Pre-Patch Gameplay

[bluesman461]

After reading the thread about post-patch visual issues I thought I'd try it out. I was just expecting to see some visual differences but was pretty amazed at how differently the game actually played.

Psychic Linebackers

I've played 5 games since taking out the patch and the passing game was immediately more effective. There were far less passes batted down from linebackers out of position to make a play. This was the case in both games vs. the cpu and another user. Overall it was easier to make all throws to all parts of the field. The game still felt pretty defensive, but the fear of linebackers intercepting balls they had no business being able to play on was certainly gone.

Diving Catches

I remember seeing a lot more of these in the demo than what I have seen in the retail release. After taking out the patch I saw 5 of them in 5 games which is 4 more than I saw in about 20 games "post patch."

If I have to choose between a game too offensive or too defensive, I'll take the defensive side. However, at default the passing game is hindered by linebackers swatting and intercepting too many balls that they are not in position to. This pre-patch gameplay may turn out to be too easy to move the ball, it's just odd that there was such a huge difference. I recommend anyone that has had issues with the passing game to try it out.

Obviously playing like this will eliminate online modes, so don't bother if you are involved in that portion of the game. Since this was a release day patch, most player will have never even experienced this..or seen the sparkling tOSU helmets.

[Redacted01]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

I'm very tempted as there is no need for online at the moment with roster problems. What's the process? I'd like not to lose my profile and such, though I guess it isn't a big deal since I have not done anything substantial outside of slider tests.

[bluesman461]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Well I did it on XB360. Just go to Console setting > Memory > hit Y and clear cache. It didn't erase my dynasty or roster files. Just make sure not to accept the patch when you boot it up again.

[bkrich83]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

I'm very tempted as there is no need for online at the moment with roster problems. What's the process? I'd like not to lose my profile and such, though I guess it isn't a big deal since I have not done anything substantial outside of slider tests.

If you do this can you post your observations?

[bluesman461]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

SECElite mentioned some of his observations in the pre-patch visuals thread. I think he exaggerated the visuals some (the sparkling helmets and lights def. look nice...but not 100x better), but he did mention the gameplay differences.

[Redacted01]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Let me finish up my current test dynasty season and then I'll see if I can get rid of it. I won't get to any testing until tomorrow, but I can try it.

I'll make sure to see OSU in the sun first since that is a guaranteed metallic helmet.

[Redacted01]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Ok, so I saw this in the roster glitch thread and didn't think anything of it, but damn...

First game without patch, opponent wins toss and picks to receive.

Winner winner chicken dinner. No real difference during the daylight; the sun has a lot of glare period, but it's a delight at night... ok, enough with the rhymes. With patch, OSU's helmets are reflective, like pale mirrors. Without the patch, they are more glittery, there is no real reflection, which makes since. There is a shininess to them in the stadium lights. It looks kinda fake, but it is a visual aspect that is not there after the patch. Is this worth crying over? Not so far. I'll get to gameplay tomorrow.

[bluesman461]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

After a couple of more games on Heisman, 8 minute quarters, default sliders:

It's unmistakable, the linebackers are definitely toned down. Not nearly the amount of swatted balls. The passing game is effective (maybe too effective after some practice) but you are still punished with INT's for poor choices..which is good. The main key here, is that you are allowed to pass over a linebacker to a receiver 20 yards down the field without worrying about him leaping out of his shoes to knock it down or catch. They still knock down the balls that they should have a play on, it just feels better.

I did notice the CPU run game wasn't as effective as it was before. This was actually noted as a fix in the patch notes. I'll play a few more before I try any sliders to make up for it.

I've also noticed that since I'm having to play offline, the menu's and interface seems to run better than normal. I think this has more to do with it not connecting to the tickers and the espn radio stuff that is implemented. I'd like someone else that is trying this to comment to see if they noticed the same. I especially noticed it in the dynasty menu's and recruiting interface.

[TheMove4]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Shows you how EA lies about there patches and make stuff up. Pre patch is so much better. Very good news because you can always go back and get that gameplay.

[TheMove4]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Pre patch is normal for passing game. Guess what teams move the ball and score in football. Especially in college.

[Giants4Natic]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Pre patch this game was to easy because you could pass all day and CPU was non existent. I sm not choosing for easy picking for my offense over having a better CPU. Patch stays for me.

[Jistic]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

I did this yesterday since I was off. Played 3 games....tried my hardest to notice a difference in ANYTHING but didn't. Lighting looked the same, gameplay was the same, 10' vertical leap by linebackers still there.

At first I was like hmmmm feels different it must be true! lol but the placebo wears off after a few games you realize it's no better in those areas.

I guess there's a difference if you want there to be one.

[Redacted01]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Pre patch this game was to easy because you could pass all day and CPU was non existent. I sm not choosing for easy picking for my offense over having a better CPU. Patch stays for me.

Sliders...

I did this yesterday since I was off. Played 3 games....tried my hardest to notice a difference in ANYTHING but didn't. Lighting looked the same, gameplay was the same, 10' vertical leap by linebackers still there.

At first I was like hmmmm feels different it must be true! lol but the placebo wears off after a few games you realize it's no better in those areas.

I guess there's a difference if you want there to be one.

It's not a placebo. I actually picked OSU, played day and night, looked at different cameras in replay. Deleted the patch, did the same thing. The difference is obvious if you look for it. We're not talking like massive visual overhaul without the patch, but it sounds like that is what you are looking for. It's just little details. I was hoping I'd get lucky and see some improvements on TB fields, but no luck there :/

[Rexis]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Ok so I just tried logging into EA Sports to download some schools for the first time since I bought the game and I was prompted to download the patch (or else I can't log on).

My question is, can I delete the patch because I was loving the game pre-patch (haven't played post patch) and I'm scared to run into the problems listed in this thread.

Thanks!

[SECElit3]

Re: Pre-Patch Gameplay

Pre-Patch game play is definitely better. As a slider guy, I spent numerous hours over the last week testing settings and analyzing little specific details within the game play. Wednesday night, for the first time in years, I threw my controller into the air and told myself I was calling it quits. I was absolutely beyond frustrated.

Then yesterday, I started reading up on the roster glitch and immediately recognized what other people were saying and how it affected the game. What people don't realize is how much of role player tendencies play this year. Tendencies give the teams personalities so to speak. If the tendencies are reversed,my knowledge about that team and what I would expect them them in a real life setting, and how the game mimics that personality would be useless.

Now I know that has nothing to do with the patch and more to do with the roster issue, but I think the roster issue combined with some of the issues the patch caused, made for a very frustrating post patch experience.

My observations Pre- Patch: NSRob's Heisman Sliders

Visuals are better, particularly the lighting effects and shadowing. To see this you have to go no further than the stadium lighting and helmet reflections. Post patch- that lighting is toned down. There is very little reflection on the helmets and all of the artwork looks flat and drab.

Defense plays much tighter, and seems to contain the run much better.

AI running seems outstanding. The runningbacks hit the holes and see the field extremely well. Playaction works and the option is deadly.

I have never been a fan of patches for any game, especially EA games, because they usually cause problems with the existing code. The game plays exceptional at default with no patch and default rosters. I guess we will just have to wait to see what this next patch brings.