EA Sport "NFL HEAD COACH"

[Bee]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

One of the interviews I read said that 75% of the code is new, and that only some of the graphics code was remaining. Now, I'm not sure if I necessarily believe that, but if it is true it is encouraging.

Yep, that sounds better.

[DaddyTorgo]

from the blog

This is the area I know a lot of people are looking forward to checking out. By now most of you have read that Mel Kiper has commentary for this year's 2006 draft class as well as 39 other classes that are randomly spread throughout your career.

sounds to me like this means there is no cap on career mode, and that the 39 draft classes are randomly distributed throughout however many years you end up playing. so you could get one the first year and then not one for 3 years and then 3 in a row. cool

and from the MN forums

Online you can play with 2 in a single "coach now" game.

sweet...H2H


+1 for this game

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

from the blog

This is the area I know a lot of people are looking forward to checking out. By now most of you have read that Mel Kiper has commentary for this year's 2006 draft class as well as 39 other classes that are randomly spread throughout your career.

sounds to me like this means there is no cap on career mode, and that the 39 draft classes are randomly distributed throughout however many years you end up playing. so you could get one the first year and then not one for 3 years and then 3 in a row. cool

and from the MN forums

Online you can play with 2 in a single "coach now" game.

sweet...H2H


+1 for this game

H2H......it is official. I am a fan boy.

[astrosfan64]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Can I ask....if you have a PC that can play this game, why in the world would you get it for a console?

If it was being made for the XBOX 360, I would probably debate it.

PC Specs AMD 64 XP 3200, 1GB of RAM and GEFORCE 6800 GT Card. 21 Inch Flat Screen.

XBOX 360 with a 42 in. Plasma TV.

Playing an XBOX 360 game on a 42 in. Plasma TV in 1080I. is simply incredible. I've been a diehard computer gamer, but this system has made me change my mind on certain games.

I actually purchased Oblivion for 360 instead of my Computer. If my computer specs were higher, I would of probably purchased it for the PC. I'm still wishing I purchased it for the PC. Some games, RPG's i like the personal feel of the computer. Though my graphics are better on the 360.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

from the blog

This is the area I know a lot of people are looking forward to checking out. By now most of you have read that Mel Kiper has commentary for this year's 2006 draft class as well as 39 other classes that are randomly spread throughout your career.

sounds to me like this means there is no cap on career mode, and that the 39 draft classes are randomly distributed throughout however many years you end up playing. so you could get one the first year and then not one for 3 years and then 3 in a row. cool

I don't think that's what it means. I think the 39 other classes will just show up in a random order over the next 39 years. It would be pretty weird to have a draft (or two or three straight) with zero commentary, no?

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Logan

I don't think that's what it means. I think the 39 other classes will just show up in a random order over the next 39 years. It would be pretty weird to have a draft (or two or three straight) with zero commentary, no?

i think randomly SPREAD is the key term, although with god-knows-who writing the article we don't really know what that means. either way...if it takes 20-30 hours to play a seson...20 hours x 40 seasons=way more time then i would ever play i'm sure

[sabotai]

Originally Posted by Logan

I don't think that's what it means. I think the 39 other classes will just show up in a random order over the next 39 years. It would be pretty weird to have a draft (or two or three straight) with zero commentary, no?

That's pretty much how it reads to me.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Logan

I don't think that's what it means. I think the 39 other classes will just show up in a random order over the next 39 years. It would be pretty weird to have a draft (or two or three straight) with zero commentary, no?

That was my interpertation as well. I think there is still a 40 year cap, but that after the 1st year (which will have the real draft from this upcoming year) each year afterwards will have a randomly ordered but pre-recorded draft class.

As far as H2H, I can't wait to play some of you guys online.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by astrosfan64

If it was being made for the XBOX 360, I would probably debate it.

PC Specs AMD 64 XP 3200, 1GB of RAM and GEFORCE 6800 GT Card. 21 Inch Flat Screen.

XBOX 360 with a 42 in. Plasma TV.

Playing an XBOX 360 game on a 42 in. Plasma TV in 1080I. is simply incredible. I've been a diehard computer gamer, but this system has made me change my mind on certain games.

I actually purchased Oblivion for 360 instead of my Computer. If my computer specs were higher, I would of probably purchased it for the PC. I'm still wishing I purchased it for the PC. Some games, RPG's i like the personal feel of the computer. Though my graphics are better on the 360.

I can sort of see that, but you still have the problem of 1) no patches, and 2) no possibility of mods.

[Eaglesfan27]

Clinic is VERY slow today (probably due to most kids being out of town for Easter already.) So, I'm scouring the web and found a link to a VGsports newsletter about the game.

A few more things that I like which it mentions:

- Not only will you develop relationships with players, but also coaches, agents, and GM's. It seems if you somehow screw GM's over, they will be less likely to deal with you in the future.

- The range of player's "attributes" is never an absolute. They can go up as players develop and gain confidence. They can also drop if a player loses confidence, is injured, or is too fatigued.

- You set up and run practices including both team drills and 1-1 drills: Offense vs Defese, inside drill, pass skeleton, special teams, 1-1 WR vs CB, 1-1 OL vs DL, 1-1 RB vs LB.

- There is both RFA and unrestricted FA.

- You can only set strategies for guys when they are on the sideline (except the QB), but can be given for the next drive, quarter, or the game.

QB strategies: Focus on the deep pass or focus on short passing, focus on working the outside of the field vs across the middle, step up in the pocket vs take a deep drop, stay in the pocket vs scramble as needed, Use the pump fake to freeze the safeties vs don't use the pump fake, Avoid interceptions vs force the ball into tight situations, throw the ball quickly to avoid a sack vs Let the play develop, Throw it harder vs use more touch, Throw it high vs throw it low, focus on your #1 receiver vs spread it around, only throw it past the 1st down marker vs use the whole field. Wow, that is a lot of options for the QB.


OL Strategies: Force the defender inside vs Force the defender outside, Engage the defender vs let the defender come to the OL, Cut Block - yes or no.

WR options: Keep the DB on your inside arm vs cut inside and keep them outside of you, Use your agility to get open vs focus on using speed to get open, cut your routes short and try to jump for the ball vs don't break the routes off.

I'm not as excited about those last two options. However, you can just let them play with no specific instructions.


RB Strategies: Run into the designated hole vs bounce it outside, Stay low and use power vs use moves to try to break a long run, be patient and wait for the O-line to open a hole vs run hard to where the hole should be.

LB Strategies: Try for a big hit vs don't get beat deep, go for the pick vs just make sure you knock the ball down, focus on stopping the run vs focus on stopping the pass.

DB Strategies: Big hit vs don't get beat deep, stay to the inside of the WR vs stay to the outside, try to force the receiver to the outside of the field vs try to force them to the inside, go for interceptions or just make sure you knock the ball down, press vs give a cushion, focus on stopping the run vs focus on stopping the pass.

DL Strategies: Go for the big hit vs don't let anyone by you, rush to the inside of your defender or rush to the outside, focus on stopping the run or the pass.


Pre-Snap Options: You can dictate to the QB on any play what order he should make his reads while running the play. Also, you can order any of the QB Strategies that were already mentioned. You can also order Formation shifts or motion. Quite a few other options as well.

Anyway, my excitement for this game continues to grow which means I'll probably be very disappointed. Of course, I'm hoping that isn't the case.

[gstelmack]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

I can sort of see that, but you still have the problem of 1) no patches, and 2) no possibility of mods.

Why does everyone continue to assume you can't have patches on a 360? You're correct on user-created mods, but I've seen this misinformation about no patches on a 360 several times in here...

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Why does everyone continue to assume you can't have patches on a 360? You're correct on user-created mods, but I've seen this misinformation about no patches on a 360 several times in here...

I've already gotten at least one patch for College Hoops on the 360.

[GrantDawg]

How are you getting patches? Not everyone has a hard-drive for the 360, but even when they did for the Xbox, patches hardly ever happened.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

How are you getting patches? Not everyone has a hard-drive for the 360, but even when they did for the Xbox, patches hardly ever happened.

With College Hoops, a message popped up saying there was an update available and asked me if I wanted to download it (which was necessary for online play.) I do have a hard drive, but I imagine it might have fit on a memory card.

However, I'm still getting this game for the PC as I think the mod potential is tremendous..

[Passacaglia]

This does seem cool -- no ratings, and having to find out a player's ability during practices seems really cool.

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

This does seem cool -- no ratings, and having to find out a player's ability during practices seems really cool.

It does have ratings, it is just a potentially wide range that it gives you

[Emiliano]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Clinic is VERY slow today (probably due to most kids being out of town for Easter already.) So, I'm scouring the web and found a link to a VGsports newsletter about the game.

A few more things that I like which it mentions:

- Not only will you develop relationships with players, but also coaches, agents, and GM's. It seems if you somehow screw GM's over, they will be less likely to deal with you in the future.

- The range of player's "attributes" is never an absolute. They can go up as players develop and gain confidence. They can also drop if a player loses confidence, is injured, or is too fatigued.

- You set up and run practices including both team drills and 1-1 drills: Offense vs Defese, inside drill, pass skeleton, special teams, 1-1 WR vs CB, 1-1 OL vs DL, 1-1 RB vs LB.

- There is both RFA and unrestricted FA.

- You can only set strategies for guys when they are on the sideline (except the QB), but can be given for the next drive, quarter, or the game.

QB strategies: Focus on the deep pass or focus on short passing, focus on working the outside of the field vs across the middle, step up in the pocket vs take a deep drop, stay in the pocket vs scramble as needed, Use the pump fake to freeze the safeties vs don't use the pump fake, Avoid interceptions vs force the ball into tight situations, throw the ball quickly to avoid a sack vs Let the play develop, Throw it harder vs use more touch, Throw it high vs throw it low, focus on your #1 receiver vs spread it around, only throw it past the 1st down marker vs use the whole field. Wow, that is a lot of options for the QB.


OL Strategies: Force the defender inside vs Force the defender outside, Engage the defender vs let the defender come to the OL, Cut Block - yes or no.

WR options: Keep the DB on your inside arm vs cut inside and keep them outside of you, Use your agility to get open vs focus on using speed to get open, cut your routes short and try to jump for the ball vs don't break the routes off.

I'm not as excited about those last two options. However, you can just let them play with no specific instructions.


RB Strategies: Run into the designated hole vs bounce it outside, Stay low and use power vs use moves to try to break a long run, be patient and wait for the O-line to open a hole vs run hard to where the hole should be.

LB Strategies: Try for a big hit vs don't get beat deep, go for the pick vs just make sure you knock the ball down, focus on stopping the run vs focus on stopping the pass.

DB Strategies: Big hit vs don't get beat deep, stay to the inside of the WR vs stay to the outside, try to force the receiver to the outside of the field vs try to force them to the inside, go for interceptions or just make sure you knock the ball down, press vs give a cushion, focus on stopping the run vs focus on stopping the pass.

DL Strategies: Go for the big hit vs don't let anyone by you, rush to the inside of your defender or rush to the outside, focus on stopping the run or the pass.


Pre-Snap Options: You can dictate to the QB on any play what order he should make his reads while running the play. Also, you can order any of the QB Strategies that were already mentioned. You can also order Formation shifts or motion. Quite a few other options as well.

Anyway, my excitement for this game continues to grow which means I'll probably be very disappointed. Of course, I'm hoping that isn't the case.

Wow! If only 50% of this stuff works properly, I'm gonna be very happy this summer.

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

...Anyway, my excitement for this game continues to grow which means I'll probably be very disappointed. Of course, I'm hoping that isn't the case.

EA Sports games remind me so much of the Malibu Stacy/Lisa Lionheart episode of The Simpsons - 'But she's got a new hat!'

Having said that, my interest is defintely piqued.

[SegRat]

Well I traded in some PSP games that will no longer get any play time. So my copy is reserved and paid in full. Yea Me!

If this game is half as good as it sounds, I dont think I will ever play madden again.

[Senator]

I want to wear the headset and yell "lightning bolt" at LaDainian Tomlinson to see if it helps him run better.

[RoastDuck]

Does anyone know anybody on the development team? Was Joe Stallings mentioned somewhere? I would have a lot more confidence if Mr. G were involved.

Whilst I'll be stunned if EA pulls this off, I hope they do. The potential to develop a new generation of strategic sports sims from their existing stock of waggle-stick crap is huge.

[astrosfan64]

Originally Posted by RoastDuck

Does anyone know anybody on the development team? Was Joe Stallings mentioned somewhere? I would have a lot more confidence if Mr. G were involved.

Whilst I'll be stunned if EA pulls this off, I hope they do. The potential to develop a new generation of strategic sports sims from their existing stock of waggle-stick crap is huge.

Madden is the best football game ever made. I don't understand why people feel the need to hammer on that game so badly. If you play madden in coach mode you can have one heck of a football simmulation.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Senator

I want to wear the headset and yell "lightning bolt" at LaDainian Tomlinson to see if it helps him run better.

You're killing me.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by RoastDuck

Does anyone know anybody on the development team? Was Joe Stallings mentioned somewhere? I would have a lot more confidence if Mr. G were involved.

Whilst I'll be stunned if EA pulls this off, I hope they do. The potential to develop a new generation of strategic sports sims from their existing stock of waggle-stick crap is huge.

Stallings is on the development team, and I think Jim pretty much confirmed they offered a job to him, but he didn't want to move to Florida.

[Senator]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

You're killing me.

A swing and a miss.

[Passacaglia]

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

It does have ratings, it is just a potentially wide range that it gives you

Ah, I re-read your post on Page 3, and I see where I misunderstood. So you have a wide range where the player's rating lies, and the more you scout him, the narrower the range gets? Interesting. So what happens when the player is on your team?

[Eaglesfan27]

Originally Posted by Passacaglia

Ah, I re-read your post on Page 3, and I see where I misunderstood. So you have a wide range where the player's rating lies, and the more you scout him, the narrower the range gets? Interesting. So what happens when the player is on your team?

From reading the previews, I think even then it is a range. I don't think there is ever a single number for overall rating. I think it is meant to simulate the uncertainty in evaluating players even if they are on your team.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Stallings is on the development team, and I think Jim pretty much confirmed they offered a job to him, but he didn't want to move to Florida.

Stallings had some involvement, but my understanding is that he wasn't the main guy.

I'll be curious to check out the credits - a couple of guys I worked with at MS on Fever were on this project, and I believe they were both integral parts (Art Director and Game Designer/Producer I think)...

[Adamski47]

About the 39 draft classes:

The only thing that bothers me is that eventually, if all of us are using the same draft classes, regardless of which order they fall in for each of us, we are going to see the same studs and duds. Eventually, a reputation will build, especially for some of us (like me) who are notorious for starting over. This could really make things stale as you'll be able to read right through Kiper and see who are the real studs and so on. That, and the "Joe Smith is an amazing RB DRAFT HIM!" threads here at FOFC. Hopefully the 'randomness' of the game will put some twists on to all of this for us.

Anyone understand what I'm saying? I love the idea; I think it's brilliant. However, this could create problems eventually. Definitely a huge step in the direction of progress when it comes to game interaction etc.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by dawgfan

Stallings had some involvement, but my understanding is that he wasn't the main guy.

I'll be curious to check out the credits - a couple of guys I worked with at MS on Fever were on this project, and I believe they were both integral parts (Art Director and Game Designer/Producer I think)...

Which is why I said "on the development team." I think he was doing interface, wasn't he?

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Adamski47

About the 39 draft classes:

The only thing that bothers me is that eventually, if all of us are using the same draft classes, regardless of which order they fall in for each of us, we are going to see the same studs and duds. Eventually, a reputation will build, especially for some of us (like me) who are notorious for starting over. This could really make things stale as you'll be able to read right through Kiper and see who are the real studs and so on. That, and the "Joe Smith is an amazing RB DRAFT HIM!" threads here at FOFC. Hopefully the 'randomness' of the game will put some twists on to all of this for us.

Anyone understand what I'm saying? I love the idea; I think it's brilliant. However, this could create problems eventually. Definitely a huge step in the direction of progress when it comes to game interaction etc.

I hope its something like this.

Kiper says, "RB Smith has good field vision, and great breakaway speed. I think he has a chance to be a starter in this league. He needs to improve on blah blah blah, etc. I really like this kid."

RB Smith could be graded from say the first to 4th round, and have a slightly different set of abilities each time you run it through, and never will be the same player. But the Kiper commentary could still work for him under a variety of circumstances.

[dawgfan]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Which is why I said "on the development team." I think he was doing interface, wasn't he?

I had been told he was in a producer role (note that there are a variety of such roles on EA projects - not all producers are equal), but I don't know the specifics. And it may be that he had started out in an interface role.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by stevew

I hope its something like this.

Kiper says, "RB Smith has good field vision, and great breakaway speed. I think he has a chance to be a starter in this league. He needs to improve on blah blah blah, etc. I really like this kid."

RB Smith could be graded from say the first to 4th round, and have a slightly different set of abilities each time you run it through, and never will be the same player. But the Kiper commentary could still work for him under a variety of circumstances.

I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. There would have to be some volatility involved.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Stallings is on the development team, and I think Jim pretty much confirmed they offered a job to him, but he didn't want to move to Florida.

hmmm interesting...source?

bummer. if we could have gotten FOF statistical/engine realism out of this game it would be the only game i'd need

[rexallllsc]

Originally Posted by Jari Rantanen's Shorts

EA Sports games remind me so much of the Malibu Stacy/Lisa Lionheart episode of The Simpsons - 'But she's got a new hat!'

Having said that, my interest is defintely piqued.

I lol'd

and I agree.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

hmmm interesting...source?

bummer. if we could have gotten FOF statistical/engine realism out of this game it would be the only game i'd need

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/...7&postcount=50

Originally Posted by Solecismic

Knowing how hard Marc and his team work on creating what's really the essence of a text sim, I'm really honored to have my work mentioned alongside his (even if this is FOF Central).

Seeing the direction EA is headed, I'm somewhat glad I didn't take the offer to move to Florida. I'm not naive enough to think I could have changed their direction. I'm much more interested in adding the types of features FM has.

While I can't put together a large art budget or create an entirely custom interface, I like the direction I'm headed, with larger screens and abandoning the use of 7-pt fonts.

If anyone can give me examples of where I'm using double-clicks where I should be using single-clicks, or places where there are too many screens opened back and forth, I'd be interested in hearing about them.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/...7&postcount=50

right. i remember that. but i never thought it was referring to this game...i had assumed it was in the past. aaah

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

right. i remember that. but i never thought it was referring to this game...i had assumed it was in the past. aaah

I seem to remember another conversation shortly before or after that which gave a strong indication that it was in the timeframe of the begining of this production.

[IwasHere]

Flame me now if this question has been asked and answered, but does anyone know who will be doing the Play by Play?

[GMO]

NFL HC available in June.

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread....threadID=63015

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by GMO

NFL HC available in June.

http://forums.ea.com/mboards/thread....threadID=63015

Unless I missed something, this thread you linked just looks like your run-of-the-mill message board numbskulls who make up news or post what some EB manager told them. Not to shit on your post, but is there anything a little more, um, official?

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Unless I missed something, this thread you linked just looks like your run-of-the-mill message board numbskulls who make up news or post what some EB manager told them. Not to shit on your post, but is there anything a little more, um, official?

Originally Posted by Some guy who knows some other guy who created some game

It will be released in June

Though seriously, EBgames does have it listed as 6/20/06, and *usually* they're fairly accurate in their time frames.

[Eaglesfan27]

I've read in multiple previews and multiple other places that the game will be released June 20th. Of course, that could be subject to change.

[AgustusM]

6/20 has been the confirmed release date for some time now

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm packing today, and therefore listening to ESPN Radio in the background. Listening to several hours of draft analysis has me jonesing for this game so much...

[GMO]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Unless I missed something, this thread you linked just looks like your run-of-the-mill message board numbskulls who make up news or post what some EB manager told them. Not to shit on your post, but is there anything a little more, um, official?

Here:

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

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by GMO

Here:

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

Ah, that must be the link you meant to post last time, right?

[MacroGuru]

Just to get my 2 cents in, that I will be purchasing this game the day it is released

[Pumpy Tudors]

Well, it looks like I'm not needed to purchase this on release day.

(I probably will anyway)

[Greyroofoo]

im definitely waiting for reviews. I don't trust EA