Quick formation subs are actually in the current version. As indicated you hit the x button to cycle through your options.

Bad news indeed. Last year fumbles, this year pass rush. Can it really be that hard to fix one thing without breaking another?

Yikes...doesn't sound too good so far. Game is 45 days away and people over there are already talking about a patch.

It's like, am I gonna be a sucker and buy it on day 1? Probably. Damn if I don't want to rent it first though. But I think even with a limited pass rush, I'd still get my money's worth out of the FOFC multiplayer dynasty.

We'll see.

BTW, I rented NCAA 08 and have been playing it a little. Turnovers are only a little better. I've had 3 games out of 8 in my current season (2 of those are post-patch) where the teams combined for 7 or 8 turnovers. I had 3 TO's all of those games and the AI had 4 or 5. 80% of them were INT's.

Playing Campus Legend mode again is pretty cool...but those damn INT's ruin everything. If that mode was functional it would be pretty sweet. I'd seriously play a 4-year career several times through without all the damn turnovers. Is it bad that the Ohio State QB leads the nation in interceptions when he's a top-10 rated QB? Plus we were 2-6 at one point...good lord. I do like to lose to Akron by 2 TD's or to Northern Illinois 33-12 (!!!).

Madden has suffered for years with an unrealistic pass rush with strong DT's getting an unreal number of sacks and rush ends being completely ineffective, but I thought NCAA was fine the last couple of years. Hard to understand how they could have gone and completely broken this.

This sounds like a potential game-killer if it's that bad. Let's see if EA has left themselves enough time to do anything about it.

People sure are trying really hard to find something to hate about this game.

Nah, just been burned too many times by EA games that promise the world and then "oops, there is this one little issue" :D

Out of interest, why don't you think that the fact that you can't get any rush from your front four isn't a big deal? If it's as bad as it sounds then it is going to affect the passing game, the entire way you play defense not to mention giving horrible stats for dynasties (which for this board is probably going to be a big deal)...

I'll reserve judgement. But everyone who has an advance copy of this game reporting this issue = not good.

There have been many follow-up posts on Operation Sports about the lack of pass rush, and apparently, the previewers were testing primarily on Heisman level, since "the defense plays the best on that mode." Also, they were playing evenly matched teams.

I've watched some gameplay videos, which were probably on AA, and the pass rush doesn't look non-existant. So, it's possible this won't be as big of an issue for us if we use AA in our leagues which is what I think the early plan has been. Of course, it could still be an issue.

I feel like a standard 3 to 4 man rush in football video games has always been hit or miss. Game killing bugs I consider to be something like linebackers being able to jump 10 feet in the air an pick off anything over the middle on any given play, or franchise bugs that garauntee there wont be enough FA's for some teams to fill out their roster within 3-4 years causing the entire franchise to crash. These games will never be near perfect, so I have to set my priority list before I start hearing about these so called game killers. "It's a little tough getting pressure on the Quarterback", that's nowhere near the top of my priority list.

Yeah, if that's the big bug-a-boo this year, then it should be fine.

Will you be able to shift the o-line protection? I hope the challenge calls/booth review feature is a little more random.

Yes, O-Line shifts are in the game this year.

Woot!

Some videos that I haven't seen before which make me think that the pass rush issues won't be a big deal. USC gets a good pass rush on Tebow on some of the plays, but his mobility allows him to roll away and make some unrealistic throws. Turning down QB accuracy should help with that.

http://www.vimeo.com/1109377

http://www.vimeo.com/1111114

I don't see the "Take #1 hb in the nation to the atm to get commitment option" in recruiting.. whatever will usc do now? ;)

Here is a link to some videos. The is one with Pat White running the option to see how it has improved from 08'. I think the improvements there are nice.

http://www.maddenmatrix.com/

The developer over at Operation Sports has said the demo should be out on the PS3 and 360 at the same time, and that it would be out "soon" and "in June." He has also hinted that it will be out within 2 weeks.

Also, per the developer this year the demo will have commentary with a "reduced sampling rate" that might be noticable on "fancy surround systems" but will be higher quality in game.

It will feature LSU vs OSU for the main game and will also have a mascot game (EA wants to push that for some reason) with Texas vs Florida.

Oh yeah. Mascot games are BIG.

Bevo will stomp a mudhole on a gator.

Demo confirmed for the 360 and PS3 on the 19th of June.

I can't wait, even though it will only be 2 minute quarters and it will be locked to varsity difficulty.

Isn't it crazy how EA manages to sucker most of us every single year?

yes.

Yep.. every stinking year.. I'm passing on NCAA for the time being, but I know there will be plenty of impressions to read.

Gees, I have not bought any football game since 2004 NCAA, and those videos are much pretty then the old PS2 games. :D

I might have to rent this at least. With OOTP and Saints Row 2 I am not sure I could purchase but I might have to try.

An exclusive license will do that to you :(

I still dont see the problem with NCAA. I buy it yearly and play the hell out of it. If that makes me a sucker, so be it. I understand there can be problems, but I've hardly noticed them.

With Madden, I know it's more prevelent, and I just don't have fun with that game, but man, every year NCAA is a blast.

x2

Running back 1-2 interceptions for TDs in every game kind of killed the immersion for me.

Same here. If that issue wasn't there, I would still be regularly playing last year's version.

Me too. And that game where I had 5 INT's in the first half (me picking the AI). They ended with 8 TO's that game and I had 3 defensive TD's. Or the game where I had 9 INT's vs the AI and 2 defensive TD's. This is on All-American with 5 minute quarters. It's like, the game would be challenging if they didn't end every damn drive with a turnover.

This is post-patch, BTW.

Demo is scheduled for tomorrow, so I figured I should convert this into an impressions thread. Can't wait for the demo!

Argh. I thought it had released and generated 5 pages of conversation already. ;)

Sorry for the fakeout. :)

yeah, my friend at EA called to tell me that. He's just happy that the production is almost over...although he said it was nothing compared to Tiger Woods last year in regards to workload.

I'm looking forward to it as well, but it will be hard to get good impressions since it is only on Varsity.

Uh ... are you lost? :)

ditto

Definitely thought I was in the OOTP thread. :) I thought I deleted it pretty fast though.

The demo is out. I'll have to wait until tonight to take a look.

I probably won't have time to try it until tomorrow evening, but I'm counting on you guys for some impressions ;)

Count me as unbelievably impressed. I liked everything about the demo...other than the fact I lost. They have some really neat little things. Quarterbacks getting rattled and their pass patterns and receiver buttons not showing up prior to the play. Chances for you to read defenses after interceptions to pick up experience points for your qb. Good use of bands, cheerleaders, mascots, officials, etc. in terms of game play. I think people are going to be VERY happy with this game and that's not even counting on any of the online stuff.

Don't go getting our hopes up!

I have been toying with the idea of somehow hooking up my 360 to the internet. This makes me want to just a little more....damn.

Yeah, color me impressed as well. Had one interception, but it was definitely my fault and the guy was tackled almost immediately. I was able to stop my opponent as well - I didn't see the opposing QB go 14 for 15 or anything like that.

One thing I do like added is the statistical overlays. It seems in previous years you'd find out how your RB was doing sporadically at best. This year, a little unobtrusive pop-up shows up after every play. There's a 50-50 split (it seems) between showing the results of the last play: "HB #5, 4 yard gain" or showing the stats for the player involved: "QB #2, 7/9 45 yds". I even had one that popped up near the end that said by team had 3 QB Hurries on the day. I love that - really immerses you in the current game when it lets you know how you're succeeding/failing without having to pause and manually look at the statistics.

Oh - and that whole thing about not being able to rush the passer is a load of hooey.

If I recall correctly, you have been one of the most accurate critics, Craig, so I'm happy to hear you like the demo so far. :)

Temper this with the fact I only played 2 games - and they each only last 8 mins. I'm going to give the PS3 version a try later in the day when that's available to compare/contrast the two. I pre-ordered the PS3 version, but if there's a noticeable difference (or if I can't get used to the control scheme), I'll be switching back to the 360.

Downloading now, though not sure when I'll get to play. Today is a busy day, unfortunately.

I thought all of the little stats graphics, score graphics, etc. were all very well done...crisp, clean, and readable.

I'm going to have to try and figure out a way to hook up my 360 and lug my PS3 downstairs so I can get these demos.

I'll start it d/l and then check it out tonight. I still don't think I'll purchase it.. but who knows with me.

My Mom is in town and is taking me and my better half out to dinner right after work, so it will be pretty late tonight before I can get my hands on my 360 controller. I love that the reviews are already so positive though.

We should seriously think about starting up an online FOFC Dynasty.

Demo is for Xbox 360 Gold members only. :(

All Demos are available to Gold members first, but made available to Silver members approximately 1 week later.

too much stuff going on. OOTP9 already on my PC, now i gotta, i GOTTA, download this demo to start getting a head start on my FOFC MP mojo. i'm gonna spank EF27 to the point where he's going to require a trip to the psychologist couch.

there. it's been said.

oh no he di'int

You're gunna need a lot of practice if you're going to spank anybody with the roster Syracuse has...outside of Tim Lincecum of course.

I'm looking forward to putting HA's team in their place.

Not available yet in the PSN :(

Estimates are that it will be 4-5 more hours as PSN updates around the same time every Thursday.

We need your votes in the other forum.

I'll check it out today. I'll have a period where I'll be moving so by the time we start playing the league, I'll be a little rusty on the sticks.

I just played again to make sure I didn't speak too highly. I don't think I did. I really think it is that good. I threw a pick in each game -- both my fault. Machine threw none. Super LB interception had once chance and didn't make it. It struck me that I think the computer has more of a lob when throwing over the middle. In two games, only one fumble and it was my QB getting drilled by Laurinatius running up the middle. Well within reason.

If your online in a dynasty, will you get live weather at the time you actually play?

You'll get weather based on a database of what weather is likely to be occurring in that city at that time. Live weather is out as it doesn't make sense for a December game to be 90 degrees and sunny just because you are playing it in July in real life.

Downloading right now, will have some impressions in about 2 hours or so.

Fired up a game, took control of Ohio State...typing up this post as I play.

I start off kicking to LSU, they throw deep on their first play (nice to see based on last year) but I pick it off with my safety who came over for help. Returned it about 10 yards to just get into LSU territory.

I put together a scoring drive, going 4-5 through the air for about 40 yards and ran it a few times with little success. I punched it in from the one with plunge up the gut.

They come back downfield, fake the hell out of me with a PA on 4th and inches around the 50, and gain about 20. Four plays later, they're in the end zone after a couple nice completions on slants. 30 seconds to go in the first half.

I run the kickoff back for a 90 yard score! I broke two tackles, bounced outside, and tore past everyone with #3. We go into halftime up 14-7.

Are kickoff returns too easy? Apparently not...as I get drilled with the same #3 and don't even make it back to the 20. This being my first play with plenty of field to use, I pick a play where the SE is running a go route to see if tapping the pass button will produce a lob. Sure enough it does, and my QB sends it a solid 50 yards downfield. My guy goes up for it, grabs it...and is promptly separated from the ball by a safety. Completely destroyed. Nicely done.

Back in shotgun, I call a slip screen for Chris Wells...who sells the block well, gets out into open space, catches the ball, has a convoy, and takes it 64 yards to the house! Thanks Varsity.

Rest of the game was uneventful. I picked off one more pass on a nice play by my DB, it probably shouldn't have been thrown but it was late in the game with me up 14, so it's understandable in context. Final score, OSU - 21, LSU - 7.

So many games/places have free 48-hour gold memberships in them. Check your old game cases or on the internet to see if you can find one. Even check your local Blockbuster or Gamestop to see if there's one in a coverbox at their store.

You may want to get gold anyway to play in an online league :)

I'm glad about that. I just wasn't sure how they set it up.

Just finished my first game and I was disappointed. Ended up winning 35-0 with three INTs returned for touchdowns. The game is on varsity, but again this is only 2 minute quarters.

The game played very similar to last year. I always felt that movement felt didn't feel completely right in last years game and this year doesn't seem much different. Still, I liked last year's game enough to do a full blown writeup of two seasons worth of dynasty so this will still get a purchase for online dynasty.

Just played the demo, not that impressed but we'll see.

I got in a couple games, and generally liked it. Passing game seems better, and the game in general just seems more fun. Crowds look bad. Love the squiggling lines when the QB is rattled.

So...

I played the hell out of last years version. I'm not sure what people here are talking about when they say "the way players move hasn't changed", because the second I took 3 steps after the openning kickoff and my guy PLANTED when I tried to change direction, I said "whoa...this feels completely different" outloud. The game looks nicer, and plays much different than last year. I won my game 6-3 on a 40 yarder as time expired (the "ice the kicker" feature is well done). Very impressed...very impressed. I'm looking forward to the online dynasty.

I'm not sure what games you guys are expecting to get if you're not impressed. The genre has generally topped out in what it can do but to me this game felt extremely polished in all respects.

I'm nervous about the turnovers. I've played 1.5 games and I've had two INT's for TD's. In my last (half) game I had 3 total INT's plus I threw one. I do agree that the gameplay flows much better. The framerate never dipped once which was a huge change from 08. I could also see about the lack of pass rush. There was one play where I seriously had 8 seconds to throw the ball...and I wasn't under pressure when I threw it.

I will play more tonight to see how the turnovers are. These early impressions do make me nervous. I know it's on varsity and all...but should anyone have THREE pick-sixes on one game, regardless of level? And I've had 5 INT's in a game-and-a-half.

We'll see...

You have to look at the interceptions and decide if they're your fault though. I remember watching people play this game after they had complained and it was unbelievable to me the passes they were making.

I'm getting a lot of INT's too. I think the problem is that QB accuracy is down, which should be a good thing (In previous versions QB would either throw it perfect or throw it a mile away..you'd never see slightly inaccurate passes). However, the LB's are just catching machines.

I'm worried that they're just too good at catching the ball and won't knock down enough. I guess sliders will help, but I'm nervous about it.

must... reserve... judgement :p

Super jumping linebackers with WR hands is something that has driven me crazy in Madden for the last 3 years at least, but NCAA hasn't been as bad. If NCAA has gone down that road, I'm going to be pissed...

There wasn't a single interception in my game...

Also keep in mind this is Varsity. You should be winning, and winning big.

My first impression is, "Why does LSU have Jacksonville State's QB starting for them?"

Just my opinion, but Intercepting LBs doesn't seem quite as bad with this version thus far. As mentioned, QB accuracy is down, so that does cause more INTs overall though.

Sorry if it was unclear. I intercepted the AI repeatedly. I've had pick-sixes in 3 of the 4 games I've played (that's TD's by me). The last two games there has been only 1 INT (picked by my team against the AI and I ret'd it for a TD).

And complaining about NCAA 08, my team would have ridiculous INT's. Like half of my games I would have 6-9 INT's (again, me picking off the AI). And many multiple defensive TD games.

The last two games were much better though. The game runs silky smooth. I've never seen the framerate dip. There are also many new animations which are nice.

I do agree with the assessment that shredding the D is way too easy with passing. Again, I know it's on varsity, but in my last game I went 13/14 for 214 yds and 4 TD's. My only incompletion was on a 40 yard attempt that I barely missed.

I do like the wide-open aspect of the game. I was always a run-first guy before, but I've been a pass-first guy so far on this. I'm sure the harder difficulties will curtail this, but the passing isn't nearly as awful as before. Being able to lob the ball also is pretty cool. It was so much tougher for me in 08.

So the last 2 games I played were pretty fun. Big wins of course and only 1 total defensive TD/1 total turnover. If the INT's stay down and the harder difficulties/sliders can turn down the completion percentage, then I think I may like this game.

As we have only 30fps in the PS3 past year, i see players movement way more fluid this year, but besides that, can't find big differences. One important one is that touch passing is more sensitive.

The thing that still pisses me off is that "next gen" graphics in the Ps3 at least, still have the feeling of not anti aliasing being used andfor example the crowd when the camera pans at the start of the game is simple an horrible pixelated mess. I can also see the pixelated borders in the players in close views. There are older games that look way more polished in a top end Pc with a good graphic card. I exected next gen to blow my mind, and i think it only can impress players who have moved from current gen consoles to next gen consoles, but not the high end machines PC gammers.

Still will buy it as i enjoyed a lot past year playing the campus legend mode and it will be better this year with the more fluid 60fps, but i'm not impresssed either.

So you're using an EA-developed game as the measure of a console's power? I'd suggest that games like Gears of War and Metal Gear Solid 4 are much better indicators of what can be done on the consoles than a EA sports game. There's little question that EA produces games on this generation that only marginally scratch the surface of what can be done on the systems. Blame EA, not Sony or Microsoft.

Two pick-6's in my first try at the demo. It's in the game! :D

New year, same ending. But I'm sure they'll fix the issues before release.......

I haven't downloaded the PS3 demo yet, but I will today so I can see it for myself. However, unlike you, Mizzou B-ball fan, I WILL blame Sony for this one. Sure, it's great to make a console that apparently has more power than a Cray supercomputer, but it's absolutely pathetic to make the development environment so obscure that only the chosen few can take advantage of it. Sony can't play the suprised game here when it come to development for multiple platforms.

I hope this is a lesson to all the makers this generation - make a great console but also make it easy for development teams to get every last byte and MFLOP out of it.

One of the main developers has said this is an old build because it takes Sony and Microsoft about a month to approve a demo. For example, Ryan Perilloux (sp?) isn't on LSU in the final build. They also reportedly tuned the interceptions more before the Gold build was finalized and the option was fixed between this build and the final build. Here is an interesting post from one of the community reps:

Aight I have to tell the truth here I'm glad you all like the demo for the most part that's great. On the flip side this demo is horrible compared to the game that I played at community day.

This build has to be old maybe its from the NYC event, but I know for a fact that this isn't the same game. I have scored over 60 points in every game on this demo. The big give away is the option its broken in the demo, in contrast the build we played at community day the option was spot on money.

There are about 5 or 6 other dead give aways in this demo as well but no need to scare the hell out of everybody.

If you like this demo you are going to love this real game. But for me this demo is not a representation of the game we played at community day at all.

The demo is also on varsity level.

Remain calm! All is well! ALL IS WELL!!!!

How ironic that you would post this.

:D

You would think a Sony whore would be an EA fan, since they've been a big factor in each other's past successes.

Not sure why. These kinds of comments come out of the NCAA/Madden teams each and every year. They sound just as stupid as when Sony claimed that supply constraints were causing slow PS3 sales or when Microsoft claimed that lagging 2008 sales were also due to supply constraints. There's a reason why statements like this from EA fall on deaf ears. It's a new year with the same old tune. Their M.O. is to calm fears until one week after release. After that, they don't care because they've made their money.

I'll accept your critique as long as you're ready to admit that EA took the public for fools once again when we reach September and the game still has numerous warts. I'd love for the game to be good because Mizzou is actually one of the best teams in the game this year, but I've been kicked in the nuts by EA far too many times.

There are legitimate reasons besides EA to believe the demo is significantly different from the final product. On a bad note, the pass rush was "too powerful" in older builds and that is why the demo may not have the lack of a pass rush problem, but it still may be an issue in the retail version.

I find it ironic that someone who expects a respectful conversation on the game would find this to be a constructive way of reaching that goal. If you'd like to enter a name calling contest, that's fine, but it doesn't achieve anything other than taking the thread down a negative path.

As long as those reasons include a solid retail version with none of the tomfoolery of past versions of the game, I'll be the first one to admit I'm wrong and plop down my hard-earned money. EA has given reason in the past versions to be very wary.

Edit: I'd add that I believe that is the reason that EF27 is looking as hard as he can to find positive impressions of the game. We're all NCAA football fans and we'd LOVE to have a good game that isn't just an upgrade with the same old issues.

I'm starting to think I might wait until some impressions are in on the retail version. I like the game quite a bit, but I'm seeing as many or more INTs than punts. It's just not something I want to be thinking about as I'm playing.

I haven't bought or played a version of NCAA in 3 years and I liked the demo a bit, but I probably wouldn't buy the game based off of it. I'm glad to gear that its an old build of the game, though. I'll remain optimistic that the game will end up worth buying.

I'll agree with what Icy said about the crowds. They look embarrassingly bad on the PS3 (I haven't played the 360 version to compare) and the overall textures were less than impressive. If it really is an old build I'm hoping they put some work into smoothing the graphics out a bit.

Can someone point me in the direction of the perfect sports games, console or text sim please. I get the impression it is easy to do so I know they must be out there.

The demo is okay. It was somewhat underwhelming, but really last year's game wasn't too bad. I don't have a problem with INTs that much, but in the one game I played I won 21-0. Probably could've won by more but I was running out the clock in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters because I had to get to work. Two interceptions by me and the comp had none.

My first game, the first pass by Boeckman was an overthrow and an INT, but that was the only pick of the game. Next 2 games, I had 2 picks with OSU's defense. LSU defense got 1 the next 2 games. The good thing is that the picks weren't made by super linebackers. My bigger issue with the demo is that their are certain routes that seem like they are undefendable unless you get to the QB quickly. Hopefully, a human opponent will be able to counter them or they will be fixed in the final product.

let me let the cat out of the bag for you, Mizzou:

this game will not be without it's problems. there will be some glitches. console sports games are chasing perfection, but they will never be perfect. you gotta roll with the punches and just hope every new year brings new features worth paying for. this version will have online multiplayer dynasty. while you may not care for it - to me i'd pay $10 more for this feature alone. while future versions may not be worth the money, this one is. the only thing that would top this is all teams are able to be controlled by humans in a huge 100+ team online dynasty. until then, this game is tops.

and for what it's worth, i doubt you can honestly say this version is not better than anything we were playing back in the 90's. people back in the 90's wish they had access to a sports game as advanced as NCAA '09. just what exactly are you comparing this game to? as cringer said - what is the perfect example that is the standard by which "crap" like NCAA '09 is judged by.

these are video games. in the end, it doesn't matter one bit what it can or can't do. it's a beautiful world out there, mizzou, you'll miss out on a lot if all you do is worry about the few clouds that are in an otherwise wonderfully blue sky. sometimes you just gotta appreciate things as-is. the only way you'll ever be able to experience college football in 100 perfect realism is if you enroll in a school and play on the football team. if you're looking for it in a video game then i feel bad for you. fun is what you should be looking for. i'm gonna have a ton of fun in the FOFC MP NCAA '09 league. i'm not gonna let one or two extra INTs/fumbles than normal ruin what's gonna be a great experience.

I started to tear up at the end of that... LOL