Is NCAA 10 Really Broken?

[StormJH1]

It isn't "broken" in the sense that the disc has a crack in it, or it won't load when you put it in the drive, but if you have any intention of playing an online or offline dynasty, then yes, it is broken in every way that MATTERS.

The progression isn't just "strange" or a little unrealistic, it's so messed up that it completely removes you from your immersion in your dynasty. The whole thrill of Dynasty mode (in both PS2 and the next-gen games before this one) was the sense that you needed to be a smart recruiter to improve your team. In NCAA 10, EVERY team improves because players progress way too quickly. Mid-major teams and poorer teams from the BCS conferences are all rated A or higher by the 2nd or 3rd year.

And if you played Madden 10 before picking up this game, the gameplay will be a letdown. I thought the gameplay was good enough to sustain a functioning dynasty mode, but dynasty WAS the whole reason to play this game. I had a 10-person online dynasty carried over from NCAA 09, and it just collapsed within one month because people hate this game and like Madden better.

FYI: As of 8/25/09, Gamestop is only giving you $25 in trade-in value for NCAA 10, despite selling used copies for $54.99. I couldn't justify doing that. If you want to trade it in, you're more likely to get around $40 value from somewhere like Blockbuster, though your trade-in dollars won't go quite as far there b/c they tend to sell used games for more than GameStop (and the selection is obviously limited).

GameStop is selling NCAA 09 for $14.99 used. Honestly, if you've never owned either game, that's a much better value for you. Sim ahead in a dynasty and all the players are fake anyway! (And they won't all be 99 OVR like they are in NCAA 10)

[rudyjuly2]

I was disappointed with NCAA 10 and it has its flaws like every EA football game has had since the beginning of time. I chose to stick with NCAA 09 for a variety of reasons but NCAA 10 isn't garbage imo. I'd score it in the low 7s out of 10 for the week that I had it. I just liked NCAA 09 more. It all depends on what areas of the game you like and what flaws you can live with.

For all those that hated NCAA 09 and NCAA 10 and gave it scores of less than 5/10, you will NEVER be happy with NCAA 11 or even NCAA 12. EA's football games don't make revolutionary jumps. They are evolutionary jumps that add some features, improve some things and occassionally mess other things up. There is no way anyone that hates NCAA 10 will be happy with NCAA 11. I just can't see the game changing that much. If you want small tweaks, you might love NCAA 11. If you expect a new engine, wait for the PS4.

Metacritic gives NCAA 10 an 81 so obviously there are people out there that like it. And not everyone that likes it are just casual fans or people who don't know football. For every guy on OS that hates NCAA 10, you will find at least one person who loves it. Neither person is right or wrong which is what many people fail to understand. It's all about user preference. The best advice I can give anyone on whether they like this game is to rent it and decide for themselves.

[SBfr3sh]

It's only broken if you sweat the small stuff. Very simple:

If you just pop the disc in and play...you'll be fine.

If you start a dynasty and like to count how many 99 Ovr Players there are after 5 yrs compared to yr 1...you'll be pissed

If you start a dynasty and don't want to see a Sun Belt/MWC/WAC team win the NC game...you'll be pissed

If you start a dynasty and get upset that your 5 string CB improved at the same rate as the backup....you'll be pissed

Overall this is a great game in my opinion...Player progression and the other bugs are only a problem if you like to replicate 100% of what happens in real life in this game. I personally don't expect 100% perfect from video games...I'm fine with 80%...It's all personal preference.

[da ThRONe]

Quote: Originally Posted by stewaat

We get it, you don't like NCAA and Madden is the best game ever.

Ok so am I wrong? I dont come here and suck up and pretend things arent issues when they are. He made a comment and I brought up a great point. You on the other hand arent adding anything! So have a point or stop addressing me with your childish comments. Thank you!

[TheDutchDad]

Quote: Originally Posted by SBfr3sh

It's only broken if you sweat the small stuff. Very simple: If you just pop the disc in and play...you'll be fine. If you start a dynasty and like to count how many 99 Ovr Players there are after 5 yrs compared to yr 1...you'll be pissed If you start a dynasty and don't want to see a Sun Belt/MWC/WAC team win the NC game...you'll be pissed If you start a dynasty and get upset that your 5 string CB improved at the same rate as the backup....you'll be pissed Overall this is a great game in my opinion...Player progression and the other bugs are only a problem if you like to replicate 100% of what happens in real life in this game. I personally don't expect 100% perfect from video games...I'm fine with 80%...It's all personal preference.

Agreed. It's a video game, and no game will ever replicate real life perfectly. I enjoy the game.

[da ThRONe]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mercurial23

Agreed. It's a video game, and no game will ever replicate real life perfectly. I enjoy the game.

I agree ,but there are certain elements that are more important then others. And clearly judging off just OS the progression issue was a top that list.

[bry422]

If you are a Dynasty player then the game is broken.

If you are the type of person who just plays a few games a week offline or with your buddies, I think the game is very
good/great.

I fall into the latter category and I like the game quite a bit. I can't wait to get the second patch.

I feel for the Dynasty guys, though, I really do. I would be one, but being 'family guy' just doesn't allow for that type of a time commitment any longer.

With all that being said, I think EA sports game are now more geared to people like me (late 30s/family) than to the teen/younger generation. I play the game five/six hour a week. I don't sweat all the details, nor do I even notice them all. I only know "hook zones" are broke because I read about it online. I can guarantee that my group of friends, who are all in my demographic range with family, and also only play 4-10 hours a week, wouldn't know a "broken hook zone" from a working one. We just play. Nobody knows enough to exploid the "broken" elements of the game. We pick the teams we want, practice with them, get together, and just play.

Side note - I don't play a lot of non-sports games, but for those that do, are they picked apart with such ferver? Games like Halo 3, CoD4 and the rest, can one not find "game killers" with these as well, if you wanted too?

[TheDutchDad]

Quote: Originally Posted by bry422

If you are a Dynasty player then the game is broken. If you are the type of person who just plays a few games a week offline or with your buddies, I think the game is very good/great. I fall into the latter category and I like the game quite a bit. I can't wait to get the second patch. I feel for the Dynasty guys, though, I really do. I would be one, but being 'family guy' just doesn't allow for that type of a time commitment any longer. With all that being said, I think EA sports game are now more geared to people like me (late 30s/family) than to the teen/younger generation. I play the game five/six hour a week. I don't sweat all the details, nor do I even notice them all. I only know "hook zones" are broke because I read about it online. I can guarantee that my group of friends, who are all in my demographic range with family, and also only play 4-10 hours a week, wouldn't know a "broken hook zone" from a working one. We just play. Nobody knows enough to exploid the "broken" elements of the game. We pick the teams we want, practice with them, get together, and just play. Side note - I don't play a lot of non-sports games, but for those that do, are they picked apart with such ferver? Games like Halo 3, CoD4 and the rest, can one not find "game killers" with these as well, if you wanted too?

Dynasty is not broken bro. It plays fine. I have gone 4 years ahead, and have not had any issues with the progression. I have not had weird NC winners, I have not had freshman come in in the high 80's or low 90's. It plays better than last year gameplay wise, and the dynasty is fine.