NCAA Football 14 News Post

NCAA Football 14 Pre-Release Q&A: Gameplay (TGT)

10:45 AM - April 11, 2013 by Steve_OS

Tommy Gschwend, from The Gaming Tailgate, has posted a solid NCAA Football 14 pre-release Q&A on gameplay.

Game: NCAA Football 14Reader Score: 8/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 54 - View All

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Member Comments

# 1 carvis#15 @ 04/11/13 10:50 AM

Will the foot planting play out on the defense as well? It would be terrible for just the ball carrier to plant his feet but then the defense is sliding to position everywhere to make the tackles. Also will more catching animations play out? Last year you guys said there were 430 catch animation. I personally did not see that many of them play out. I'd say about 30 at best and I played the game a lot.

# 2 gschwendt @ 04/11/13 11:14 AM

Guys, if you have any questions to add, feel free to ask them over at TGT. That said, I did want to stop in and clear up some of the misunderstandings that were in the original thread.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gotmadskillzson


	Still bad CPU play calling...... Option game still not good.......

As mentioned, yes, while we were there in March CPU playcalling was still very bad in late game situations. However, also be sure to note that after leaving and having conversations with the devs, it sounds like it should be considerably better. Our focus was on late game situations just because those are absolutely the worst and easy to pinpoint as "atrocious". Obviously time will tell but I feel confident that we should at least no longer see the HB Draw with 5 seconds left in the game and needing to score.

For the Option game, as I mentioned, the overall option game is better. The CPU should run it more effective and after pointing out some of the problems with it in March, it should be even better by release. As well, the new blocking decision making logic should improve as well... I didn't test specifically but based on what has been said, I would assume we should see less of the MLB blowing through the line untouched against the triple option.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerovt


	*Punters will still be effective blockers if subbed in along the line.

Just want to make sure that this is clear... it's not that they're "effective" but rather that essentially any player most likely will still engage in a blocking interaction. I didn't specifically test putting in a P/K at OL but based on how interactions work, they'll essentially always play out an engaged animation. Obviously that could just be the animation that the DL bull rushes through him or quick swim move, but as well I'm sure there will also be times where the P/K would more than likely hold the block for more than a second or two.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gosens6


	Then, people who have played the game say none of the glaring issues from the past 6 versions are fixed. Then, people say, it's an early build, they can tweak, just wait for the demo. The demo comes out, same issues are still present, people are up in arms about how it's just a demo on a low difficulty level and that retail will be much better.

I just want to clarify here... there is still time to tweak and adjust things, however you're right, there certainly isn't enough time to do any major overhauls at this point.

In general, I do want to make the point that NCAA14 played better overall than NCAA13 but then again it should. It's not the major leap that everyone wants to see each year but it is a better NCAA13.

Again, feel free to ask questions over at TGT and we'll do our absolute best to answer anything that comes through there... obviously at this point it's restricted to Gameplay.

# 3 BezO @ 04/11/13 12:03 PM

How about a GCer on the OS staff? Seems like most only post here to say they don't post here.

# 4 DorianDonP @ 04/11/13 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gschwendt


	As mentioned, yes, while we were there in March CPU playcalling was still very bad in late game situations. However, also be sure to note that after leaving and having conversations with the devs, it sounds like it should be considerably better. Our focus was on late game situations just because those are absolutely the worst and easy to pinpoint as "atrocious". Obviously time will tell but I feel confident that we should at least no longer see the HB Draw with 5 seconds left in the game and needing to score.

Appreciate all the info, but this falls into the "believe it when I see it" part of my consciousness. They "say" things will be better all the time, but until it's actually playable in-game and not just a concept on the blackboard, then I think it's fair to say it hasn't been fixed.

Thanks for really answering everyones questions with honesty. Breath of fresh air when so many others just blow smoke up everyones butt.

# 5 roadman @ 04/11/13 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	How about a GCer on the OS staff? Seems like most only post here to say they don't post here.

An OS person can apply if they want to.

RGiles is a GCer for Madden.

# 6 Tyler_Bullard @ 04/11/13 12:42 PM

Sucks about the OL/DL interactions.

# 7 Gosens6 @ 04/11/13 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gschwendt


	Guys, if you have any questions to add, feel free to ask them over at TGT. That said, I did want to stop in and clear up some of the misunderstandings that were in the original thread. As mentioned, yes, while we were there in March CPU playcalling was still very bad in late game situations. However, also be sure to note that after leaving and having conversations with the devs, it sounds like it should be considerably better. Our focus was on late game situations just because those are absolutely the worst and easy to pinpoint as "atrocious". Obviously time will tell but I feel confident that we should at least no longer see the HB Draw with 5 seconds left in the game and needing to score. For the Option game, as I mentioned, the overall option game is better. The CPU should run it more effective and after pointing out some of the problems with it in March, it should be even better by release. As well, the new blocking decision making logic should improve as well... I didn't test specifically but based on what has been said, I would assume we should see less of the MLB blowing through the line untouched against the triple option. Just want to make sure that this is clear... it's not that they're "effective" but rather that essentially any player most likely will still engage in a blocking interaction. I didn't specifically test putting in a P/K at OL but based on how interactions work, they'll essentially always play out an engaged animation. Obviously that could just be the animation that the DL bull rushes through him or quick swim move, but as well I'm sure there will also be times where the P/K would more than likely hold the block for more than a second or two. I just want to clarify here... there is still time to tweak and adjust things, however you're right, there certainly isn't enough time to do any major overhauls at this point. In general, I do want to make the point that NCAA14 played better overall than NCAA13 but then again it should. It's not the major leap that everyone wants to see each year but it is a better NCAA13. Again, feel free to ask questions over at TGT and we'll do our absolute best to answer anything that comes through there... obviously at this point it's restricted to Gameplay.

Thanks for taking the time to come in and address some of the posts here. We always appreciate good insight from some of the guys who got to play the game early.

# 8 Madwolf @ 04/11/13 12:55 PM

Well guys, if the offensive and definsive lines aren't fixed I'm afraid I'm not buying this year. The issues should have at least been addressed a little. This is sad because I've never missed a title since the PS2 days

# 9 UMhester04 @ 04/11/13 01:19 PM

I thought they said they totally reworked how the lines function this year???

# 10 BezO @ 04/11/13 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	An OS person can apply if they want to.

Is that how it works?

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadman


	RGiles is a GCer for Madden.

Russ, get your gaming resume up to date. We need a rep.

# 11 roadman @ 04/11/13 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BezO


	Is that how it works?

Yes, there is a application to fill out on the GCers website.

# 12 prototype561 @ 04/11/13 07:34 PM

Soo this is basically Ncaa 13 with the Infinity Engine. I'm not calling it a physics engine until effects more than tackling.

Seems like we will still have 185 backs running over Dlinemen, and punters blocking All-American Dlinemen.

I'm kinda dissapointed.

# 13 Tengo Juego @ 04/11/13 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghettogeeksta


	Maybe next-gen guys.

This is the constant thought in my head as I'm reading all the Q&A and previews. Evolved from: maybe next year.

# 14 prototype561 @ 04/12/13 01:41 AM

Talking about the running animations. I never understood why that was so hard to do. Grab a few of the combine guys, strap some sensors to them and let them run around, I don't get it. To add some variety use guys with different heights and weights.

# 15 ch46647 @ 04/12/13 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerseySuave4


	and in a year they're obviously I really hope EA does something drastically different on the next set of systems. It's a real shame that football fans don't get the quality game to represent their sport as NBA & MLB fans do.

Or hockey and soccer. Madden is without question the worst sports game of the 4 major genres on this generation of systems. Quite honestly, in terms of quality it is not even close.

# 16 smack23011 @ 04/12/13 12:30 PM

The post on the first section was nothing short of amazing.

How do you not ADD innovated stuff to college football or NFL. I can understand CF because the NCAA limits almost everything they want to do, like taking out create a team--- Mainly NCAA took that out. But why not go against them? Do it anyway ask these top players leaving for the draft to come in and get how they run? Ask college athletes how they're suppose to block, scan the field, engage other players and the such.
NCAA is going to gripe but once they get their percentage of the profit they won't care.

No reason MLB 13 gets a gage for infielders and NCAA QBs don't (get in the green perfect throw, in the red before throw behind the WR, red after over throw your WR). You have 2k13 doing so much more than any other game out. But we can't simple things as equipment down right. Madden took a step in getting down to the last stitch they see we want presentation to its best. Adding different throws and we get stuff with the same game since 2010.

# 17 smack23011 @ 04/12/13 12:37 PM

Has anyone else noticed in the videos the defender always over runs while the RB does some move.
Doesn't a defender always break down or go strait to the legs always.
Apparently they didn't really fix DL/OL interactions so that'll be amazing to get sacked 5 times a game by UMASS.
No disguises in coverage either, I don't know to many college teams that stand in 4-3 base defense and stay in the same exact spot.They don't walk up touch the hip just get the QB rattled a little bit they would be awesome to see.

I can only hope Dynasty gets something AMAZING or ill be safe for 65 dollars going towards the PS4.

# 18 Mckinley Cash @ 04/12/13 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smack23011


	No reason MLB 13 gets a gage for infielders and NCAA QBs don't (get in the green perfect throw, in the red before throw behind the WR, red after over throw your WR). You have 2k13 doing so much more than any other game out. But we can't simple things as equipment down right. Madden took a step in getting down to the last stitch they see we want presentation to its best. Adding different throws and we get stuff with the same game since 2010.

I love the idea of using a gauge, like MLB 13 The Show. You should aim to the inside or outside shoulder with the left analog stick, and the power/accuracy should be decided with the gauge. It would replicate a real throwing motion in my opinion.

# 19 madman112 @ 04/12/13 10:17 PM

once again white uniforms cant get dirty

# 20 CT Pitbull @ 04/12/13 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerseySuave4


	and in a year they're obviously focusing on the run game, the running backs better look like they run realistic. What i've seen so far looked nothing like real life in terms of cuts and open field running. If we get 90 degree angle legs the entire time i'll be upset. No reason we shouldn't see guys stride their legs when they run and move them fast and take quick choppy steps on cuts. I know none of those things will be in but that's the point. It's frustrating that in a year they're focusing on the run game we still won't see guys run like they do in real life. It's just like how they touted the passing game and qb movement in the pocket and on the run last year but the throwing motions still looked awful. When other games can get things like movement down on the same systems (The Show is PS3 only so that's an advantage but other games do it), it's frustrating that they can't get it done at EA for their football games. This will probably be the last I comment for this year on NCAA (i hope) because I can already tell i'm skipping the game this year again (and i don't want to annoy people by sounding repetitive) but it's frustrating that the current people in place can't seem to put out a product on the level of other teams that work on other games. Football is the most popular North American sport and the NFL & NCAA make more money than we can count but we can't get a game that can simulate the sport the way we can for the NBA, MLB, soccer, NHL, PGA. I think too many people come up with excuses like time or system limitations but if other companies/teams can do it, there is no reason it can't be done for football. I'm not putting this just on the people that make the games. I hear excuses about money and staff numbers, EA was just listed as one of the worst companies, they do put out some good games. They just can't put out a football game that is on the level of other games. EA shouldn't have problems about staff numbers, they should be pulling all their resources together. If Fifa can get more realistic running or hockey can get movement down better, communicate and solve the issue for why the guys in NCAA and Madden move and look so robotic. Work together on collision systems, AI issues. That is on the higher ups. I just feel like they mailed it in halfway through this generation of systems. They tried to pick 1 or 2 big gripes they'd see people complain a lot about and act like they did something to fix it when really they just put a band-aid on a cut that needs stitches. I feel like when the PS2 was coming to an end (not the last year ps2 games were made, the last year before they came out on next gen) we were at a peak of innovation and the games were at their best. It felt like a college atmosphere, things felt fresh, the games were continuing to improve each year even though the prior year was great. Then we got on these systems and the quality just took a huge dip. If you look at the graphics on those old systems or you play a ps2 version it's hard to argue it's better than what we have now but once they went a certain level with the graphics and we saw what these systems were capable in other games, the expectation level was set. These games came filled with glaring bugs, slow, bland menus, long save/load times, boring to no presentation and they had taken out so many things we had before. We had to beg for years to get colors on the cleats. Once they did that they never touched, improved, or worked on them again (NBA 2k releases new shoes every year and lets you customize them). They finally gave us a Stadium Sounds system and never touched or improved it again. They finally gave us a team creator with Team Builder, an innovative and ridiculously misused feature that they never improved or touched again. Never have I seen a more ignored and misused feature like Team Builder. We begged for dreads, they gave us Predator dreads and never touched or improved them again (still no eyeblack, mouthpieces, etc.). I really hope EA does something drastically different on the next set of systems. It's a real shame that football fans don't get the quality game to represent their sport as NBA & MLB fans do.

you and i must have the same brain because this just about sums up my feelings about EA Football to a "T". it really is sad because growing up football games were always the ones i loved, looked forward to, and played the most. these days unfortunately its call of duty and NBA2k. great post jerseyi wish this would be seen by some EA executives/higher ups

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