NCAA '14 expectations?

[BenGerman]

So I got curious and realized that for EA typically begins releasing info around early March (I think I saw that they even released a trailer around that time), so we aren't much further than a month away from getting info. What are everyone's expectations as to what EA will include in the game? If they meet those expectations, would be it enough for you to buy the game?

For me, I expect the following:

Physics 2.0 -- Updated tackling physics. All new ball physics and Line-play physics. DB/WR interaction goes untouched.

Coaching Carousel 2.0 -- Updates logic, hiring and firing of assistant coaches and new coach ratings.

Gameplay -- Playcallng AI is revamped (was biggest complain last year for most) and some new gameplay gimmick (something like a control stick for the ground game would be great). Special teams will get looked at as being fixed but it won't be.

Dynasty -- Recruiting remains similar, with new coach ratings playing some kind of role. Coaching schemes will play a bigger role on games and sim engine. No weekly college game day show and no playoff mode (probably will just wait for next gen for both, considering the memory they would take up).

Presentation -- More of the same with mascots, pre-game rituals, etc. Post game will get a little bit of love, and so will the in game updates. Commentary will be "enanced" but not revamped. More overlays.

RTG -- Will probably move to a more standard progression that other games use. If dynasty doesn't receive the big boost I hope it will, than RTG probably will. I also expect us to finally get custom quarter length.

Considering the updates other games have gotten this year, and the fact that no one played Heisman Mode, I expect EA to focus

[ACardAttack]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

I would kill for a playoff, but I know EA wont give us this until 15

[bwburke94]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

GAMEPLAY: Infinity engine included with a few tweaks. Most glitches (DB glitch, etc.) fixed. A few new ones added, but nothing game-breaking... we hope.

DYNASTY: Mostly similar with a few menu upgrades. Playoff possible but unlikely. Recruiting stays the same as 13. Coaching carousel gets a few tweaks to allow head coaches to leave for a better job. Since ODU plays more than five FCSes, they replace FCS opponents on a few C-USA or Sun Belt teams' schedules.

RTG: Don't care.

[XxJustAguessxX]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

Do you think they would implement the new physics 2.0 in the NCAA series before madden? Kind of weird they didn't implement into NCAA 13 but did it for madden.

[Cowboy008]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

NCAA 14 better have physics 2.0 or I don't think I will buy it.

[BenGerman]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

Do you think they would implement the new physics 2.0 in the NCAA series before madden? Kind of weird they didn't implement into NCAA 13 but did it for madden.

EA would have a hard time pitching another year of being behind Madden. Don't see it happening.

[dudo670]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

I would love to see coach ratings that affect recruiting, development, Gameday playing. For instance, Case Keenum is an average talented QB, but Sumlin is a great coach with a great system and he threw for 5000 yards and 48 TDs. Coaches mean nothing except the ability to pitch that to recruits.

They need to fix pass coverage in NCAA 14. Not many teams play press coverage all game, but if you back off the WRs your safeties go 20 yards deep. Obviously physics would help gameplay. Also the ability to design custom plays would be cool like madden on old gen consoles, but more complex.

[XxJustAguessxX]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

EA would have a hard time pitching another year of being behind Madden. Don't see it happening.

I hope your right but I can see them getting last year edition and saying that there wasn't enough space or some crazy excuse for not getting the newest edition in.

[El Capahoe]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

Lots of freezing again

[BenGerman]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

I hope your right but I can see them getting last year edition and saying that there wasn't enough space or some crazy excuse for not getting the newest edition in.

Yeah, this development team has had an odd knack of blaming memory on some of the things that end up being excluded. If memory is an issue, then don't have game modes like Heisman Challenge and Mascot Mode. That's only a valid excuse (IMO) if you have a game that already does a bunch of things right and would suffer from taking any of those things out (i.e. the show).

[XxJustAguessxX]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

Yeah, this development team has had an odd knack of blaming memory on some of the things that end up being excluded. If memory is an issue, then don't have game modes like Heisman Challenge and Mascot Mode. That's only a valid excuse (IMO) if you have a game that already does a bunch of things right and would suffer from taking any of those things out (i.e. the show).

Yeah, I use to think NCAA was better then madden now I just don't care anymore. NCAA isn't for the hardcore, I hate those game modes because I don't play them nor am I interested. Although I'm using buffeye roster and mkharsh sliders and the game plays better.

[Sundown2600]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

I'm not expecting anything

[BenGerman]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

I'm not expecting anything

That's surely the way to go Sundown. Well see how it ends up. There are two reasons I have a small amount of confidence:

1. EA has shown that the longer a generation of consoles go, the better their games become.

2. Gone are the days where it is acceptable to have anything but an attempt at a sim style game. Even my friends who play the game casually notice the game isn't up to standards. People want as close to a real life depiction as they can get.

[illwill10]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

That's surely the way to go Sundown. Well see how it ends up. There are two reasons I have a small amount of confidence:

1. EA has shown that the longer a generation of consoles go, the better their games become.

2. Gone are the days where it is acceptable to have anything but an attempt at a sim style game. Even my friends who play the game casually notice the game isn't up to standards. People want as close to a real life depiction as they can get.

I agree. I liked them, but I have traded last 2/3 games in after a few months.

I dont really get wrapped into it, like I do with sports games like NBA 2k. It has its flaws, but the game is very sim. Outside of gameplay, The atmosphere(presentation/commentary/crowd) is what keeps me coming back. NCAA atmosphere is terrible.

I bought it last few years, but I am considering on passing this year even with Infinity engine coming. For me to consider buying it, they have to:
1. Improved Atmosphere(commentary, crowd, presentation)
2. Improved OL/DL Interaction & Running Animations
3. Improved Dynasty

1. I think Likeness issues are holding NCAA back, especially when it comes to Commentary. When they cant talk about real-life events or players/coaches, there are limitations. I think they should just go all out on generics lines and just make sure that are a ton of lines.

2. I expect OL/DL Interaction to be improved since Madden is doing it this year. It is an area that has held this game back from feeling realistic. When there isnt a true pass rush threat or battles of the trenches, it really doesnt feel like football. You could recruit one star OL and easily get away with it.

3. RTG has gotten the improvements over last 2 years, while Dynasty has seen very small changes. I dont even like the improvements to RTG. I am a big player mode player, but I dont really like RTG. Dynasty should be getting the bulk of the improvements. I should play 10+ years in Dynasty and feel like the game is still fresh. Things like, Custom Recruiting Classes, Coach Grades, Chance to Import Coach into Madden, more depth features in the Dynasty should allow more replay-ability in this games.

[TarHeelPhenom]

Re: NCAA '14 expectations?

Mascot Dynasty Mode

The College Experience: NCAA's version of Connected Careers that takes away our ability to edit.

Expanded Online Dynasty: You will be able to hire 2 of your online friends to complete your coaching staff with the ability to fire them.

Updated Shoes and Socks

Revamped Momentum System: Take a freshman on the road and he get's rattled, you can hear/feel his heart beat through the controller. A new throw up animation shows your player puking on the field.