News Post

NCAA Football 09 Patch Announcement

03:43 PM - July 16, 2008 by OMT

We have identified and fixed the bug causing the game to crash when editing rosters. This bug also causes teams to disappear and team ratings to change.

The patch is being tested tonight, and assuming all goes well it will be submitted tomorrow for certification. The expected release is in 5-10 days.

Until the patch, we recommend you cease editing rosters. Rosters that have been corrupted by the bug will not work after the patch. If you have a roster in progress and have not encountered any freezes or missing teams, it will work after the patch. There is a possibility a roster can be corrupt and not have surfaced any problems yet. This is why we recommend that you stop or back up your work among multiple save files.

We are also fixing the bug where the depth chart gets reordered after editing a player with this patch.

These are the ONLY fixes in this patch. We are planning on a 2nd patch with many fixes, but we had to get this one out the door.

We appreciate everyone's patience on this matter.

Special thanks to CDJ, 21SEC, and Fairdale Kings for helping us track this down.

Game: NCAA Football 09Reader Score: 7/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS2 / PS3 / PSP / Wii / Xbox 360Votes for game: 95 - View All

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Member Comments

# 501 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simgameonly


	Hey Auburn I am preparing myself for some frustration on this one. Its becoming clear that some of the gameplay fixes hoped for in "patch 2" are going to run smack dab into a brick wall of the EA corporate vision of "wide open gameplay" God, I hope I am wrong but the handwriting may be on the wall on this one based on what I am reading.

I just hope they fix the SLIDERS and RETURNS issues gameplay wise at the very least. I used to be in the videogame and computer business and trust me, looking into the sliders and fixing them could be done VERY EASILY. You know I'm right, OMT. If they are indeed broken then this should be addressed and it can be easily fixed unless someone really screwed up.

# 502 nstod @ 07/23/08 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrUrsus


	I used to be in the videogame and computer business and trust me, looking into the sliders and fixing them could be done VERY EASILY.

Then you should also know that it could be very easy or very difficult. It depends on what level it is broken. It could be a fix to one class, or a fix to dozens of classes. It just depends on where the issue(s) are.

# 503 davin @ 07/23/08 11:41 AM

While I think the sliders working would help (and help a lot in regards to being able to fine tune the cpu without giving the human bonuses), I don't think that alone can fix the defense.

I used to be apart of the pass rush isn't a huge issue crowd, but the more I play, the more it has bugged me. I didn't sack the QB once as OSU against an FCS team. Not once. On one play my entire DL was on the ground. The CPU seems to have this amazing ability to put our DL on the ground. If this were real life I am pretty sure we'd see a discussion of how "dirty" the teams the cpu used were with the OL. I also want pressure when I do get it to have more of an effect. It takes a special QB to stand in the pocket with a DL charging at him to step into the throw into the middle of the field and take the hit. But these QBs for the most part not only can do that, but they become virtual Peyton Mannings. I'm not asking for the pass rush to dominate the game, but I want pressure to at least be attainable. If I am lucky enough to get sacks in some games, it is just because the CPU holds the ball too long on screens. It isn't just guys being upset that used to nano blitz, my playcalling patterns last year on defense might use one blitz sending 6 guys every 12 plays or so. Now my blitzes of 7 get stone walled by 5 OL. That is James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Ross Homan (two 90+, one 85+), Lawrence Wilson (90+), Cam Heyward (85+), Todd Denlinger (85+), Dexter Larrimore (85+) being stone walled by an FCS team on a consistant basis. For comparison, I watch my DL on run plays. My guys can get amazing penetration on a blitz or even without it. It is like on run plays, when the OL is trying to push my guys away, the DL gain ultra strength and can push through it.

The zones are another problem that really need to be looked into. Running zone is almost pointless because my guys are not going to react the way they should. Zone defenses are not set up to last for 8 seconds. No defense is really planned for that, except maybe prevent (which unless it is a hail mary isn't entirely effective). My guys play zone at maybe a high school level. They quite often drop back way past their assignment, and if they do stay in it, will refuse to recognize a guy coming across the screen into his zone. That is fine for a lower ranked guy, but the highly ranked guy should at least be aware of it.

Pursuit angles are also pretty bad. This isn't as high of priority to me, but it is still bad. It is amazing to watch the cpu players as you turn the corner. Most of the time, they have the angle, but abandon it. At the very least they should try to force you into a move. I wouldn't complain if it was the CPU just simply being overwhelmed by a Ted Ginn or Reggie Bush out there, but it is far more than that. Go run in open space where it looks like the CPU has the angle at first when you are using turbo, then watch as they give up their angle. Now stop using turbo, and they correct their angles. I have actually stopped myself from scoring just because I felt bad that my 89 speed running back was shredding FSU's defense on a big run because they forgot how to take angles on plays.

The game still is fun, more fun than last years. But the fun of being a great defensive team isn't there as much anymore. Now I am only bringing up the negative and not writing what I think the game does right, which is a much bigger list. I love the new running system and think that alone could lead to "wide open gameplay". Sliders could really help in some aspects like I said before such as the run game where I do not need a boost on my ratings but the cpu does. It is challenging for me NOT to have 1500 yards rushing on the year with my lead RB, but I need the sliders where they are or else the cpu run game dies.

# 504 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simgameonly


	Co-sign and a big old agreement with Auburn on this one. I think what some of us think slipped past the testers, might be a gross misunderstanding. The game plays like it does for a reason fellas, its becoming more obvious

The fact is that many people that work in the video game business just don't understand sports as well as the hard core sports fan or those of us who actually played the sport. I'm not sure how much input EA is getting from athletes or knowledgable people now, but it would certainly help if they are not.

# 505 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rudyjuly2


	Thanks Adam for that list. I don't think kickoff returns are that bad but punt returns are far too easy (on AA). I DO think sliders could fix some of these issues even if not completely. The lack of a pass rush could be helped by exagerrating the sliders a little more. Its more of an issue on Heisman I think although my comments are mainly about offline play where I can use sliders. If they fix the returns and sliders I would be in heaven. The one other big thing for me is to get the cpu to throw deep. That's more important to me than the pass rush issues.

rudyjuly, Don't you think that the kickoff return team always gets to far up the field, even for college football. I am hardly ever stopped anywhere near the 20 yard line. The CPU usually makes it to at least the 30 on me, and I usually make it to the 40. I would have to handicap myself (which I HATE to do in videogames, I hate house rules and such) and not use the sprint button at all and I still think I would make the 25 at least every time. The problem I see on AA and Heisman is that the blockers stonewall or knock down the defense. Do you see that (serious question) as well? What's everyone else seeing?

# 506 BlackCats101 @ 07/23/08 11:48 AM

Compared to some of the other issues that need patching I am aware that this is of little real significance, and I apologise if it has already been raised, but I was wondering OMT if you are aware of some of the issues PS3 users have been experiencing with the custom stadium music, and whether there is any chance in the future that this may be patched.

I've posted what I think may cause the issues in the dedicated thread, but I'll post it here too for convenience:

'I agree with the theory that the kickoff song file could corrupt the rest of the files. As soon as the away team scores in the game, from the following kickoff, the music from then on in doesn't play in the game.

I have been playing about again and I have had the most success with the songs playing when I...

1) start up console without USB stick in port
2) don't touch editing the NCAA sounds in game and then go and play a game. (ie make sure to turn off your console after editing the sounds and then turn it back on to play a game.)
3) make sure to use teams that you have NOT assigned a kickoff song to.'

# 507 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nstod


	Then you should also know that it could be very easy or very difficult. It depends on what level it is broken. It could be a fix to one class, or a fix to dozens of classes. It just depends on where the issue(s) are.

Read and quote the rest of my post. "unless someone really screwed up". That was my disclaimer. Sheesh.

# 508 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COMMISSIONERHBK9


	question has anyone heard any status update on the patch?

That' what we've been talking about on just the last few pages

The first patch looks like first week of August maybe and the second patch may be September and there is no guarantee it will patch some of the gameplay issues people have (look around 45 or so for OMTs post).

# 509 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davin


	While I think the sliders working would help (and help a lot in regards to being able to fine tune the cpu without giving the human bonuses), I don't think that alone can fix the defense. I used to be apart of the pass rush isn't a huge issue crowd, but the more I play, the more it has bugged me. I didn't sack the QB once as OSU against an FCS team. Not once. On one play my entire DL was on the ground. The CPU seems to have this amazing ability to put our DL on the ground. If this were real life I am pretty sure we'd see a discussion of how "dirty" the teams the cpu used were with the OL. I also want pressure when I do get it to have more of an effect. It takes a special QB to stand in the pocket with a DL charging at him to step into the throw into the middle of the field and take the hit. But these QBs for the most part not only can do that, but they become virtual Peyton Mannings. I'm not asking for the pass rush to dominate the game, but I want pressure to at least be attainable. If I am lucky enough to get sacks in some games, it is just because the CPU holds the ball too long on screens. It isn't just guys being upset that used to nano blitz, my playcalling patterns last year on defense might use one blitz sending 6 guys every 12 plays or so. Now my blitzes of 7 get stone walled by 5 OL. That is James Laurinaitis, Marcus Freeman, Ross Homan (two 90+, one 85+), Lawrence Wilson (90+), Cam Heyward (85+), Todd Denlinger (85+), Dexter Larrimore (85+) being stone walled by an FCS team on a consistant basis. For comparison, I watch my DL on run plays. My guys can get amazing penetration on a blitz or even without it. It is like on run plays, when the OL is trying to push my guys away, the DL gain ultra strength and can push through it. The zones are another problem that really need to be looked into. Running zone is almost pointless because my guys are not going to react the way they should. Zone defenses are not set up to last for 8 seconds. No defense is really planned for that, except maybe prevent (which unless it is a hail mary isn't entirely effective). My guys play zone at maybe a high school level. They quite often drop back way past their assignment, and if they do stay in it, will refuse to recognize a guy coming across the screen into his zone. That is fine for a lower ranked guy, but the highly ranked guy should at least be aware of it. Pursuit angles are also pretty bad. This isn't as high of priority to me, but it is still bad. It is amazing to watch the cpu players as you turn the corner. Most of the time, they have the angle, but abandon it. At the very least they should try to force you into a move. I wouldn't complain if it was the CPU just simply being overwhelmed by a Ted Ginn or Reggie Bush out there, but it is far more than that. Go run in open space where it looks like the CPU has the angle at first when you are using turbo, then watch as they give up their angle. Now stop using turbo, and they correct their angles. I have actually stopped myself from scoring just because I felt bad that my 89 speed running back was shredding FSU's defense on a big run because they forgot how to take angles on plays. The game still is fun, more fun than last years. But the fun of being a great defensive team isn't there as much anymore. Now I am only bringing up the negative and not writing what I think the game does right, which is a much bigger list. I love the new running system and think that alone could lead to "wide open gameplay". Sliders could really help in some aspects like I said before such as the run game where I do not need a boost on my ratings but the cpu does. It is challenging for me NOT to have 1500 yards rushing on the year with my lead RB, but I need the sliders where they are or else the cpu run game dies.

I agree with you on most of this. Last year on the PS2 version they took those bad pursuit angles as well.

# 510 COMMISSIONERHBK9 @ 07/23/08 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrUrsus


	That' what we've been talking about on just the last few pages The first patch looks like first week of August maybe and the second patch may be September and there is no guarantee it will patch some of the gameplay issues people have (look around 45 or so for OMTs post).

im sorry i been following the but i lost track. the reason i ask because i havent even open the game yet. but the way i hear people on the board saying the game is unplayable until the patch comes i was thinking on waiting. that why i was hoping it already came out and i just miss something.

# 511 OMT @ 07/23/08 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AuburnAlumni


	Oh you could not be more wrong my good man. There is something SERIOUSLY...I mean....SERIOUSLY wrong if you think that a big time Defensive tackle, a "Glenn Dorsey" type of player, should "get to the QB a couple of times a game". Dude, if I'm a 95 rated tackle like Sen'Derrick Marks for Auburn and I'm facing centers and guards that are 74 or 75 I should OWN them...I'm talking, I should be blowing up the interior of that line, getting through and making that QB's life a living hell. I'm not talking about getting 7 sacks a game. But an elite D line should LIVE in the backfield against mediocre competition and should be going "50/50" against similar talent. 95 rated DEs and 95 rated DTs should be FORCES...not programmed to get stonewalled 98% of the time. That frightens me that you think that way. I need to send you some video of great Defensive lines and let you see what a true dominant line can do in a football game. "Get to the QB a couple of times and that's good enough for me"....tsk tsk...Adam..Adam..Adam. We need to work on your defensive mentality bud.

As I said, I'm not a gameplay guy. I'm a features guy. And your post about sliders not helping pass rush.... I asked if fixing the slider bug will help and you said no because there is a bug in sliders. Ummmm....

# 512 Pared @ 07/23/08 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMT


	As I said, I'm not a gameplay guy. I'm a features guy. And your post about sliders not helping pass rush.... I asked if fixing the slider bug will help and you said no because there is a bug in sliders. Ummmm....

Nice to see some humor amongst all this negativity.

Is there anyway to address the way the DB's and LB's play receivers during a catch? They don't attack the ball; Instead they sit there and wait for the catch, THEN make a tackle. This is very blatant on plays when the WR stops (like a hook route).

# 513 OMT @ 07/23/08 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callmetaternuts


	I dont necessarily buy that. I dont think Adam and EA are here to spin anything. Why try to spin it when they couldve just stayed away? You look at the community days for NCAA and Madden and thnks get fixed as a result of the community. Is the game perfect? No, but i dont think Adam is hear blowing smoke. The online dynasty an roster stuff got fixed pretty fast. Should it have been broken at all? Hell No, but it was, and they fixed it. Adam has intimated that they are attempting to get the patch out sooner, October wasnt mentioned (and nothing was promised as far as a date goes, think i can stress taht anymore?) I do agree that this game hits the casual market more than the sim market, and it may have been designed that way, but i think they are attempting to address the issues. I guess we will see what happens when the final patch is announced with what it will fix. If its just fixing minor issues like a misspelled word, then we see it for what it is, but if they come through, and hit these areas weve identified, i thnk you give credit where its due. Plus, you gotta remember, Adam isnt the sole designed on this game, he doesnt call all the shots, he's been gracious enough to put up with our BS and answer questions and be straight with us. not once has he blown smoke or just said something bc its what we want to hear, its been quite the opposite most the time.

Yep.. if you read my introduction when I first joined the board I was straight up front saying that I'm not here to spin things or try to sell you a game. I don't work in PR, I don't work in marketing. I'm a game designer, and I want to provide answers and insight and collect feedback from the game for how we can make it better for our hardcore gamer audience.

As much as we'd love to design the game 100% hardcore, that just isn't feasible. We have to make a game for a whole spectrum of people that may decide to purchase it.

# 514 OMT @ 07/23/08 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrUrsus


	The fact is that many people that work in the video game business just don't understand sports as well as the hard core sports fan or those of us who actually played the sport. I'm not sure how much input EA is getting from athletes or knowledgable people now, but it would certainly help if they are not.

Well, I can think of two former Division 1 quarterbacks and a former highschool football coach that work in our gameplay department.

EDIT: and another guy who played in the CFL

# 515 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COMMISSIONERHBK9


	im sorry i been following the but i lost track. the reason i ask because i havent even open the game yet. but the way i hear people on the board saying the game is unplayable until the patch comes i was thinking on waiting. that why i was hoping it already came out and i just miss something.

I understand, I was just bustin' you a little

One has to read through several pages of complaining just to find any real information. I'm probably a little guilty about cluttering this up

Honestly Commissioner (I sound like Batman), I would not open the game. I would return it and read the forums to find out if the major flaws that may bother you are fixed. Don't get me wrong, it can be a fun game, but after a while the frustration mounts kind of like last years Madden, but not as bad. I have great hope for Madden this year, and I have a feeling they are going to deliver this time (call me crazy). I would use your money towards that. I don't buy a lot of games per year so I went ahead and bought NCAA Football. Would I buy it again knowing what I know now? No. I would have just waited. I bet a lot of people feel the same. But to each their own. If they like the game, more power to them!

# 516 DrUrsus @ 07/23/08 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMT


	Well, I can think of two former Division 1 quarterbacks and a former highschool football coach that work in our gameplay department.

Great. What do you think about my idea for QB IQ if you get the chance to respond?

# 517 mvb34 @ 07/23/08 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMT


	As I said, I'm not a gameplay guy. I'm a features guy. And your post about sliders not helping pass rush.... I asked if fixing the slider bug will help and you said no because there is a bug in sliders. Ummmm....

Sliders won't help in online play unless you play in an online league..

# 518 callmetaternuts @ 07/23/08 12:39 PM

Adam, Both AA and I made some posts 2-3 pages back concerning the 2nd patch and the defense, can you address any of that?

# 519 Phobia @ 07/23/08 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMT


	Yep.. if you read my introduction when I first joined the board I was straight up front saying that I'm not here to spin things or try to sell you a game. I don't work in PR, I don't work in marketing. I'm a game designer, and I want to provide answers and insight and collect feedback from the game for how we can make it better for our hardcore gamer audience. As much as we'd love to design the game 100% hardcore, that just isn't feasible. We have to make a game for a whole spectrum of people that may decide to purchase it.

Sup OMT
Well can you give us a honest reply if the D-line lissues will be addressed? OR at least the sliders getting fixed so we can atleast do something till you all can?

# 520 therizing02 @ 07/23/08 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMT


	As much as we'd love to design the game 100% hardcore, that just isn't feasible. We have to make a game for a whole spectrum of people that may decide to purchase it.

Adam,

I think deep down most of us know that the game will never be 100% hardcore. The frustrations from most of the people here come from the fact that NCAA is soooooooooooooo close to being a great game that it's extremely frustrating when the silly little programming cheats "get by the testers". NCAA 09 is like a perfectly hot woman that's missing a front tooth. Many great things to look at and a ton of potential except that missing tooth.

As far as this never being a "100% hardcore" title is there ever a school of thought at EA to allow the "wide open game play" crowd to get that style of play from the lower difficulty levels and allow the hardcore gamers to work against tougher AI, not speed cheats, and a more hardcore/simulation style on the All American and Heisman levels? Is that possible from a programming standpoint?

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