NCAA '09 impressions

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 1:55 am

Brando70 wrote:Rob, why do you hate freedom?

I love freedom. I hate the stupid s*** people choose to do with it

Oddly, I'm not one of those people who often reflects, "Hey, who am I to judge?". LMAO

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:33 am

Well now that I have a fast HB I can see why people say speed is f***ed up in this game. Guy is so fast i can run a stretch play and pretty much score 50% of the time no matter where I am on the field.

I just rushed for 315 yards on 18 carries. ugh hope the patch is worth the wait.

Thank god head coach is out soon

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:35 am

Even with sliders I don't this game is right.

I just played an exhibition with Ohio State v San Jose St. I scored 98 points. I returned 2 for TD and demolished the CPU.

The issues wasn't the score line. I was trying to break a hundred when I got over 85. It was the CPU plays pretty much the same whether I was 7 up or 80 up.

I don't know if sliders would help. Surely they neutered the CPU run game and there is no possible way you can balance that out right now because of the broken sliders. Either you kill the CPU run game or you put yours on super-fantastic-speed-burst-tackle-breaker.

I have realistic scores in dynasty mode but they just don't feel right.

My main problem is you never really need to run. The passing game is so easy that running isn't even a part of this game.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:37 am

I do with this game what I used to do with some of the flawed 2K college basketball titles of years past - I play for a few days and if something pisses me off I take a day or so off and get back to it.

I think that clearly a message is being sent to EA by customers. I noticed that on Major Nelson's list of Xbox live titles for last week and the week before that NCAA was 1) not on the list for the week of release and 2) came in #10 last week. Usually NCAA is the big release for July and gets a lot of online love and action. Plus, people playing against the AI who are logged in count on this list, so being that low is not a good sign for EA. While I am enjoying this game, I think that for many people, the attitude is echoed by what has been said here numerous times: "There are too many good games out to mess with a flawed football game - particularly online."

Honestly, I never thought I would see the day where EA would suffer from buggy games at the level of 2K or even High Heat. It is clear that the engine for this game is flawed and that the developers are having a real hard time tuning this game and are getting into a situation where changing one thing messes up something else. Consequently we get a number of all or nothing scenarios like the punt/kick return games where is past years there was no blocking and this year there is very bad coverage.

Side note: one of the most called penalties in college ball is the block in the back on the kick return. When is the last time you saw a kick/punt returned for six that the excited announcer did not say "and there were NO FLAGS ON THE PLAY!!" And yet this penalty is not even in the game. Strange.

Post by **Jared** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:33 am

The interesting thing about the block in the back is that it happens in the game with regularity. If you watch some of the replays, some of the blocks are just blatant blocks to the back that are not called.

It would be great to have a nice play, just to have it called back for an ACTUAL holding/clipping penalty. They could even show the infraction in a replay afterwards.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:47 pm

I bet you won't be seeing EAsportsworld replay's next year.

Post by **Jared** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:38 pm

Patch notes, via OS:

Patch 1 should be out next week. Patch 2 is being submitted for certification today.

Online
- Ability to view your Online Dynasty HQ through EA Sports World
- Improved online performance

Dynasty
- Fixed a couple recruiting exploits
- Faster simming between weeks
>>
Custom Stadium Sounds
- The "All" option will now only work when the user is the home team
>>
Gameplay
- Improved coverage on kicks
- Hook Zones depth keeps defenders in their zones
- Fixed an issue with the Strafe Catch
- Allow fumbles to occur when diving
- WR screen routes improved
>>
Bug Fixes
- AI sliders for will now work correctly
- An issue with missing stats after simming has been fixed
- Ball carrier will no longer run out of bounds when changing hands and heading towards the sidelines
- Fixed an exploit that allowed the slot receiver to burn the safeties in a prevent defense
- Fixed a bug where the the ball would hit the cross bar, drop through, and not be counted
- Fixed a bug that would prevent Hot Routes from working

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 3:57 pm

Jared wrote:Patch notes, via OS:

Patch 1 should be out next week. Patch 2 is being submitted for certification today.

Online
- Ability to view your Online Dynasty HQ through EA Sports World
- Improved online performance

Dynasty
- Fixed a couple recruiting exploits
- Faster simming between weeks
>>
Custom Stadium Sounds
- The "All" option will now only work when the user is the home team
>>
Gameplay
- Improved coverage on kicks
- Hook Zones depth keeps defenders in their zones
- Fixed an issue with the Strafe Catch
- Allow fumbles to occur when diving
- WR screen routes improved
>>
Bug Fixes
- AI sliders for will now work correctly
- An issue with missing stats after simming has been fixed
- Ball carrier will no longer run out of bounds when changing hands and heading towards the sidelines
- Fixed an exploit that allowed the slot receiver to burn the safeties in a prevent defense
- Fixed a bug where the the ball would hit the cross bar, drop through, and not be counted
- Fixed a bug that would prevent Hot Routes from working

Wow! Sounds good!

snaz16 · Post by **snaz16** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:11 pm

Inuyasha wrote:
Jared wrote:Patch notes, via OS:

Patch 1 should be out next week. Patch 2 is being submitted for certification today.

Online
- Ability to view your Online Dynasty HQ through EA Sports World
- Improved online performance

Dynasty
- Fixed a couple recruiting exploits
- Faster simming between weeks
>>
Custom Stadium Sounds
- The "All" option will now only work when the user is the home team
>>
Gameplay
- Improved coverage on kicks
- Hook Zones depth keeps defenders in their zones
- Fixed an issue with the Strafe Catch
- Allow fumbles to occur when diving
- WR screen routes improved
>>
Bug Fixes
- AI sliders for will now work correctly
- An issue with missing stats after simming has been fixed
- Ball carrier will no longer run out of bounds when changing hands and heading towards the sidelines
- Fixed an exploit that allowed the slot receiver to burn the safeties in a prevent defense
- Fixed a bug where the the ball would hit the cross bar, drop through, and not be counted
- Fixed a bug that would prevent Hot Routes from working

Wow! Sounds good!

I'm assuming that all of the above is going to be addressed in the 2nd patch, while the 1st patch addresses the roster crashing...team dissapearing etc. bug only ??

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:29 pm

Ability to view your Online Dynasty HQ through EA Sports World

I guess this will be good so I can see who has played their games without logging in. Be nice if you could do your recruiting from it hahaha!

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:42 pm

Jared wrote: - Fixed an issue with the Strafe Catch

Um ... there shouldn't even be such a thing as the Strafe Catch in the first place.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:42 pm

snaz16 wrote:
Inuyasha wrote:
Jared wrote:Patch notes, via OS:

Patch 1 should be out next week. Patch 2 is being submitted for certification today.

Online
- Ability to view your Online Dynasty HQ through EA Sports World
- Improved online performance

Dynasty
- Fixed a couple recruiting exploits
- Faster simming between weeks
>>
Custom Stadium Sounds
- The "All" option will now only work when the user is the home team
>>
Gameplay
- Improved coverage on kicks
- Hook Zones depth keeps defenders in their zones
- Fixed an issue with the Strafe Catch
- Allow fumbles to occur when diving
- WR screen routes improved
>>
Bug Fixes
- AI sliders for will now work correctly
- An issue with missing stats after simming has been fixed
- Ball carrier will no longer run out of bounds when changing hands and heading towards the sidelines
- Fixed an exploit that allowed the slot receiver to burn the safeties in a prevent defense
- Fixed a bug where the the ball would hit the cross bar, drop through, and not be counted
- Fixed a bug that would prevent Hot Routes from working

Wow! Sounds good!
I'm assuming that all of the above is going to be addressed in the 2nd patch, while the 1st patch addresses the roster crashing...team dissapearing etc. bug only ??

I missed the part that all these changes are Patch 2. If its just getting certified this week, it should be out sometime in October then.

jcalvert · Post by **jcalvert** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:35 pm

These are major improvements that will fix most of the problems that folks are complaining about. I don't want to hear that these problems should not have been in the game in the first place - that horse is already out of the barn.

Does anyone have a link to the patch thread?

hellbent · Post by **hellbent** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:50 pm

jcalvert wrote:Does anyone have a link to the patch thread?

Right here: http://www.operationsports.com/forums/n ... -info.html

Seems pretty comprehensive.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:57 pm

jcalvert wrote:These are major improvements that will fix most of the problems that folks are complaining about. I don't want to hear that these problems should not have been in the game in the first place - that horse is already out of the barn.

Does anyone have a link to the patch thread?

So we bought a $40 game for $60. With the 2nd patch it'll hopefully resemble a $60 title.

snaz16 · Post by **snaz16** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:27 pm

Inuyasha wrote:
jcalvert wrote:These are major improvements that will fix most of the problems that folks are complaining about. I don't want to hear that these problems should not have been in the game in the first place - that horse is already out of the barn.

Does anyone have a link to the patch thread?
So we bought a $40 game for $60. With the 2nd patch it'll hopefully resemble a $60 title.

It will compliment Madden,the other $40 title perfectly,while waiting for patches 1 and 2 for that game.

In all sincerity,I'm happy that EA is even addressing the issues,that in the past went well into the cycle of the game if not at all. And like a lot of folks, bugs and all I'm enjoying Ncaa. Post patches it should be even better

jcalvert · Post by **jcalvert** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:25 pm

Inuyasha wrote:So we bought a $40 game for $60. With the 2nd patch it'll hopefully resemble a $60 title.

No doubt. I guess I am just saying for those of us that have already spent the money, there is no point in complaining that the developers should have corrected this from the get-go. Yes, they should have, but unfortunately, they did not.

So the horse is out of the barn, but thankfully we can bring her home with some decent patches.

I do not know what to do to fix this situation for future games. Not that long ago, if this s*** happened, we would not even have the option of getting a patch.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 12:33 am

snaz16 wrote: In all sincerity,I'm happy that EA is even addressing the issues,that in the past went well into the cycle of the game if not at all. And like a lot of folks, bugs and all I'm enjoying Ncaa. Post patches it should be even better

Before Madden started selling mega millions of copies every year, they were actually more responsive about fixing gameplay issues.

One of the best playing Madden was the 2002 PC version, after one or two patches. They had a bunch of patches for compatibility issues, mostly drivers for specific video cards. But they fixed gameplay issues as well.

Before the patch, it was horrible, where you could pressure the opponent's QB online and they'd throw strikes off balance and get big plays because the pass defense was non-existent.

After the patch, if you rushed passes like that, most of the time it was incomplete or intercepted.

Then for whatever reasons, they stopped supporting the game in the same way in later years.

Wilk5280 · Post by **Wilk5280** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 11:49 am

JackDog wrote:
PRBoom wrote:JD,
I haven't played it so cannot comment. It's just been a long time coming finding a football game has been as good as NCAA 2004 on the PS2. It's my all-time favorite football game.

**edit**
Well, the very first post in that thread talks about "rampant int's and fumbles". :shrug:
On that note,the person that made that post gave the game a 10. Like I said brother,opinions vary. I loved 04 and this game seems better too me. Tighter gameplay and much better animations. I haven't seen rampant int's in the 30+ games I've played. I think that's because the sliders work.
I have thrown some very stupid passes that got picked and the cpu has done the same when pressured. The computer AI will try to force fumbles if your runner doesn't cover the ball with both hands while being tackled. Seem's pretty realistic too me.

Give it a rent and let me know what ya think. So far I am digging on it.

JD,
What sliders are you using if any? I just played a half (Neb @ CU) on default All-American and it was a turnover fest.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 5:42 pm

PRBoom wrote:
JD,
What sliders are you using if any? I just played a half (Neb @ CU) on default All-American and it was a turnover fest.

Heisman
7 Minute Quarters

Human/AI
QB Accuracy: 40/35
Pass Blocking: 95/75
WR Catching: 99/75
RB Ability: 85/95
Run Blocking: 85/99

Awareness: 80/85 (If you don't want to boost running stuff up too much, lower human awareness, but then you get screwed on some passes)
Knockdowns: 30/30
Interceptions: 0/0
Break Block: 40/30
Tackling: 60/50 (Lowering this and Break Block could also help CPU running game and cut back on fumbles)

FG Length: 50/45
FG Accuracy: 25/15
Punt Length: 55/80
Punt Accuracy: 45/40
Kickoff Length: 50/55

If the computer isn't running as well as you would like follow Bill Abner's Pre-Game Coach Settings.

Pre-Game:

-Before playing a game add a new coach in the coach options page. This new coach should be assigned to the team you are about to play. Takes about 30 secs to do this. Then go into coach strategy and alter the team's offensive playcalling to at least 70% running (I go as high as 80 sometimes unless the team is pass crazy ala Washington. Also, and this seems to be important, move the Conservative playcalling slider as far left as possible. Now, this does not make the team never throw deep it just makes most teams look underneath first before throwing it 30 yards downfield. As a result, CPU completion % is better and the game has a much better flow to it. You can also play with the defensive settings too; I usually make the CPU teams play run D more often than not. Also make sure to use the correct team playbook for your new coach. After you play the game make sure to delete this coach so you can make a new one for the next game. All of this takes less than a minute to do.

-Make sure the team you are playing (your Dynasty team) has its coach defensive slider at 80% pass. No idea if this helps the CPU run game, but it doesn't hurt to do this just in case

Wilk5280 · Post by **Wilk5280** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 7:41 pm

Thanks JD! I'm away from the house right now, but when I get back later this evening I look forward to popping those in and giving it a go.

I do like the overall feel of the last gen versions of EA's football games. I think Madden 08 on the PS2 got overlooked because of the fact that pretty much everyone upgraded to the new consoles.

I can see a lot of potential in this one. I just hope the turnovers can be toned down like everyone is saying.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 8:02 pm

PRBoom wrote:Thanks JD! I'm away from the house right now, but when I get back later this evening I look forward to popping those in and giving it a go.

I do like the overall feel of the last gen versions of EA's football games. I think Madden 08 on the PS2 got overlooked because of the fact that pretty much everyone upgraded to the new consoles.

I can see a lot of potential in this one. I just hope the turnovers can be toned down like everyone is saying.

No problem brother. I hope you find the right mix. I have seen fumbles drop big time with these sliders.

I haven't tried Madden 08 for PS2. Sounds like I might have to check it out. I don't hold a lot of hope for the PS3 version. I hope I am wrong. It would be a b*tch to have a PS3 and only play the next gen versions of MLB and Tiger Woods on it.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 11:33 am

Patch is out, or at least I was required to do an update.

Inuyasha · Post by **Inuyasha** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 5:54 pm

TheGamer wrote:Patch is out, or at least I was required to do an update.

Did you notice any changes? I'm too enveloped in playing wii so I probably won't get back to NCAA until another month.

dougb · Post by **dougb** » Tue Aug 05, 2008 6:49 pm

Inuyasha wrote:
TheGamer wrote:Patch is out, or at least I was required to do an update.
Did you notice any changes? I'm too enveloped in playing wii so I probably won't get back to NCAA until another month.

Patch 1 fixes the roster glitch. Patch 2 is the gameplay patch which isn't due until September.

Best wishes,

Doug