NCAA Football 11 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here

[wepr3]

I've purchased NCAA every release day for at least 6-7 years. Frankly, the last few years I've done it just out of habit. Every year it's fun for a little while, then I just get bored. Right now, the only football game on my shelf is 2k5.

But I've got high hopes for this one. I really feel like the prominence of the spread offense in college football has forced EA to revamp to some degree the blocking in the game. It's not perfect, there's still suction and unexplained missed assignments, but it's better.

Here's what I like:
** I feel like there's a real college atmosphere. Between the ESPN presentation, the player entrances and the cutscenes of the crowd, it feels more authentic.
** I like the graphics, and the colors are very crisp. I did play a game in overcast weather, and it did seem like there was a haze on the screen. But overall, love it.
** Bubble screens! Draws! End-arounds! They don't always work, but they don't (almost) always fail as in years past.
** Overthrown balls. Cool.
** Refs. I know, who cares. But I like that they're in.

Here's what I don't like:
** Defense: I can't get persistent pressure on the QB. Now, that may just be my particular skill level.
** Lack of penalties. Very first game I played, had 3 called in the first quarter. Since then, after 3 games, don't know if I had any penalties called at all.

Minor things that really don't matter:
** The in-game crowd still sucks. But if in 3 months this is my only gripe, then God bless EA.
** No Gene Deckerhoff? I'm a diehard FSU fan, so I miss him as the PA announcer - no big deal.
** Can't I get a shot of Steve Spurrier chewing his nails or throwing his visor? Can't I get a shot of any coach doing something?
** First play of the game, CPU throws a pick. Herbie criticize the coach for continuing to call the same play (or something to that effect).

My bottom line is that if this game has effective sliders out of the box, it might finally replace a 6 year old game that was made for a last-gen platform.

[wepr3]

Quote: Originally Posted by White Out

I'm in Canada but as your friend neighbor I agree to disagree as a side question... do you not agree that the graphics are completely lacking and unacceptable considering other sports games?

The in-game crowd? Yes, I agree it's poor. But the actual players and gameplay? I think they're great. To me, the colors are vibrant and crisp. I noticed on some of the replays that the shape of the ball is not smooth, but I'm hoping that's something that will be ironed out.

Here's the thing: I've been playing 2k5 for years because it was the gameplay that kept bringing me back, not the graphics. Comparitively speaking, NCAA/Madden has had better graphics for years now, but that's not what (in the long run), keeps me playing.

[Lavar]

Still the CPU/AI is in a rush once again to snap the ball, although I have on occasion seen the CPU/AI fake hike the ball. Whats the point in all these pre-snap audibles on defense If you don't have time to use them. Even in a no huddle Offense the QB doesn't just get under center and snap the ball as quickly as he does here, he will scan the field at least and bark out some orders.

There is a difference between a 2 minute offense and a no hurdle offense. Two minute offense is trying to get down field as quickly as possible thus saving time.
The no-huddle offense is usually employed as part of a hurry-up offense, BUT it is not necessarily an attempt to snap the ball quicker. Rather, the lack of huddle allows the offense to threaten to snap the ball quickly, denying the defending team time to substitute players and communicate effectively between coaches and players.

Anyone who has watched college ball will see that Mizz no huddle but then turn to the sideline to receive orders, then bark out some calls at the line then snap. I was kind of hoping to see a animation of QB's turning to the sidelines to do this.

In closing give us the option to make the CPU/AI chewclock.

[sportyguyfl31]

Think I'm done playing the demo at this point.

Diminishing returns will kick in at some point, and all that will be left is to dissect the game, search for exploits, and break every little thing apart, which I have no interest in doing.

Ive seen enough to know that it will be a good OD year.

[Critical Kills]

I was thinking the same thing sportyguyfl31, then I played a triple OT game last night with Missouri vs. Clemson and I had to rethink that analysis.

[sportyguyfl31]

Quote: Originally Posted by ODogg

I was thinking the same thing sportyguyfl31, then I played a triple OT game last night with Missouri vs. Clemson and I had to rethink that analysis.

HAHA! How so?

For me, I wont know too much more until I play user vs user..to see if the scheme I want to play can work and who I need to user defend to take AI soft spots away: Slot recievers, hook zone middle..etc.

[Critical Kills]

Well I mean I had so much fun in that game now I want to play it more, more and more. I have a buddy coming over Saturday and we'll give the user vs. user matchup a good workout.

[SA1NT401]

Quote: Originally Posted by White Out

wow. awesome criticism of my post. I'm.. "butt hurt". Classy stuff. It speaks volumes about my contentions and beliefs of this game, and yours, when I can back mine up with a serious and thought out post; while the best you can do is hurl insults

Just wait for madden then...NCAA is just not for you. Thanks for playing.

I like the DEMO...I like the improvements....Sure there are some AI issues...Slider can/will fix a good portion of them (hopefully)....But overall, you cant make everyone happy.

I personally will be enjoying this for a while. Ncaa dynasty mode is the dynasty mode i look forward to...In madden, i NEVER usually go past year 3. I found M10 an improvement, but not anything more than a 6/10.

Opinions vary.....