebody feels like trying to perform brain surgery.

Usually I start out having fun and tweak the sliders to make it more realistic but this year, it feels horrible from the get go. Halp please.

Give these a shot, have been working out well for me.

Sliders
AA - 9 minute Quarters
Game speed - Slow
Speed Threshold - 20

Slider - Hum / CPU
QB acc - 35 / 35
Pass blk - 70 / 70
WR cat - 65 / 65
RB skill - 60 / 65
Run Blk - 60 / 55
Coverage - 25 / 15
Pass rush - 90 / 75
Int - 20 / 10
Run Def - 50 / 50
Tackling - 40 / 40
FG Pow - 45 / 50
FG acc - 35 / 35
Punt Pow - 50 / 50
Punt acc - 40 / 55
KP - 45 / 50

For penalties offsides, false start and holding to 60, Off/Def pass interference as well as KR interference to 100 and the rest at default.

[Philliesfan980]

Any idea why it's taking so long for a patch to be released? What is it, over a month now? Inexcusable.

[dubb93]

I don't think there is any reason you should drop anyone into to coverage in this game. If the pass is going to get broken up it is going to be by a LB in zone coverage around the LOS. Even if the throw is 20 yards downfield.

[Balldog]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

I'm hoping somebody has a good set of sliders for AA, because right now after 3 games I absolutely hate this game with a passion. Super jumpy linebackers are back. Defenders jumping routes and making picks while your receivers make absolutely no play on the ball and just continue running their merry route seems to have taken a big step back from the improvement they made last year. Running with the ball feels like your back has roller skates on. Trying to tackle somebody feels like trying to perform brain surgery.

Usually I start out having fun and tweak the sliders to make it more realistic but this year, it feels horrible from the get go. Halp please.

Check out Jistic's on OS, I like his a lot.

[Balldog]

Originally Posted by Philliesfan980

Any idea why it's taking so long for a patch to be released? What is it, over a month now? Inexcusable.

I'm convinced its either:

1) they don't want to release it at the same time as a demo or another game is coming out. I was thinking this week but the demo for NHL comes out today and Madden is released on Friday to the EA Pass people. They know we are a football starved country.

OR

2) they thought it was done and it only screwed things up worse.

OR

3) they have no clue how to fix their own damn game.

All I hope is they fix enough of the issues so I don't have to buy another NCAA game from them for a while. I admit I'm a college football fanatic so for me to say I'll never play again would be a lie.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by dubb93

I don't think there is any reason you should drop anyone into to coverage in this game. If the pass is going to get broken up it is going to be by a LB in zone coverage around the LOS. Even if the throw is 20 yards downfield.

Which is sad/pathetic because this was much, much better last year. I'm gonna give BYU's sliders a shot and then maybe if I don't see a big improvement maybe I'll work on editing the jumping of all the linebackers in the conference I play in down and see what that does?

But it's really a bummer to see (from my limited experience) that this is back. It's not a damn football game if you can't throw 15-20 yard routes over the middle unless all the linebackers happen to be blitzing or have fallen asleep.

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

But it's really a bummer to see (from my limited experience) that this is back. It's not a damn football game if you can't throw 15-20 yard routes over the middle unless all the linebackers happen to be blitzing or have fallen asleep.

Now they'll be able to sell it next year with "improved LB pass defense logic!"

I've had it since launch and its sat on the self for pretty much the entire time.

[Ksyrup]

The LB thing is annoying, I agree, but in combination with the fact that most TE crossing patterns are money, it's somewhat bearable. Same thing as last year - my TE was always my #1 receiver. In fact, I made a bad-ass TE one of my top recruiting priorities. So I can't complain much when one of those passes is knocked down every so often by a guy who has no business touching the ball.

[bhlloy]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

The LB thing is annoying, I agree, but in combination with the fact that most TE crossing patterns are money, it's somewhat bearable. Same thing as last year - my TE was always my #1 receiver. In fact, I made a bad-ass TE one of my top recruiting priorities. So I can't complain much when one of those passes is knocked down every so often by a guy who has no business touching the ball.

Well that's another annoyance of mine (that you can easily have 2000 yard receiving seasons by an average TE by just throwing the cross or out every single play, mixed in with the occasional fade route where the LB just let's him go for 30 yards) but at least these issues have been around in Madden and NCAA for years

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by BYU 14

Give these a shot, have been working out well for me.

Sliders
AA - 9 minute Quarters
Game speed - Slow
Speed Threshold - 20

Slider - Hum / CPU
QB acc - 35 / 35
Pass blk - 70 / 70
WR cat - 65 / 65
RB skill - 60 / 65
Run Blk - 60 / 55
Coverage - 25 / 15
Pass rush - 90 / 75
Int - 20 / 10
Run Def - 50 / 50
Tackling - 40 / 40
FG Pow - 45 / 50
FG acc - 35 / 35
Punt Pow - 50 / 50
Punt acc - 40 / 55
KP - 45 / 50

For penalties offsides, false start and holding to 60, Off/Def pass interference as well as KR interference to 100 and the rest at default.

Just had a game where we had 15 penalties. Almost all of them holds. CPU had 3 penalties. May have to turn that slider down. Also, running was waaaaaaay too easy. Even my backups were tearing up Syracuse's D.

Cornell did beat Syracuse in quadruple OT, no thanks to the refs. 59-57. Yowsa.

[johnnyshaka]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Just had a game where we had 15 penalties. Almost all of them holds. CPU had 3 penalties. May have to turn that slider down. Also, running was waaaaaaay too easy.

Turn down the "hold blocks" in your gameplan?

[Kodos]

They're on whatever the default setting is. Haven't touched those.

[BYU 14]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Just had a game where we had 15 penalties. Almost all of them holds. CPU had 3 penalties. May have to turn that slider down. Also, running was waaaaaaay too easy. Even my backups were tearing up Syracuse's D.

Cornell did beat Syracuse in quadruple OT, no thanks to the refs. 59-57. Yowsa.

Wow, never had more than 3 holding calls

you need to fire your line coach

[Kodos]

Just experienced the lovely win game, online servers aren't available, back out, game sims it into a loss. Thanks, EA.

[ColtCrazy]

Any word on the patch yet? Game is still sitting on the shelf till then.

[Ksyrup]

Finally got a chance to play a few games and I'm not impressed. Granted I think some of it had to do with the sliders I was using (the problem with most slider sets is they are intended for playing with A rosters, not the crap I usually start with, so a 0 for human QB passing or WR catching means 30% completions on a great day), but I really don't like the look or feel of the game this year. The new tackling does nothing for me and the players look like they are floating/skating. I knew I should have stuck with 11 since I was happy with it. What can I expect to get in trade for this game?

[johnnyshaka]

Good news...I guess

Twitter

#NCAAFootball12 Title Update #2 Update: We have made it through internal certification and now we're waiting on approval from Sony/Microsoft

[whomario]

Patch is up !

[k0ruptr]

not for me 360 here incase anyone was wondering.

[k0ruptr]

reading on OS it is in fact live for PS3. not for xbox

[whomario]

yeah, just checked on OS and aparently it´s only PS3 for now (which i´m on, so i´m not going to complain too much ) and if i recall correctly it isn´t uncommon for one or the other to come out a little later.

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by whomario

Patch is up !

So soon?!

[Pumpy Tudors]

I get people complaining that the patch has taken so long to come out. What I don't get is why people are surprised that the patch has taken so long to come out. Isn't this kind of wait normal?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Originally Posted by whomario

Patch is up !

Any word yet on what the patch broke?

[Pumpy Tudors]

lol.

[DaddyTorgo]

Let's see if there's bugs after this patch...

[Balldog]

Seeing a lot of positive feedback for gameplay but ...

Early reports are the OD transfer fail issue is not fixed
no huddle is now messed up
and custom playbooks are "broken"

[Groundhog]

Should be fixed by NCAA 13.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Balldog

Seeing a lot of positive feedback for gameplay but ...

Early reports are the OD transfer fail issue is not fixed
no huddle is now messed up
and custom playbooks are "broken"

The OD thing appears to be a server issue, not a bug fix. Of course, the bad thing for you guys is they tweeted it was fixed several days ago...