NCAA '09 impressions

bulls23 · Post by **bulls23** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 12:01 am

JackDog wrote:
Inuyasha wrote:
JackDog wrote:I bought the PS2 version of this years game and it really plays a great game of football. The defense works. I am playing it on my PS3 and the graphics aren't to bad at all. I am all about gameplay and so far that hasen't been to shabby. I am pleased.

Do they still have Create a School in the ps2 version? And if so, has it changed or been enhanced since 2003?
I don't see it man. Sorry.

Create A School IS IN THE PS2 VERSION...On Main Screen under Game Features. ..never used it so don't know how different it is.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:55 pm

I had a game in my Pitt dynasty last night against Notre Dame where I was down 17-14 at the half on a 57 yard field goal by the Irish that would have probably made it from 70 yards, then the second half was just totally insane with neither team able to play any defense at all and I end up winning 63-53 and this was with 5 minute quarters. I'm seeing two or three fake punts from the cpu every game which is freaking ridiculous.

I'm only going to play out a few seasons to get draft classes for Madden and mess around with the Campus legend part of the game and then trade this in once Madden comes out. Game has really disappointed me this year.

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:22 pm

I took San Diego State through to the Rose Bowl on the 6min quarter AA defaults in one of my dynasties, and ended up playing USC. USC was 15 points petter as a team in every area, and I had to play the game of my life just to be competitive. I couldn't go man to man much because they'd obliterate me, and had to mix up the zones I used, because I'd just get picked apart. After I nabbed an interception, got a couple of stops, and a punt return to the 30, I led 10-3 at the half...despite managing just 24 yards of offense. USC was bigger, stronger, and faster than everybody I had on the field.

Then all hell broke loose. I fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half, threw two consecutive picks, and was down 24-10 before I could blink.

I switched to a mixture of man to man with cover 1 to take away the middle crap and managed to keep them out of the end zone the rest of the way. I put in my backup QB who didn't seem to be as rattled, and he threw lasers the rest of the way to at least make it a respectable 24-17 loss.

But when I give up two turnovers in my end of the field and manage to contain USC's offense to about 280 yards and avoid them from blowing me out of the building, it's a small victory. I still have yet to see these games where it's "unstoppable, up and down the field" stuff where neither team can be stopped, and I've completed 2 full seasons now. The game has its warts, to be sure, mostly to do with kick and punt coverage and strange AI pursuit angles (as well as turnovers being taken back to the house too much, which was the only reason I managed a TD in the first half against USC), but I'm very, very glad I don't rely on word of mouth and other peoples' impressions to make my decision for me with this one. I've had an absolute blast and can't think of the last time I had as much fun with a football game.

I was talking with a buddy during our dynasty game the other night. For some reason, when I see a movie, I don't go home and go "man they made this scene change and the ashtray wasn't there anymore", or constantly pick apart everything that I can, all in the name of being a critic. I'm not sure where exactly in the timeline that changed when it comes to video games, but it's a hell of a bummer. The day I start being more pissed than I am happy when I play games overall is the day I will probably move on.

jcalvert · Post by **jcalvert** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:36 pm

vader29 wrote:I'm seeing two or three fake punts from the cpu every game which is freaking ridiculous.

I have yet to see a fake punt. I also am not seeing any fumbles, or really long field goals (only 1 CPU of 50+ yards). I am seeing insanely high pass completion percentages in the range of 75%. I did play one game last night against La Tech in the rain and medium wind; CPU only managed to complete 50% of their passes.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:37 pm

I've experience both of what the last 2 posters have.

I had a game which went up and down like vader which I posted about earlier. But I have not had a game like in the last 7-8 games.

I also had a game like Tcrouch posted against USC which I also posted about. I held firm in the first half but then threw picks and they blew me away in the 2nd half like their real life counterparts would have.

Right now I am experiencing good games, but I know lurking out there somewhere on the horizon will be that unstoppable offensive game. But the 7:1 Good game vs Bad game ratio for me is worth keeping the game.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:40 pm

I admit that I cheat a little on defense occasionally as well. For some weird reason that probably has to do with the AI programming, if you pull a defensive lineman back into coverage, the remaining linemen get a better rush and even sacks. And I am not talking about coverage sacks. Moving D linemen is cheesy, but against the AI, I occasionally will do it to change things up.

I am getting some very fun games. While I am disappointed in the unfinished quality of this game, it is still a lot more fun that last years version.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:51 pm

I'm right there with you Terry. I've been playing as either Vandy (since that's who I'm using in Danimal's online dynasty) or Illinois and have had nothing but fun games. After disguising the poor kick return coverage, I wish I could say fix but the dumb ai is still there and lengthening the kickoffs only makes it harder to expoit, I am not seeing anything out of the ordinary with this game. I'm playing on AA and all I've done to the sliders is up the kickoff distance to 65 and for offense I lowered QB precision to 45, raised run blocking to 60, running back ability to 65, and lowered WR catches to 40. (There you go Jack, just caught your request today

).

Something happened to me and sports games over the past 2 years. I am enjoying them more now than ever. I owe my rejuvenation in the hobby to my daughter who taught me how to have fun with games again just by seeing her joy when playing a classic like Zelda or Super Mario Bros. Seeing how fun gaming can be by playing Lego Indiana Jones with her on the Wii. It's not a perfect game but playing it with her is fun as hell and it's a game I never would have looked at if it wasn't for her. She's made me realize why I started playing games in the first place, to have fun. Now that I pick up a sports game looking to have fun I'm actuall having fun. I'm no longer looking at stats, endlessly tweaking sliders, or looking for unrealistic stuff and it has renewed my passion in the hobby. Now I'll play a game and if I feel there's something that needs to change a little to enjoy it better I'll tweak the slider for it.

I also came to the realization that if I continued looking for the flawless sports videogame I'd be disappointed every time. I actually accept that there will never be a flawless sports videogame and it is like a big burden has been lifted from my shoulders. So a big thank you to my five-year-old daughter for taking away my tunnel vision and re-opening my mind when it comes to sports videogames. Now the first thing I look for in a sports videogame is whether or not I'm having fun.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 6:58 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:I'm right there with you Terry. I've been playing as either Vandy (since that's who I'm using in Danimal's online dynasty) or Illinois and have had nothing but fun games. After disguising the poor kick return coverage, I wish I could say fix but the dumb ai is still there and lengthening the kickoffs only makes it harder to expoit, I am not seeing anything out of the ordinary with this game. I'm playing on AA and all I've done to the sliders is up the kickoff distance to 65 and for offense I lowered QB precision to 45, raised run blocking to 60, running back ability to 65, and lowered WR catches to 40. (There you go Jack, just caught your request today ).

Something happened to me and sports games over the past 2 years. I am enjoying them more now than ever. I owe my rejuvenation in the hobby to my daughter who taught me how to have fun with games again just by seeing her joy when playing a classic like Zelda or Super Mario Bros. Seeing how fun gaming can be by playing Lego Indiana Jones with her on the Wii. It's not a perfect game but playing it with her is fun as hell and it's a game I never would have looked at if it wasn't for her. She's made me realize why I started playing games in the first place, to have fun. Now that I pick up a sports game looking to have fun I'm actuall having fun. I'm no longer looking at stats, endlessly tweaking sliders, or looking for unrealistic stuff and it has renewed my passion in the hobby. Now I'll play a game and if I feel there's something that needs to change a little to enjoy it better I'll tweak the slider for it.

I also came to the realization that if I continued looking for the flawless sports videogame I'd be disappointed every time. I actually accept that there will never be a flawless sports videogame and it is like a big burden has been lifted from my shoulders. So a big thank you to my five-year-old daughter for taking away my tunnel vision and re-opening my mind when it comes to sports videogames. Now the first thing I look for in a sports videogame is whether or not I'm having fun.

Yes I agree about ncaa. I made a few slider adjustments, very slight ones, and my games have been excellent. I hate sliders and my adjustments aren't those you'd see in a slider thread, but they work.

As for having fun w/ games, you're right. I think overanalying games has come w/ the age of the internet and blogs. Not to offend anyone, and just using him as an example, but guys like Bill Abner I think have ruined gaming for some. I don't know the guy, I'm sure he's a great person and everything, but from what I've heard, his job is basically to play games all day long. If I had the time to sit on my ass all day and play games 24/7 then yes, I would overanalyze the hell out of games probably and nitpick from every little thing and nothing would be perfect for me. It would take all the fun out of gaming. Not sure if abner likes ncaa or not since I have not viewed his blog for years, but I think analysis of that hurts more than helps.

Also, the coming of the wii I think has really put the fun back in gaming. Look at the wii games, they're all about user interactiveness. The graphics suck, the sound sucks, but it doesn't matter because they're fun to play!

If I had to give advice to someone who wants to buy a next gen videogame system, I would tell them to buy a Wii. Even cheapo's like PK could probably afford the wii.

NCAA has flaws, and I have a feeling that EA really doesn't care for the product. They got the exclusive license and just put the game out there to say they're using it. But in reality, I'm sure if they didnt have to put out ncaa they wouldn't since why put out 2 football games within a months time when their hot ticket is madden. Why give madden a internal competitor? We'll see how this patch does, but so far I like the game.

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:09 pm

Yup,

Gotta agree that despite the flaws the game is a lot of fun. Playing a Michigan dynasty and just got blown out by Penn State due to my habit of throwing the ball to the defense.

I'm not sure if I had a greater tolerance for flaws back in the old days or whether I just didn't notice a lot of things. Before Sports Reviewers and Digital Sportspage I didn't pay as much attention to what people really versed in a particular genre were writing about a game. Back when I visited the Cserve forums Front Page Sports Football generated alot of comment and criticism but I didn't really pay much attention to the more technical aspects of the critiquing that those really knowledgable about Football were making.

Thing about this forum and Operation Sports is that it is really interesting reading and participating in the discussions. Lots of really good guys who know a heck of a lot about both sports and videogaming, which many of have been doing for a donkey's age.

Best wishes,

Doug

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:15 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:I also came to the realization that if I continued looking for the flawless sports videogame I'd be disappointed every time. I actually accept that there will never be a flawless sports videogame and it is like a big burden has been lifted from my shoulders.

I never expect perfection, but what I do expect out of myself, my kids, my direct reports at work, activities that I spend my valuable free time on, etc are things like effort, passion, attention to detail, and improvement. I'm much more patient with a series like MLB on PS2/PS3 that improves each year or a series like NBA 2K that improves over the long haul even if it took steps backwards at times. NHL and NASCAR are improving, but EA has fooled me before (I thought NBA Live 2003 was a step in the right direction and then they did a 180). NCAA Football is pretty close.

As far as videogames I think it is perfectly fine to expect them to be good or even great. If things aren't great I think it is fine to tell people, especially on a sports gaming site, what is wrong with it. And it's perfectly fine to say everything is great as well. I don't have time to play games that don't reach my expectations, which I don't feel are ever unreasonable. I can be disappointed in a part of a game and still have fun just like I can be disappointed that the Steelers didn't win the Super Bowl while still enjoying last season. EA on the NCAA website says they offer an authentic college football experience. A game like Mario doesn't claim to offer a realistic experience, but trust me when I say I'd be p*ssed if the turtles would take poor angles and easily let me on my merry way without a challenge. I will never lower my standards because it is such a GREAT high when a videogame nails it like The Show, OOTP9, NBA 2K, some versions of PES, NHL 08, etc. I'm not going to dilute that high by accepting mediocrity in the name of "fun."

Back to NCAA...

One of the things that has helped me *not* bring back every punt return at least 25 yards is to pick the double return play. I have found that to be a great compromise because you don't get much blocking. I also jacked up the KO length like everyone else and through the equivalent of one season's worth of games have only returned one for a TD and allowed one.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:49 pm

I think another reason for the over analysis is the EA exclusive deals. I can see ppl's point here. Since EA bought everything, they are now on the clock to deliver the goods. There isn't an alternative choice. And if they don't come close to producing something that's near perfect, they'll get hell for it.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:55 pm

Special EA d***** bag moment before a half...get a first down with one second left. Keep trying to call a time out but stuck in worthless animations....Keep trying...begging...please!!!!!...nope....half ends.

With 2 time outs left I dont want a half ending cause these assholes are too f***in lazy to check a game before they ship it.

EDIT: The game ended as a win but cmon wtf!?...thats just f***in garbage.

I still like the game ...

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:58 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
ScoopBrady wrote:I also came to the realization that if I continued looking for the flawless sports videogame I'd be disappointed every time. I actually accept that there will never be a flawless sports videogame and it is like a big burden has been lifted from my shoulders.
I never expect perfection, but what I do expect out of myself, my kids, my direct reports at work, activities that I spend my valuable free time on, etc are things like effort, passion, attention to detail, and improvement. I'm much more patient with a series like MLB on PS2/PS3 that improves each year or a series like NBA 2K that improves over the long haul even if it took steps backwards at times. NHL and NASCAR are improving, but EA has fooled me before (I thought NBA Live 2003 was a step in the right direction and then they did a 180). NCAA Football is pretty close.

As far as videogames I think it is perfectly fine to expect them to be good or even great. If things aren't great I think it is fine to tell people, especially on a sports gaming site, what is wrong with it. And it's perfectly fine to say everything is great as well. I don't have time to play games that don't reach my expectations, which I don't feel are ever unreasonable. I can be disappointed in a part of a game and still have fun just like I can be disappointed that the Steelers didn't win the Super Bowl while still enjoying last season. EA on the NCAA website says they offer an authentic college football experience. A game like Mario doesn't claim to offer a realistic experience, but trust me when I say I'd be p*ssed if the turtles would take poor angles and easily let me on my merry way without a challenge. I will never lower my standards because it is such a GREAT high when a videogame nails it like The Show, OOTP9, NBA 2K, some versions of PES, NHL 08, etc. I'm not going to dilute that high by accepting mediocrity in the name of "fun."

Back to NCAA...

One of the things that has helped me *not* bring back every punt return at least 25 yards is to pick the double return play. I have found that to be a great compromise because you don't get much blocking. I also jacked up the KO length like everyone else and through the equivalent of one season's worth of games have only returned one for a TD and allowed one.

Well gee, when you say it like that you make me feel like I'm stupid or something. I don't feel as if I've lowered my standards at all. I feel as if I've reprioritized what I'm looking for. Like you I also expect effort, attention to detail, and improvement but I've added good old-fashioned fun to the equation. It's one of the reason's I really disliked NHL 2k8. While it may provide a more sim-like hockey experience the awful controls, lack of penalties, and ridiculous checking sucked all the fun out of it for me. Also, like you, my time is too precious to waste on games I don't enjoy. The only thing I've seen in NCAA that sucks the fun out of the game is the kickoff coverage. I haven't seen a single scoring error, guy run out of bounds prematurely, funky AI problem, or teams disappearing. I've been able to neutralize the kickoff coverage and as a result I'm having a to of fun with the game.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:04 pm

Looks like they have a 15 people dedicated to finding out the Online Dynasty Issues and solving them. Not going to be an easy task i gather because they are working fine on their test servers apparently.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:07 pm

TCrouch wrote:For some reason, when I see a movie, I don't go home and go "man they made this scene change and the ashtray wasn't there anymore", or constantly pick apart everything that I can, all in the name of being a critic.

That's why I like it here. You won't find that kind of nitpicking. With NCAA it's more like, "Didn't you find it odd when Morgan Freeman started playing Batman in the second half of the movie and why does he always drive the Batmobile in reverse?" or "the ticket I bought in advance online doesn't work."

I agree about the abundance of defensive TDs. I really really like the game but have two choices at this point...enter slider hell or develop a house rule on interceptions. I don't mind it if I *earn a TD*, but most of my interceptions are "automatic." I have a defensive TD or return TD in every game so far in my Penn State season on default AA after 7 games and that doesn't count one where I had 2 in the first quarter and restarted.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:19 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:Well gee, when you say it like that you make me feel like I'm stupid or something. I don't feel as if I've lowered my standards at all. I feel as if I've reprioritized what I'm looking for. Like you I also expect effort, attention to detail, and improvement but I've added good old-fashioned fun to the equation.

Sorry, didn't mean to make you feel stupid.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:36 pm

Danimal wrote:Looks like they have a 15 people dedicated to finding out the Online Dynasty Issues and solving them. Not going to be an easy task i gather because they are working fine on their test servers apparently.

They should just stop. If they have all these groups of guys looking at rosters, sliders, online dynasty, and whatever else, there is a good chance they'll screw the whole game up.

Post by **Jared** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:52 pm

I'm admittedly part of the "overanalyzing" crowd for sports games. I think it depends on what different people consider to be fun in a game. To me, a sports game that is not in the genre of NFL Blitz, NBA Jam, etc. has to really try and capture the essence of the sport with some semblance of realism and balanced gameplay. Playing against Georgia should be a lot more difficult than playing Georgia Southern, a dime package should help against passing plays, etc.

I really think that NCAA 09 is a big improvement in player control, animations, the running and option game, removing psychic defenders, etc. All those things make the game more fun by improving game realism, bring more balance to gameplay, and make the user feel more in control. I would have LOVED the game if they incorporated these changes without anything else. But the other things (poor pursuit angles, weak pass coverage, terrible special teams, etc.) take away the illusion of watching college football. And for me, that's a big part of a sports game...when playing it, it should "feel" like the sport it's modeled after. And I don't get that for 60% of the game (passing and special teams).

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 1:54 am

You all suck. I thought this is where we are supposed to bicker about sports games.

I really like NCAA but if I could fix a minor thing or two it would be having the CPU go deep more often in a game. The problem with the short game is that you should have more effectiveness creeping close to the line and by going deep you try to expand the defense.

I'm a little worried the game is a bit easy. The passing game is too easy and there are "money-ish" plays that don't involve the WRs. FBs and TEs are too effective at getting open and actually catching the ball.

On the whole if EA Sports could release a patch "tweak" of the current gameplay, I would enjoy this game better.

The return game is just batshit crazy. The players don't even play the ball. Take a look at some of the Headcoach videos. The kicking team will converge on the ball carrier. Here they clearly programmed the players to run their route until that route is over.

bulls23 · Post by **bulls23** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:15 am

QUICK PS2 IMPRESSIONS/NOTES if anyone cares:

My XBOX 360 bit the dust with RROD two weeks ago, (it'll be back tomorrow) so I've been chillin with the PS2 version for the last week and having a blast. I'm more an NFL fan than college but I am really enjoying this game.

-PS2 version now has shrine like 360 version with ESPN greatest games, report card (that rates your performance in various categories with letter grades), saved videos (you can save replays to memory card but it takes a lot of space); buy pennants (unlock stadiums, cheats, and team boosts), team patches you can collect when you beat a team.

-Gameplay appears more wide open like the 360 version. Punts/Kicks are the only sliders I've adjusted (down, because every kickoff was going into end zone and punts were inside the 20) CPU QB will go deep if their style dictates it.

-Really like the unpredicatibility of the CPU. I've played 11 games with Indiana and seen a couple of fake punts, handoffs on kickoffs, end arounds, QBs taking off running, etc.

-Like new Supersim feature in the regular game, but it doesn't appear to be in Campus Legend mode which sucks I don't like waiting to get back on the field.

-has a couple of new Stadiums including a crude version of the Cowboys' new stadium for a bowl game (cotton bowl I think). Stadiums look great for PS2 game especially the diff kinds of turf (natural, grassy, artificial, two tone)

Create a school and all the old features are still in.

If you guys want to know anything else feel free to ask.

jcalvert · Post by **jcalvert** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 6:55 am

In general, I think the game is fun. Warts and all. Hell, I could pick out flaws in any game, it's just that some of the ones in NCAA Football are glaring. Besides, I am very passionate about college football.

This is a guess, because I am not part of the mass market, casual gamer crowd ... at least not yet. I think the focus groups (or whatever EA uses for these types of things) decided that gamers want high scoring games. Focus on offense. Focus on big plays, exciting hits, and high powered offense.

Look at the Madden tournaments as examples of offense out of control. Those games would feature higher scoring if the games featured longer quarters.

The truth is that we, the more niche sports videogame simulation fan, enjoy defense, ball control, running the option, etc. It is not what everyone else wants, so the majority rules. We can only hope that sliders allow us to adjust the game closer to our liking. Big oops this year on the sliders.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 6:59 am

bulls23 wrote:QUICK PS2 IMPRESSIONS/NOTES if anyone cares:

My XBOX 360 bit the dust with RROD two weeks ago, (it'll be back tomorrow) so I've been chillin with the PS2 version for the last week and having a blast. I'm more an NFL fan than college but I am really enjoying this game.

-PS2 version now has shrine like 360 version with ESPN greatest games, report card (that rates your performance in various categories with letter grades), saved videos (you can save replays to memory card but it takes a lot of space); buy pennants (unlock stadiums, cheats, and team boosts), team patches you can collect when you beat a team.

-Gameplay appears more wide open like the 360 version. Punts/Kicks are the only sliders I've adjusted (down, because every kickoff was going into end zone and punts were inside the 20) CPU QB will go deep if their style dictates it.

-Really like the unpredicatibility of the CPU. I've played 11 games with Indiana and seen a couple of fake punts, handoffs on kickoffs, end arounds, QBs taking off running, etc.

-Like new Supersim feature in the regular game, but it doesn't appear to be in Campus Legend mode which sucks I don't like waiting to get back on the field.

-has a couple of new Stadiums including a crude version of the Cowboys' new stadium for a bowl game (cotton bowl I think). Stadiums look great for PS2 game especially the diff kinds of turf (natural, grassy, artificial, two tone)

Create a school and all the old features are still in.

If you guys want to know anything else feel free to ask.

I am glad I got the PS2 version as well.The sliders work in this game. For me that's a huge factor. I rented a copy for the PS3 and loved the graphics. Gameplay...not so much. That was because the sliders don't work.

The PS2 version plays a damn good game of football. I toned down the kickoffs and punts as well.

I am playing with Michigan and the Utah OB went deep on me more than a few times. The computer AI connected on 2 deep passes over 50 yds for TD's. The Utah QB ran on my defense for 2 scores. It was a very good game. The AI defense held me to 24 pts on AA. I suck.

I think I'll stick with this game even if EA patches the slider issues in the PS3 game. I have put too much work into my rosters and I am having realistic football fun.

I am hoping to get the PS3 version of Madden.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:35 am

I can see why in small sample sizes people are seeing different things. I still have never seen the CPU step out of bounds when they could get more yards. I had a couple of sacks a game until I got into the meat of my schedule and now I haven't had one in 3 games. I saw 1 fake punt but in my last game Michigan faked 3 times

I saw enough fumbles in my early season, but the CPU has not fumbled in at least my 5 games (I fumble enough). I will say this...it keeps it interesting. In my game against Michigan I saw 2 missed extra points from the same kicker that hit two 55 yard FG, 3 fake punts, 1 punt return for a TD, 1 interception return for a TD, Michigan call time out right before punting in a tie game with 47 seconds left, Michigan win the coin toss and take the ball first in OT (something I've seen the CPU do every time).

Even with all the bugs I'm still going to finish my first season in July something that I've never done before me because I also like to play random games off the schedule too. Of course, if they keep pushing the release date back I may finish my season next year on Father's day.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:32 pm

The main thing that keeps me coming back for more is that I am having fun with the game. I think that for me, the fun comes out of the variety of things that can happen in a game. Last year I did not see that variety.

And for every stupid thing the AI does, there are high points where the AI burns you. I had a third and 8 against the AI where i was on defense. It was a big drive and I really needed a stop. The AI had already picked up a few first downs on the drive and I was determined to stop the pass. I played tight coverage, pulled up the safeties and even pulled a lineman back to help with short coverage. And the AI ran a draw play the caught me with my pants down. 15 yards and a first down. For me anyway, this version does the draw play right - both when I run it and when I have it run against me on defense. In past years, I would never ever try a draw play on third and anything because it would not work - maybe because i suck or maybe because of the game. But this year it is a viable option that may or may not work.

I even had an overtime game (playing as ND) where i missed a FG to win it in regulation when the AI iced me and I choked the kick. Then in OT, I iced their kicker who missed and then I completely choked a FG attempt (on a 30 yard FG when the AI did not even ice me). I still can't believe I missed a FG like that - I thought that my right stick must be broken cause that kick looked like a Charles Barkley tee shot.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:41 pm

Yeah for all it's warts the game is fun and each game feels different. It's the first time in an EA football game where I didn't go in thinking I knew how I was going to win or lose, it feels unpredictable.

I shut out Louisiana Tech in my first OD game last night 31-0. They crossed mid field twice, never got inside my 40. I created a ton of pressure on the QB with my front 4, it helps to have a star player at DE who is quick because he causes the OL to account for him and others free up. Then I pounded the ball with my HB, he is no stud and not very fast if you saw the video on the blog he gets tracked down from behind on a break away. But he pounds the ball and wears down the defense.

I played Northwestern in my IU single player dynasty, I was 5-1 coming off some big last minute wins and NW just beat the piss out of me. I couldn't stop their attack, running options, passing, they hit some long passes and I got be 31-10. I didn't throw a single pick in that game either, they just took it to me.

A patch could make this game really nice, but I'm not holding my breath on that. I have to say I was thinking last night whats sports gamer has been released with this many bugs and all that comes to mind is FPSF 99 which was recalled and shelved.