NCAA Football 13 Demo Is Out, Post Your Impressions Here

[DJ]

I played NCAA 12 for the first time in a month today. There's definitely a noticeable difference in defensive AI (for the better) in the 13 Demo than what was in NCAA 12.

In 12, I called a read option play. The DE bit on the HB so I had the QB keep the ball. Magically, the DE peeled off the HB and jet-packed over to my QB (who was running like he had cement bricks for feet) and nailed him for a 3-yard loss. The option game is 100% better in the 13 Demo as the QB's finally run at a normal speed and the Defense isn't as psychic when it comes to reading the play.

The psychic DB's are all over the place in 12; you really notice it after spending more time with the 13 demo. I had a play where (I was Indiana vs. Penn St.) my cornerback was beaten by 1-2 steps, yet still continued to run the exact route of the WR and thanks to an underthrown ball, came up with an INT. In another play, I had a WR break free on a seam route so I threw the ball to him, only to have a CPU DB come from out of the screen to knock the ball down.

There's definitely new tackle animations in 13, too.

After being a little down-trodden on this game, I'm feeling a lot better after a direct comparison of the 12 retail and the 13 demo. I think I'll definitely get my $45 worth out of NCAA 13.

[Armor and Sword]

The more I play the demo the more pumped I get.

The passing game is light years ahead of 11 and 12. Lightyears.

I am seeing tons of better more organic tackle animations.

The ticker and score break aways are a huge addition which is now really making the dynasty game experience so much better. Yeah Rece sounds wooden and not that great....but it is a start.

NCAA 13 is a game I am very much looking forward to.

[MarylandMan]

Looks smooth, but the ball sometimes morphs with the QBs hand, and there is some morphing, but overall alright.

[Scrollbar]

I actually had to register and account to post my thoughts.

Is this demo a real thing or is this a joke from EA sports? The player movement is so abysmal and unreal it's pathetic. Going from FIFA to this game is like being put from an XBOX 360 to a PS2. It's beyond garbage.

I love college football and this terrible demo actually ruined my evening. I feel bad for people who will waste their money this year on yet another terrible effort.

Ugh. I'm so frustrated.

[Rivals]

My impressions are, this is a $19.99 upgrade over NCAA Football 12.

1. Passing does seem more intuitive because the receivers actually adjust to the direction the football is thrown in. It feels easier to catch the ball and run up field in stride. The animations don't lock you in like they have in past editions. But this demo is playing on varsity, and passing in general seems really easy across the middle. My opinion on the impact of pass trajectories is still pending.

2. The AI has no outside containment on the run. Last year, it was a challenge to run outside or off tackle. This year, I'm bouncing ISO plays outside for eight yards a pop.

3. The game speed is too twitchy for my taste, although that can be adjusted with sliders - if they work. That's never a forgone conclusion.

4. Dreads, dumb player equipment selections and general roster ineptitude seems to get worse with each title.

5. I really like the subtle new animations the quarterbacks go through walking up to the line of scrimmage. Finally, a little nuance to praise.

6. I've seen a couple of new tackle animations, but then I've also seen a dozen Jimmy Superfly Snuka type tackles on kick return. More arcade flash for the kiddies.

7. Heisman Challenge mode, thing... player lock with graphics and a gimmick Dead Red Revolver feature.

8. The crowd and field look to have taken a hit graphically this year. Maybe it's just because this is a demo. Don't we say that every year?

9. Do not notice any new face masks or player equipment additions.

10. Overall sound and feel of the crowd is still lacking. It's better, but better from absolutely horrible. LSU fans chant over the coin toss, which is a tiny nuance that needs to be expanded upon. EA has plenty of money, considering they now pimp every cut scene with an advertisement. Since they totally botched the custom stadium sounds feature for wide spread use in the game, they need to step up and buy the rights to use more specific chants and fights songs in the game.

This next impression is brought to you by Carls Junior!

11. I like the way the introductions are laid out from Reese Davis to Brad Nessler. The team running out on the field and then stretching was awkward last year. But now there is no impact player introduction.

12. Davis' lines are choppy and they tend to kill the flow of the game. Occasionally a studio update is saved by Nessler actually reaction to a score. However, the two times I've heard Nessler respond to a studio update, he said something that didn't make sense. Like, No. 10 ranked Texas is beating Texas Tech, yet I'm playing No. 5 ranked Oregon and Nessler says the Ducks have to win so they don't fall too far behind the Longhorns in the polls.

13. USC runs the Pistol?

14. Controlling defenders is still a mixed bag. Sometimes the controls feel more responsive, sometimes you still switch the closest man only to find yourself locked into running away from the ball carrier.

15. Pass rushing is still just locked in animations playing themselves out as you uselessly button mash.

16. Meh... I'll pick this up used after I'm done playing updated rosters for NCAA Football 12.

[DaTwolves21]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scrollbar

I actually had to register and account to post my thoughts. Is this demo a real thing or is this a joke from EA sports? The player movement is so abysmal and unreal it's pathetic. Going from FIFA to this game is like being put from an XBOX 360 to a PS2. It's beyond garbage. I love college football and this terrible demo actually ruined my evening. I feel bad for people who will waste their money this year on yet another terrible effort. Ugh. I'm so frustrated.

I don't understand the point of your post. To say the demo is bad, you should think about what your about to say and not react off emotions. The demo is not terrible, the players movement is not abysmal, these are your opinions, I just think if you don't have a resolution to it then don't buy it, no need to fill the thread up with more hate.

[Aggies7]

Rivals great post. Didn't want to quote it due to the length.

However I am hoping since this was release over a month pre release there is hope for some good surprises that make it in by release time.

I know probably not but still hopeful because at least they have an offline dynasty that can be played the way you want it. So this will be my only football game this year

[LucasWVU]

Is the demo glitched? Because it seems to me that the first matchup you play, is the two playbooks you recieve the whole time playing the demo until you exit and come back in. Example: Play first with Oregon, play second with LSU, have Oregons playbook. Anyone confirm?