NBA Elite 11 Video: Exclusive Physics Diary

[seemoe]

Pared, How was the arena atmosphere?

[dirtypuppet]

Overall, not bad.

Lots of quirks, but for me as other people have mentioned, the shot blocking is still the most awkward looking aspect.

a) When LaMarcus Aldridge is trying to block Bosh, his first jump appears as if he should have some forward momentum (though he doesn't) which would cause player contact, or at least for him to jump forward out of position. Instead, it's like he bumps into Bosh's force field, allowing him to stay in the play (and look a bit awkward).

b) Shaq attempting a running block at Blatche. First off, it looks like it should be a one foot gather sort of attempt, but he jumps flat footed off of two feet. Second, he gets way too high for most players (yet a lone a 38 year old Shaq). Third, the two foot landing isn't horrible, but probably not suitable.

c) Kevin Martin attempting to block Stephon Curry on the break. I've read that in order to increase responsiveness, they've removed the gather animation for shot blocking. This is an instance where this is very apparent and does not look good. Even worse though is the body position. Martin is reaching towards the ball, but his torso is not shifting to allow his arm to be at full reach. It's just very awkward posing. Whether this was somehow from motion capture, or manually animated, it does not look suitable.

In general though, things don't move so nicely, buy I didn't expect them to. The sacrifice of smooth animations for good 'feel' isn't perfectly executed as far as videos are concerned, but I think it will still yield the best gameplay experience (though more individualised players through more signature style will be sorely welcomed when/ if it's implemented into Elite).

I also think that this will all look much better in 5 on 5 gameplay videos where you can't nitpick things so closely.

One last thing in regards to player movement. The BEST looking part of the video was probably the tech demos of post players attempting to back down. The physics looked good, but even better was the responsive (and surprisingly smooth) player animations that resulted from it. This is a very welcome aspect of Elite.

Looking forward to actual gameplay vids, and the demo. (and enjoy your holiday rEAnimator, seems you've earned it.)

[coolcras7]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

Colors were infinitely better overall, animations needed work and some models were really well done. I'm not crazy how they look in the media here. Almost as if they didn't have the chance to give as much attention to lesser players. The cover guys, LBJ, Artest all looked great. The great control supercedes all that though. It was just fun. Those that nitpick are going to tear this game to pieces, sadly. But that's just this forum, and not the typical gamer IMO. Their biggest hurdle is the mindset that they can't offer a solid basketball title. If they had someone to explain all the flash of the NBA you'd see more adoption from the general masses. They need more style in the game. Player specific things that makes the fan smile when they see it. Kids will want to buy a game to see John Wall dance or play dress up with Jordan rather than the excellent mid-range game. Once Elite can find that NBA inspired balance you will see the sales gap close.

though EA was the first do do the whole dress up thing, was not one of their big features all the shoes they had in the game.

[TUSS11]

Quote: Originally Posted by coolcras7

though EA was the first do do the whole dress up thing, was not one of their big features all the shoes they had in the game.

That's all you have to say in response? He just summarized EA's predicament perfectly and all you do is make that smart *** comment. I know it's tempting but we don't always have to point the finger.

[dredre]

smh at maybe ?next year? comments

[Pared]

Quote: Originally Posted by seemoe

Pared, How was the arena atmosphere?

The same. Although I know there were plans for things that sounded exciting plus the commentary and other things weren't in yet. From what I saw, it will make a huge difference.

Quote: Originally Posted by coolcras7

though EA was the first do do the whole dress up thing, was not one of their big features all the shoes they had in the game.

Shoes alone don't make up the NBA. Quite honestly, Ryan Santos has absolutely killed it with the shoes. I was a doubter, but now I'm a believer. The guy is a true sneaker-head.

The game needs more flash. Everyone having the correct sneakers and colorways doesn't make up for 10 players that all dribble and move the same way. They need more player specific nuances. A lot more. What's the first thing you see in the videos? People start talking about synchronized movement by the defense... not, where is X player's armband?

But they know that. This just isn't the year. You'll see some, but the big blowout in this area won't happen in Elite '11. Control is the focus, and you'll see they did a great job of this when you play it.

[Da-Man]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pared

The same. Although I know there were plans for things that sounded exciting plus the commentary and other things weren't in yet. From what I saw, it will make a huge difference. Shoes alone don't make up the NBA. Quite honestly, Ryan Santos has absolutely killed it with the shoes. I was a doubter, but now I'm a believer. The guy is a true sneaker-head. The game needs more flash. Everyone having the correct sneakers and colorways doesn't make up for 10 players that all dribble and move the same way. They need more player specific nuances. A lot more. What's the first thing you see in the videos? People start talking about synchronized movement by the defense... not, where is X player's armband? But they know that. This just isn't the year. You'll see some, but the big blowout in this area won't happen in Elite '11. Control is the focus, and you'll see they did a great job of this when you play it.

Pared why is it that every year they focus on one thing, give us half a game (eg. zero/horrible post game in live 10) and then say wait till next year for the rest?

Wouldn't it be better if tried to strike a balance and improve on everything each year?... Isn't that what the gamers want?

[elprez98]

Looks good. The underlying engine looks amazing, although something about the Live player models just don't sit well with me at this point.

They have a lot of potential, although with this amazing technology it does make me wonder how going this direction would have turned off Beluba.