06:33 PM - August 20, 2008 by OMT
Patch #2 for NCAA Football 09 is available, post your impressions here.
News Post
06:33 PM - August 20, 2008 by OMTNCAA Football 09 Videos
Member Comments
Well, let's not get too carried away. The game is decent on next gen but the patch has definitely made it more enjoyable and has a similar feel to last gen. My advice: if you can deel with inferior graphics buy the game for PS2 but if you need great graphics go for next gen and remember at the end of the day, it's just a game.Dynasty~ last gen
Recruitng~ last gen
Overall fun~ last gen
Progression~ next gen
Graphics~ next gen
Animations~ next gen
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OK, my 2 cents after only one game post-patch:
My biggest beef pre-patch was robo QB (I was able to tone it down with the broken sliders, but of course this meant that my passing suffered a bit as well. Still CPU averaged 68 percent, still too high for my liking, pre-patch). Anyway, I'm no longer concerned about robo QB, as the sliders have made a tremendous difference.
Mind you, I play on varsity because I'm not that good, and I know that's too easy for most people here. But anyway, I beat Memphis 13-10 in OT with Western Michigan. First half, I had the three CPU sliders all set at 0 and the Memphis QB went 1 for 9. I bumped it up to 50 for all three sliders at halftime and in the second half he was much better, 12 for 19.
My second biggest concern was CPU's inability to run. I don't know how good Memphis is running the ball but they rushed 12 times for 30 yards (5 min. qtrs) and seemed to favor the pass. That was with the two CPU run sliders at 75. I'm confident I can adjust the silders to get better CPU run results (Memphis' featured back averaged 4.3 yards a carry, which is the gauge I use the most in determining CPU run effectiveness).
Super kick and punt returns have been fixed. I believe the KO returns came out to between the 30 and 35, which might be a tad long still, but I had KO power at 50, so if I up that to like 70-75, that should further reduce KO return distance, though I'd be fine starting consistently between the 30 and 35.
I've never been as obsessed with needing a good pass rush and sacks as many others are (provided CPU completion pct. is normal) and I was able to get respectable sack totals pre-patch (1-2 per game in 5 min QTR). In this game, I was sacked twice and I registered one sack. I read this theory on the Madden board and believe it holds true for NCAA, as I've noticed it on many of my sacks: They are almost always coverage sacks, as blitzes don't help, and even hinder, your ability to get to the QB. The CPU has a tendency to get rid of the ball super quick when facing a blitz. So I'm not concerned about pass rush, which I know others are claiming is a game-killer.
Just off the top of my head, the only thing from this one game that bugged me was that CPU receivers still went out of bounds a couple of times when there was real estate ahead. I need more games to see if this is still a problem, but even if it is, I can live with it.
Overall, I think this is the best NCAA ever, game-play wise, though I'm still upset about the presentation downgrade (removal of about 30 mascots, no fan cutscenes, no coach cutscenes, no team entrances, no endzone art in bowl games, etc.)
It's hard for me to define what makes a game good. It's like that old Supreme Court justice's view on pornography: I'll know it when I see it. I know a good game by how it feels in my gut, how much I think about it when I'm not playing it and how much I look forward to making time to play it. And this game has IT.
There is no better contrast, to me, than NCAA 08 and NCAA 09. I hated 08, I knew it the first couple of times I played it. I tried to force myself to like it and gave it about 10 games before shelving it. Played two more games post-patch and it did nothing for me. I should have traded it in sooner but I'm glad I was able to get $8 for that P.O.S. a few weeks ago.
I am really digging 09. I've played 41 games, all exhibition (I'm not a hardcore dynasty guy but will start one now that the patch is out). Really love the look of the game (player models, uniforms, stadiums), and the fact that I was able to stomach 40 games pre-patch shows the hold it still had on me. I now expect that hold to be stronger than ever with working CPU silders.
I'm not going to thank EA, not before they apologize to me for some of the trash they have put together in the past (NCAA 05 and 06 on regular XBox, NCAA 07 and 08 on 360). But this game looks like it will be one of my all-time favorites. How do I know? It's late and I have to get to bed and I'm real disappointed that I can't play another game until tomorrow.
My biggest beef pre-patch was robo QB (I was able to tone it down with the broken sliders, but of course this meant that my passing suffered a bit as well. Still CPU averaged 68 percent, still too high for my liking, pre-patch). Anyway, I'm no longer concerned about robo QB, as the sliders have made a tremendous difference.
Mind you, I play on varsity because I'm not that good, and I know that's too easy for most people here. But anyway, I beat Memphis 13-10 in OT with Western Michigan. First half, I had the three CPU sliders all set at 0 and the Memphis QB went 1 for 9. I bumped it up to 50 for all three sliders at halftime and in the second half he was much better, 12 for 19.
My second biggest concern was CPU's inability to run. I don't know how good Memphis is running the ball but they rushed 12 times for 30 yards (5 min. qtrs) and seemed to favor the pass. That was with the two CPU run sliders at 75. I'm confident I can adjust the silders to get better CPU run results (Memphis' featured back averaged 4.3 yards a carry, which is the gauge I use the most in determining CPU run effectiveness).
Super kick and punt returns have been fixed. I believe the KO returns came out to between the 30 and 35, which might be a tad long still, but I had KO power at 50, so if I up that to like 70-75, that should further reduce KO return distance, though I'd be fine starting consistently between the 30 and 35.
I've never been as obsessed with needing a good pass rush and sacks as many others are (provided CPU completion pct. is normal) and I was able to get respectable sack totals pre-patch (1-2 per game in 5 min QTR). In this game, I was sacked twice and I registered one sack. I read this theory on the Madden board and believe it holds true for NCAA, as I've noticed it on many of my sacks: They are almost always coverage sacks, as blitzes don't help, and even hinder, your ability to get to the QB. The CPU has a tendency to get rid of the ball super quick when facing a blitz. So I'm not concerned about pass rush, which I know others are claiming is a game-killer.
Just off the top of my head, the only thing from this one game that bugged me was that CPU receivers still went out of bounds a couple of times when there was real estate ahead. I need more games to see if this is still a problem, but even if it is, I can live with it.
Overall, I think this is the best NCAA ever, game-play wise, though I'm still upset about the presentation downgrade (removal of about 30 mascots, no fan cutscenes, no coach cutscenes, no team entrances, no endzone art in bowl games, etc.)
It's hard for me to define what makes a game good. It's like that old Supreme Court justice's view on pornography: I'll know it when I see it. I know a good game by how it feels in my gut, how much I think about it when I'm not playing it and how much I look forward to making time to play it. And this game has IT.
There is no better contrast, to me, than NCAA 08 and NCAA 09. I hated 08, I knew it the first couple of times I played it. I tried to force myself to like it and gave it about 10 games before shelving it. Played two more games post-patch and it did nothing for me. I should have traded it in sooner but I'm glad I was able to get $8 for that P.O.S. a few weeks ago.
I am really digging 09. I've played 41 games, all exhibition (I'm not a hardcore dynasty guy but will start one now that the patch is out). Really love the look of the game (player models, uniforms, stadiums), and the fact that I was able to stomach 40 games pre-patch shows the hold it still had on me. I now expect that hold to be stronger than ever with working CPU silders.
I'm not going to thank EA, not before they apologize to me for some of the trash they have put together in the past (NCAA 05 and 06 on regular XBox, NCAA 07 and 08 on 360). But this game looks like it will be one of my all-time favorites. How do I know? It's late and I have to get to bed and I'm real disappointed that I can't play another game until tomorrow.
After this patch, I can now say this game was worth buying. I quit playing about 2 weeks ago, because I could not stand the "cheapness" the game was showing. I play on Heisman and the patch makes a world of difference. The sliders actually work, LB and CB are now in position to make plays and not just interceptions all the time. I have loved the game post patch
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I could never go back to the lat gen NCAA games, but whatever floats your boat.
As for Dynasty Mode, this patch hasn't changed anything defense wise, the defense is still a hollow shell of what it used to be in prior versions. The pursuit angles are still bad. The defensive line barely gets any penetration on Jump Snaps and blitz packages and corners are still giving it up on 3rd down. This is as good as they say it's gonna get people and that's just bad. I see many are waxing poetic on this patch and that's fine but I'm just not seeing any difference where the defense is concerned. The Defense in this game plays only what the CPU allows and even when I control a defensive player, they are so unresponsive on knockdowns and clumsy that it's a joke.
I have to say it but Madden this year is way better and more responsive. At least the defense plays smarter and does zone coverage much better. This game despises zone coverage.
I have to say it but Madden this year is way better and more responsive. At least the defense plays smarter and does zone coverage much better. This game despises zone coverage.
# 448
rckabillyRaider @ 08/22/08 06:02 AM
Gotta say its definitely worth a purchase after the patch. With a few tweaks of sliders, I'm having a lot of fun and I'm glad I decided not to get rid of it. This game and head coach 09 are where its at!
They made it so there's really no reason to manual call if you have the pitches unlocked that you want. After the patch you'll have a lot of guys that you'll get one pitch in (which drags on and on for over an hour, because the game randomly felt like doing that to you), and then the second pitch starts making him mad. So you get off that pitch and try to get him back to happy with a different pitch, and he just gets more mad, and so on, until he hangs up. Why bother with that, when you know you can get two good hard sell/large interest gains on a quick call with a fixed time limit, and no angry hang up?
Has anyone played against a human oppt post 2nd patch? This is where the true test is with the KO & Punt coverage...
# 451
sportyguyfl31 @ 08/22/08 10:44 AM
I dont mean to be a nag, because this game is almost like a different game, now that you can get sliders to work, and the improvements made.
There are 3 things, that really hurt my eyes to see. I'm trying to look past it, I really am, but it is very hard to do.
1) Idiot Option QB. The CPU just cannot run the option intelligently. It just cant do it. maxing the cpu blocking and RB sliders, and lowering your D awareness and tackling gives the option QB a fighting chance to gain 3 yards every now and then
2) Idiot Offensive Coordinator: When steven threet of michigan is lumbering around running the option, it makes issue #1 look 5 times worse.
3) Idiot Defensive Coordinator: Even with the improvemnts, the CPU has this tendency to over use CB blitzes wich leaves them covering Wrs with LB's and safeties, and leaves them with no chance to cover a back coming out of the backfield.
The game is miles better, and slider testing is going well, I just with these 3 things would just..go..away.
There are 3 things, that really hurt my eyes to see. I'm trying to look past it, I really am, but it is very hard to do.
1) Idiot Option QB. The CPU just cannot run the option intelligently. It just cant do it. maxing the cpu blocking and RB sliders, and lowering your D awareness and tackling gives the option QB a fighting chance to gain 3 yards every now and then
2) Idiot Offensive Coordinator: When steven threet of michigan is lumbering around running the option, it makes issue #1 look 5 times worse.
3) Idiot Defensive Coordinator: Even with the improvemnts, the CPU has this tendency to over use CB blitzes wich leaves them covering Wrs with LB's and safeties, and leaves them with no chance to cover a back coming out of the backfield.
The game is miles better, and slider testing is going well, I just with these 3 things would just..go..away.
# 452
NE_Passat'n @ 08/22/08 10:46 AM
I'm content.
I can lob a pass deep now and it's not a straight line bullet. (I don't remember EA saying that was being addressed, but i can tell somethings changed)
Interceptions are down on both sides.
I can get somewhat of a pass rush.
I can adjust sliders as need be.
Gripes?
Still some issues with kickoff and punt returns, but it is better than it was
I can lob a pass deep now and it's not a straight line bullet. (I don't remember EA saying that was being addressed, but i can tell somethings changed)
Interceptions are down on both sides.
I can get somewhat of a pass rush.
I can adjust sliders as need be.
Gripes?
Still some issues with kickoff and punt returns, but it is better than it was
The title of this thread is deceiving, it should say, "NCAA Football 09 Patch #2 Available for 360 ONLY."
# 454
sportyguyfl31 @ 08/22/08 11:09 AM
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Thanks for being helpful BigTigLSU! Care to PM me and tell me how ya did it, so I dont butcher it in the future?
# 455
BadAssHskr @ 08/22/08 11:20 AM
My experience last nite, was that it felt like a completely different game.
A bit upset that I beat mizzou, since they were #5 in the nation and my Huskers aren't ranked, but I did pick them off 3 times so maybe it was a HOA type of thing.
Overall, I'm excited for this game, and what it has to offer.
A bit upset that I beat mizzou, since they were #5 in the nation and my Huskers aren't ranked, but I did pick them off 3 times so maybe it was a HOA type of thing.
Overall, I'm excited for this game, and what it has to offer.
Quote:
Agreed 110%. I haven't even felt my annual urge to go out and buy madden this year. I am having the most fun I ever had with an NCAA game in my Over 30 Club Online Dynasty....and that is before patch #2. Now that the patch is out, it will get even better!
Originally Posted by a4reak  I put an asterisk next to dynasty. If your in a good online dynasty where people follow it daily and it progresses at a moderate pace, its like crack (props to AA) |
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Agreed 110%. I haven't even felt my annual urge to go out and buy madden this year. I am having the most fun I ever had with an NCAA game in my Over 30 Club Online Dynasty....and that is before patch #2. Now that the patch is out, it will get even better!
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I've only played 1 game with the 2nd patch, but I'll post my results and impressions below:
I played on AA, all sliders and penalties at default except for Interceptions (0 for both) and Catching (35 for both) and Run Blocking at 70 for the cpu. I used WVU and played at Nebraska. I led 6-3 at the end of the 1st Qtr and saw some decent stats. In the 2nd Qtr the scoring definitely picked up. I had a 90 run with Devine to cap the 2nd Qtr scoring and led at the half 20-17. At the end of the 3rd, I led 31-17 and saw my 1st pick of the game as Nebraska's QB (can't remember his name) attempted a 40 yard pass into double coverage. The good thing was that I only had a 10 yard return before being gang tackled by about 3 or 4 Huskers. I've seen way too many intereceptions returned for td's before the patch so I hope this has changed now. In the 4th, we both scored 2 more td's, my last one coming on a 40 yard scramble with White on a 3rd and 4 play. Final score...WVU 45 - Nebraska 31.
Even though some serious yardage was put up and the score seemed pretty high, I did notice some definite positive changes in gameplay. The cpu QB attempted at least 5 passes of 30+ yards or more (completing only 1, a 50 yarder to the Tight End down the middle, but at least they tried to go deep more than usual). I also only saw 2 interceptions, 1 by me and 1 by the cpu. Mine was my mistake. I accidentally hit the wrong button and threw to my FB that was blanketed by a LB. As I get older, I notice my hand - eye coordination isn't what it used to be. LOL I also saw the cpu overthrow a few open receivers. On one occasion he actually threw at the feet of the HB on a slip screen, which I had never seen before. Still saw way too many underneath "safe" passes but did see more incomplete passes.
The longest punt return that I saw was a 35 yarder by Devine, of course it is Devine so that's acceptable. For the most part kick and punt returns were held in check. I think I had 1 return to the 40 and the rest were anywhere from the 25 to 30 yard line. The cpu had 1 return to the 35 and the rest were 30 yard line or less. I only saw the cpu attempt to run the option once. I'm used to seeing it 5 or 6 times per game at least. I managed 4 sacks and the cpu had 2. I noticed both defensive lines getting much more pressure than before and I actually flushed the QB out of the pocket on a few occasions.
Of course, the cpu didn't run the ball enough in my opinion. I think they had 18 carries for 68 yards. During a drive in the 3rd Qtr, they actually ran 3 straight times for about 25 yards total but then went back to the passing game. I do think that I would have given up at least 100 yards rushing if they had ran maybe 10 more times, which was encouraging to see. For me Devine had 24 carries for 210 yards (including a 90 yarder) and White had 12 carries for 84 yards. I completed 18 of 25 passes for 270 yards with 1 Int. The cpu completed 27 of 38 passes for 390 yards and 1 Int.
Overall I was pleased with the changes I saw in gameplay. The score and yardage were still pretty high but WVU does put points on the board and Nebraska's defense wasn't that good last season. I'm anxious to try more games over the weekend to get a better feel for the patch. I did walk away from my game last night with a much better feeling about the game than I had a few days ago and think that with some minor slider adjustments, this game might actually keep me away from the PS2 version more than I thought it would.
I played on AA, all sliders and penalties at default except for Interceptions (0 for both) and Catching (35 for both) and Run Blocking at 70 for the cpu. I used WVU and played at Nebraska. I led 6-3 at the end of the 1st Qtr and saw some decent stats. In the 2nd Qtr the scoring definitely picked up. I had a 90 run with Devine to cap the 2nd Qtr scoring and led at the half 20-17. At the end of the 3rd, I led 31-17 and saw my 1st pick of the game as Nebraska's QB (can't remember his name) attempted a 40 yard pass into double coverage. The good thing was that I only had a 10 yard return before being gang tackled by about 3 or 4 Huskers. I've seen way too many intereceptions returned for td's before the patch so I hope this has changed now. In the 4th, we both scored 2 more td's, my last one coming on a 40 yard scramble with White on a 3rd and 4 play. Final score...WVU 45 - Nebraska 31.
Even though some serious yardage was put up and the score seemed pretty high, I did notice some definite positive changes in gameplay. The cpu QB attempted at least 5 passes of 30+ yards or more (completing only 1, a 50 yarder to the Tight End down the middle, but at least they tried to go deep more than usual). I also only saw 2 interceptions, 1 by me and 1 by the cpu. Mine was my mistake. I accidentally hit the wrong button and threw to my FB that was blanketed by a LB. As I get older, I notice my hand - eye coordination isn't what it used to be. LOL I also saw the cpu overthrow a few open receivers. On one occasion he actually threw at the feet of the HB on a slip screen, which I had never seen before. Still saw way too many underneath "safe" passes but did see more incomplete passes.
The longest punt return that I saw was a 35 yarder by Devine, of course it is Devine so that's acceptable. For the most part kick and punt returns were held in check. I think I had 1 return to the 40 and the rest were anywhere from the 25 to 30 yard line. The cpu had 1 return to the 35 and the rest were 30 yard line or less. I only saw the cpu attempt to run the option once. I'm used to seeing it 5 or 6 times per game at least. I managed 4 sacks and the cpu had 2. I noticed both defensive lines getting much more pressure than before and I actually flushed the QB out of the pocket on a few occasions.
Of course, the cpu didn't run the ball enough in my opinion. I think they had 18 carries for 68 yards. During a drive in the 3rd Qtr, they actually ran 3 straight times for about 25 yards total but then went back to the passing game. I do think that I would have given up at least 100 yards rushing if they had ran maybe 10 more times, which was encouraging to see. For me Devine had 24 carries for 210 yards (including a 90 yarder) and White had 12 carries for 84 yards. I completed 18 of 25 passes for 270 yards with 1 Int. The cpu completed 27 of 38 passes for 390 yards and 1 Int.
Overall I was pleased with the changes I saw in gameplay. The score and yardage were still pretty high but WVU does put points on the board and Nebraska's defense wasn't that good last season. I'm anxious to try more games over the weekend to get a better feel for the patch. I did walk away from my game last night with a much better feeling about the game than I had a few days ago and think that with some minor slider adjustments, this game might actually keep me away from the PS2 version more than I thought it would.
# 459
Hassan Darkside @ 08/22/08 11:36 AM
Wait, I thought some uniforms were going to be updated in this patch?
# 460
slim_pickens @ 08/22/08 11:37 AM
No still feels to easy. Unfortunately football isn't king anymore feeling a lot more excited about the hockey, basketball and soccer games coming out. Head Coach is good though.
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