Another Look at NCAA 14 - BenGerman's Blog

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BenGerman's Blog

Another Look at NCAA 14 Stuck

Posted on July 8, 2013 at 09:23 AM.

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After the generally positive feedback that came with the demo, it's not a real surprise that NCAA '14 has turned into EA's first big football success since Madden 2010. As I contemplated what exactly it was that NCAA Football got right this time around, I was kind of stumped. Commentary is still pretty stale (though, it is better), penalties and special teams still seem pretty broken, and modes like Road to Glory and Teambuilder went almost completely untouched.

But that's when it hit me: NCAA '14 is the first football game where almost everything that's in the game actually works. It's not the most ringing endorsement for a game, but for anyone who has played the series over the last few years, it actually makes some sense. Especially in-game, where things like the option, CPU QB scrambles and play calling logic, player movement, and line play have made huge strides. There are almost zero plays offensively that just don't work, which was really something that limited play calling in the past. The game has become less about focusing on what we as players can do to make it more realistic, and more about just winning the game. And haven't we been longing for that?

I noticed in my first game of a test dynasty with the Florida Gators. I was playing Toledo, a bowl contender in their own right, and I noticed that if I focused on anything other than winning the game, I was going to lose it. Even then, I barely scraped by in a 23-20 victory. When was the last time where losing was not only possible, but our biggest concern while playing the game? For me, that is the best way to sum up NCAA Football 2014's success. There are still quite a few bugs, and while some legacy issues remain many/most have been diminished, and it feels like a huge monkey is off my back.

Finally, we can just sit back and enjoy the game.

Comments

# 1 veguss2001 @ Jul 8

Agreed. I purposely skipped last year's game and things seem a little more refined this time out. Hopefully patches will take care of some of those kinks.

# 2 trey2k198003 @ Jul 8

Very good write up im in my dynasty with michigan, i played washingotn the opening game and almost lost trying to pass the ball to much to one player or run the ball without any kind of scheme. i really had to make plays and throw it to the open man or audible out of the run because the d was ready for it not just run it anyway and still get and what i want. Also the cpu run game is a little bit of a challenge i love that!

# 3 BenGerman @ Jul 8

Thanks guys! It will be interesting to see if this momentum carries over to next-gen NCAA.

# 4 Feldman011teen @ Jul 8

Madden 10? So you didn't like 13?

# 5 Eski33 @ Jul 8

Agreed. This games actually forces you to strategize. Hard to find plays to abuse like the ole everyone go long play. I started a ND dynasty. Swapped out Temple for LSU. Squeaked by LSU and UM. Gave up 110+ yards rushing to both teams. When is the last time that happened?

The game is fun. Point blank.

# 6 BenGerman @ Jul 8

Feldman, I did. But there were too many issues that detracted from the experience. The CPU play calling was a thorn in my side, and I just couldn't shake it off.

# 7 DJ @ Jul 8

Glad you are enjoying the game, Ben. I've said M10 was the best EA football game this generation, but can see NCAA 14 stealing that title. Looking forward to playing the retail game tomorrow.