NCAA Football 11 News Post

NCAA Football 11 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here

05:52 AM - June 14, 2010 by PVarck31

The NCAA Football 11 demo is available now. Please post your impressions here.

Game: NCAA Football 11Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: iPhone / PS2 / PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 83 - View All

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# 1461 rhombic21 @ 06/18/10 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playmakers


	The only problem is how does Rhombic come to a conclusion based on the demo something is broken? I think more guys need to take into consideration this is just a demo instead of going full speed ahead and assuming this how the game will be in the retail version. Now i know EA has a history of releasing certain games broken.....but this game IMO appears to be really solid I would also like to point out on the retail version you can fine tune the pass defense with sliders....you know like jack up the CPU to 100 awareness if you like. There's like several things you can do to make the pasing game more difficult if you so choose.....but I think the best thing we can all do is just waite for the retail version 1st instead of attempting a deep pass on every play or trying on side kicks every kick off

First, sliders won't fix this. This has to do with AI, with players knowing how to cover and where to cover, not with something like player speed or jumping ability or knockdown/INT ability, which can be manipulated with sliders.

Second, it is a demo, and maybe they will fix things. But we're talking about a complete and utter breakdown of pass defense. Short zones are messed up, deep zones are messed up, and man to man defense is messed up. The demo is old code, but realistically there was only a couple additional weeks to work on the game and there are thus going to be a limited number of things they can have addressed during that time, and that assumes that EA was even aware and working on these issues between the demo and final code. Some of these problems (with the short zones) were in the game last year and have still not been fixed, so it's not clear that EA is even aware of the issue, as they have not commented specifically on the AI issues that have been noted. If you go on past experiences, the demo has generally been very close to the final product. And I take the position that we ought to assume it remains broken until EA shows some demonstration that it isn't anymore. Otherwise you are just blindly giving money to EA without any kind of accountability. What in EA's past would lead you to believe that they will/can aggressively move to fix AI problems post-release?

Also, it was 74 points, not 68. Over 600 yards passing.

http://www.filefront.com/thankyou.ph...6907f992a8a0f3

Game was played on Heisman.

# 1462 ODogg @ 06/18/10 10:37 AM

Ok rhombic, you win, the game is broken. None of us will buy it now. Let's all play Gears of War instead

# 1463 rsump112 @ 06/18/10 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhombic21


	First, sliders won't fix this. This has to do with AI, with players knowing how to cover and where to cover, not with something like player speed or jumping ability or knockdown/INT ability, which can be manipulated with sliders. Second, it is a demo, and maybe they will fix things. But we're talking about a complete and utter breakdown of pass defense. Short zones are messed up, deep zones are messed up, and man to man defense is messed up. The demo is old code, but realistically there was only a couple additional weeks to work on the game and there are thus going to be a limited number of things they can have addressed during that time, and that assumes that EA was even aware and working on these issues between the demo and final code. Some of these problems (with the short zones) were in the game last year and have still not been fixed, so it's not clear that EA is even aware of the issue, as they have not commented specifically on the AI issues that have been noted. If you go on past experiences, the demo has generally been very close to the final product. And I take the position that we ought to assume it remains broken until EA shows some demonstration that it isn't anymore. Otherwise you are just blindly giving money to EA without any kind of accountability. What in EA's past would lead you to believe that they will/can aggressively move to fix AI problems post-release? Also, it was 74 points, not 68. Over 600 yards passing. http://www.filefront.com/thankyou.ph...6907f992a8a0f3 Game was played on Heisman.

I am rhombic on this.

I will enjoy this game, even with its limitations. However, it is a shame that I will have to limit my play calling due to ineptness by the CPU AI to cover certain routes and plays.

# 1464 UTAllTheWay @ 06/18/10 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	Beyond the 'Glamor', I have noticed: Gameplay seems totally geared towards the offense (besides 'Pro Tak', it doesn't seem that much if any emphasis was placed on improving defensive gameplay)

Have you actually watched college football? College is basically all about offense. And honestly, I don't know what you're looking for. College defenses do nothing out of the ordinary. On offense, you have things like No Huddle and "120 Ways To Win" because every offense is unique in college.

On defense, most teams just use basic defense. Some of the teams (like Texas, and some SEC teams) use a lot of different styles and blitzes to try to confuse the other team, but that stuff is already in the game. So really, I'm not sure what you're looking for them to improve on defense. It seems to me they've pretty much hit the top of the iceberg with "Pro-Tak".

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	Too many dropped passes (especially wide open receivers and on big plays)

I'll somewhat agree with you... although, I don't think the number of drop passes is the problem. I'm a huge Longhorns fan, and if you watched the National Championship, you'd see that dropped passes are pretty common. Julio Jones drops passes. Malcolm Williams (#9 for Texas) drops a ton of passes. Aaron Hernandez dropped a lot of passes in college. It's common, it happens, and I think it should happen on the game as well (which it does).

What I have a problem with is the WAY they drop the passes. Most of the dropped passes are because the receiver didn't even try to catch the ball. They just sit there and watch the ball hit them in the face. I don't like that at all. If they need to improve one aspect of it, that would be it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	DL play is still awful (can't generate pressure from front 4, but CPU creates tons every play; D-Linemen get pancaked and/or fall down just about every play when attempting to swim past blockers)

I completely agree with you on that one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	Too many missed tackles (defense looks like chaos on this game; tacklers are falling and diving in every direction but at the ball carrier)

I'll agree that some of the missed tackles just look stupid (like you mentioned, guys jumping in the wrong direction). But overall, this is college football... these guys aren't professionals. There are missed tackles all the time, and that's the way it is on the game.

One thing that really bothers me, though, is when a ball carrier is running right at a defender, and just before he gets there they go into this weird stuck animation where they just stand in place... and then after a second they finally engage. That's very weird and I hope they fixed it on the retail version.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	Players appear to be skating on ice, sliding all over the place; In my opinion, the running animation doesn't look much more realistic than NCAA 10

From what I've read, this is something they've fixed for the retail version. I really hope they did, because I'm with you... the "skating on ice" look gets really annoying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	CPU too souped up on Heisman (they cause lots of pressure on D, but they can sit in the pocket alllllll day on offense; Typical magical CPU A.I. always knows your silent audibles and shift the right way every time you audible; always knows to pass if you run commit before snap or run if you pass commit, etc.)

This is exactly why I never play on Heisman. That's just the way EA tries to make it a challenge. All-American is where I stay, and that won't change for me until they change their ways.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	User catch still sucks (WRs are still disabled from facing up and leaping for a catch...like Julio Jones, AJ Green, Malcolm Williams, Jeff Fuller, and all other 6'3" and up college WRs do every week)

That's because that is extremely cheap to use online. They used to allow it, but after a ton of people complained about it from NCAA and Madden, EA decided to limit the ability to do it. I never liked it anyway, so I don't have a problem with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	I�ve played this demo about 30 games or so now and I have yet to see ONE SINGLE pass interference call! Yet, I�ve seen plenty WRs getting bumped and pushed while the ball is in the air.

No argument from me here. That's been a problem for quite some time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	Offense seems to move at a faster pace than defense

I'm not even sure what you mean by this... Do you mean they run faster than the defense? If that's what you mean, then I disagree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	�Locomotion� feels 'off' a tad bit (watch as you juke from left to right how all of the cpu defenders also juke with you in unison)

I've noticed that problem too. Overall, I do like the "feel" of Locomotion, but it just looks stupid when you return a punt, run to the left and then cut to the right, and the entire defense cuts in perfect unison with you. It looks dumb, and that's something they definitely need to fix.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	Too many fumbles!!! (the only way this can be avoided is by choosing 'Conservative' on the 'Big Run' option in the 'Gameplan' screen)

You can also solve the User fumbles problem by holding onto RB (or whatever the subsequent button is on PS3), but it doesn't do anything about the CPU. So, obviously, I agree with you on that. But with this new system they have in place where they can tune the game and release it to everyone quickly, I have a feeling this problem will be fixed pretty soon.

# 1465 rhombic21 @ 06/18/10 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ODogg


	Ok rhombic, you win, the game is broken. None of us will buy it now. Let's all play Gears of War instead

You do what you want. I just want people to actually acknowledge the problems with the game and to understand why a lot of folks are disappointed in the game.

Personally, I play online exclusively, and if the gameplay on the final disc is like it is on the demo, I can tell that doing so will lead to nothing but anger and frustration, so there is no point in purchasing the game.

And realistically, the only way that EA will take these issues seriously in the future is if people are willing to not buy the game if it won't be fun for them. If you're going to have fun, then go ahead and buy the game. But all I'm saying is that people shouldn't blindly buy the game under the expectation that the final version is going to be wildly different than the demo version. Particularly not until EA has released some kind of direct evidence that they are going to fix the issues that have been noted.

As far as the play style that I used in that game, obviously it was unrealistic. I kicked onsides because it's 2 minute quarters and that's the only way to get a decent number of possessions. And I threw deep every play because I was specifically showing how bad the AI is against those passes.

If you play online, this game is going to be a nightmare, at least as it currently stands on the demo.

# 1466 smallvillefan27 @ 06/18/10 11:51 AM

They should have used the Madden 10 QB throwing styles, they look much more realistic, and less akward than the ncaa ones

# 1467 sportyguyfl31 @ 06/18/10 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhombic21


	If you're going to have fun, then go ahead and buy the game. But all I'm saying is that people shouldn't blindly buy the game under the expectation that the final version is going to be wildly different than the demo version.

Honestly, when it comes right down to it, its going to come down to whether or not you enjoy playing the type of football that EA is giving us.

I agree completely with what is in bold though.

Realistically, the game has probably been close to done for a while now, as far as the core, meat and potatoes AI. I mean, the game is what? 4 weeks away from release?

For me, I know that going in, my AI controlled base down linemen are pretty much there for show, and that zone logic is going to be soft..and I dont enter the game with any illusions that it wont be.

If Im pleasantly surprised, all the better..but I go in, assuming these things, I play the game the way I need to play it (although I find it annoying at times), instead of playing it the way I wish it would play (which only frustrates me), and I'm able to enjoy myself.

# 1468 MrMayface @ 06/18/10 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IGGYBOY34


	In the first 72 hours of the demo being released, I'm amazed how many gamers are anointing the game as 'G.O.A.T.' I too noticed some improvement, but needless to say, I'm not as impressed as many others. It seems that every year a new NCAA Football game demo is released, many gamers create a blog or thread praising the game and saying nothing but good things, and even sometimes get angry at the criticism of others! However, after the game has been on shelves for about 3 months, the same gamers are online complaining about how unrealistic and inadequate the game is. I feel that EA Sports has greatly improved what I like to call the 'glamor' aspects of the game while minimally making improvements to the actual gameplay. By 'GLAMOR', I am referring to the changes in presentation, lighting, and replays; Nike Pro Combat Uniforms; New multi-colored cleats and other accesories (gloves, towels, ankle and knee braces, etc); team entrances; on-field referrees; and the much hyped 'Locomotion' and 'Pro Tak' tackling. I admit, all of this *looks* GREAT and I like it a lot! However, I'd give it all up in exchange for better GAMEPLAY. So my question is, how long will it take before the 'glamor' wears off and gamers begin to notice the flaws and shortcomings of this soon-to-be $60 game? How long before those praising it so much begin to see the good, the bad, and the ugly? Will EA Sports be able to work out some of the kinks before the July 13th release, or is this a finished product? Beyond the 'Glamor', I have noticed: Gameplay seems totally geared towards the offense (besides 'Pro Tak', it doesn't seem that much if any emphasis was placed on improving defensive gameplay) Too many dropped passes (especially wide open receivers and on big plays) DL play is still awful (can't generate pressure from front 4, but CPU creates tons every play; D-Linemen get pancaked and/or fall down just about every play when attempting to swim past blockers) Too many missed tackles (defense looks like chaos on this game; tacklers are falling and diving in every direction but at the ball carrier) Players appear to be skating on ice, sliding all over the place; In my opinion, the running animation doesn't look much more realistic than NCAA 10 CPU too souped up on Heisman (they cause lots of pressure on D, but they can sit in the pocket alllllll day on offense; Typical magical CPU A.I. always knows your silent audibles and shift the right way every time you audible; always knows to pass if you run commit before snap or run if you pass commit, etc.) User catch still sucks (WRs are still disabled from facing up and leaping for a catch...like Julio Jones, AJ Green, Malcolm Williams, Jeff Fuller, and all other 6'3" and up college WRs do every week) I�ve played this demo about 30 games or so now and I have yet to see ONE SINGLE pass interference call! Yet, I�ve seen plenty WRs getting bumped and pushed while the ball is in the air. Offense seems to move at a faster pace than defense �Locomotion� feels 'off' a tad bit (watch as you juke from left to right how all of the cpu defenders also juke with you in unison) Too many fumbles!!! (the only way this can be avoided is by choosing 'Conservative' on the 'Big Run' option in the 'Gameplan' screen) There are other issues I've noticed as well, but I'll stop there. After while, I began to feel that playing NCAA 10 was an insult to football inteligence and I swore I'd not buy NCAA 11. However, with the release of the demo, I was VERY 'glamored' the first day! Now that I've played through the week, I'm beginning to have second thoughts. I cannot bear another year of 'cheeser-friendly' bad gameplay!

This is a great post. It does a good job of summing up pretty much what I feel about the game. The are a ton of eye pleasing things in the game that really dont have much to do with game play that I really love. Then there are some really out of wack things about the game play that at this point have no business being overlooked. That d line falling down over and over thing really has to be address or I wont be buying.

# 1469 Skyboxer @ 06/18/10 12:38 PM

I don't mind people pointing out issues BUT when they do it over and over and over and seem to get pissed when others don't share thier doom and gloom...that's when it gets pathetic. Why do people care how others spend their money?

If you don't like the game and think it's broken and unplayable, fine...speak your mind and then MOVE ON.
What's the point of saying the same crap over and over. Why do some of you take it personally when other don't share the doom?

Again I have no issues with pointing out flaws as I'm not exactly very easy going in my feedback either, but after I speak my mind I go forward and don't go on a crusade to sway others....

# 1470 ehh @ 06/18/10 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportyguyfl31


	Honestly, when it comes right down to it, its going to come down to whether or not you enjoy playing the type of football that EA is giving us.

Pretty much. I bitch endlessly about NBA 2K and Live (Elite) because basketball is my favorite sport and I know it way better than any other sport. I expect more realism and in-depth stuff when comes to bball games.

For football games, I don't. I pretty much want a fun game that's semi-realistic. I'm going to have a blast with NCAA '11 but I can understand why some might not.

The hook-zone problems is the sorta thing I don't care about in a football game but it's equivalent to defensive rotations in basketball games which I'm ********ly critical about.

# 1471 Teddy_Long @ 06/18/10 12:57 PM

hey, anyone enjoying the running game besides me? lol

# 1472 mgoblue678 @ 06/18/10 01:03 PM

I generally have to agree with Rhombic and others in terms of the game still having a lot core issues and fundamental issues.

The game is an improvement, but with all of the info about the game sounding so good leading up to the demo release I was really expecting more on an improvement. I am disappointed with the demo, even though I do like a couple of the changes/improvements that were made.

# 1473 MSU ILLEST @ 06/18/10 01:07 PM

I'm just waiting for consecutive hit tackles. I noticed that a lot of defensive players just bounce off one another when the offensive player is being tackled (similar to the Reggie Bush video for Madden 11). There are some defense AI bugs, but to have consecutive hit tackling would help tremendously. Does anyone know if the current engine is capable of getting this accomplished for 2012? I know it most likely can't be patched.

# 1474 UTAllTheWay @ 06/18/10 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SECElite3


	I understand what is being said here but it has already been said the latest build of the game is far better than the demo. This came from a reputable source who has actually played the latest build. I fail to understand why someone would right such an elaborate post based on the experience he or she had while playing a demo. Why post this now? Quite frankly, until the game is released no one is going to pay much attention to this.

This is the demo impressions thread, is it not? All he was doing was posting his impressions.

# 1475 moylan1234 @ 06/18/10 01:37 PM

For anyone critical of the technical football shortcomings of this game I think that video games are just not for you and you should actually be outside playing football.

I think the demo and the game play a fun game of video game football. I don't go into it expecting to 100% recreate the real thing.

Also, I'll throw this out. In my job I'm always around college and high school coaches and I know for a fact alot of them tell their players to play Madden and NCAA to help them learn some football basics so these guys must be doing something right.

# 1476 Hova57 @ 06/18/10 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moylan


	For anyone critical of the technical football shortcomings of this game I think that video games are just not for you and you should actually be outside playing football. I think the demo and the game play a fun game of video game football. I don't go into it expecting to 100% recreate the real thing. Also, I'll throw this out. In my job I'm always around college and high school coaches and I know for a fact alot of them tell their players to play Madden and NCAA to help them learn some football basics so these guys must be doing something right.

yes it does i'm a youth football coach it makes it kinda easy to describe routes and defense cause the kids play. also learning basic defense coverages especially zone. though typically flawed in the game they get the basic jist.

# 1477 ODogg @ 06/18/10 02:04 PM

Skyboxer is reiterating what my sarcasm implied, we understand some of you have real issues with the demo and, in general, EA's style of football, but why is there a need to post the same things again and again and then get angry when others still seem to enjoy the game? It just seems as if unless we all agree with you and decide we're not going to buy the game, and then announce the flaws again and again like yourself, then you will never be happy. Sorry but it's never going to happen.

Here's a revelation: some of us know football, yes probably as well as you and anyone else complaining, as much as that may shock you, but yet we are able to enjoy the game without nitpicking it to death. And yes we'll even agree some flaws are most certainly not nitpicking, but regardless we still stil get great enjoyment from the game and will continue to purchase it.

# 1478 Champ24 @ 06/18/10 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moylan


	For anyone critical of the technical football shortcomings of this game I think that video games are just not for you and you should actually be outside playing football. I think the demo and the game play a fun game of video game football. I don't go into it expecting to 100% recreate the real thing. Also, I'll throw this out. In my job I'm always around college and high school coaches and I know for a fact alot of them tell their players to play Madden and NCAA to help them learn some football basics so these guys must be doing something right.

I've always said gamers these days want NASA artificial intelligence out of a $60 game. That really makes a lot of sense.

# 1479 stoncold32 @ 06/18/10 02:31 PM

I just saw a standing tackle. ie the refs blew the play dead. That was pretty cool.

# 1480 IGGYBOY34 @ 06/18/10 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UTAllTheWay


	Have you actually watched college football? College is basically all about offense. And honestly, I don't know what you're looking for. College defenses do nothing out of the ordinary. On offense, you have things like No Huddle and "120 Ways To Win" because every offense is unique in college. On defense, most teams just use basic defense. Some of the teams (like Texas, and some SEC teams) use a lot of different styles and blitzes to try to confuse the other team, but that stuff is already in the game. So really, I'm not sure what you're looking for them to improve on defense. It seems to me they've pretty much hit the top of the iceberg with "Pro-Tak".

When referring to the defensive gameplay, I have no problem with the playbooks at all. I'm mainly talking about the ability to user control players and make fundamental tackles and plays on the ball without sliding all over the place. This is also what I was referring to when speaking of the O feeling faster than the D. It appears (in my opinion) that in an effort to make offensive gameplay more exciting (which will indeed sell the game), the programming that goes into controlling the defense was 'dummied down'.

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