NCAA Demo Impressions - tswiatkowski's Blog

tswiatkowski's Blog

NCAA Demo Impressions

Posted on June 14, 2010 at 10:54 AM.

(3)

Ok, so I fired up the demo for the first time, and I have to say, from the very beginning this game feels different. The menu is much cleaner and crisper than the previous game. Thankfully, the ProCombat Uniforms are unlocked by merely sending an invite to another user, so that got done easily, and now EA doesn't seem like they are trying to play you with that deal.

First matchup: Ohio St vs. Miami

Ok, so I chose Miami because I really like to run a pro-style offense. I usually recruit drop-back passers and Jacory Harris is probably just a bit faster than a typical QB recruit for me. Last year, I also used Miami's playbook for most of the teams I played with, (Teambuilder or not, as long as they ran a pro-style)

From the beginning of the game, there is a different presentation outlook. The ESPN College Gameday brings about a nice familiarity to the game, makes it feel like it was on TV. The commentary seems to have not had too many changes, however, and this is somewhat disappointing. The pregame entrance was fun, but I think there are too many close-ups of the fans. It should be a bit more about the players. I thought it was over after the home team (Ohio St) ran out on the field, but it wasn't. The dev team also added the pregame commentary while players were warming up and preparing for the game. Now, these pregame entrances were not as AWESOME as I thought, but it was a very nice addition that I am happy with. (For now lol)

I decided to play the game on All-American difficulty and started by kicking off. My first defensive series was a successful one, but it felt like I was the reason behind that, not the computer shooting itself in the foot. The Ohio St players actually did what they were supposed to do. Btw, the new locomotion system feels very cool and the player movements and tackling look A LOT better. I actually think the system is more useful on defense.

One problem I have with the locomotion system is the way the player looks when he is in his normal, straight running mode. The legs are moving too slow during the acceleration stage. Instead of beginning the run all choppy and quick, the player seems to be gliding around. The rest of it looks fine, especially the juke moves, defensive line moves, spins, and other stuff like that. I just thought I would point that out.

Offensively, the game isn't too hard to figure out. The passing is much more difficult in my opinion, but in a better way than NCAA 10. Running, at least with Miami, is much easier to do because of the obvious blocking schemes. The defense has the ability to stop you, however, and the computer will not dominate you in the running game if you do not let it.

Overall, I can't see any area this game has taken a step back, and I see plenty leaps forward. Based on my first taste of gameplay, I think NCAA 11 could challenge for sports game of the year, and is most likely the best one yet.

Good work EA

Comments

# 1 65South @ Jun 14

Thanks for the blog Tswiatkowski!

# 2 Eski33 @ Jun 14

The demo has to be one of the best and deepest of any sports game released. To have four match-ups with live weather, plus the ability to choose uniforms and unlock uniforms for the retail version is outstanding.

When I heard that the demo would only have 2-minute quarters I was a bit disappointed. However, after playing through several games I didn't feel cheated at all.

As with most of the posts I have read on different sites, I love the updated visuals, presentation and animations. Locomotion is outstanding. Playing D-Line is finally fun as it feels that I had control over my player.

However, what I found so exciting were things that may not have been all that noticeable. The ability to choose any play from your playbook from the no huddle offense is a great addition. Also, when you access your playbook you can access Special Teams by pressing "Y" instead of scrolling through.

We also have to remember that the full retail version will have more uniforms (Florida's white helmet was missing as well as the option to select home uniforms, as an example) and formation subs.

This is one demo that will push sales. EA did an outstanding job.

I do want to comment on the visuals. The uniforms and helmets look awesome. Miami's Pro Combats look outstanding. Another item I liked was the different angles provided on the auto replays.

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I haven't been this pumped over a release in a long time...Cannot wait.

# 3 tswiatkowski @ Jun 14

Oh yeah Eski, I have to agree with you there. Also, the no huddle playbook thing was something I hadn't gotten to, and I feel like running the no huddle is very effective now. D line was very fun to play, but I am trying to teach myself to play DB. Its tough because of the player weight from Locomotion lol, but I'll get used to it. I love the way that I can now count on the QB to make an errant pass or two that I can possibly pick off. I love reliving my high school days as a corner. I really hope that they put a bit of an upgrade to Teambuilder because I feel like that would make this game a must have for any gamer.