Exactly. If a TE with 99 Run Blocking, 99 Agility, 99 Offensive awareness miss their blocks even 10% of the time, you can chalk it up to bad AI. But if a player with 50s in those ratings (Well, I guess in Madden and NCAA it would be 80s) is missing that block a few times each game, than that's pretty realistic and good AI (just a bad player).

Not sure if this has been discussed anywhere: last year you couldn't have the CPU play itself on the 360 (though you could do this on current gen all you wanted). Anyone know if you can have the CPU play and you just watch as in the earlier versions of the game?

Not in the classic sense, I don't believe. You can "Supersim", then go back and look at the plays you simmed.

So, in a roundabout way, I guess you can.

Nuts, I was hoping to just be able to set up two teams and watch them duke it out.

You would think that would be really easy for EA to do, but for whatever reason I don't think they have that implemented.

No in game saves still piss me off.

Very impressive looking new trailer:

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21084.html

FYI,

Gamestop/EB Games are doing NCAA 07 tourneys (on 360) the Saturday before NCAA comes out. Tourneys are at 2 PM. Also, select stores will be open at either midnight/8 AM to sell NCAA 2008, and some, of course, will be open at the regular 10 AM release time on launch day. Check with your local store to find their open time (they got official word on it this week).

2.5 weeks to go!

Work and NCAA 08, sorry kids. :)

I am thinking about going ahead and getting a 360, and this game would be a big reason why. For people who made the jump to next gen last year, did you notice a big difference in the challenge the computer provider during dynasty mode?

Not really. But then I'm too old to play on the hardest level anymore.

Same here. Heisman gave me a real challenge, but it frustrated me too much. From the videos, it looks like the CPU runs it more effectively this year which would hopefully will make the All American level more challenging.

I can't even look beyond the primary receiver during a play. I'm the classic, "I have one target, and if he's not open I get sacked" QB.

I add my own special blend of 38 year old, out of shape guy, to the NCAA platform.

A new trailer is up that highlights the Campus Legend Mode. I like the new position specific camera angles and they have fixed my biggest gripes from previous years. You'll now have to work your way up the depth chart, you'll have no control over the play calling, and the super sim will quickly handle when you aren't on the field. This will be the first year that I'll actually play that mode. Also, playing the senior year HS playoff games seems like a nice touch, rather than some stupid random genetic roll determining the player's skills:

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/21198.html

Heh, I was about to ask and see you added the link :)

Visited my local Gamestop today and said, "I'd like to preorder NCAA 08 and Madden 08." Freaking goofball clerks almost killed themselves trying to get to the cash register. :)

VERY temped to preorder NFL 2k8, but I don't think I'll have hard time finding it if it gets a good review. Plus, I think I'll wait a bit and maybe rent it or pick it up used at some point. I'm sure NCAA and Madden will keep me busy.

Are there any deals anywhere for pre-ordering this puppy?

Two more weeks. I'm still excited. :D

Maybe Madden is going to be good this year as I was surprised the Gamestop didn't have any deals for pre-ordering either game.

I wonder when they stop taking pre-orders for this puppy?

Probably the day of release. :D

Costco is another good site for pre-orders.

Did they fix the problem about being able to download rosters for the 360?

Yes, Fairdale Kings has gotten his 360's ID cleared and his rosters will work again. Not sure about others, but I've always used his anyway.

Gamestop/EB Games are just offering an early opening for people who pre-order. Some stores will be open at midnight while others will just be 8 or 9 AM (normal is 10 AM).

Does this mean we will be able to download them off the live marketplace?

No, you will need to download them to your computer and use a data transfer device (I believe it is Datel that made mine) to transfer the roster from your computer to your 360. You'll also need a memory card for the data transfer device. It'll cost you 50-60 dollars I believe to get those two things. I think it has been well worth it for me with College Hoops and NCAA Football rosters the last few years.


Edit: Alternatively, Fairdale Kings will put them on a memory card if you send him one, however, the data transfer route is much faster.

I'm so getting this game now.

Hail to thee Park High, we're bringing home a Panthers' championship!

That video does look pretty sweet. Hopefully the gameplay can match all of the new features in this year's game. 12 more days!

Wow!!!! I have been salivating for this game as it is....the new additions to legend mode ensure a few sleepless nights once I get it.

Xbox Live has like 4 new videos of the game. I'm a big EA critic, but this game has the *potential* to be an all-time great sports game. If the features deliver as promised and the gameplay is solid then this title will be a must-have.

Hopefully the sim engine will be good too.

PANCAKES!

Just pre-ordered, this is a release Day must have.

Pre-ordered from Best Buy. I know, I hate giving Best Buy money, but when work decides to pick up $55 gift certificates from them as a July 4th surprise, you've got to spend it on SOMETHING. Went the web route so I didn't have to actually walk into the store, and then have them refuse my payment for the $10 or so I've still got out-of-pocket like they've done in the past. Jerks.

Best Buy will usually have it on sale within a month after release.

If its been month or less you can get an adjustment. Just bring ad and receipt. The same if you do a price match from another store.

Pre-ordered mine today. EA is evil.

I'm probably going to reserve tomorrow. EB/Gamestop has 20% added to trades towards Madden or NCAA (expiring Sunday) which would give me $36 for Forza.

preordered mine yesterday. i need something to hold me over until Madden. hey, i might even wind up keeping this one if the career mode shapes up to be as awesome as everyone makes it sound.

No new news, but Gamestop has a preview of the top 25 teams in the game and their impact players:

http://www.gamespot.com/features/617...om_clk=topslot

I smell EA High School Football 2009.

Dola:

Now, I can't find a clear reading. What are the differences, as far as gameplay, that PS2 will have opposed to the other boxes?

The PS2 version won't have the expanded recruiting that is being done in the next gen versions. It doesn't have the new game engine with double team blocking, gang tackling, branching animations, etc. It doesn't have the new ratings for catch, route running, man coverage, zone coverage, etc. Those are the main differences that I can think of at the moment.

I'm having a hard time pre-ordering simply because the one and I only game I ever pre-ordered was Head Coach! Seeing the Campus Legend mode and the recruiting though....wow. Just hope the gameplay is good as well and this could be the best sports game on 360.

I just pre-ordered and I don't own a 360 yet. Thankfully the fateful paycheck I am going to use to buy it will be depositied thursday.

I assume that the game will not come with real players. Do the players in the game have actual names or are they just numbers? And are the ratings based off of real players?

Ratings are based off real players. Of course, you may disagree with some, but there is full player editing in this year. The game will ship withoiut real player names but will have their real player numbers. If you buy a data transfer kit and a memory card, there are several places where you can download a "real names" player file that will give all of the player their real names. The game also offers the choice to have fake names assigned to all players.

EF27 - On the 360 what do you need to DL the roster names? I'll be getting XBL but I don't recall if you DL it off that or something else.

No, you download it to your computer off a website (I use Fairdale kings roster site.) You need a Datel 360 Xbox Data Transfer kit which costs 15-20 dollars depending upon where you look. You'll also need a memory card which costs about 30 dollars. I've used mine for the last 2 years to download all of the college hoops and college football rosters. The data transfer kit and memory card will allow you to transfer the file from your computer to the 360.

How long is it generally until the rosters are up?