NCAA Football 12 Preview

[BlueNGold]

Here's a gameplay question I forgot to ask in my post, if it can be answered:

How is the DB/LB pass defense? Are we still going to see those super-swats we've seen in the past, or is that more realistic now?

Also, this kind of ties into the first question, but is pass trajectory changed at all? I think that probably played a big part in the super-swats.

[blkprince04]

good write up chase, everything sounds good so far, i was expecting some sort of gameday feature i guess that will be in ncaa13....great article.......

[bigturboweenie]

Quote: Originally Posted by ch46647

I did read that. However, I wasnt sure if this was just an extension of "Pro-tak" or not. I am not a fan of the pro-tak system they developed. It looks good on occasion but for the most part it just looks like players morphing into a canned group hug....

THIS! Please tell me that the Pro-Tak was SERIOUSLY upgraded this year. Yes, i know, REAL physics doesn't exists in the land of EA.

[shanew21]

Does the CPU AI actually scramble this year? Do running QBs exist? And how does the commentary sound?

[COACH WEBB]

Also ELATED to hear that they worked on the zone defense! Man, I had too many blown coverages in 11 and still do.

[ChaseB]

Quote: Originally Posted by chen_sc

the espn ticker that updates scores out of town is in?

I can't say at this point since I didn't see it during my regular exhibition game. But are you looking for real-life scores or like other games going on within your dynasty on the ticker?

Quote: Originally Posted by poopoop

The part about gameplay sounds like a tuner set not a new game.

I think that judgment would be a little unfair.

Quote: Originally Posted by mm boost

Chase, here is a question. When conference games are played, is there presentation tidbits that let you know that you are playing an ACC game vs. say an out of conference game? I feel like these types of things really add to making each game you play feel authentic. Oh, and can you elaborate a little more on these ESPN presentation packages? So we will have end of the quarter highlights, and a half-time highlight show? Will there be commentary, and in the build that you saw/played, was there commentary included yet? Thanks for the write up!

What stuff are you looking for in that department in terms of in-conference vs. out of conference?

As far as packages, there are highlights within like this really professional looking ESPN overlay between quarters -- as well as some of the cut scenes. I wish I could find a picture of it, but it's really nice. I also know the NCAA guys went right to ESPN and asked them to give them their whole pregame package from start to finish so they could mimic it down to the last detail. It was not yet final when I saw it, but was getting close.

I don't think there will be a highlight "show" though, no. Commentary was in the build I played, but sound is usually low and you're also talking with the developers and all that so it's not worth mentioning at this point since I don't really have an opinion I could back up right now.

Quote: Originally Posted by MaizeHaze

Chase, can you go in depth on the espn presentation being more like a real espn broadcast this year? ie. starting lineups at the start of the game, more stat overlays etc.

I don't remember starting lineups, but honestly, that makes sense because it's just generic numbers and faces. In a game with player licensing it makes more sense to have that. It would look dumb in NCAA I think. In terms of stat overlays, I only played a half so it wouldn't really be a good judgment yet of how often they show up or anything. I tend to just write about stuff I see rather than what I'm told etc., so this is why I don't want to really speculate or anything.

Quote: Originally Posted by MHammer113

Chase - Did you feel like the crowd reacted to situations and at the end of the game if you're winning does the game just end or do players finally make motions of winning?

Only played a half so can't say for end-of-game stuff.

Quote: Originally Posted by Dr Death

Thanks for the honest write-up Chase! Your comment about Mo-Cap'ing wild animals made me laugh! I have a couple of questions... and am praying that your answer is not what I am expecting... did you see/use all the new plays and if so, is the Shovel Pass in the game? And... what of the Leaping Linebackers? Are they still so prevalent in this years game from what you played? From your article it sounds like you passed a lot... just wondering on these things! Thanks again!

Sorry brudda, didn't really mess with new plays much so didn't see if a shovel pass is there.

As I said in the preview, I actually threw a ball past a LB's head and he didn't react. The developer I was playing with (Ben Haumiller) was noticeably displeased about that and the tuning with reactions and so forth seems to be ongoing because of the other coverage changes that were made in this year's game. But, no, I didn't see the leaping linebackers, although I personally made a fantastic leaping swat play with my safety on a deep ball.

Oh yeah, and speaking of leaps, NEW DIVING CATCHES. I'm looking through my notes and realizing that was something I probably should have mentioned. Saw two of these new animations, and they looked good. One of was a catch where the player fell down to the field to make the catch, and another was near the sideline.

Quote: Originally Posted by Legend Killer

Good right up Chase. I love that NCAA 12 is getting Custom playbooks aswell. The updated defense and the new tackling system sounding good. It might not be perfect. But it is getting there. Presentation seems to be heading in the right direction again this year. But one thing kind of caught my eye about the defense part of the blog. Where it said the CBs will play a little more inside to make it much harder to complete a pass on the slant route. I'm all for that and all. But I really hope the AI does not mirror image the WRs routes like it does in madden 11. If so then I'm going to hate it. But overall great write by you ChaseB. Keep up the good work bro.

Yeah, seems more like a positioning thing now rather than reading the route. They will lean that way by default basically.

Quote: Originally Posted by rgiles36

Chase, You touched on the TV side of presentation. How is the presentation handled in-game? Are there more statistical overlays? More variety to the camera work in between plays?

There are certainly some camera cuts and different angles, and these go to the pregame ceremonies as well to help keep them fresh. There also seems to be more of a focus on making sure replays play a lot during the game.

Beyond the ceremony, the commentators do highlight a player to watch before the game. However, it's honestly been a while since I played NCAA and sometimes I get things that were in NCAA mixed up with what was in Madden and vice versa. So if that wasn't in last year's game, it's new this year?

[chen_sc]

[quote=ChaseB;2042326987]I can't say at this point since I didn't see it during my regular exhibition game. But are you looking for real-life scores or like other games going on within your dynasty on the ticker?


the other games that are going on in my dynasty...

[Bumble14]

Chase-

Can you give me the ratings for Michigan State ;-P

Can't wait for those posts to start coming..haha.