The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

[HamTonks]

I'm prepared to endure the flames of a thousand suns by posting this topic, but I believe there should be an updated checklist of all of the things "wrong" with NCAA -- possibly in order of priority (i.e. Realistic Physics vs. Colored Cleats). Things that people say need to be fixed or tweaked -- perhaps I believe that this single thread will catch the attention of EA Devs over the months that proceed.

This forum is a place where we can discuss the great and cringe-worthy aspects of the one thing we are certain we all have in common: NCAA Football. So, I invite everyone (in a sane and organized manner) to submit their biggest beef with the NCAA series -- problems that have yet to be fixed (and hopefully problems that can be crossed off of the list come July 14).

I, first and foremost, invite posters like Moostache and Moderators and Admins to contribute (hell, even EA Devs).

Topics like realistic, physical momentum, camera-angles -- anything big or petty. Discussing features is even a good idea, though it's probably best to focus on fundamentals. I'm not seeking to do EA's job -- just provide helpful feedback so that, in due time, everyone will be happy (though, there will always be something for someone to complain about).

I realize the "Wishlist" thread is similar, but I feel that this is an overall, more encompassing endeavor. Hope I don't step on any toes!

THE LIST (Not Yet Prioritized):

Last updated 6/18

Popular Topics:

Gameplay (Generally Speaking):
- User-Defined Camera Angles (FOR ALL MODES)
- Momentum (Player Movement Under User-Control -- Realistic Physical Momentum, Weight and Acceleration) -- The ability to change direction without loss of speed or losing an assignment ruins the strategy aspect of this game
- Formation Subs
- Fluid Player Animations (Running)
- Allow Roster Editing Online, Prior to Release

In-Game/On the Field/Player-Specific:
- Get Rid of "Suction" Blocking
- Effective Zone Blocking
- Combo Blocks
- Cut Blocks
- FB Should Effectively Block
- Fix OL AI for Screen Passes
- QB Pocket Play (QB Needs More Negative Consequences for Fleeing the Pocket)
- Better Framework for Realistic Defenses (No One Should Be Able to Run a Dime Defense Against Power I, etc.)
- Formation Subs
- OL/DL Needs Proper Blocking Interaction
- OL Schemes Need to Be Tweaked (Stop the Head-on Blocking Scheme)
- Correct Line Splits for the OL
- In-Game Saves
- Players Should Have the Tendencies of Their Real-Life Counterparts
- Option to Spread OL (a la Mike Leach and T.Tech)
- Improved AI (Plays as the Real Team Would)
- Realistic Injury Occurrences (a Realistic Number of Injuries per Game)
- Instant Replays: First Down Marker Needed
- User-Defined Game Start Times (For Home Games Only)
- DL Audibles: DL Audible Shouldn't Affect D-Linemen Falling Into Zone
- Tweaking/Fixing Player Cycling
- Make Running Inside and Outside Equally Balanced (Interior Running is Nearly Non-Existent in '09 -- Interior Defense ALWAYS Gets Off the Block to Make the Tackle -- Edge Defenders Don't)
- 85-Man Rosters
- Completely Dynamic Weather Interaction (Bodies in Mud, Snow, etc.)

Plays/Play Editing (This Issue Will Likely Only Work for Offline Play):
- Play Editor/Playmaker (Perhaps an Online Feature as with TeamBuilder)
- Custom Playbooks
- Fixing Broken Offensive and Defensive Plays (QB Choice, Option Plays -- Linemen Get In the Way -- DBs Switch Sides of the Field After Ball is Snapped and are in Zone)
- A True Shovel Pass Play
- Fix Shallow Crossing Routes
- More Option Routes

Dynasty Mode:
- A Realistic Top 25 (the term "realistic" is debatable)
- Recruiting (Needs elaboration, details, suggestions)
- Add Juniors, Less Amazing Recruits
- Accurate CPU Recruiting (Needed Positions, etc.)
- Spring Game
- Playoff Option
- Heisman/Award Presentation
- Realistic Improvements if Practice Mode is Used
- The Ability to Redshirt if a True Freshman is Injured

Campus Legend/Road to Glory:
- Bring Back Option to Move to NFL Draft or Become a Coach
- Spring Game
- Heisman/Award Presentation

Superficial/Cosmetics/Extras:
- Win Celebrations (Big Games, Big Plays)
- TD Celebrations (Realistic, More Subtle)
- Player Appearance/Diveristy of Players/New Player Models
- Capturing the Essence of Gameday/Team Entrances
- Halftime/Postgame Reports (a la NFL 2K5)
- Injury Reports
- Coaches/Staff on the Sidelines
- Realistic Cheerleaders
- Chain Gangs
- Referees
- Players/Field Show Realistic Wear-and-Tear Throughout a Game (No More Plastic Players)
- Having More Uniform Variations
- Stadium Details for 120 stadiums
- Dreadlocks
- Handtowels
- Other Equipment Additions/Modifications
- Menus (FOR ALL MODES)
- Army All-American Game or Under Armour Game for Incoming Recruits
- Handwarming Pouches
- True, Custom Stadiums
- Realistic Stadium Environment (Loud Crowds, Accurate Chants)

Mode Suggestions/Other
- Athletic Director Mode
- FCS Dynasty/Season Mode
- Senior Bowl
- iPhone Application (Editing Depth Charts, Recruiting, etc.)



I realize a lot of these concepts are easier said than done, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Try to elaborate on your suggestions if they are too vague. Saying that "the AI sucks" isn't going to be helpful. To anyone.

[boisejames]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

After clicking the title I was prepared to post, "In before the lock" but after reading you post, I think this thread should stay...

One of many things I would really like... A realistic top 25 throughout Dynasty Mode... I'm sick of mid majors playing for the national championship... haha I know ME complaining about that...

I know that's not focusing on fundamentals but I wanted to post something that hasn't really been brought up a lot before because we all know there will be the "same olds" that will get this thread locked... Like I said though, one of many...

[I Peench]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

After clicking the title I was prepared to post, "In before the lock" but after reading you post, I think this thread should stay...

What is it with you people and your need to write "in before the lock" when you feel a thread should be closed? Its obnoxious. You make it sound as if you just banged the hottest girl on earth minutes (or for you should I say seconds?) before she took a lifelong vow of celibacy.

[moylan1234]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

I'll check back in on this thread July 15th when I may have something to contribute. until then to me it's pretty pointless

[boisejames]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

What is it with you people and your need to write "in before the lock" when you feel a thread should be closed? Its obnoxious. You make it sound as if you just banged the hottest girl on earth minutes (or for you should I say seconds?) before she took a lifelong vow of celibacy.

Actually I have never posted that but I think people post that when they think the mods won't like it and close it not because they think it should be closed.

[Tarheel]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
....and finally Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay

[boisejames]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay
....and finally Give us the replay camera angles during gameplay

Which ones exactly? I can only seem to think a couple of them would work. Most would get to confusing controlling the direction you're trying to go.

[Tarheel]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

Which ones exactly? I can only seem to think a couple of them would work. Most would get to confusing controlling the direction you're trying to go.

I would prefer the pressbox wide. This is a sore spot for so many gamers. Ian even took a poll....albeit he hasn't even addressed the results from the poll.

[TJdaSportsGuy]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

What is it with you people and your need to write "in before the lock" when you feel a thread should be closed? Its obnoxious. You make it sound as if you just banged the hottest girl on earth minutes (or for you should I say seconds?) before she took a lifelong vow of celibacy.

Please leave the moderating to the moderators. Thank you.

[jbdeuce]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

A better celebration when you when conference championships, bowl games, and the National Championship is a good start for me.

[heavy_hitter]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

Better Gameplay
Better Playbooks
Plays that actually work
OL/DL needs proper blocking interaction.
OL Schemes need to work (stop the head on blocking schemes)
Better framework for defenses. No One should be able to run a Dime defense against a Power I offense and stop them.
Get rid of Suction Blocking
Better Physics to gameplay.
Custom Playbooks
Play Editor
Formation Subs

[countryboy]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

I'm guessing the OP is going to update this after the release of the game?

[Moostache]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

1) Physics of player movement under user-control...momentum, weight and acceleration are all completely broken year after year. The ability to change direction without stumbles, loss of speed or losing their assignments creates supermen that ruin the strategy aspects of the game too frequently...

2) QB pocket play...even if the DE and OT have new animations to give the illusion of a pass pocket, it is still compromised until the QB suffers more negative consequences for fleeing the pocket on designed pocket passes.

I posted extensively on these issues elsewhere, but until these fundamentals (and a few more like footwork of LBs in coverage to the flats and flight of the ball on passes and option pitches) are corrected, all the "new" features or modes in the world can't make the gameplay any differently or anything closer to more realistic.

Good luck with this...hopefully it generates enough heat to draw attention to the issues that need to be fixed.

[bigjake62505]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

I am not going to post about the gameplay or other issues that have already been posted thousands of time's. I realize that those are things that are most important. I would like to see some things that would make the dynasty mode more in depth. Most of my ideas involve customization/celebrations. The current trophy room is cool but it feels disconnected from the game. I would like to see better celebrations after big games, bowl games, and the biggest one should be the national championship game. Also I would like to see the ability to add championship banners/text to the stadium that can be seen when playing games in my dynasty. The dynasty is 30 years long, in most cases specifically when you are playing with smaller schools, If you are successful your team will add on to a stadium, add bigger video screens and other things that happen to schools when they are successful. The team builder feature is something that could be expanded to include the option to create new uniforms for existing schools that you are using in your dynasty. There are so many other ideas that could be mentioned but I am out of typing juice.

[utahman19]

Re: The Missing Pieces: An Updated Checklist

Real. Zone. Blocking. Double-teams, combo blocks, cut blocks, etc. Fix the OL AI for screen passes. Oh, and this is a pancake:



What happens in the game is a knockdown, not a pancake.

Football games are won and lost in the trenches, but the gameplay on the lines has been horrible, I don't think even what Madden has released so far will fix it.

And if the game engine is broken and CAN'T do these things, just tell us.