Could it be the way you call a game?

[jdrhammer]

Quote: Originally Posted by oChaos_Nine

Why do we even take into account all of these variables when trying to make this a good game? It shouldn't matter how I call the game, it shouldn't matter if I play it as realistic as possible, it shouldn't matter if I play with a DE, LB, or SS. Everyday there's a new thread up about "maybe you should try playing the game like this" and to me it's pointless. It's not our job to fix this game.

Couldn't agree more. Purple made a good post that is very sensible so I'm not jumping on anyone. It's nearly impossible to defend the middle of the field no matter what kind of zone you're in. Defensive players have sand in their shoes. Why do they have to change everything and screw up what was good each year? Defense was really good last year minus the LB's and DB's that morphed to make interceptions. I don't think it's possible to form a team with a killer D that sets the tempo for the team on 09 unless they patch it(fingers crossed). Wide open gamelpay is too "Arcadey" that everyone knew would be blown out of proportion. The ball looks like the ball on Tecmo Bowl for the Nintendo.

[zanner]

I've played since the first college football in the 90's along with Madden - and every year there is one facet of the game that annoys the **** out of me at first, but it has never made me hate the game. The roster bugs and slider screw ups are absolutely mind boggling to me how it was released with those, but as far as gameplay, I think the first poster makes a good point.

I know that punt coverage/kicking is an advantage in this year's game - I change up things to see if I can do a better job on coverage; have I found a sure way to get down the field unblockable? NO, but I don't want too. Have I improved coverage, yes. Same thing on the pass in the middle of the field - I have stopped that. I used to play with DE's in previous years' games, then I switched up to FS/SS the past two years, this year I control more Linebackers and Hot Route Defensive players ALOT more. Does it shut the passing game down? NO, but I don't want too.

It basically comes into two schools of though IMO

Sim Player - Takes the games, adjusts and plays for realistic stats

Maddennation Player - Takes the games, and only uses a handful of plays that are Gamebreaker 99 type plays.

NO 21 AI Player game is going to nail it ever. And if it did nail it, there would be a lot more bitching from video gamers because you'd have to subscribe to AFM and read every article to compete.

The fact is, this is not last year's game - So you have to change things from what you did in last year's game. That means stop the dink and dunk pass and don't rely on zone to get you pick six everytime like last year.

[jdrhammer]

Quote: Originally Posted by zanner

I've played since the first college football in the 90's along with Madden - and every year there is one facet of the game that annoys the **** out of me at first, but it has never made me hate the game. The roster bugs and slider screw ups are absolutely mind boggling to me how it was released with those, but as far as gameplay, I think the first poster makes a good point. I know that punt coverage/kicking is an advantage in this year's game - I change up things to see if I can do a better job on coverage; have I found a sure way to get down the field unblockable? NO, but I don't want too. Have I improved coverage, yes. Same thing on the pass in the middle of the field - I have stopped that. I used to play with DE's in previous years' games, then I switched up to FS/SS the past two years, this year I control more Linebackers and Hot Route Defensive players ALOT more. Does it shut the passing game down? NO, but I don't want too. It basically comes into two schools of though IMO Sim Player - Takes the games, adjusts and plays for realistic stats Maddennation Player - Takes the games, and only uses a handful of plays that are Gamebreaker 99 type plays. NO 21 AI Player game is going to nail it ever. And if it did nail it, there would be a lot more bitching from video gamers because you'd have to subscribe to AFM and read every article to compete. The fact is, this is not last year's game - So you have to change things from what you did in last year's game. That means stop the dink and dunk pass and don't rely on zone to get you pick six everytime like last year.

You're right about having to make changes. I hated how easy it was to get pick 6's last year and the DB's and LB's have been adjusted nicely. However, you don't completely abandon everything about the D. You use what works like the positioning of the players and incorporate new things, and possibly have instances of both new and old happening throughout the game. It is pretty much cut and dried what is available and what is not. There's no middle ground. The games should resemble the previous year's version to show that they know what worked and and kept it, and knew what didn't work and axed it.

[zanner]

Ya, and it could be me and just my style of play with this; last year I used tons of man to man and blitzing. It took me about 3 whippings when I got the game this year to realize it doesn't work quite the same so I went to basically zone - well I still got lit up.

Now, I do a little bit more zone, but also hit up man to man mixed in with blitzes from a lot more formations (rather than just 4-3, nickel, dime).

Also, last year I got into a habit of only picking from 2 or 3 zones, 2 or 3 man, 2 or 3 blitzes pretty much. This year, I'm having more success using defense zone/man/blitzes that I would have previously never touched. So in that aspect, for me, it adds a little twist that I enjoy. I have by no means perfected it to the point I shut them down - but I have been getting more sacks and better coverage of the flats by mixing it up a lot more than I have in past NCAA games. That's why although I do understand some of the complaints, I also think the first poster has a good point that isn't trying to point out how people should play the game; only that it can be a reason for hating, being ok with, or loving the game.