NCAA 07 PS2/XBOX

[Bill_Abner]

To me, it's the freshness of the 360 that has me playing that version.

Speaking strictly from a gameplay PoV, I think the XBox version is a much, much better game in terms of control, realism, and specifically CPU AI. That said...I'm playing the 360 version quite a bit more ATM.

The Xbox just seems like the more refined game from top to bottom, but even though it's a marked improvement over 2005 and 2006, there is a degree of sameness to it that the 360 edition doesn't have. I think that "new" factor helps the 360 a lot.

[10spro]

My only complain on the Xbox are the loose balls while running. I have cut down on the fumbles somehow by simply trying not to break a tackle and holding down triangle when running in traffic. But it stinks that you have to not use some features of the game ( jukes, speed burst, break tackles) because if you do your RB will fumble 3-4 times per game.

[Badgun]

To me, it's the freshness of the 360 that has me playing that version.

Speaking strictly from a gameplay PoV, I think the XBox version is a much, much better game in terms of control, realism, and specifically CPU AI. That said...I'm playing the 360 version quite a bit more ATM.

The Xbox just seems like the more refined game from top to bottom, but even though it's a marked improvement over 2005 and 2006, there is a degree of sameness to it that the 360 edition doesn't have. I think that "new" factor helps the 360 a lot.

Pretty honest answer, Bill but what happens when it's not so fresh anymore? What happens when you start seeing the sacks from 3 feet away that cost you games? Or when you play your dynasty looking for something that can pass for real football, but then you see the late game AI and realize it ain't here?

I know where you're coming from...you just got a 360 and you want so much to appreciate it in all it's graphical glory...I understand that. I'd like to see you come back and post after you've had about 20-25 games under your belt and you start seeing the same problems rear their ugly head in practically every game.

[Leebo33]

I'd like to see you come back and post after you've had about 20-25 games under your belt and you start seeing the same problems rear their ugly head in practically every game.

I guess I've been pretty lucky in the 20-25 games I've played so far, but then again I really don't go out of my way to look for things either. My tolerance threshold is pretty high. For instance, I've seen the poor collision detection on sacks but I think it has only really bothered me on one play when I thought a CPU defender was going to slide by my left, but sacked me and caused a fumble. If there are 4-6 sacks in every game I'd say 1 at most is affected by poor collision detection and it almost never matters except for aesthetically IMO. It is what it is. It's just not worth it to me to lose the graphics, Xbox 360 interface, and all my friends playing the game. A "gamekiller" to me is something like the "giveaway glitch", lack of gameplay balance, or money plays. I haven't seen any of that in NCAA 07.

I believe others when they say there is bad AI, but I've never seen anything close to a gamekiller or that I wouldn't consider "real football." I'd actually consider that AI to be above average. Now that I've got sliders I'm really happy with, my biggest problems with the 360 by far are the numerous interceptions and lack of CPU missed FGs.

[hellbent]

Having played the 360 version from launch till last week, I'm done with it. Too much easy running with the QB to pick up first downs for my tastes. It was great for the past 2 months, and I am totally looking forward to it next year, so don't think that I am slagging the 360 version by any means. It's just that the last-gen version is SO DAMN GOOD this year.

After getting quite a few games under my belt on All American difficulty with CPU-favored sliders, I'm just amazed at how well this game plays this season. The AI is the best I've seen in NCAA. The CPU will actually run the ball down your throat in this game - had one drive TX A&M put together last night where they ran it 10 straight times. There wasn't a run longer than 8 yards, but they didn't let up. That's probably been my biggest issue with NCAA over the years - the CPU is always too pass happy and abandons the run way too fast.

The momentum meter seems better implemented by far than in the 360 version, turning on key plays in the game as well as the usual turnovers and scores.

The QB accuracy slider does work like a charm in this version - some slight tweaking, and both the CPU and I throw more incompletions from bad throws than tipped passes or BS drops - by like a 5 to 1 ratio! That's never happened, and is a welcome addition. No more crazy drops or "jetpacking" by defensive backs and linebackers.

The only really annoying thing thus far is the "jump the snap" feature. In NCAA 07 on the 360, I think it is pretty well-implemented. If you do guess the snap count, not only is it harder to pull off on the 360, but the CPU actually does hard counts to try to draw you offsides, thus providing some risk to go with the reward. On the last-gen version, you can jump the snap pretty easily on most plays, and the CPU RARELY changes their cadence, resulting in pressure on the QB or plays blown up in the backfield.

I've been working on sliders to try to fix the jump the snap issues, but haven't had much luck finding a happy medium. I might have to stop using that "feature" altogether.

If anyone has had some good experiences with their sliders for this game, please do post 'em. I'm hoping to start a Dynasty pretty soon after getting to the last-gen NCAA party a little late.

[Bill_Abner]

Welcome to the NCAA 07 Xbox club, hellbent.

Member dues are due the 15th of each month.