NCAA Football 09 Postmortem

[quietcool72]

What amazes me to this day is the different standards by which Madden and NCAA are judged. Madden is far from being without its own problems, but why is it that things NOT broken in Madden are often broken in NCAA, and hardcore NCAA fans who shun Madden's problems still wax poetic on the "greatness" of even the worst of the NCAA series? Are marching band sound clips and mascot visuals powerful enough to excuse poor AI running, non-existent pass D, AI QB's who refuse to throw the ball deep, low-rated college kickers with early years Morten Andersen legs, and a D-line pass penetration that is non-existent?

I guess so.

[stoncold32]

Quote: Originally Posted by doctorhay53

Heck im still playing. Not ready to talk about it as if its dead yet. Still half a year till the next game comes out. I'm getting my money out of it.

Well, I'm sure like some people, you've managed to numb yourself from the terribleness of the gameplay to where you just ignore the obvious. It's easy to do when you're trying to justify spending money on something. But unless you've NEVER played any PS2 football or even Ps1, or you have no clue how football should look in real life, then yeah, you might like this game. Other than that, I just don't see how.

And I never read that guys review either, but for him to give it an "A" in gameplay, only gives EA more reason not to change anything....and will probably take it even further in the wrong direction. I mean, when the "experts" are giving you praise, who cares what the rest of us mindless minions think as long as were giving the money, right?

[rudyjuly2]

Quote: Originally Posted by stoncold32

Well, I'm sure like some people, you've managed to numb yourself from the terribleness of the gameplay to where you just ignore the obvious. It's easy to do when you're trying to justify spending money on something. But unless you've NEVER played any PS2 football or even Ps1, or you have no clue how football should look in real life, then yeah, you might like this game. Other than that, I just don't see how.

That's an overly harsh and personal opinion though. Some of us do like the game even if we see the flaws. I liked the PS2 versions as well but don't think the PS3 version is crap. It certainly has flaws that annoy me but I had fun with it and got my monies worth. I don't think it's fair to label anyone that liked the game as clueless.

[stoncold32]

Quote: Originally Posted by rudyjuly2

Your opinion on this game went from rage to high praise to rage right from the beginning. I felt you blew a lot of stuff out of proportion when this game was released. Chris can have his opinion and it's one you shared at one point. For a game that sucked, I'm surprised you played it much but weren't you in a ton of dyansties as well?

AA's response was much like mine upon first getting the patch. This game was so TERRIBLE pre-patch that any improvement was met with praise. I dl'd the patch, and in my very first game with it I played against Alabama(CPU), Parker-Wilson threw two 35 yd TD's catching the receiver perfectly in stride on both of them. I was amazed at that because prior to that, I'd never seen a pass travel over 20 yards, THROUGH THE AIR. I thought this would be norm now, and seeing mixed up passing styles. However, I havent seen the CPU do that since!!! Not once. I'm sure he typed his opinion after 1-2 games.

I also think people have become too accepting of EAs mistakes. The sliders not working in this game was just totally unacceptable, they still don't work like they should and like they have in the past. Thats like buying a car and not being able to tweak the AC/Heat adjuster, even though the controls are there. This is just my opinion, but to say that this game is good or even above average in any way(other than graphics) is just an admition of people just being so desperate to for something, that they'll settle for anything.

[fistofrage]

Quote: Originally Posted by rudyjuly2

That's an overly harsh and personal opinion though. Some of us do like the game even if we see the flaws. I liked the PS2 versions as well but don't think the PS3 version is crap. It certainly has flaws that annoy me but I had fun with it and got my monies worth. I don't think it's fair to label anyone that liked the game as clueless.

But he has a point. What if the EA programmers are sitting around right now trying to figure out what they can do to appease the OS critics. I know, I know.....But just imagine they read our posts are take the constructive criticism. And then EA Smithers goes running up to them with the review. "I think you'll be pleased sir."

"Exxxxcellent, apparantly we don't have to change a thing, OS just gave our gameplay an A. And to think, Johnson, you were going to work this weekend trying to fix that pick 6 issue they were complaining about. Go enjoy that new movie you wanted to see instead".

[Pared]

OS Writing Staff,

You guys have to be in a very difficult situation here. Between the numerous glowing, positive articles regarding NCAA (that was blasted by the community early on) to this, I don't think you can "win" unless you are overly critical of this and Madden.

I empathize with the situation you're in.

I think you can say you enjoy the game for whatever reason... but I honestly feel that there are plenty of valid, legitimate comments being made and elaborated on how the game plays and the strategies involved that ultimately lead to a negative, un-enjoyable experience for some gamers here.

Perhaps an article on the community's expectations for '10 would balance out how some feel about the future of this series.

[fistofrage]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

OS Writing Staff, You guys have to be in a very difficult situation here. Between the numerous glowing, positive articles regarding NCAA (that was blasted by the community early on) to this, I don't think you can "win" unless you are overly critical of this and Madden. I empathize with the situation you're in. I think you can say you enjoy the game for whatever reason... but I honestly feel that there are plenty of valid, legitimate comments being made and elaborated on how the game plays and the strategies involved that ultimately lead to a negative, un-enjoyable experience for some gamers here. Perhaps an article on the community's expectations for '10 would balance out how some feel about the future of this series.

If you didn't know any better, they would appear to be on the take....

[AuburnAlumni]

Quote: Originally Posted by rudyjuly2

Your opinion on this game went from rage to high praise to rage right from the beginning. I felt you blew a lot of stuff out of proportion when this game was released. Chris can have his opinion and it's one you shared at one point. For a game that sucked, I'm surprised you played it much but weren't you in a ton of dyansties as well?

The high praise came from sliders working so that I could get a realistic pass rush on varsity..or close to it.

The problem is...once I got into a few weeks of playing post patch...I saw all of the ugliness on varsity start to rear its ugly head...such as the lack of a good CPU playcalling AI, and inability of the CPU to stop me.

Heisman is still a cheese/cheat fest all the way through.

And yes...I was in a bunch of dynasties...because I LOVE college football and I tried and tried to give this game a chance.

I still have dynasties going but the constant "55-52" Human vs Human games, the fact that I had a game I beat Florida 98-0 and then got it recorded as a loss, the fact that anyone who has played this game for longer than a week can consistently destroy the computer on All American or lower..and the only reason on Heisman that games are close is by flat out cheating Computer play (greased pig animations galore, Robo QB, zero pass rush, etc.)

None of what I have said is blown out proportion. If you doubt it...see how many folks are getting these ludicrous numbers in their games 65-52, 76-10, 66-27, etc. See how many folks have had games turn from Ws to Ls. See how many folks had guys win Awards then transfer to Western Kentucky.

The game is severely flawed. The only reason I stick it in my console is a)I'm a college football nut and there is no other option b) the comraderie I have with my online buddies.