I Love NCAA11

[jayishere]

I know that isn't the popular stance at this point, but this game is light years ahead of any other NCAA product that EA has put out to the public on the next-gen consoles. I find myself doing stuff in this game I used to simulate, and I just can't get enough, let me explain.

Gameplay
This alone is enough to make me continue to pick up NCAA for months. The run game works as it should, it's tough as nails against the top defenses (I ran for 33 yards on 17 carries against UNC with ECU), and you can run all day on the weak defenses (I ran for 197 yards on 24 carries, with a 61 yard TD as ECU against Tulane). The passing game isn't as easy as in years past, but is still to the point that if you run the right plays, read the right coverage, you can shred a defense.

The big change here, for me at least, is on defense. I actually want to play it! The past two seasons I would just super-sim defense because the offense would do the same exact things over and over. That's not the case anymore! I've played four games with ECU (2-2), I've faced three different offenses (No Huddle, One Back, Pro) but all four teams played differently. This makes defense a joy to play, not a tedious endeavor.

Recruiting
Recruiting is amazing. I love it. I used to just assign the minutes and let the CPU do the talking, not anymore. Recruiting against other teams, the point system, I love it all. The only thing that would be nice is computer teams recruiting a bit smarter, but I honestly don't care. It's the best recruitment I've seen in game, period.

Presentation
This area has some downs from previous years, but in general improves on everything. The custom intros, the ESPN overlays...I love them. I wish uniforms showed wear and tear (I bet money it's going to be in the patch) and the loss of player of the game (not a big deal) are a shame, but in general it's much improved.

Progression
The speed of progression is fine. I said it. The thing that is awful is the weird attribute levels for key stats like awareness just to name one. But this will be fixed. If awareness is brought to a higher level, recruits will come in 1-4 overall higher, which is still great. I don't want to see 50 95-99 rated players. I'll take top teams have 1-2 90's on their roster any day.


You can bash me if you wish, but I truely believe NCAA11 is by far the best NCAA game I have ever laid my hands on, and I've been playing since the PS1 days.

[Mack Attack 11]

Quote: Originally Posted by jayishere

Presentation I wish uniforms showed wear and tear (I bet money it's going to be in the patch)

EA blogged yesterday that this will be fixed in August.

You hit progression right on the head. It is not the problem. The problem is recuit base stats. I am afraid they are going to mess with progression and we will be back to easily taking a team from 2 stars to National Champ in 2 years. I don't want this. It should at least take me 5+ years to do it if I nail everything just right. People are just b*tchin because it is not as easy as before and they don't want to work at it. Just part of our instant gratification society that we developed. Damn kids

[jayishere]

This is the first year where the challenge has been more rewarding then the instant gratification. I love the fact I'm 2-2. Heck I know I'm going to run over the CUSA, but I dont have any business beating VA Tech(27-17L) or UNC(28-14L) with ECU.

I love this game.

[SECElit3]

Quote: Originally Posted by jayishere

This is the first year where the challenge has been more rewarding then the instant gratification. I love the fact I'm 2-2. Heck I know I'm going to run over the CUSA, but I dont have any business beating VA Tech(27-17L) or UNC(28-14L) with ECU. I love this game.

As well you should. It is a great game!

[speedkills]

I agree. This game was flying under the radar for me as I was expecting just another yearly roster update with maybe a new gimmick being promoted that would fail to live up to the hype. Not the case at all. It's the best football game ever as far as I'm concerned.

Kudos to the Tiburon team.

[TDTGodfather]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mack Attack 11

You hit progression right on the head. It is not the problem.

i think it's a little of both but base stats are way too low especially AWR.

but i agree with OP, i love this game.

[Nextel Husker]

I really like it too. Gameplay is excellent. I realize there could be some issues with recruiting progression if it dilutes the talent 4 years down the road for top teams like Texas, Florida, etc...

My biggest issue is the freezing. I have to restart about 25% of my offline dynasty games.

[jayishere]

but to me, as long as everyone is diluted, the game still has the same value, just with lower ratings.