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NFL Head Coach 09 Review

12:19 PM - August 22, 2008 by RaychelSnr

We have posted our review of NFL Head Coach 09.

Quote:


	"You don�t control the players. A football game where you don�t control the action on the field seems rather unconventional to most gamers, but there is actually a large market for players who would rather coach than play. While not quite on the same level as PC-based text simulations, NFLHC is deeper and more engrossing than any console sports simulation that has come before it. If you�ve ever wanted to look over depth charts, assess salary cap situations, develop young players, and find draft-day steals, Head Coach is for you."

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Game: NFL Head Coach 09Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 64 - View All

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Member Comments

# 41 Josh_Looman @ 08/22/08 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimping219


	Good review for the most part, there are a few areas I completely disagree with but thats how it goes I guess. Just to throw it out there, you mention in it that star RB's will hit the hole much quicker while backups and journeyman will struggle to find the hole, take longer and have a tougher time running. Well I use Frank Gore who is now a 90 and he still cant hit the hole fast, and I have seen on more the once occasion per game him hit the hole and somehow turn and run backwards away from the hole, so dont know whats going on there.

If you are expecting Gore to make amazing runs on every single play, it's just not going to happen.

Unfortunately, no video game accurately re-creates real life 100%.

We did the best we could to make things as realistic as possible.

# 42 The Chef @ 08/22/08 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh_Looman


	If you are expecting Gore to make amazing runs on every single play, it's just not going to happen. Unfortunately, no video game accurately re-creates real life 100%. We did the best we could to make things as realistic as possible.

Ok, whatever you say, you certainly jumped to the opposite end of the spectrum dont you think? I dont believe I said I wanted him to have amazing runs on every single play, my problem is when guys run into a hole only to turn tail and run backwards out of the hole and losing 4 yards in the process. Then there is the RB who runs parallel with the LOS and never even turns it up field. I get that this is probably more designed to get the outcome the simulater kicks out and its about the results and not how we got there but there is a serious problem with how the RB plays when watching the game unfold on the TV.

Say, since we are talking, any ideas as to how to stop a guy like Alex Smith from throwing for 300+ per game? Im not trying to be sarcastic but its a legit problem that seems to be being overlooked. Is there anything you can tell us as a hint as to what might be causing it to happen? Im talking about constant 300+ yard games, Alex Smith throwing for 5000+ yards and winning the MVP award based solely on Mike Martz' playbook. Any help would be awesome.

# 43 Josh_Looman @ 08/22/08 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimping219


	Ok, whatever you say, you certainly jumped to the opposite end of the spectrum dont you think? I dont believe I said I wanted him to have amazing runs on every single play, my problem is when guys run into a hole only to turn tail and run backwards out of the hole and losing 4 yards in the process. Then there is the RB who runs parallel with the LOS and never even turns it up field. I get that this is probably more designed to get the outcome the simulater kicks out and its about the results and not how we got there but there is a serious problem with how the RB plays when watching the game unfold on the TV. Say, since we are talking, any ideas as to how to stop a guy like Alex Smith from throwing for 300+ per game? Im not trying to be sarcastic but its a legit problem that seems to be being overlooked. Is there anything you can tell us as a hint as to what might be causing it to happen? Im talking about constant 300+ yard games, Alex Smith throwing for 5000+ yards and winning the MVP award based solely on Mike Martz' playbook. Any help would be awesome.

My point was that it's a video game and it's not going to be a perfect representation of real life. I watched Steve Slaton hit the hole and run backwards 45 minutes ago in the Cowboys/Texans game on CBS, though.

If this is happening to you on every single running play, it's a serious problem. I watched an entire game between the Chargers and Panthers today and saw that happen once so I'm not seeing it. I'll play some games with the 49ers on Monday and see if it's happening as frequently as it seems to be happening to you.

And with the passing...is this with you calling all of the plays? Because if that's the case, I don't know why it's happening. Are you throwing on every down?

I know I've played dozens of games with multiple teams over the past few weeks and I've never had a QB finish the season with 5000 yards when I played the games. Some teams with pass heavy playbooks can throw the ball a bit much.

The 49ers were a bit heavy on the passing side, I agree. We've said from the start that we went overboard making sure that each team's style was unique and recognizable. If you start a career with the Wishbone playbook and sim a season, you may run the ball 70% of the time. We tuned it so that each team felt different each week and presented a unique challenge. We opted more for a fun sim football game vs. a realism simulator. I'm sorry you seem to be really disappointed with this aspect of the game.

In order to check into this, I need some help. What plays are you calling and how often are you calling them?

# 44 The Chef @ 08/22/08 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh_Looman


	My point was that it's a video game and it's not going to be a perfect representation of real life. I watched Steve Slaton hit the hole and run backwards 45 minutes ago in the Cowboys/Texans game on CBS, though. If this is happening to you on every single running play, it's a serious problem. I watched an entire game between the Chargers and Panthers today and saw that happen once so I'm not seeing it. I'll play some games with the 49ers on Monday and see if it's happening as frequently as it seems to be happening to you. And with the passing...is this with you calling all of the plays? Because if that's the case, I don't know why it's happening. Are you throwing on every down? I know I've played dozens of games with multiple teams over the past few weeks and I've never had a QB finish the season with 5000 yards when I played the games. Some teams with pass heavy playbooks can throw the ball a bit much. The 49ers were a bit heavy on the passing side, I agree. We've said from the start that we went overboard making sure that each team's style was unique and recognizable. If you start a career with the Wishbone playbook and sim a season, you may run the ball 70% of the time. We tuned it so that each team felt different each week and presented a unique challenge. We opted more for a fun sim football game vs. a realism simulator. I'm sorry you seem to be really disappointed with this aspect of the game. In order to check into this, I need some help. What plays are you calling and how often are you calling them?

Im not calling the plays, Im letting my OC call them since I was afraid if I started calling the plays then paying a guy like Mike Martz to be my OC would be pointless. Ive asked around and nobody has told me if the OC serves a purpose other then calling plays, if the other factor is the increase and growth of your players then maybe I will go back to calling my own plays but until then Im going to keep letting them call. The other side of the coin is I want to see my team struggle because we have a terrible DC, so in turn I want to feel like I have an advantage with a good OC.

I really dont know how to describe it, Martz clearly throws the ball a ton, thats to be expected, I just dont see the troubles of having a bad QB under center and it makes it pointless to go out and get a new one since Smith is playing way above where he should be playing. Like I said, volume isnt the problem, its the insane accuracy at which Smith is torching teams. Im in the middle of a game but at the end I will see if I can track down Smiths season ending stats, as long as they dont reset for the playoffs then it shouldnt be difficult to find. In the end all I can say is let Martz pick your plays and see what happens, thats all Im doing and these are the results Im getting.

Ohh, in terms of Gore running backwards, its different if someone is in the hole and he is attempting to bounce it outside but Im seeing him run backwards out of a hole that is wide open without a sole around, its like the guy is seeing a ghost and is running away in fear. Its not just strange to see, its irritating to no end.

# 45 texbuk84 @ 08/23/08 12:53 AM

this look like its a great game.

# 46 PRBoricua @ 08/23/08 02:05 AM

Excellent review, this is indeed one helluva game.

I haven't been this excited about playing a football game since the original FOF dropped, so, needless to say, Madden hasn't excited me in years. I essentially spent $90 to play Head Coach a month earlier. I know, I'm a sucker.

The fumbling bug is a problem in this game, I agree, but it's one I can look past for the time being, until a patch is released. The only time I get upset is when Matt Moore, a back-up QB for the Panthers is throwing like John Elway on "the drive" every possession and shredding my defense. That can be a bit frustrating, maybe I came in un-prepared, but I still don't think that I should get dismantled by a back-up QB like that, then again it just goes to show how into this game I truly am. The fact that I would cuss and scream at my television over a video game isn't something I've done in a long time.

Here's to hoping Head Coach prospers and becomes a regular on EA's roster.

Josh and the boys deserve a big, big signing bonus for this one!

# 47 Gim77 @ 08/23/08 11:51 AM

GI never gives good reviews unless it's Halo, COD or Zelda. I happen to love the game, Ive just had that freeze issue. If thats fixed, I will buy this game every year you release it.

# 48 JRod @ 08/23/08 06:07 PM

I disagree with Terry on the impact of the bugs and the final review score.

Let's say you don't visit or OS. How would you know about the bugs? Bugs that have been posted in various threads should knock down the review score.

Not because the game is bad but because it makes the game LESS PLAYABLE but not UNPLAYABLE.

Bugs whether or not there's a workaround should always impact a review and I believe the final score. Fix the bugs and then re-edit the review. That's how I believe it should be done. IGN doesn't do this, they usually will lowball a game and not edit the review to reflect the changes.

I think Terry's review, was the opposite. It was more of a grade on the potential if (now when) the patch was to be issues. I don't agree with it. Outside of that, I think it's a fine review. Covers all the details well.

# 49 SlyBelle @ 08/23/08 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRod


	I disagree with Terry on the impact of the bugs and the final review score. Let's say you don't visit or OS. How would you know about the bugs? Bugs that have been posted in various threads should knock down the review score. Not because the game is bad but because it makes the game LESS PLAYABLE but not UNPLAYABLE. Bugs whether or not there's a workaround should always impact a review and I believe the final score. Fix the bugs and then re-edit the review. That's how I believe it should be done. IGN doesn't do this, they usually will lowball a game and not edit the review to reflect the changes. I think Terry's review, was the opposite. It was more of a grade on the potential if (now when) the patch was to be issues. I don't agree with it. Outside of that, I think it's a fine review. Covers all the details well.

I have to agree. A game should be reviewed for whatever condition it is in at the time of the review not for potential or the fact the developers are very active in the community. Don't get me wrong, I personally like the basics and atmosphere and will be playing it quite a bit this year. However, there are quite a few issues (maybe none of them in some eyes enough to break the game completely) but when you string them all together, can be frustrating and potential buyers should be aware of these. I would fully support a second review once the patch is out, but although a large number of issues are being fixed, not sure all the rest will be addressed and likely won't.

If every game got reviewed on "potential" and the "development team" is great guys, well I think a lot of games would be ranked very high. I also don't think the developers should get down on these reviews, because in general it is a pretty decent first version and compared to other games where bugs are the norm, probably not that bad.

# 50 ShaneTheMaster @ 08/24/08 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pimping219


	Im not calling the plays, Im letting my OC call them since I was afraid if I started calling the plays then paying a guy like Mike Martz to be my OC would be pointless. Ive asked around and nobody has told me if the OC serves a purpose other then calling plays, if the other factor is the increase and growth of your players then maybe I will go back to calling my own plays but until then Im going to keep letting them call. The other side of the coin is I want to see my team struggle because we have a terrible DC, so in turn I want to feel like I have an advantage with a good OC. I really dont know how to describe it, Martz clearly throws the ball a ton, thats to be expected, I just dont see the troubles of having a bad QB under center and it makes it pointless to go out and get a new one since Smith is playing way above where he should be playing. Like I said, volume isnt the problem, its the insane accuracy at which Smith is torching teams. Im in the middle of a game but at the end I will see if I can track down Smiths season ending stats, as long as they dont reset for the playoffs then it shouldnt be difficult to find. In the end all I can say is let Martz pick your plays and see what happens, thats all Im doing and these are the results Im getting. Ohh, in terms of Gore running backwards, its different if someone is in the hole and he is attempting to bounce it outside but Im seeing him run backwards out of a hole that is wide open without a sole around, its like the guy is seeing a ghost and is running away in fear. Its not just strange to see, its irritating to no end.

I am see similar things, too. Many times RB are running backwards when there is clearly a hole there.

# 51 bkrich83 @ 08/24/08 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Greazy 1


	I don't understand the score. While I've read a lot of great reviews from people, there is still a large list of bugs and glitches, some of them being game breakers yet it still receives a 9? What is going on here? A GAME BREAKING BUG means it completely ruins the game. That's like saying Halo 4 gets a 9 but oh yeah, there is a bug where your opponents won't die in online matches, ie: game breaker!!!! Even still, I'm very much looking forward to testing this game out. Goes to show you EA what can be done to a game when you take the time to put some work into it, coughMADDENcough. If EA can make the patches a go, as promised, then I could warrant the reviewers rating of a 9.

Wait you're calling out a review score and talking about gamebreakin bugs, but haven't played yet?

LOL.

# 52 AgustusM @ 08/25/08 12:59 AM

Dugg

# 53 biglami @ 08/25/08 06:04 AM

i dont get y this game exists, but i guess if u have horrible stick skills and wanna manage a team then go for it

# 54 adembroski @ 08/25/08 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglami


	i dont get y this game exists, but i guess if u have horrible stick skills and wanna manage a team then go for it

Because some of us are football fans. Some of us enjoy the game as it exists, and don't particularly enjoy people dropping back 25 yards and going for it every 4th down.

Oh, by the way, some of us can spell, punctuate, and use capitalization as well.

# 55 SinsemillArmy @ 08/25/08 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglami


	i dont get y this game exists, but i guess if u have horrible stick skills and wanna manage a team then go for it

Well I dont get why Madden really exists. I guess if you have no football skills and are just a joystick jockey, and just want to delude yourself that you think you know football; then go for it dude.

# 56 kingdevin @ 08/25/08 12:25 PM

When watching the game unfold, what camera angles are available to watch??

# 57 chuckm1961 @ 08/25/08 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingdevin


	When watching the game unfold, what camera angles are available to watch??

There are about five--defense view, press box, cinematic, broadcast, some others.

They need to improve this next year. There is no "coach on the sidelines" view, which seems bizarre in a COACHING GAME. And the press box view is like watching from outer space.

The ability to quickly flip through views during the game.... that's a major winner, keep that in please!

# 58 ChicagoSparty @ 08/25/08 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglami


	i dont get y this game exists, but i guess if u have horrible stick skills and wanna manage a team then go for it

It exists exactly because people's stick skills are too good, and it's too easy to win on Madden.

Now go back upstairs where your mom has lunch ready.

# 59 Josh_Looman @ 08/25/08 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckm1961


	There are about five--defense view, press box, cinematic, broadcast, some others. They need to improve this next year. There is no "coach on the sidelines" view, which seems bizarre in a COACHING GAME. And the press box view is like watching from outer space. The ability to quickly flip through views during the game.... that's a major winner, keep that in please!

When we started development, we put in the coaching from the sidelines cam.

Trust me, it was horrible. You could never see what was going on at any point.

# 60 Lieutenant Dan @ 08/25/08 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh_Looman


	When we started development, we put in the coaching from the sidelines cam. Trust me, it was horrible. You could never see what was going on at any point.

I'm with Josh on this one....I love Broadcast cam...a pretty good view of the action overall and I find it pretty immersive.

Coach cam would be tough...it'd be hard to see all the players all the time.

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