NCAA 07 XBox 360 Thread

[JRod]

Well after another 80+ combined game on the 360, I decided to try the xbox version. Thank goodness I didn't send back my gamefly version or I would have coughed up the money.

I'm not saying that it's better than the 360 version but like Bill has said it plays a cleaner version of football. Also it the controls and size of field feels a lot like WE. Where as the 360 version feels like FIFA. I'm not saying that the XB version is WE: NCAA football. But if you played those two games you know what i mean in terms of ball physics, player size and reaction.

[hellbent]

I just picked up the PS2 version to compare to NCAA 360 after playing the 360 version constantly since release day. Honestly, after a couple of games on the PS2 I'm totally on the fence thus far as to which one is overall the better game for me. I prefer the 360 passing game, controller, graphics & sound (duh), and playcalling screens, but I'm really enjoying running the ball, playing defense, the AI, and some of the presentation differences on the PS2 version.

I'm noticing tons of transitional animations that seem to be skipping frames on the 360, not to mention a real sense of randmoness to the gameplay. Maybe this is what makes it feel comparable to WE9 in some ways - the random play and strength of CPU AI. The playcalling is solid if not spectacular at times. I'm seeing pretty adept exploitation of matchups by the CPU against my personnel and/or defensive formation. If I could only use the 360 controller I'd be even happier.

So, on pretty much Madden eve, I'm still trying to figure out what NCAA game is going to get more PT this season. Great job by the PS2/XBOX dev team to put out a quality product that gives the next gen version a run for the money.

[MizzouRah]

I just picked up the PS2 version to compare to NCAA 360 after playing the 360 version constantly since release day. Honestly, after a couple of games on the PS2 I'm totally on the fence thus far as to which one is overall the better game for me. I prefer the 360 passing game, controller, graphics & sound (duh), and playcalling screens, but I'm really enjoying running the ball, playing defense, the AI, and some of the presentation differences on the PS2 version.

I'm noticing tons of transitional animations that seem to be skipping frames on the 360, not to mention a real sense of randmoness to the gameplay. Maybe this is what makes it feel comparable to WE9 in some ways - the random play and strength of CPU AI. The playcalling is solid if not spectacular at times. I'm seeing pretty adept exploitation of matchups by the CPU against my personnel and/or defensive formation. If I could only use the 360 controller I'd be even happier.

So, on pretty much Madden eve, I'm still trying to figure out what NCAA game is going to get more PT this season. Great job by the PS2/XBOX dev team to put out a quality product that gives the next gen version a run for the money.

I'm hoping Madden does just for the obvious reason that I own a 360 and like you, would not only like to play in HD, but the Xbox 360 controller is the most comfortable controller in gaming history. (right behind the logitech ps2 wireless controller)

I will say however, if Madden doesn't do it for me, I wouldn't hesitate to play NCAA on the ps2 exclusively.

[Bill_Abner]

So, on pretty much Madden eve, I'm still trying to figure out what NCAA game is going to get more PT this season. Great job by the PS2/XBOX dev team to put out a quality product that gives the next gen version a run for the money.

OK, well, I'll share my thoughts on this and I hope we can keep this civil. lol

Yes, it does give it a run. I do think it's kinda neat that the two games play so differently. I think there are significant differences between the two games, both good and bad.

To me, it's not a surprise that I like the Xbox version a bit better. I have always *loved* the feel of the NCAA games on the Xbox, it's just that the past two years the game was plagued with some serious gameplay gaffes -- and NCAA 07 fixes those. And the 360 version is still "new" and it'll take more time for EA to find its groove. It was like this on the PS2/Xbox and will most likely be that way on the 360 and PS3.

I understand being on the fence. After playing the 360, the Xbox version looks butt ugly, which is putting it politely. It's stiff as hell compared to the 360.

But there are a few areas in the Xbox version that keep drawing me back to it.

1) CPU Playcalling -- esp. late half/game playcalling. I think it's very poor on the 360. Prime example happened today in a game against Washington. It's 31-20 OSU with :50 secs to go and the Huskies had the ball and was running the hurry up. The plays they ran? A draw, a 5 yard curl, and a screen. Time ran out on them at the 35. The AI will call time outs just fine, but rarely is throwing deep in the cards.

On the Xbox, the AI knows it needs to throw in those situations but not only that it'll throw deep -- even toss Hail Mary's if need be. I absolutely love that -- late game playcalling to me is just vital for a football game.

2) Sliders. The impact of the sliders on the Xbox version is the best I have ever seen in a video game outside of High Heat's PC Tune file. On the 360, I think it's fine, but I question how much impact they really have at times. I mean...I play with WR catching to zero and really can't tell much of a difference. Additionally, I think the QB Acc slider on the 360 is totally fubar. If you lower the QB Acc slider on the 360 to say 20/100 it takes a QB's arm strength and puts it in the toilet. Lowering that slider means you can't throw it 45 yards in the air even with a good QB. Putting that slider at like 40/100 and you can't even tell a difference. I can't, anyway.

On the Xbox, that slider is a thing of beauty. Put it at 35 and QBs throw the ball all over the damn place. Deep passes are bad throws more than they are swatted away. A QB can be in the pocket and simply make a bad throw. This is a huge, huge plus to the Xbox version for my gaming tastes. It's just right in my wheelhouse. Along the same lines, the WR Catch slider works perfectly, too. Lower that slider and you'll still see easy catches made, but the tough grabs, and the ones when a DB flattens a WR are rare -- unless the WR has glue hands. Bring in your 83 catching WR and watch him have trouble hanging onto passes over the middle when a safety rips him. Again...this is Bill Wheelhouse type stuff. I have wanted to see more drastic slider implemenation for years and NCAA is the first game to really nail it.

3) DB Play

On Xbox default settings, I think the game is too easy to throw it deep, just like every version of NCAA ever made. After slider adjustments, the DB play combined with the less accurate and glue-fingered WRs is very well done. On the 360, the DBs go for the ball like rapid jackels, leaping into the air and swatting the balls away like Patrick Ewing in the paint. On the Xbox, I don't see that as much, particularly on deep balls. They'll break up passes by jarring the ball loose on a hit rather than actually swatting a pass away.

4) Match Up Stick!

I LOVE this feature and I was pissed when I found out that the 360 didn't have it. I want to see with the flick of a stick who is where and what their base rating is. I miss this SO much on the 360.

Now, all of that said, the Xbox has issues that the 360 doesn't:

--Discipline.

Worst. Idea. Ever. It's still there and it's not an option. When the CPU suspends its only kicker..watch in horror as the QB tries to make extra points -- it ain't pretty.

--YAC

I love the YAC on the 360. If a speedster catches it in the open field you can really shake and bake and get yards. On the Xobx..it's like old times. A lot of "catch and tackle" plays.

--Dynasty

Not enough upsets combined with atrocious CPU OoC scheduling means you'll see a lot of undefeated and 1-loss teams every year. Too many.

--Mario

It's worse on the Xbox.

--Kick return cam

Fire the guy who came up with this..

Then you have the whole notion that it's damn ugly and the 360 is extremely easy on the eyes with stellar animations and stadiums. It's fluff, sure, but it does make a difference.

I also prefer playing the 360 online. A lot of the AI issues go away when playing a human and I have had nothing but good games online.

I think it comes down to personal taste. I've played a lot of 360 games the past 2 weeks, but after the tourney is over, I can't wait to get back to my Xbox CSU Dynasty....jaggies and all.

[bkrich83]

So, on pretty much Madden eve, I'm still trying to figure out what NCAA game is going to get more PT this season. Great job by the PS2/XBOX dev team to put out a quality product that gives the next gen version a run for the money.

OK, well, I'll share my thoughts on this and I hope we can keep this civil. lol

Yes, it does give it a run. I do think it's kinda neat that the two games play so differently. I think there are significant differences between the two games, both good and bad.

To me, it's not a surprise that I like the Xbox version a bit better. I have always *loved* the feel of the NCAA games on the Xbox, it's just that the past two years the game was plagued with some serious gameplay gaffes -- and NCAA 07 fixes those. And the 360 version is still "new" and it'll take more time for EA to find its groove. It was like this on the PS2/Xbox and will most likely be that way on the 360 and PS3.

I understand being on the fence. After playing the 360, the Xbox version looks butt ugly, which is putting it politely. It's stiff as hell compared to the 360.

But there are a few areas in the Xbox version that keep drawing me back to it.

1) CPU Playcalling -- esp. late half/game playcalling. I think it's very poor on the 360. Prime example happened today in a game against Washington. It's 31-20 OSU with :50 secs to go and the Huskies had the ball and was running the hurry up. The plays they ran? A draw, a 5 yard curl, and a screen. Time ran out on them at the 35. The AI will call time outs just fine, but rarely is throwing deep in the cards.

On the Xbox, the AI knows it needs to throw in those situations but not only that it'll throw deep -- even toss Hail Mary's if need be. I absolutely love that -- late game playcalling to me is just vital for a football game.

2) Sliders. The impact of the sliders on the Xbox version is the best I have ever seen in a video game outside of High Heat's PC Tune file. On the 360, I think it's fine, but I question how much impact they really have at times. I mean...I play with WR catching to zero and really can't tell much of a difference. Additionally, I think the QB Acc slider on the 360 is totally fubar. If you lower the QB Acc slider on the 360 to say 20/100 it takes a QB's arm strength and puts it in the toilet. Lowering that slider means you can't throw it 45 yards in the air even with a good QB. Putting that slider at like 40/100 and you can't even tell a difference. I can't, anyway.

On the Xbox, that slider is a thing of beauty. Put it at 35 and QBs throw the ball all over the damn place. Deep passes are bad throws more than they are swatted away. A QB can be in the pocket and simply make a bad throw. This is a huge, huge plus to the Xbox version for my gaming tastes. It's just right in my wheelhouse. Along the same lines, the WR Catch slider works perfectly, too. Lower that slider and you'll still see easy catches made, but the tough grabs, and the ones when a DB flattens a WR are rare -- unless the WR has glue hands. Bring in your 83 catching WR and watch him have trouble hanging onto passes over the middle when a safety rips him. Again...this is Bill Wheelhouse type stuff. I have wanted to see more drastic slider implemenation for years and NCAA is the first game to really nail it.

3) DB Play

On Xbox default settings, I think the game is too easy to throw it deep, just like every version of NCAA ever made. After slider adjustments, the DB play combined with the less accurate and glue-fingered WRs is very well done. On the 360, the DBs go for the ball like rapid jackels, leaping into the air and swatting the balls away like Patrick Ewing in the paint. On the Xbox, I don't see that as much, particularly on deep balls. They'll break up passes by jarring the ball loose on a hit rather than actually swatting a pass away.

4) Match Up Stick!

I LOVE this feature and I was pissed when I found out that the 360 didn't have it. I want to see with the flick of a stick who is where and what their base rating is. I miss this SO much on the 360.

Now, all of that said, the Xbox has issues that the 360 doesn't:

--Discipline.

Worst. Idea. Ever. It's still there and it's not an option. When the CPU suspends its only kicker..watch in horror as the QB tries to make extra points -- it ain't pretty.

--YAC

I love the YAC on the 360. If a speedster catches it in the open field you can really shake and bake and get yards. On the Xobx..it's like old times. A lot of "catch and tackle" plays.

--Dynasty

Not enough upsets combined with atrocious CPU OoC scheduling means you'll see a lot of undefeated and 1-loss teams every year. Too many.

--Mario

It's worse on the Xbox.

--Kick return cam

Fire the guy who came up with this..

Then you have the whole notion that it's damn ugly and the 360 is extremely easy on the eyes with stellar animations and stadiums. It's fluff, sure, but it does make a difference.

I also prefer playing the 360 online. A lot of the AI issues go away when playing a human and I have had nothing but good games online.

I think it comes down to personal taste. I've played a lot of 360 games the past 2 weeks, but after the tourney is over, I can't wait to get back to my Xbox CSU Dynasty....jaggies and all.

One thing about Dynasty I like a lot better on the 360 Bill, is the recruiting is much more difficult imo, on the 360 version.

[Bill_Abner]

I haven't noticed the recruiting challenge because I've been using OSU on the 360 and it's like reaching into a bag full of gold. Is it tougher with a team like Stanford? I do think (on both systems) that there are some logic issues in recruiting that need addressed. I think Dynasty mode in NCAA as a whole is getting a bit long in the tooth and could use a rewrite, particularly player progression and early NFL entrants. Way too many kids stay for their SR year imo (both versions).

I did this today when looking at a slider set.

This is the QB/HB breakdown at the start of year 2 in my OSU dynasty for every team (starters only). I only did the QB and HB and would be curious how the rest of the positions break down.

QB: OVR Rating:
70-75: 3%
76-80: 19%
81-85: 31%
86-90: 28%
91-95: 18%
96-99: 3%

HB: OVR Rating:
70-75: 3%
76-80: 13%
81-85: 18%
86-90: 40%
91-95: 24%
96-99: 3%

21% of the teams (around 24 teams total) are starting a QB rated at least a 91 OVR. That seems high to me. Maybe it's not, I dunno, but just looking at it it seems a shade off. I always considered 90+ as elite, and 1/5 of the teams have a guy like that.

27% (32 teams) have a 91+ HB and a whopping 40% have a RB between 86-90.

I'm not really sure what any of this means, I just think it's kinda cool.

Speaking of recruiting, I do wish that the GUI was better on the 360. I really hate that damn 3D map, lol. Sometimes fancier isn't better. Moving that damn thing around is a pai9n. I wish we could change states inside the recruiting menu itself.

[bkrich83]

I haven't noticed the recruiting challenge because I've been using OSU on the 360 and it's like reaching into a bag full of gold. Is it tougher with a team like Stanford? I do think (on both systems) that there are some logic issues in recruiting that need addressed. I think Dynasty mode in NCAA as a whole is getting a bit long in the tooth and could use a rewrite, particularly player progression and early NFL entrants. Way too many kids stay for their SR year imo (both versions).

I did this today when looking at a slider set.

This is the QB/HB breakdown at the start of year 2 in my OSU dynasty for every team (starters only). I only did the QB and HB and would be curious how the rest of the positions break down.

QB: OVR Rating:
70-75: 3%
76-80: 19%
81-85: 31%
86-90: 28%
91-95: 18%
96-99: 3%

HB: OVR Rating:
70-75: 3%
76-80: 13%
81-85: 18%
86-90: 40%
91-95: 24%
96-99: 3%

21% of the teams (around 24 teams total) are starting a QB rated at least a 91 OVR. That seems high to me. Maybe it's not, I dunno, but just looking at it it seems a shade off. I always considered 90+ as elite, and 1/5 of the teams have a guy like that.

27% (32 teams) have a 91+ HB and a whopping 40% have a RB between 86-90.

I'm not really sure what any of this means, I just think it's kinda cool.

Speaking of recruiting, I do wish that the GUI was better on the 360. I really hate that damn 3D map, lol. Sometimes fancier isn't better. Moving that damn thing around is a pai9n. I wish we could change states inside the recruiting menu itself.

Agreed on the 3d map, it's a b*tch to navigate.

Recruiting at Stanford is definitely a challenge. Year 1, my recruiting rank was 50.

[vader29]

Everytime I am online and try to create a session in this game or accept an invite to play I can never get it to work the first try, it ends up saying the EA servers are unavailable and eventually after a couple of minutes I get booted off XBL and have to sign into the dashboard again and then it works fine. Anyone else experience this? Is it an EA server problem or do I need to fiddle with something on my end? My router is a wired dlink.

[ubrakto]

Has anyone been able to find out what the "update" does that you get for NCAA when you connect online?

Yesterday when I connected online it downloaded an update, but in vintage EA fashion, there's nothing about what the update does. I wish I could say it addressed the insane momentum system in the game, but I can't say I see any differences in gameplay up to this point.
---Todd

[Slumberland]

Watching day turn into night in this game is such a pleasure... the lighting is just sick. Makes for some good photographs in the old album.

[XXXIV]

I fired this game back up last night and played 3 games...Great game!!!

My question...Who has the definitive sliders for All American? I cant do Heismann as the mo meter is just too stupid on that level.

[Leebo33]

Ha! I just did the same and had a blast this afternoon playing as Ohio State and beating Florida 34-24.

[XXXIV]

I finally picked up a transfer kit and started a new dynasty using the real player names. Sure does adds some kick to an already enjoyable experience.

I played a few games of Madden last weekend and decided to go back to this one. Not that Madden is bad but I feel more in control of what I am doing with NCAA and the game seems to run smoother.