Fact or Fiction: NCAA Football 12 Outlook

Feature Article

Submitted on: 07/01/2011 by Christian McLeod, Dustin Toms

This demo justifies some of the talk about the NCAA Football 12 gameplay simply being NCAA Football 11.5.

Christian McLeod: Fiction. Give me a break, NCAA 11 was the strongest entry in the series since it made the leap to this generation of consoles. The development team seems to have chosen to polish a solid NCAA 11 foundation up by removing warping, enhancing CPU AI and adding a bevy of new animations. However, the game gets knocked for being NCAA 11.5?

Newsflash, EA did not plan on completely overhauling its football engine or incorporating real-time physics this year -- time to accept that. I may not be happy with certain aspects of the demo, but I am not going to crucify EA for not innovating the title enough from year to year. It's strange that we rarely hear this kind of talk regarding the NBA 2K franchise, even though in the past it has shown moderate year-to-year gameplay improvements -- NBA 2K11 not withstanding. Even stranger is that we didn't hear these sentiments when NCAA 05 and NCAA 06 were released and were eerily similar in the gameplay department to NCAA 04.

As someone who dumped almost 11 months into NCAA 11, the gameplay improvements in the NCAA 12 demo were apparent within minutes of picking up the controller. Don't believe me? Play the demo for a few hours and then pop in NCAA 11. It's almost unplayable. You are free to believe that the game has not innovated as much as you expected, but to claim this game has not had enough gameplay refinements to differentiate itself from NCAA Football 11 is ridiculous.

Dustin Toms: Fiction. It's people like this that frustrate me the most. Like Christian said, NCAA 11 was a really good game, and in my opinion, the best current-gen football game to date. Yes, even better than All-Pro Football.

Of course there are similarities when comparing the demo to last year's game, but the demo is an old build. Regardless, the game is noticeably more fluid than last year's. In addition, the CPU AI was also changed up a bit in a good way. If anything, the developers may have just added in a little too much good with the AI in the demo. What I mean is that the quarterbacks are now throwing away passes, and I love that they are actually getting rid of the ball now, but throwing the ball away four or five times per drive is a little insane -- I have to assume this is an easy fix.

Point being, this is one of the first times I've ever seen a significant improvement when comparing the previous season's retail version to the new season's demo.

Following a relatively strong showing with NCAA Football 11, this NCAA 12 demo signifies that the development team is officially moving back towards making this franchise the monster it once was during the PS2/Xbox era.

Christian McLeod: Fact. It took five titles this console generation to right the ship, but I am confident that the NCAA Football series is well on its way to reclaiming the glory of its PS2/Xbox counterparts. What makes me feel even better is that those I have talked to at Tiburon know the stripped-down approach that was taken when the series debuted on the Xbox 360 cost them this generation. I think the series will be solid for the rest of this console generation before hitting the next-gen consoles with a bang.

Dustin Toms: Fact. When you also take into consideration NCAA 11, I think it's fair to say the development team is back on the right track. Last year, the developers made a great game, and this year it's already better. I don't believe that any of EA's developers, for any game, are not devoted to making a better game. These guys just happened to get there quicker than some others.

Our very own Jayson Young had some strong feelings about this demo in our staff roundtable:

Quote:

The dynamic lighting, detailed stadiums and individualized player uniforms are the only things that feel truly next-gen to me in this demo. Every other part of the NCAA Football 12 demo feels about the same as it has for the last decade or so. That being said, I would have no problem saying that this is the best NCAA Football game to hit current-gen consoles.

But is that enough? I would have to say that it is not. Not when NBA 2K and MLB: The Show have TV-quality commentary, or Backbreaker and FIFA have unscripted contact animations. I just feel like NCAA Football has settled into the role of being a mediocre sports franchise that continues to sell well only because it belongs to the football genre -- and most American sports gamers cannot live without a new football game (or two) every 12 months. I can, so I'll continue enjoying the better sports games on the market until this franchise meets the rest of the industry's standards.

I have seen many folks around here agreeing with him. Even if you want to call that the vocal minority, do you think he's justified in saying this is a second-tier franchise when looking at the overall sports gaming landscape?

Christian McLeod: Fiction. I probably would have agreed with this comment before NCAA Football 11 was released, but I don't know how anyone can say this is a mediocre franchise after the effort that went into NCAA 11. One perfect example deals with the presentation that was added to the game. We consistently knock sports games for not having realistic presentation, as well as the "little things" that keep the experience fresh months later. The NCAA team adds in several team-specific rituals and entrances that go above and beyond what we saw in the PS2/Xbox versions to appease fans, and then the NCAA team gets knocked by the same people they are attempting to please -- being accused of not spending enough time on gameplay and too much time on presentation.

The best part is that if the NCAA team were to go ahead and implement a full-on physics engine, which might cause them to overlook team entrances, Online Dynasty mode or some special facemask design, then folks in the vocal minority would be back screaming and complaining about how they can not comprehend why these little details are constantly overlooked. It's a complete no-win situation for the team at Tiburon. You want to talk about what next-gen feels like? How about an Online Dynasty mode that revolutionized online interaction in sports games, complete with Dynasty Anywhere and StoryBuilder. Yeah, mediocre games typically have those types of features.

There is a group of people that are just never happy no matter what a game contains. I get it, NFL 2K5 does not exist anymore -- and Jayson hearts 2K football -- so EA is the big bad wolf out to screw gamers. I'm not saying that the on-field gameplay of NCAA is perfect, and by no means am I here to be an EA apologist, but I will give credit where credit is due. NCAA 11 played an enjoyable and fun game of college football (with the right slider tweaks), and calling it mediocre is a farce. Every game mentioned by Jayson has its own flaws that are simply overlooked by the grass-is-always-greener crowd. NCAA Football gets knocked for something as small as the lack of eye black, yet a blind eye is turned when the mighty MLB 11: The Show can't seem to implement a much more important auto-save and load into their game out of the box, or even a dedicated playoff mode.

I love the passion Jayson showed in his response, I really do. But at the end of the day, we are still playing a video game, and I prefer to look at the glass as half full. So I will choose to look at the good that NCAA gave me last year rather than get bogged down by the negatives. Trust me, one thing I've learned at this job is that people, myself included, will always have high expectations in regards to football games. And no matter what, as a hardcore football fan and gamer I realize no football game will ever be perfect. Nevertheless, the NCAA series being considered mediocre, especially after NCAA 11? Get real.

Dustin Toms: Fiction.

Jayson, I love you, but I could not disagree with you more on this. First of all, MLB: The Show has some horrid commentary. It makes me want to barf at times. I'm not saying NCAA is any better, but in no way should it be considered that much worse than what's found in The Show.

As for calling NCAA Football a second-tier franchise, just shake me please. NCAA Football is one of few sports franchises that are worth your $60 when taking into consideration the entire package. Dynasty mode has been solid for years, and it keeps improving with more and more recruiting options. Online Dynasty mode is a huge success, and I can only see the mode getting better because it seems like the popularity of it seems to be skyrocketing.

Lastly, I just disagree with anyone who says Backbreaker is better than NCAA, or even Madden. It was a decent game with some great physics, but there were way too many improvements that needed to be made -- not to mention it was a relatively bare bones game -- before putting it on some sort of pedestal.

You're more excited about NCAA Football 12 after playing this demo.

Christian McLeod: Fiction. This is kind of a silly question for me since I played the game at E3. After I played the build at E3 a few weeks back, I was left wanting more. The demo feels like an older build than what I had played, so I can't wait for my review copy to arrive in a couple days.

Dustin Toms: Fact. It didn't necessarily excite me only because of the way it played, rather it also simply served as a fresh reminder that the retail version is coming out soon.

You've heard from our staff, but feel free to answer the fact or fictions questions in the comments -- we want to hear from all of you.

NCAA Football 12 Videos

Member Comments

# 101 ChaseB @ 07/02/11 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaliib


	As I stated things here at OS has changed from how it was several years ago. Not that there was a sinister motive by these writers in particular, but there seems to be a sinister attitude towards those that have a view that might not be as positive about the game. (Just read some of the replies) When the writer starts off by saying "It's people like this..." because the veiw was different, kind of seems like the whole purpose of the write-up was to say those that don't see the game on the same manner, simply are lacking something to have such a view. (I wouldn't or did not say Stupid) I wouldn't say that a Gamers can't have an opinion, but I've watched how non-positive notations about EA games have been met with sinister replies that seem to be given more leeway in expression. In a nutshell, I replied because I wondered if those that agreed with Jayson's write-up (not as positve), if such a person would be given the same leeway to do a Fact or Fiction write-up to counter such gloating perspectives that the writers present? Would it be Deleted? Would they be warned or Banned? I could care less one way or another and take no side, it's a video game. I've got likes and dislikes, but still will buy and find a way to enjoy it.

At this point, I think we might be talking about different things here. I am not a moderator, nor am I privy to the way folks may or may not be handled on here. But, I can at least say from the writing side of things, that Jayson -- as I said previously -- would have absolutely been on this Fact or Fiction if he was not working on a Backbreaker review because we generally try to get two guys on -- or even three guys in some cases -- so we can really get folks who have passionate differences on topics to make the FoF more interesting than having two people agree more or less. We don't try to manufacture those opinions though, so Dustin and Christian agree more than not hence why it was a bit more one sided on this particular FoF.

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaliib


	I wouldn't go that far. There are so many perspectives of what looks/plays right and what's changed, there really isn't a right or wrong dealing with the game. We're talking Millions of different perspectives. We wouldn't be having many of these discussions if the game was more customizable. Options, options, options. I feel that's why so many agreed with Jayson's write-up, because there are no options or have very limited options that allow them to fix what they feel is wrong about their game. Example: No Recruit Editor eventhough every year, gamers run to the Forums looking for Slider/Re-Rated Rosters to help improve an aspect of Gameplay they don't like. Again, so many perspectives, but limited options for Gamers to adjust to their own perspective, is what's driving much of the around here.

I would agree with that overall sentiment and that it makes sense. However, I think you would hear some people say that they did add some customization this year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheTodd84


	why do you think, Chase, that MLB: The Show, FIFA and NHL are consistently viewed as better games than NCAA? It is the custom entrances? Nope. Is the commentary? A little bit. Is it the presentation? A little bit. But what is it MOSTLY? Wait for it... the GAMEPLAY. So, if that is the case, then why is the dev team at NCAA still focusing on getting Bevo to look right when they should be trying to make oregon play like a damn spread-option team and make the zone read actually usable?

I'm not sure why I'm being targeted specifically for this response...

Nevertheless, I would agree the gameplay is why those games are considered better, but I never made any argument that NCAA was better -- not that I even really compared them anywhere, ever -- than those other franchises.

I'm not really going to go down this path of balancing what's done by art team and gameplay team again because I'm pretty sure I already had that discussion recently when it comes to people making an argument that Bevo etc. should be ignored entirely until every gameplay fix occurs. I don't think it's really an argument that is entirely reasonable or feasible but, again, if someone wants to pitch that argument then cool.

# 102 khaliib @ 07/03/11 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaseB


	I think you would hear some people say that they did add some customization this year.

I don't know if you've had the chance to visit/read about some of the fixes we've found editing player ratings up or down.

We have actual fixes/improvements for many of the Gameplay issues that many gamers are complaining about.

Even video's are provided as proof in some threads to show that these are not fly-by thoughts being thrown around.

I guess when Ben stated that the reason we couldn't/they would provide a Recruit/Player Editor to improve the game was because of how some "Online Cheaters" would use/abuse it, that just felt like a "Shank" in the back to alot of gamers that spent hours/days to find such fixes to cover the Dev's back by improving the game.

If you get a chance, visit one of the threads by Playmaker or GotMadSkillz and see what we've found and are discussing.

Maybe having a writer like yourself do a write-up about what we've found might capture the Dev's attention and help the cause.

If they would simply give us the Editing ability, we would take this game to the next level.

# 103 mirrored32 @ 07/03/11 02:42 AM

Excellent write up! it addresses the debate on the range of responses that are from 'junk' to 'best game ever' and how they are perceived and accepted/denied. One thing that is not in denial is there is plenty of opinion to go around and that shows a ton of interest response for the game. It means the game is desired and wanted being these ranges of thoughts are out there.

Though there are often a minority of responses out that are unconstructive, I think the debate of NCAA 12 being a worthy follow up to NCAA 11 is really a perception of what is the expectation for a new game EVERY YEAR.

IMO I think NCAA 12 have major improvements. #1 non suction blocking #2 real 3d lights #4 Coaching Carousel #5 new game track feature #6 team entrances.

But this aside, I wonder if the game play 'graphics' as in 'banners' etc feel old? is this a reason people feel it isn't 'new' enough? perhaps that there are some cut scenes that were reused, and some feels to the score graphics that make it feel the same? I am not sure. but something to consider non the less.

# 104 Bumble14 @ 07/03/11 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by khaliib


	I don't know if you've had the chance to visit/read about some of the fixes we've found editing player ratings up or down. We have actual fixes/improvements for many of the Gameplay issues that many gamers are complaining about. Even video's are provided as proof in some threads to show that these are not fly-by thoughts being thrown around. I guess when Ben stated that the reason we couldn't/they would provide a Recruit/Player Editor to improve the game was because of how some "Online Cheaters" would use/abuse it, that just felt like a "Shank" in the back to alot of gamers that spent hours/days to find such fixes to cover the Dev's back by improving the game. If you get a chance, visit one of the threads by Playmaker or GotMadSkillz and see what we've found and are discussing. Maybe having a writer like yourself do a write-up about what we've found might capture the Dev's attention and help the cause. If they would simply give us the Editing ability, we would take this game to the next level.

Spoke with Ben a few weeks back and he let me know they are looking into providing a patch for NCAA12 that will allow for complete player rating editing in dynasty. Not a guarantee that we will see it, but it sounded very,very promising.

Contrary to popular belief the devs ARE listening. In fact, Ben was the one who brought the topic of a ratings editor up to me at E3 before I could even mention it. They are pretty passionate about the games they make, just like we are.

# 105 dan_457 @ 07/03/11 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumble14


	Spoke with Ben a few weeks back and he let me know they are looking into providing a patch for NCAA12 that will allow for complete player rating editing in dynasty. Not a guarantee that we will see it, but it sounded very,very promising. Contrary to popular belief the devs ARE listening. They are pretty passionate about the games they make, just like we are.

Now you're going to get everyone's hopes up, haha.

# 106 khaliib @ 07/03/11 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumble14


	Spoke with Ben a few weeks back and he let me know they are looking into providing a patch for NCAA12 that will allow for complete player rating editing in dynasty. Not a guarantee that we will see it, but it sounded very,very promising. Contrary to popular belief the devs ARE listening. In fact, Ben was the one who brought the topic of a ratings editor up to me at E3 before I could even mention it. They are pretty passionate about the games they make, just like we are.

Well since I don't drink alcohol, if he does, I'll send him a pack of my favorite kool-aid (tropical punch).
I don't even share this with my wife and kid, so it's a pretty big deal.

I really hope he changes his mind on this one.
Such access will take this game to another level.

# 107 NDFan1029 @ 07/03/11 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsmallwood


	I disagree with the writers....its not that "It's people like this that frustrate me the most"......are not knowledgeable of gameplay...they are just calling it like it is. NCAA is SEVERELY underachieving. I do not want to hear next year...or next gen. And most certainly do not compare anything in the EA series to NBA 2K11 or NFL 2K5...they are not in the same realm. NCAA 11 was the best college football game this gen because it has no competition...AP2K8 wipes the floor with it. NCAA 12 DOES feel like 11.5 because the commentary is a decade old, most of the intros this year were in last years game...RTG has virtually NO improvements and the Franchise Mode is the same. So no it is not that we are "never happy"...we just happen to know what real football plays like. When you play NBA 2K11...you can't just play it like a "game" on simulation mode...you must play NBA Basketball...in NCAA Football, there is little strategy involved. Teams don't utilize their strengths and take advantage of superior match-ups. Yes I am glad EA got rid of suction blocking...so far as I can tell in the DEMO, but there are a TON of other gameplay elements missing and I'm tired of reading articles such as this one, dismissing the fact that EA has done next to nothing over the course of this gen. This article is most certainly written in a biased tone and is out to push an agenda.....mmmmm....the thought of that @OS.....smh. #EverybodyhasanOpinion

I agree with you somewhat. I would've thought given that this game has been out for 6 years on the current gen of consoles, that things like a physics-based tackling or all of the FCS schools would've been added in by now. I can understand the game being barebones for its first or second iteration on this current gen, but there should've been many more improvements made before NCAA 11 came out. NCAA 7-10 is a long time to go before any major additions were made.

EA will never admit it, but I feel like this game runs on a staggered development cycle. One year they put in a million new features, and the next year they only have marginal improvements. I bet you NCAA 13 has as many new features and improvements as 11 did.

# 108 PaperBoyx703 @ 07/04/11 06:13 AM

Excellent voices of reason

# 109 dkrause1971 @ 07/04/11 08:22 AM

What i didn't like about the article was comments like "get real", "some people are never happy" and crap like that. I feel articles can be written without snide remarks being added to belittle the people who may dare think the opposite of you.

While i agree with the premise of the article that the demo didn't feel like a NCAA 11.5. I disagree with what i feel was a secondary premise that 2011 was a great game. A football game where the zone defense didn't work, the QBs didn't run, and where many of the stats were jacked right off the bat isn't a great game to me. I won't begrudge anyone who loved it and i also won't belittle anyone who disagrees with me over it.

For those that state- some people can never be happy. Does this comfort you? I wasn't happy with NCAA 11 but i loved playing Demon's Souls this winter, or uncharted 2, or MLB the show and many other games. Just because someone doesn't post happy thoughts on this board about this one game doesn't mean they are a picky a-hole who lives to point out issues. They just are not happy with that particular game/series and since we only have EA football games to represented the most popular sport in the United States, i can relate to that frustration.

I personally come to this forum less and less. I remember when topics were actually discussed here and not just some polarizing game of haters and defenders. I sure hope that changes.

# 110 rudyjuly2 @ 07/04/11 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkrause1971


	What i didn't like about the article was comments like "get real", "some people are never happy" and crap like that. I feel articles can be written without snide remarks being added to belittle the people who may dare think the opposite of you. While i agree with the premise of the article that the demo didn't feel like a NCAA 11.5. I disagree with what i feel was a secondary premise that 2011 was a great game. A football game where the zone defense didn't work, the QBs didn't run, and where many of the stats were jacked right off the bat isn't a great game to me. I won't begrudge anyone who loved it and i also won't belittle anyone who disagrees with me over it. For those that state- some people can never be happy. Does this comfort you? I wasn't happy with NCAA 11 but i loved playing Demon's Souls this winter, or uncharted 2, or MLB the show and many other games. Just because someone doesn't post happy thoughts on this board about this one game doesn't mean they are a picky a-hole who lives to point out issues. They just are not happy with that particular game/series and since we only have EA football games to represented the most popular sport in the United States, i can relate to that frustration. I personally come to this forum less and less. I remember when topics were actually discussed here and not just some polarizing game of haters and defenders. I sure hope that changes.

Totally agree.

# 111 TheTodd84 @ 07/04/11 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkrause1971


	What i didn't like about the article was comments like "get real", "some people are never happy" and crap like that. I feel articles can be written without snide remarks being added to belittle the people who may dare think the opposite of you. While i agree with the premise of the article that the demo didn't feel like a NCAA 11.5. I disagree with what i feel was a secondary premise that 2011 was a great game. A football game where the zone defense didn't work, the QBs didn't run, and where many of the stats were jacked right off the bat isn't a great game to me. I won't begrudge anyone who loved it and i also won't belittle anyone who disagrees with me over it. For those that state- some people can never be happy. Does this comfort you? I wasn't happy with NCAA 11 but i loved playing Demon's Souls this winter, or uncharted 2, or MLB the show and many other games. Just because someone doesn't post happy thoughts on this board about this one game doesn't mean they are a picky a-hole who lives to point out issues. They just are not happy with that particular game/series and since we only have EA football games to represented the most popular sport in the United States, i can relate to that frustration. I personally come to this forum less and less. I remember when topics were actually discussed here and not just some polarizing game of haters and defenders. I sure hope that changes.

This is what I meant. I did not mean to target you, specifically, Chase, nor was I trying to belittle anyone. And If I did do either of those things, then I am truly sorry. I am just overwhelmed with frustration because this game is ripe with potential, but never seems to live up to it.

I am not here to try and compare NCAA 12 to APF2k8, or NFL 2k5 or anything. Those are tired arguments that have been beaten to a pulp.

I do completely agree about the NBA 2k11 sentiment. It is similar with MLB 11: The Show. Where you must utilize teams strengths and weaknesses to win. There is little strategy in NCAA. Like I have mentioned previously about the demo w/ Oregon, the ducks should be a NIGHTMARE to play against. Darron Thomas and LaMichael James should be running zone reads down my throat and option runs until I stop them. I should not be able to run a base cover 3 and have my defensive linemen shoot into the backfield to shut them down. Unless I am playing as a bigger, stronger defensive line, like Auburn had in the national title game last year, that held the Ducks to a season-low 75 yds rushing, LaMichael and Darron should account for a MINIMUM of 150 yds rushing.

This is where I think this franchise needs a dose of real-time physics. While other games may be able to get away w/ canned animations and the user still be able to utilize the team's strengths and weaknesses, this series can no longer go that route. I should notice a HUGE difference when Oregon goes up against New Mexico versus Texas. There is no real, discernible difference in the game, other than sometimes the Texas defensive linemen are programmed to beat the Oregon offensive linemen more often to stop me. That is just what is incredibly frustrating. In order for me to stop Oregon offensively, I should have to have bigger, stronger defensive linemen than Auburn did to penetrate and disrupt their mis-direction.

I am not going to bore you with all the details that need to be fixed, but recruiting needs to MEAN something. If I take over Eastern Michigan, and focus my recruiting on the Defensive line to get bigger and stronger, I should be better at stopping the run, not just because of higher ratings, so they are programmed to "win" the trench battle more often, but because size and weight actually matter. My 75 rated defensive tackle who is 6'4, 321 (just a random example) should give MAC offenses fits and they should have to gameplan to stop him. Whereas, if I go up against a big-10 defense, he can be easily shut down w/ double team blocks against Wisconsin, but he should still cause some gameplanning.

It is just little football nuances which make the game infinitely more realistic and play like football that can be improved forever and will get rid of a lot of complaints with physics and not programmed responses and canned animations. That is where this game is so frustrating sometimes.

Again, if I singled anyone out, or was offensive to anyone, I do really apologize, especially you, Chase. I just feel like sometimes you give these guys too much credit. But it's ok. That's how you feel.

# 112 ACardAttack @ 07/06/11 09:32 AM

This was the biggest waste of an article...they all answered exactly how you would expect them to answer

# 113 extremeskins04 @ 07/06/11 10:03 AM

I think what people are upset about is the fact that almost every other sports game today is blowing by EA's football games.

NBA2k, FIFA and NHL (EA Canada), and SCEA's MLB The Show.

These guys above are lightyears ahead of EA Madden and EA NCAA in almost every single possible way a sports game can be developed. Graphics, presentation, gameplay, features, animations, etc.

When NBA2k11 released it was like a gold mine and argueably one of the best sports games ever created. The FIFA games the past few years have been truely amazing. NHL is stepping up now and making it better. Let's not even discuss The Show. There's just no comparison.

This is what the problem is. I'm not downgrading NCAA 12, but after playing the demo it did feel like I was playing NCAA 11. I know there's some new features, but the gameplay felt the same to me. I'll wait until the release of the game but by then I would have had already spent my $60 and can't get that back.

If I go strictly by the demo and what the demo offers me to make my game purchase I would not buy the game. Just my opinion.

# 114 BeaverBeliever97267 @ 07/07/11 01:28 PM

NCAA 11 best one of this generation...yes. 12 is huge improvement...no. Better game than 11...yes. Me excited...definitely!!!

« Previous 1 2 3 4 56Next »

More Links