NCAA 09 (xbox360)

[leeland]

So I got the new NCAA 09 after taking several seasons off (last played on the xbox NCAA 05)...

I like the look of the game...the graphics are nice...the interface is nice IMO...

The game play...well that sucks ass...which is SOOooo....disappointing to me...

</Begin Rant/>
I jumped online to play a couple of games and the defense AI is so challenged it is laughable.

I know i am probably beating a dead horse...as I have read other posts now on here about the game play...seen a couple of videos that display the pathetic the AI is...

It seems like the D-Line and Linebackers are running in slow motion the entire time...

It is a joke to run man coverage as they get beat every play when covering a reciever...

I played some kid last night who had a faster QB...he basically ran around for 10 seconds each play because NO ONE on my defense could stick with him...he basically ran around until the AI coverage decided to flake off and stop covering and he would toss a bomb across the middle...the WHOLE game...it didn't matter what D was run, Zone, Man, Blitz...

it was West Virginia (Him) vs. Florida State (me) which I thought had one of the better D's in the game...

I even stooped down to ask Corso...and that was even stupider...3 & 1 on the 5 yard line...

Corso recommends "Run a dime package" ha ha ha...

I have the ball 3rd & 10...I ask Corso..."here is a good play" picks a Dive up the middle or a Triple Reverse...

I would eBay the game and try for Madden but I would be shocked that the game play is any different...

</End Rant/>

 

[Stuxnet]

Madden's defense is actually much better, but man coverage is still shot. Also, asking Madden is much like asking Corso: the game pretty much just randomly picks a play. To be good in either game, you really need to understand the various packages and their purposes. Whenever I can't decide what to do, I'll ask Madden, too, and the other night I was 3 and 10 on the 50 and it suggested a pitch run. WTF? Even with LT, a pitch is *maybe* good for 4 yards, tops.

I think NCAA can be enjoyed if all parties involved agree not to cheese it up. You should have ripped that kid a new one and filed a complaint for exploiting the game.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: jbourne77
Madden's defense is actually much better, but man coverage is still shot. Also, asking Madden is much like asking Corso: the game pretty much just randomly picks a play. To be good in either game, you really need to understand the various packages and their purposes. Whenever I can't decide what to do, I'll ask Madden, too, and the other night I was 3 and 10 on the 50 and it suggested a pitch run. WTF? Even with LT, a pitch is *maybe* good for 4 yards, tops.

I think NCAA can be enjoyed if all parties involved agree not to cheese it up. You should have ripped that kid a new one and filed a complaint for exploiting the game.

I hear ya...

I would think in this day and age they could program the basic functionality of a game where you couldn't pull a tecmo bowl move of running back 35 - 40 yards EVERY play...and then tossing it for a 40 yard pass (70 yard heave - ho's) and no DE's, LB's or even CB's can catch a QB

The phantom tackling is another thing that is aggrivating...a guy gets blocked...as you run by them (in the hole) they suddenly detatch from their blocker and jump on your back (STOPPING the forward momentum and dragging you backwards)

Maybe I will rent madden and see how the play is...


As for reporting that kid (a 9 year old ha ha ha)...I eventually beat the kid (by the graces of god)...he tossed a random INT and we went to O.T.

He was talking smack...and eventually I stopped him...and got my shot...I just kicked a FG cause I wanted to be done with the game...he got pretty pissed that I would even THINK about the FG and that was for pussies

I simply told him...unlike him I had to go to work in the a.m. lol...

KIDS now a days!!!

 

[JoPh]

given the flaws i still love the game...

 

[Kev]

Originally posted by: leeland


I have the ball 3rd & 10...I ask Corso..."here is a good play" picks a Dive up the middle or a Triple Reverse...

Triple Reverse? What does that mean, like 4 handoffs?

Sorry it's just one of my pet peeves when people, especially football announcers, confuse a reverse with an end around.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: Kev

Originally posted by: leeland


I have the ball 3rd & 10...I ask Corso..."here is a good play" picks a Dive up the middle or a Triple Reverse...

Triple Reverse? What does that mean, like 4 handoffs?

Sorry it's just one of my pet peeves when people, especially football announcers, confuse a reverse with an end around.

Sorry...

It wasn't meant to be that specific...I guess I was trying to point out that I had over 10 yards to go on an obvious passing down...

I try Corso to see what is the "recommended" play and I have the "game" recommending a trick running play vs. a regular pass play...kind of annoying


Don't get me wrong...I bought the game, it is fun...but it is silly that some of the basic things "in my mind" are wacked...

like the fact that when I run the hurry up...I have to wait until the entire team is set before I get to call an audible...which not only wastes more time but is aggravating as hell

Maybe I am missing some core functionality...like I said, I haven't played a revised version of the NCAA games in a while...

 

[Stuxnet]

Originally posted by: leeland
I have to wait until the entire team is set before I get to call an audible...which not only wastes more time but is aggravating as hell

Yeah, it's like that in Madden, too, and it drives me INSANE. The CPU hikes the ball the moment it gets to the line, so if you want to adjust your defense, you have to do it as fast as you can, but you can't call certain audibles until you're in formation. Madden also displays this massive stat box right across the entire damn offense, so you can't even freaking see the other team half the time until the ball is hiked!!

I wish there was a way to disable those screen overlays. I'm far more interested in what package the offense is running than I am in how many sacks I have so far (which is usually 0, BECAUSE I DON'T GET TIME TO READ THE DEFENSE!!!)

I don't know about NCAA, but Madden's running game is insanely difficult this year, too. The CPU can't hold its blocks for ****, so you pretty much have to use the Lead Blocker control if you want a real block. Of course, then you have to worry about the CPU taking your HB away from your block.

I think this year's releases are the best to date, but there is still a TON of little things that need to be polished up. For instance, this year's Madden features a buzzed Chris Collinsworth and a sedated Tom Hammond. They're better than the radio announcer of years past, but I still had to turn the volume down. Of course, this doesn't stop the game from going into Backtrack mode (a new feature where Collinsworth breaks down the last play to tell you where you screwed up). You can't seem to turn the feature off! It's a cool feature, but it's only novel for the first few games.

And you know what? You shouldn't have to pay $49.99 for Head Coach just so you can design your own plays. Shouldn't something like that be part of the package?

I'm just rambling at this point... all in all, I love the games, but that doesn't mean I won't be back to gripe some more .

PS: If I hear Corso blab on about the "Scooter Special" one more time, I'm going to find him and poop in his cake hole.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: jbourne77
I think this year's releases are the best to date, but there is still a TON of little things that need to be polished up.

I think that sums up my thoughts in one simple sentence.

However, I've never had as much fun with a football game as I have had with NCAA 09's online dynasties this year. My league, which is comprised half of friends and half of ATCG'ers, is going strong into season 2, and all of us are loving it. None of us are assholes, we all play our games when we're supposed to, and we all love the rivalries we are making for ourselves on the field and in recruiting.

 

[darkeneddays]

Originally posted by: jbourne77


The phantom tackling is another thing that is aggrivating...a guy gets blocked...as you run by them (in the hole) they suddenly detatch from their blocker and jump on your back (STOPPING the forward momentum and dragging you backwards)

This happens in Madden as well....alot. I had NCAA for a month or so before Madden came out and hated it almost as much as I'm hating Madden now. NCAA defense was just plain stupid but at least I could run the ball and my receivers made an effort to keep their feet in bounds.

The A.I. in Madden is infuriating though (I've destroyed the case to the game in a fit of rage...lol) You will make multiple audibles at the line and watch the defense perfectly adjust to each play. Receivers running their routes straight out of bounds. Blockers not blocking worth a damn for you but are a friggin brick wall for the cpu.(good luck getting manual sacks). The always famous cpu robo-qb (80%+ completion rating, march down the field effortlessly with less than 2 minutes to play). The cpu can't run worth a damn but gets 300+ yards passing each game. The list goes on and on...

In other words, switching to Madden from NCAA isn't much, (if any) of an upgrade.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Buy it now for $39.99 at Amazon. Hurry only one hour left.

Hurry Up

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: darkeneddays

Originally posted by: jbourne77


The phantom tackling is another thing that is aggrivating...a guy gets blocked...as you run by them (in the hole) they suddenly detatch from their blocker and jump on your back (STOPPING the forward momentum and dragging you backwards)

This happens in Madden as well....alot. I had NCAA for a month or so before Madden came out and hated it almost as much as I'm hating Madden now. NCAA defense was just plain stupid but at least I could run the ball and my receivers made an effort to keep their feet in bounds.

The A.I. in Madden is infuriating though (I've destroyed the case to the game in a fit of rage...lol) You will make multiple audibles at the line and watch the defense perfectly adjust to each play. Receivers running their routes straight out of bounds. Blockers not blocking worth a damn for you but are a friggin brick wall for the cpu.(good luck getting manual sacks). The always famous cpu robo-qb (80%+ completion rating, march down the field effortlessly with less than 2 minutes to play). The cpu can't run worth a damn but gets 300+ yards passing each game. The list goes on and on...

In other words, switching to Madden from NCAA isn't much, (if any) of an upgrade.

It is sad to say but I will most likely (80% - 90%) that I am gonna eBay the game...

I really like the idea of playing online and having human opp. however that being said, I have come close to smashing the controller on the ground as a result of the game play and ridiculously outcomes...

Case in point...last night...in a tight game with someone who is a decent and even player...

we are tied through most of the game...4th Quarter comes along...I tie it up and there is like 1 minute left in the game, kick off and he is on his own 25...

couple plays later he is on the 50 with under 30 seconds left...

Then comes the play of the year "out of my ass"

Once again, I run a Corso special 3 deep zone (8 people in coverage)...

dude drops back...and finds a WIDE open TE...travis beckum (fast TE for the badgers)...on a simple 10 yrd out...and when I say WIDE open I mean I literally had NO ONE withing 30 yards covering him even though it was a zone coverage...

So he rambles for 20 yards (to the 30) until 2 of my guys catch up...he breaks two tackles at once...and scores with 14 seconds left...

I couldn't believe the outcome...that I could have that many guys in coverage and for NO defender to be ON THE SCREEN even...

If I find the genius that decided on that voice over for the "scooter special" I will choke him to death and light him on fire!!!


P.S. Quick question about the little annoying things in Madden and NCAA

I know Madden is way more popular than NCAA...

Do they ever "modify" the game play to fix little things, like not being able to audible until in formation...or buggy route running (out of bounds)...

Or do they just leave it as delivered and fix it for Madden 2010?

 

[Stuxnet]

Originally posted by: leeland
P.S. Quick question about the little annoying things in Madden and NCAA

I know Madden is way more popular than NCAA...

Do they ever "modify" the game play to fix little things, like not being able to audible until in formation...or buggy route running (out of bounds)...

Or do they just leave it as delivered and fix it for Madden 2010?

Unfortunately, not really. Usually they'll release one or two patches to address major issues, but that's about it. That said, a patch is (allegedly) slated for release this month for NCAA.

Regarding Madden, it's been my observation that most people who cherish NCAA don't really like Madden. Personally, I prefer NCAA's gameplay, but I prefer Madden's robust feature set and graphics. I miss the trick plays, options, etc., found in NCAA, which is probably why most NCAA fans find Madden frustrating. It's VERY difficult to run in Madden - you have to pick your holes just right and be damn surgical about how you run through them. If you brush jerseys with a defender, you're effed.

 

[Spineshank]

One thing i cant stand is I usually do Ask Corso on offense to make it more challenging. Well everytime he picks a play action pass the defense is doing an all out blitz so i have no chance every freaking damn time.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: jbourne77

Originally posted by: leeland
P.S. Quick question about the little annoying things in Madden and NCAA

I know Madden is way more popular than NCAA...

Do they ever "modify" the game play to fix little things, like not being able to audible until in formation...or buggy route running (out of bounds)...

Or do they just leave it as delivered and fix it for Madden 2010?

Unfortunately, not really. Usually they'll release one or two patches to address major issues, but that's about it. That said, a patch is (allegedly) slated for release this month for NCAA.

Regarding Madden, it's been my observation that most people who cherish NCAA don't really like Madden. Personally, I prefer NCAA's gameplay, but I prefer Madden's robust feature set and graphics. I miss the trick plays, options, etc., found in NCAA, which is probably why most NCAA fans find Madden frustrating. It's VERY difficult to run in Madden - you have to pick your holes just right and be damn surgical about how you run through them. If you brush jerseys with a defender, you're effed.

I am curious to read up on the patch...is that a rumor or did you find that posted somewhere?

Originally posted by: Gnrslash4life
One thing i cant stand is I usually do Ask Corso on offense to make it more challenging. Well everytime he picks a play action pass the defense is doing an all out blitz so i have no chance every freaking damn time.

HA HA HA I totally know what you mean...

You can't get control of the QB until he is done with his cinematic P/A movements...

By that time you are eating some DE's facemask...

 

[Stuxnet]

Originally posted by: Gnrslash4life
One thing i cant stand is I usually do Ask Corso on offense to make it more challenging. Well everytime he picks a play action pass the defense is doing an all out blitz so i have no chance every freaking damn time.

I think this is the absolute WORST aspect of both Madden and NCAA. The CPU "knows" what play you're going to run, and it freaking adjusts the defense accordingly every single time!!! If you audible at the line, the defense reacts perfectly each and every time. This drives me NUTS, because it doesn't even closely resemble playing a human opponent.

As for the patch, I haven't followed it very closely, so I can't say for sure.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: leeland

Originally posted by: jbourne77

Originally posted by: leeland
P.S. Quick question about the little annoying things in Madden and NCAA

I know Madden is way more popular than NCAA...

Do they ever "modify" the game play to fix little things, like not being able to audible until in formation...or buggy route running (out of bounds)...

Or do they just leave it as delivered and fix it for Madden 2010?

Unfortunately, not really. Usually they'll release one or two patches to address major issues, but that's about it. That said, a patch is (allegedly) slated for release this month for NCAA.

Regarding Madden, it's been my observation that most people who cherish NCAA don't really like Madden. Personally, I prefer NCAA's gameplay, but I prefer Madden's robust feature set and graphics. I miss the trick plays, options, etc., found in NCAA, which is probably why most NCAA fans find Madden frustrating. It's VERY difficult to run in Madden - you have to pick your holes just right and be damn surgical about how you run through them. If you brush jerseys with a defender, you're effed.

I am curious to read up on the patch...is that a rumor or did you find that posted somewhere?

Both NCAA patches have already been released. The first was a quick patch to fix the roster editing bug, which was released about a week to a week and a half after the game shipped. The second patch addressed more glaring gameplay issues, and that patch was released on the 360 about a week or two ago (a few days ago on the PS3).

At this point, I wouldn't expect any further patches for NCAA. If you think there will be more, I'll take your bet....

 

[Stuxnet]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
At this point, I wouldn't expect any further patches for NCAA. If you think there will be more, I'll take your bet....

Tell me THIS isn't scary... I went to a Gamestop last night to pick up a copy of NCAA, and they are out and aren't able to even order more. They checked all of their stores in the state, and only 1 store had a copy left. They said they received a memo that production of the game was halted.

If they're not even printing more discs, we can bet our asses they're not working on a patch at this point, provided they've already released 2.

 

[yowolabi]

Originally posted by: jbourne77

Originally posted by: Gnrslash4life
One thing i cant stand is I usually do Ask Corso on offense to make it more challenging. Well everytime he picks a play action pass the defense is doing an all out blitz so i have no chance every freaking damn time.

I think this is the absolute WORST aspect of both Madden and NCAA. The CPU "knows" what play you're going to run, and it freaking adjusts the defense accordingly every single time!!! If you audible at the line, the defense reacts perfectly each and every time. This drives me NUTS, because it doesn't even closely resemble playing a human opponent.

As for the patch, I haven't followed it very closely, so I can't say for sure.

I thought it was my imagination that the cpu always knew my play. They are always in the perfect defense, and if I make any adjustments, they also make the perfect counter-adjustment.

Who was the genius who figured that the AI defense needed to be psychic?

 

[yowolabi]

Originally posted by: jbourne77

Originally posted by: blurredvision
At this point, I wouldn't expect any further patches for NCAA. If you think there will be more, I'll take your bet....

Tell me THIS isn't scary... I went to a Gamestop last night to pick up a copy of NCAA, and they are out and aren't able to even order more. They checked all of their stores in the state, and only 1 store had a copy left. They said they received a memo that production of the game was halted.

If they're not even printing more discs, we can bet our asses they're not working on a patch at this point, provided they've already released 2.

I guess they want you to buy it used....

I think the OP has a copy available.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: yowolabi

Originally posted by: jbourne77

Originally posted by: blurredvision
At this point, I wouldn't expect any further patches for NCAA. If you think there will be more, I'll take your bet....

Tell me THIS isn't scary... I went to a Gamestop last night to pick up a copy of NCAA, and they are out and aren't able to even order more. They checked all of their stores in the state, and only 1 store had a copy left. They said they received a memo that production of the game was halted.

If they're not even printing more discs, we can bet our asses they're not working on a patch at this point, provided they've already released 2.

I guess they want you to buy it used....

I think the OP has a copy available.

That is correct...

I did some more reading at one of the NCAA forums about game play, strategies, and how to stop some of the people who exploit the games short comings and glitches...

I have come to the conclusion that it is almost like a friggin JOB each play to RUSH RUSH RUSH to try to make all the manual adjustments each play to account for each scenario...before the ball gets snapped...

The highly effecting screen that you have to manually defend...the constant pass to the halfback out of the backfield that is a given for 10 yards...

You can't just call a Defense for a specific down and distance and expect some level of competence from your AI players...

I don't think I have gotten one (1) sack in 10 games online...and that is playing with all top 15 teams in the game...

no matter if it is a blitz or straight up...

I have had literally a dozen kick offs returned on me...and probably once or twice a game I get intercepted and returned for a TD...

I am sure that this is probably due to the fact that I am not a very good at the game...but I also think the game isn't very fun to begin with and has some major flaws and show stoppers...

I have it on eBay right now if anyone wants to bid on it ha ha ha

I found this forum post about requests to be put into a patch...I found it very funny...even though I couldn't see the videos...

EDIT: Patch Requests...

 

[blurredvision]

The only bug that really irks me in NCAA 09 is that a lot of the stats do not add up correctly. It's little stuff, you know? Like when you kick a field goal to end a drive, the drive yards don't add up (I once had a 130 yard drive....beat that!). T.O.P. at the end of games never add up correctly (in my online dynasty, we play 6 minute quarters, but the two team's T.O.P. always added up to around 24 minutes and 5-10 seconds). I've seen issues with penalties not being added up correctly (one game had 2 penalties for 64 yards total....impossible in college football I think).

But I still love the game. I'm not a football fanatic, so I can overlook some of the details that others find wrong with the game.

 

[leeland]

Originally posted by: blurredvision
The only bug that really irks me in NCAA 09 is that a lot of the stats do not add up correctly. It's little stuff, you know? Like when you kick a field goal to end a drive, the drive yards don't add up (I once had a 130 yard drive....beat that!). T.O.P. at the end of games never add up correctly (in my online dynasty, we play 6 minute quarters, but the two team's T.O.P. always added up to around 24 minutes and 5-10 seconds). I've seen issues with penalties not being added up correctly (one game had 2 penalties for 64 yards total....impossible in college football I think).

But I still love the game. I'm not a football fanatic, so I can overlook some of the details that others find wrong with the game.

I could honestly care less about stats...in your case I could see how it would matter somewhat with a dynasty and all.

I would have liked to see a game that wasn't broke to the point it is out of touch with reality...

 

[Boobs McGee]

Penalties can be any number considering defensive pass interferance.

I like the game overall. I wish I could really be into an online dynasty. I started one and got through 2 weeks in the season, but then I wasn't able to play for about 5 days. I can't blame the rest of the league from moving on. I just didn't have the time to get on my xbox. Overall it is a very cool feature though.

 

[tdawg]

Originally posted by: JoPh
given the flaws i still love the game...

Ditto

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Boobs McGee
Penalties can be any number considering defensive pass interferance.

Max of 15 yards in college.

http://www.uwire.com/Article.aspx?id=3064402
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pass_interference

Some of the first links from a google search.