It appears that everyone in the war room needs to go to the bathroom really, really bad.

After messing around with the demo, I think I am going to really like this game. I do think however some things are going to get repetitive, such as motivation speaches, unless in the final version it gives you more options of things to say. As for the first installment, I think I will be pretty happy with this purchase.

buying a console version, yup.

Well to be fair, it turns out we're way ahead of schedule and had most of our markdowns down already, so I did a lot of grunt work hauling around boxes, taking out loads of trash and carboard, setting up tables and displays, etc.

hopefully the pc version, you can use a gamepad for it.

Definitely built for consoles first. With most games (for me) that'd be fine, but I don't think I'll prefer it for this one. I'd almost rather just play the games out myself (aka control the players like in madden/NCAA). We'll see how the final product turns out.

1. I don't know about you all, but when a game is being played, it reminds me of FPS Football, wow.

2. Yup, the game runs great on my pc, but I'm torn on the ps2 version and the pc version, since it does look like it was built for the console version. If it was on the 360, I might have bought one. :) I would have went to EF house and played it on his new 60" SXRD TV. :D

3. It's fun, really fun to play. I think next years version will be really good... and I bet they have a 360 version next year.

4. Seattle's second play from scrimmage, INT for a TD, go team go!!! Ok, it definitly got me excited.

5. I'm getting this game, but which platform for I'm clueless right now.

2. :D Tou are welcome to come over any time.

3. I agree with both of those statements from what I've seen.

5. I still think you should stick to PC. One, we can get some good MP games in. Two, it seems unlikely that the Xbox or PS2 version will be patched. Hopefully, the PC version will be patched if necessary.

I read this on another baord and it is alittle disappointing if true:

"Another thing I notice while scrolling through my roster is that none of the players I drafted on day two are anywhere to be seen. I see Huff, Sims, and Pope on the depth chart but as I look on every screen imaginable, my other guys aren't there. Very strange. I've actually now been looking on every screen for over 20 minutes and can't find them. It's like they all got busted for drugs and left for the CFL. I keep digging and finally find the draft picks on the free agent list. It seems my Rams roster is already full (they don't expand your roster for training camps or even the preseason), so instead of signing my rookies, it kicked them to the free agent list without even enabling me to retain their rights. Very confusing. At least I finally found them, and luckily, right before the action really starts. "

Also, starters are playing the full game in preseason they are not playing ubs at all to get some work in.

FWIW, I've read on several boards that this demo IS the E3 version, and it is not final code. So, hopefully the draft and interception rate have been tuned.

Is it really a preseason game, or an exhibition? I figure exhibition is a game that's completely outside the season -- like a single game of Madden.

I hope they make NBA Head Coach. I would mark out for that game(if it's done right), probably even more than the NFL one.

I am in the same boat. I don't know which version I want to get. I am leaning PC because of patching and because I have a nice new Dell XPS on the way.

Dola,

I would love to see a MLB game made in this manner.

All I have to say is "NCAA Head Coach"... Oh yeah, that would be tits...

When this thing takes off, maybe they will go in other directions. They know there is a crowd out there for these games.

Ok, after reading this - definitly the PC version for me. :) (patches baby)

I am seconds away from giving in and ordering an XPS myself! What config did you opt for? I have zero plans for actually useful stuff, but games and music and video here-we-come!!

Ummm...the game is 1.8 GB?:eek: And they are going to try and have people download it? Holy cow...

That doesnt take that long with a good connection. Start it before you go to bed at night. Preferrably they will let us start downloading soon(when the order button works).

Trouble with demo
 

I'm having trouble getting the demo to run on my PC. I get a directx error when I try to run the application or from the shortcut saying it can't find a .dll file. I have directx 9c installed so I'm wondering what's up.

Here's the exact file name in the error which is not found: d3dx9_27.dll

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

im not smart on such things but I would suggest going to microsoft and downloading the latest directx again.

I really really really *really* wish this game came out tomorrow.

im avoiding the demo after playing it about 20 mins. keeps the anticipation up.

I've downloaded it... but can't find an option to actually talk to the game?

Was I misinformed? I thought you could wear a headset and actually bark out orders?

only a demo. i am guessing they didn't bother putting that feature in it.

It looks like it might not be that hard to work. Just guessing, but I bet you call out the set called [blue] [thunder] etc, and then the play number under that packagae to make the call. Probably will be easy to work.

Tim Hasselbeck is black in this demo?

dola, it looks like something out of maxi football, black arms, white face.

Could it be he is wearing black sleeves?

Well it's not that.. it's that tomorrow's my birthday and I really wanted to be able to get it for my birthday. :)

Only if they include his hands as well.

Wow, this interface for the PC is very, very hard to maneuver around...but I like the options.

Coaches 10-6 revealed on IGN. I'm surprised #8 and 7 aren't higher.


http://sports.ign.com/articles/712/712649p1.html

no shit. who they putting in the top 5? Dennis Erickson?!

NBA, MLB, NCAA - if any of these are done even half right I would purchase the first second they were available - combining todays graphics with the detail/depth of FOF or OOTP would be the ultimate gaming for me.

I fell like it is 5 days till Christmas and I am about 8 years old.

Shula and Papa Bear Halas better be 1-2. In that order. Though they'll probably put Lombardi #1.

wasn't vince number 7?

I stand corrected. :)

Wow, that makes the top 5 more of a puzzler then. I mean, Halas and Shula are obviously in there... but who else would be deserving? Bellichek (sp)? Parcells? Ditka? (note: not saying they're worthy or not... just saying the other names I can think of)

I'd eliminate Ditka, include Tom Landry (particularly considering he's an option as like motivator or whatever in the game), and say you have the other 4.

John Madden is the only other coach who you could really consider top 5 material outside of Landry and the 4 you listed, and it's debatable whether he coached long enough to be included in something like this.

I love Ditka...but he really wasn't that good of coach, outside the one season.

Considering madden is such a big deal in EA for their other football game, id imagine he will get overrated

The demo was tuned to 5 minute quarters. I also asked the dev at E3 how many minutes/quarter the game was designed for to get realistic results and he also said 5 minutes because the time between plays/setting up scrimmage takes a lot less time than in real life.

I strongly disagreed with that tactic, making a realistic paced game would at least give the coach some time to COACH between plays. Just give us the option to save in-game and I'd be happy.

Has anybody heard anything about backwards capability for the XBox 360? I don't have an Xbox but I would love to get this if it will be capability for the 360.

One of the game stores should be able to look this up for you in their database I believe.

If I remember correctly, Madden was somewhere around #17, I think. Wherever he was listed, I'm pretty sure he's already been mentioned, so he's not in EA's top 5.

Izulde and joyosects have pretty much nailed all the possibilities for top 5, but I'd like to add Chuck Noll's name in there. He's the only coach to win 4 championships in the Super Bowl era, so that has to count for something. If I remember correctly, Bill Parcells has never been represented in the Madden games since they added actual NFL coaches (I suppose due to licensing or something), so I wouldn't be surprised if he's not on the list. I don't see how he could be placed ahead of Belichick, Shula, Halas, or Landry. I guess maybe it could be a toss up with Belichick, but I don't know.

Wouldn't it be a kick in the pants if George Seifert made the top 5? :D

I have no idea why they are releasing this game on June 22. Why not wait until its closer to football season, and a month after Madden is released to release this game. I am sure a first generation game like this could easily use the extra couple months for testing.

I believe they are probably guessing, and I agree, that if this comes out after Madden it will lose sales. They are probably trying to catch those eager for the next football game, but NCAA is a month away and Madden two months. The odds of joystick jockies picking this up when they have just gotten NCAA and/or madden in their hot little hands seems unlikely.

Parcells and Beli aren't in the game as actual coaches. If they aren't allowed to use them as coaches, I'm not sure they'll have em in the top 20 list either.

I'd say Halas, Shula, Landry, and Noll are locks. I don't know how you can have a list and not include any of those guys. That leaves one slot. If it comes between Beli and Parcells, it has to go to Parcells for longevity alone.

If neither of those guys are options, I'm not sure where they'll go.

I agree with Halas, Shula, Landry, and Noll in the top 5. As previously mentioned, Madden has already appeared in the list. I doubt Parcells will be in it since he is not allowing them to use his name in the main game. However, that leaves me also questioning who could be the 5th in the top 5.

Dola -

After work today, I have the next 18 days off. I can't wait to dive into the main game in a few days.

Just went and looked through the top 25 that were already shown...

I agree with those 4, and the only other name that seems glaringly missing is Joe Gibbs... Do I think he's top 5? Meh, dunno... but at the same time it seems that he should be in the top 25...

Gibbs is #6.

I'll go with Paul Brown.

Oops, I'm blind....

Paul Brown might be it...

Very good guess. I'd bet that's the five.

Gibbs ahead of Walsh and Lombardi is absurd IMO. Yes, he was a very good coach and deserves to be in the top 10.

People forget Lombardi won 5 championships before there was a superbowl meaning he won 7 "world" championships.

Walsh (with an obvious push from Brown) revolutionized the game so much that today at every level from the NFL down to high school you can still see his influence in almost every game that is played.

as far as the last 5 - I think Paul Brown has to be in there.

along with Halas, Shula, Landry, and Noll.

My top 7 would have been:

1. Lombardi
2. Hallas
3. Shula
4. Brown
5. Walsh
6. Noll
7. Landry

What, no Jerry Glanville?

I am absolutely pissed that Ray Handley is apparently not in the top 25.

Dave Wannstedt is top 3 material.

Shula is one of the most overrated coaches in NFL history. Sure he won the most games, but not the most important ones most of the time. With the Colts, he loses two championship games, 27-0 against Cleveland as an 18-point favorite, and 16-7 in SB III against the Jets as 19-point favorites. He very nearly blew his perfect season against the Skins. He inherits the most prolific passer in NFL history and can't even win one championship? And the one SB he makes with Marino he loses 38-16. How could he never get Marino a running game? If good coaching is a function of wins, championships and talent, he did less with more talent in big games than practically any other coach. Take away his perfect season, and I think he coaches far fewer games, especially for the Dolphins. But as a Viking fan, I think Bud Grant has to rank up there as well.

Well, look at what that bastard Jimmy Johnson did to Miami. He ditched all the decent receivers Marino had and sent the team in a spiral of suckitude that lasted a long time.

Ahhhhh Yes BUT..................................


"HOW ABOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" :D

That brings up an interesting point. How many of these old-time coaches are great not because they were particularly good coaches, but because in the pre-FA era they were able to stockpile awesome teams? Look how many have tanked or done at best mediocre since the FA system was brought into place.

I think that's what makes the things coaches like Belichik, Cowher, and Dungy have done all the more remarkable: build teams that are consistently successful year in and year out despite having significant turnover every season.

I think the biggest selling point for Shula besides the wins, is that he was extremely good at adapting.

When he had Unitas - he had a nice balanced attack, with the 70's Dolphins he won with Csonka and Morris and the inside/outside running game and then we he got Marino he adapted again and went with a passing attack. In all 3 scenarios he was able to win. SuperBowls, no, but NFL games yes.

too often football coaches try to make their players adapt to their system, rather then adapt the system to the player.

That may be one of the funniest lines of thought I have ever seen. :)

So, is this out yet? I'm lazy and don't feel like reading anything in this thread.

4 or 5 more days until it is out.

6/20

cause they know that jim is releasing a new FOF/TCY combo in Sept and dorks like us will drop everything for that.

;) :p

We drink from the same chalice. Marv Levy owned Shula.

That's a good way to get mono.

My intended thought was that Grant was terrible coaching big games, too, and thus overrated.:)

He chose poorly.

I could have sworn i saw 6/22, but that may have just been that demo.

Geez, if Cowher hadn't won the super bowl he wouldn't be in there. Jeff Fisher deseves it as much as Cowher without the SB win.

Jeff fisher would still be playing in the NFL if Cowher hadn't ended his career.

Yeah but, even if you say all other things are equal, Cowher still won the Super Bowl.

That's a bit more clear. At first I thought you were accusing Shula of being overrated, but then arguing that Bud Grant was one of the top 10 coaches of all time. :)

But the argument that Shula is incomprehensible to me. There are plenty of people who argue that if you haven't won a title you aren't a great coach. I think that's arbitrary, but it's a valid line of thought. But critics of Shula take that line even further -- that Shula is overrated because he didn't win ENOUGH titles. I think that demonstrates a lack of understanding of how difficult it is to win even once title.

I'm pretty indifferent to Shula in that I'm neither a fan nor a detractor, but I think the only coaches you could argue were better than him would be a coach with more than one title -- and he was certainly better than some of those even.

The criticism that he never won a title with Marino has never made a whole lot of sense with me. This is a man who won a Super Bowl with Bob freakin' Griese an took "Woodstrock" to a Super Bowl too. But Shula wasn't the GM -- he wasn't the one buying the groceries. He had Marino and some occassionally above average wide receivers -- I think Marino made Mark "Super" Duper rather than the other way around -- but other than he had average talent on the offensive line and below average talent at running back. His defensive talent was probably average at best too, but Shula was always great at getting more out of his defense.

But would I rate him ahead of Bill Walsh and Vince Lombardi? No, that's just kooky.

Judging by the fact that no EA Sports games are BC, I would doubt that this one will be. Until I start seeing some of these titles show up (I have Madden 2006 and Tiger Woods 2006), I doubt this game will EVER be BC.

On PC version is there anything going to be cut out compare to the console version.

In madden pc version they always have some things cut out compare to console version.

The newest issue of sporting news has an ad for the game, with a 6/22 RD.

I saw a banner ad on a site the other day (sorry I don't recall which one) that also said a 6/22 in store date.

Fry's had it listed as in by 4pm on 6/22 and for $29.99.

directly from the horses mouth (ea website) - Of course shipping means you almost certainly will not get it that day - but digital download should hopefully mean we will have the game in hand on Tuesday.

Re:
 

Best buy says they'll have it Tuesday.

Only concern left is how realistic the sim stats will look like and how they compare with games we coach out.

For whatever reason, you are missing the D3D Extension DLL that the game was compiled against.

You can download it here. Once downloaded, place it in the program's folder next to the executable.

Hope it helps...

Yes, Shula had the best QB and didn't win a Superbowl.. Levy had a top 5 QB, RB, WR along with the 2nd best D-End, and a slew of others on Defense. Your telling me Shula doesn't win with that talent, the Dolphins had half of what Levy had to work with..

They actually had a two-page ad for this in the front of Sporting News this week. I was pretty surprised to see that.

Btw, the release date there is listed as 6/22.

I'm surprised that I just saw a TV ad for the game during the NBA Finals. Nice to see them doing some advertising.

Nice.....I wish I could have seen it if I had even the slightest interest in hoops. :)

I pre-ordered Head Coach at Gamestop today and they told me I could pick up Tuesday afternoon.

I got the XBox version because on the XBox website, they specifically say on there that their plan is to eventually have *all* XB games be BC on the 360.

Oh and the XB has better graphics than the PS2 usually.

Hopefully, the folks at EA will link my store account and my EA account so I can predownload this.

I called my Gamestop earlier today and they said my PC copy should be in on Tuesday as well.

Be careful. If you download it before they want you will have stolen the game. No matter that you paid for it. So don't steal the game you have bought by downloading it.

Mine should be in at that time as well.

ah yes, a wonderful moment in FOFC history :)

I am curious if they add any thing to your pc besides the game for the download copy. I mean I am assuming it is like steam and you have to be connected to the internet to play it.

You pirate :)

Sorry if this has been answered already... but how much of the coaches job can be deligated to assistants/handled by the CPU. I am interested in drafting, signing free agents, designing plays, and calling the plays in the game. Can I let the CPU handle all the other stuff (practices, motivational speeches, etc)?