CPU dynamic AI adjustments

[DWM23]

Has anyone else noticed the CPU making adjustments to the AI in the middle of the game?

It's gotten to the point that I can predict 9/10 times the outcome of a drive.

For example, when the CPU gets behind by like 10 to 14 points, I notice the following things happening more often. Errant or severely under thrown passes, Wide open receivers dropping passes. Your pulling OL miss obvious blocks. (granted this one happens a lot).

CPU DB's play tighter coverage. CPU Linebackers and safeties are ball hawks on runs with almost instantaneous play recognition and pursuit. (watch the CPU corners on off tackle runs, even when they aren't blitzing.) CPU Defensive linemen break off blocks like the OL are toddlers.

Conversely, when the CPU is on offense, His receivers are wide open, His OL holds blocks more efficiently, QB throws are right on the money. Wide open receivers NEVER drop passes. Very rarely do catches in traffic even result in a drop.

My entire defense seems to have the play recognition, pursuit, and awareness of an infant. DB's will perform their "OH that receiver is going that other direction" stop and change direction animation a full second after the receiver's make a cut. (causing the receivers to be wide open, 5-10 yards of breathing room).

CPU controlled players on my defense will literally move to about 1-2 yards behind the first down marker and wait for the ball carrier to get a first down before tackling instead of coming up to stop a run or taking away running lanes. Additionally, tackling seems to become increasingly atrocious until right after the back crosses the first down marker. I've seen a back break 6 tackles cross the first down line and then basically fall over when getting breathed on.

It even happens on audibles, I can't recall the number of times I've audibled to a blitz and the CPU runs a screen pass. Maybe it's coincidental, but it happens eerily too often.

When I start to notice these things happening, it just snowballs and it seems like there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop the CPU from scoring or nothing I can do to put together a scoring drive. For example, I've had 4 consecutive series where my receivers dropped 7 passes in a row, while the CPU was playing catchup from the first half. When this kind of AI crap takes control of the game it almost feels like you're not even playing it and you start to ask "what's the point?"

[ruttentud]

Yeah, it seems like this stuff happens. I have no idea if it really is programmed in to react that way or what. I see it most when I'm ahead by <10 points and the CPU goes into the hurry-up. My defense just becomes absolutely idiotic. My amazing secondary (CB-99, FS-99, SS-93, CB-91) starts allowing massive cushions and blows coverage often.

I've just described as when the CPU needs to have the "Clutch" rating, it gets turned on for every single player. Poor QBs making amazing throws and leading a scoring drive in 22 seconds on 3-5 plays.

[Cavicchi]

It is easy to defend what you do when knowing what you're planning. In other words, CPU knows what play you call, which is just my opinion.

[JaymeeAwesome]

It's called comeback AI. It's been in madden for years. I haven't noticed it as much this year as I've had many blowouts on both sides of the fence without any chance of comeback AI.

[Robrain]

I believe the term is "Rubber Band AI":

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RubberBandAI

[DWM23]

I think that this kind of AI in the game is what everyone hates about it.

I just had another game where my QB under threw the ball on streak routes with the receiver wide open. When I notice the CPU blitzing a safety and the corners are up in bump n run. I audible to the deep ball, usually one of my outside receivers beats the corner off the line with a swim move or something. That deep ball to the sideline is wide open and somehow my 96 overall pocket passer forgets how to throw the football. I'm holding up on the left stick and tapping the button to throw the deep pass and somehow the ball is so severely underthrown the corner actually catches up and gets a pick.. It's ridiculous that a player is doing everything the right way but the games AI punishes you with bull**** like that which is completely out of your control. IMO that AI mechanic should be removed from the game.

[TjJunior]

Quote: Originally Posted by DWM23

I think that this kind of AI in the game is what everyone hates about it. I just had another game where my QB under threw the ball on streak routes with the receiver wide open. When I notice the CPU blitzing a safety and the corners are up in bump n run. I audible to the deep ball, usually one of my outside receivers beats the corner off the line with a swim move or something. That deep ball to the sideline is wide open and somehow my 96 overall pocket passer forgets how to throw the football. I'm holding up on the left stick and tapping the button to throw the deep pass and somehow the ball is so severely underthrown the corner actually catches up and gets a pick.. It's ridiculous that a player is doing everything the right way but the games AI punishes you with bull**** like that which is completely out of your control. IMO that AI mechanic should be removed from the game.

EA sports, its in their games.

[Robrain]

My #1 hatred in Madden is when you're under a pass, and press the jump button, and your WR does absolutely nothing, causing the ball to sail uncontested into the defender's waiting hands.