Coach Mode - How it exposes flaws in CPU AI - Gotmadskillzson's Blog

Gotmadskillzson's Blog

Coach Mode - How it exposes flaws in CPU AI

Posted on September 26, 2011 at 01:50 PM.

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Ever since NCAA 12 announced a true coach mode, I was very happy. Mainly because I am about the X's and O's, pure strategy. But playing coach mode, it greatly showed the flaws in the cpu AI.

Which made me think, did they even test this mode ? Play it at all ? Not that the mode itself is broken or anything. But playing this mode, one can clearly see the flaws in the CPU AI.

Being that you aren't controlling a player, your eyes are more free to watch the entire action that is going on in the field. Therefore one gets to notice a lot more.

I could clearly see on special teams how the cpu don't block for the returner at all on kick offs or punt returns. On punt retuns it is clearly visible that the gunners get down the field way too fast. And that the returners have tunnel vision and just runs in a straight line forward.

On option plays or any running play to the outside, guards don't get out in front of the runner fast enough. Also on running plays, the defensive backs and linebackers cheat. What ever side the play is designed, you will see the linebacker and defensive back on that side INSTANTLY run into the backfield at the snap of the ball BEFORE the RB even get the ball.

Defenders cover screen plays like passing plays. They seem to be in perfect position way too much to the point you see HB screens and WR screens get intercepted by corner backs and linebackers. Hell I even seen an option toss intercepted dozens of times in NCAA 12.

Also playing coach mode you see the lack of decision making process in the QBs. How they just stand there in the pocket with no movement like a statue. And when they do scramble, it is always straight forward right up the middle no matter what. QBs don't ever roll out at all. You don't ever see the cpu send a guy in moton ever either unless it was a designed motion passing play.

With ball carriers you see how they all look the same. Everybody has the same upright stiff running style. Nobody shows any type of elusiveness at all. Everybody runs like they are a power back trying to run people over. They very rarely use their special moves of juking, spin or stiff arm. Very rarelly cut back.

EA developers could learn a ton about their game if they just play coach mode. I mean honestly it shows a ton of information of how bad the CPU AI is.