We have a preview of EndWar up today. I don't plug our stuff here very often but I have to admit, the voice commands sound kinda nifty. Geeky, but nifty. I'd assume this is a game to play alone.
You're sitting in your living room while your wife is making dinner (or if your wife is like mine, fixing something around the house because her husband is pretty much useless with any sort of power tool in his hand). She's working away and you're sitting in front of the TV yelling, "Squad 5 move to sector Alpha!!" It's times like these when women begin to question their choice of a mate.
As for NCAA, I am still trying to get my Ball State game in. Last night, Ashley came back from my parent's place and we played Smash Bros. and then I decided to watch a couple episodes of The Tudors. Sorry -- you are not my master!
I'd play right now but the TV has been confiscated by Ashley. She's way past the point where I could tell her, "Daddy needs to work!" That doesn't fly anymore.
Long time readers of the blog will also realize that this is Tuesday, which means old man basketball league night so I'll be gone from 5-9 (or so).
A lot of stuff still needs to be tested and looked over in terms of recruiting. I am hoping that this year we see more 4-5 star busts. I'll come back with the Ball State report as soon as I can. I am very curious how that game plays out.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Alone in the Dark
Breaking away from NCAA for a sec, here's my review of the PC version of Alone in the Dark.
Or I can save you 1,000 words: It sucks.
Or I can save you 1,000 words: It sucks.
Ball State
Yep. Ball State. That's my second dynasty team. Don't ask me *why* Ball State, because I have no idea. Red is pretty?
I want to test recruiting and doing that with OSU is somewhat pointless. 5 star recruits are beating down my door and recruiting with any 5 star program in NCAA has always been, shall we say, easy as hell. I also want to play with a poor team (sorry all you Ball State grads...) and see if a good team can run the ball down my throat. I start off with Alabama, which is about right considering the OOC games they so love to play in the SEC. (First person to mention Youngstown State, Ohio, Akron, Kent State and/or Bowling Green gets a virtual wedgie.)
But Ball State? 1 and 2 star kids are loving me. I want to see how easy it is to get the occasional 3-4 star kid to sign and where they come from. Ball State is huge in Hawaii. Huge.
So tonight will be the first game. I smell MAC championship!
I want to test recruiting and doing that with OSU is somewhat pointless. 5 star recruits are beating down my door and recruiting with any 5 star program in NCAA has always been, shall we say, easy as hell. I also want to play with a poor team (sorry all you Ball State grads...) and see if a good team can run the ball down my throat. I start off with Alabama, which is about right considering the OOC games they so love to play in the SEC. (First person to mention Youngstown State, Ohio, Akron, Kent State and/or Bowling Green gets a virtual wedgie.)
But Ball State? 1 and 2 star kids are loving me. I want to see how easy it is to get the occasional 3-4 star kid to sign and where they come from. Ball State is huge in Hawaii. Huge.
So tonight will be the first game. I smell MAC championship!
Detroit Lions Marketing: Do You Really Want Me to Answer That?
The Detroit Lions have just released a new promo video to try and sell some season tickets:
Let's take a look at the track record:
Last season: Started 6-2; Finished 7-9
Overall Record Since Millen Hired after 2000: 31-81
Last winning season: 2000 (9-7)
Last 10+ win season: 1995 (10-6)
Last playoff season: 1999 (8-8)
Last playoff win: 1991
Last Super Bowl Appearance: Never
Last Championship Season: 1957
So, do I believe in now?
Uh. In a word? No.
But thanks for asking.
Let's take a look at the track record:
Last season: Started 6-2; Finished 7-9
Overall Record Since Millen Hired after 2000: 31-81
Last winning season: 2000 (9-7)
Last 10+ win season: 1995 (10-6)
Last playoff season: 1999 (8-8)
Last playoff win: 1991
Last Super Bowl Appearance: Never
Last Championship Season: 1957
So, do I believe in now?
Uh. In a word? No.
But thanks for asking.
"Yes. It's True. This Man Has No Dick."
Awhile back Sierra revealed that it was planning to publish Ghostbusters: The Video Game. This is the sort of move that makes an old Ghostbusters fan both excited and nervous at the same time. The notion of a kick ass Ghostbusters game is compelling, but seriously, what are the odds we actually get a kick-ass Ghostbusters game?This morning I was flipping through the recent history of the gaming website Giant Bomb and I can across this preview of the game (from June 26th). The story in the game comes direct from the original creators, Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis, so that's promising. (Even if Ghostbusters 2 did suck.) Plus, some of the gameplay mechanics discussed in the game also sound promising.
The Ghostbusters are scientists first and foremost, but they’re also shameless capitalists, a characteristic that will figure into the gameplay and the story. Every time a ghost is busted, you’ll earn some cash. But, every time you break something with your unlicensed nuclear accelerator, you’ll be charged for it. Luckily for the Ghostbusters, the new mayor of New York, who ran on a pro-Ghostbusters platform, has formed a commission whose purpose is to manage the financial impact of ghost busting. Unfortunately, Walter Peck, the EPA lawyer who shut down the Ghostbusters in the first film, will have some say about how the Ghostbusters spend the city’s money.Everybody's favorite dickless EPA investigator is back? And voiced by William Atherton no less? (The rest of the original cast are doing voice work for the game too.) Hell, I don't even care if the gameplay is any good. Sign me up!
(Also: Props to the writer of the piece, Ryan Davis, for recognizing (in the article's title) that the best song in the Ghostbusters soundtrack isn't Ray Parker Jr.'s Who Ya Gonna Call? No, that honor goes to Clean'n Up the Town by the Bus Boys. Word.)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
OSU Dynasty - Week 2 44-14
I started an OSU Dyntasy to get a feel for recruiting and to check some gameplan stuff.
I simmed Week 1 against the D1AA team and week 2 I edited to play Houston (a spread team)-- and then went in and made their playcalling 100% aggressive. I really dunno what that is supposed to do. Force more passes into coverage? More deep balls? I want to see if that makes the AI look downfield a bit more.
Well, it sorta worked. The AI went deep 4 times (all 4 about 20 yards downfield which is better than nothing) but two were in double coverage and picked off. The Houston QB isn't bad, but has a 70 AWR, so that not a surprising result. But the passes were real moonballs, no zip on them at all. Kinda strange.
Anyway some stats from the game:
Boeckman: 18/25 1177 3 TD 2 INT (one returned 80 yards for a score..doh)
Houston QB: 13/24 98 yds 0TD 3 INT
Wells: 22 for 128
Saine: 17/107 with a 48 yard score.
Houston TB: 13/39
I brought in Pryor late and he ran for a 30 yard TD on a play action fake. He's um...fast.
Anyway, 44-14 against the Cougs, I can certainly believe. I still think something is very much amiss with CPU deep passing and next week's showdown against USC will be a good test. You'd think they'd test the OSU DBs more than once.
Oh, one cool tidbit. The game was 44-7 until the final drive when I mass subbed the 2nd team D. Houston marched 55 yards for its only offensive TD of the game.
Recruiting looks about the same at first glance. Was the "quick call" option in last year's game? I can't remember.
I still think the database is weird. I just do not believe that FOUR players from South Carolina (2 5 star and 2 4 star) would have Ohio State #1 on their list before the season starts. That strikes me as odd seeing how OSU never (OK, rarely) recruits in SC. That is NOT Buckeye country. Ohio, MI, FL, PA, NJ, some CA, some TX, and now some GA of late -- those are the breeding grounds right now. On my board I have the 4 SC kids, a kid from AZ, a kid from WA, and a kid from MS with OSU #1. Hmm.
And I may be in the minority here, and it would not be the first time, but I still prefer the old recruiting method over the "year round" system. Is this more realistic? Yeah, I guess. But I liked doing it all in that 5 week span after the season. It was neat, clean, and I thought pretty darn fun. I feel the same way about 2K's College Hoops. It just drags on a bit for my taste.
But I have barely looked at recruiting, just a glance and a few weeks of calls, even though I did sign a 5 star RG out of Flint, MI by simply offering him a schollie.
Eat that, Blue.
I simmed Week 1 against the D1AA team and week 2 I edited to play Houston (a spread team)-- and then went in and made their playcalling 100% aggressive. I really dunno what that is supposed to do. Force more passes into coverage? More deep balls? I want to see if that makes the AI look downfield a bit more.
Well, it sorta worked. The AI went deep 4 times (all 4 about 20 yards downfield which is better than nothing) but two were in double coverage and picked off. The Houston QB isn't bad, but has a 70 AWR, so that not a surprising result. But the passes were real moonballs, no zip on them at all. Kinda strange.
Anyway some stats from the game:
Boeckman: 18/25 1177 3 TD 2 INT (one returned 80 yards for a score..doh)
Houston QB: 13/24 98 yds 0TD 3 INT
Wells: 22 for 128
Saine: 17/107 with a 48 yard score.
Houston TB: 13/39
I brought in Pryor late and he ran for a 30 yard TD on a play action fake. He's um...fast.
Anyway, 44-14 against the Cougs, I can certainly believe. I still think something is very much amiss with CPU deep passing and next week's showdown against USC will be a good test. You'd think they'd test the OSU DBs more than once.
Oh, one cool tidbit. The game was 44-7 until the final drive when I mass subbed the 2nd team D. Houston marched 55 yards for its only offensive TD of the game.
Recruiting looks about the same at first glance. Was the "quick call" option in last year's game? I can't remember.
I still think the database is weird. I just do not believe that FOUR players from South Carolina (2 5 star and 2 4 star) would have Ohio State #1 on their list before the season starts. That strikes me as odd seeing how OSU never (OK, rarely) recruits in SC. That is NOT Buckeye country. Ohio, MI, FL, PA, NJ, some CA, some TX, and now some GA of late -- those are the breeding grounds right now. On my board I have the 4 SC kids, a kid from AZ, a kid from WA, and a kid from MS with OSU #1. Hmm.
And I may be in the minority here, and it would not be the first time, but I still prefer the old recruiting method over the "year round" system. Is this more realistic? Yeah, I guess. But I liked doing it all in that 5 week span after the season. It was neat, clean, and I thought pretty darn fun. I feel the same way about 2K's College Hoops. It just drags on a bit for my taste.
But I have barely looked at recruiting, just a glance and a few weeks of calls, even though I did sign a 5 star RG out of Flint, MI by simply offering him a schollie.
Eat that, Blue.
Today's NCAA Agenda
First off, I'm about to go get some lunch with my wife, go to Lowe's to get some plug thing for the water softener and maybe stop by the Polaris Mall. So further impressions will not be until later today.
I do want to make a quick note about the QB Accuracy slider. It's frustrating that EA refuses to fix this; that slider has very little to do with accuracy and instead is all about arm strength. So make sure you are aware of this when doing any slider tweaks. If you lower the slider to say, 30, the QB can throw it no more than 40 yards in the air. I don't care who the QB is. 40-45 yards tops. Lower it more, the distance continues to drop. It does NOT mean that deep passes are less accurate. This is how it's been on Next Gen since the get go, and it still is. This also means lower accuracy equals slow out passes, etc. which leads to more INTs.
It would be nice if that slider actually kept the same arm strength and lowered, you know...accuracy! Ah well. Just a heads up. I dunno if we will need to mess with that slider much but with any game your mileage is going to vary so if you do mess with it, keep that in mind.
Today I am going to look at recruiting and run a test season or two. The NCAA engine some years feels about right while other years it's sorta kooky (remember the crazy inflated sim score bug?) So that's on today's schedule.
I also want to see if I can do anything to alter the CPU playcalling to allow more deep passes. I forgot to add in last night's update about the fact that the AI won't even go deep on Hail Mary situations. At the end of the half at midfield with :05 seconds left, the MSU QB came out in the shotgun and STILL didn't go deep -- he threw an 8 yard pass to the TE as the half ran out. Imagine a huge Bowl game or Conference Title game ending like that? Team needs a TD and instead of going to the end zone they throw a 10 yard hitch.
Things like this can kill the drama of a football game. Maybe we can alter some settings inside Dynasty mode? We'll see.
I do want to make a quick note about the QB Accuracy slider. It's frustrating that EA refuses to fix this; that slider has very little to do with accuracy and instead is all about arm strength. So make sure you are aware of this when doing any slider tweaks. If you lower the slider to say, 30, the QB can throw it no more than 40 yards in the air. I don't care who the QB is. 40-45 yards tops. Lower it more, the distance continues to drop. It does NOT mean that deep passes are less accurate. This is how it's been on Next Gen since the get go, and it still is. This also means lower accuracy equals slow out passes, etc. which leads to more INTs.
It would be nice if that slider actually kept the same arm strength and lowered, you know...accuracy! Ah well. Just a heads up. I dunno if we will need to mess with that slider much but with any game your mileage is going to vary so if you do mess with it, keep that in mind.
Today I am going to look at recruiting and run a test season or two. The NCAA engine some years feels about right while other years it's sorta kooky (remember the crazy inflated sim score bug?) So that's on today's schedule.
I also want to see if I can do anything to alter the CPU playcalling to allow more deep passes. I forgot to add in last night's update about the fact that the AI won't even go deep on Hail Mary situations. At the end of the half at midfield with :05 seconds left, the MSU QB came out in the shotgun and STILL didn't go deep -- he threw an 8 yard pass to the TE as the half ran out. Imagine a huge Bowl game or Conference Title game ending like that? Team needs a TD and instead of going to the end zone they throw a 10 yard hitch.
Things like this can kill the drama of a football game. Maybe we can alter some settings inside Dynasty mode? We'll see.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Several Games Later...
Played several games today, testing out various teams.
I may, stress may, start at AA level. It's not so much a difficulty issue with me, as I beat San Diego State 44-3 with OSU on Heisman, but I do think the players play more to their ratings on AA and with the proper slider tweaks I think I can get it to play how I want. Will that change later? Maybe. But right now my games have been on AA.
The INT issue from the first few games has vanished. I'm chalking this up as officially no longer an issue. I do get picks, as I should, but I have not played a game anything like that first MSU debacle. If you think the INTs are too high on default, change it. That INT slider works.
I played a game today, again with OSU, against Michigan State and won 31-30. The reason I won (in part) was again the silly kick returns. I'm no longer manually returning punts and kicks. I Super Sim them. That's how bad it is.
I really like the fact that when I played the 31-30 game the MSU QB was 25/32...dude was on fire and that was against OSU's defense. However, I'm currently at the half of a rematch game and that same QB is 3/12 with an INT. Pretty cool. We're all over him.
That said, there are things that the more I play the more I think might be real issues that are not just going to go away. The CPU run game isn't very good. I know I am using OSU but even in the games where I used lesser teams the AI struggles UNLESS I refrain from switching players. If I stick to playing my chosen player for the entire play the CPU runs a lot better. But if I switch...it's lights out. He can't get away and most HBs average about 2.5 a carry. Note: I have yet to mess much with the CPU Run and RBlock sliders.
The Ghost Juke cost MSU the win in the 31-30 game. This one is really annoying. MSU was returning a kickoff and found a seam and then raced to the sidelines. He was home free -- gone. All he had to do was outrun OSU backup LB Brian Rolle but instead of just running for daylight he juked no one in particular and allowed Rolle to catch him. I have seen the Ghost Juke about 5 times now. Not good.
I also don't see much variety in the AI offensive playcalling. Deep passes are *rare*. I see them , but maybe 1 per game tops and it is not uncommon to see zero. (By deep I mean 20+ yards in the air.) A lot of dinks, dunks, and 7 yard passes over the middle. Because of this it is hard to tell a difference between playing against, say, San Diego State and Michigan State. The plays all feel similar it's just that MSU is better at running them.
The AI likes to run delayed options with slow ass QBs and it NEVER works. I see this play called by every team and I have yet to see it gain one positive yard.
I don't mean to focus on the negative but I want you guys to see the issues that might have an impact on the games on a regular basis. I am still very much enjoying myself, but these are the flaws that are popping out so take it FWIW.
I think you have to expect issues with every game it's just going to depend on what you can live with and what you can't. I still feel it's the best version on the field (I have not touched recruiting or checked the sim engine or the ranking AI) since NCAA 04, which was in my mind the high point of the series.
I may, stress may, start at AA level. It's not so much a difficulty issue with me, as I beat San Diego State 44-3 with OSU on Heisman, but I do think the players play more to their ratings on AA and with the proper slider tweaks I think I can get it to play how I want. Will that change later? Maybe. But right now my games have been on AA.
The INT issue from the first few games has vanished. I'm chalking this up as officially no longer an issue. I do get picks, as I should, but I have not played a game anything like that first MSU debacle. If you think the INTs are too high on default, change it. That INT slider works.
I played a game today, again with OSU, against Michigan State and won 31-30. The reason I won (in part) was again the silly kick returns. I'm no longer manually returning punts and kicks. I Super Sim them. That's how bad it is.
I really like the fact that when I played the 31-30 game the MSU QB was 25/32...dude was on fire and that was against OSU's defense. However, I'm currently at the half of a rematch game and that same QB is 3/12 with an INT. Pretty cool. We're all over him.
That said, there are things that the more I play the more I think might be real issues that are not just going to go away. The CPU run game isn't very good. I know I am using OSU but even in the games where I used lesser teams the AI struggles UNLESS I refrain from switching players. If I stick to playing my chosen player for the entire play the CPU runs a lot better. But if I switch...it's lights out. He can't get away and most HBs average about 2.5 a carry. Note: I have yet to mess much with the CPU Run and RBlock sliders.
The Ghost Juke cost MSU the win in the 31-30 game. This one is really annoying. MSU was returning a kickoff and found a seam and then raced to the sidelines. He was home free -- gone. All he had to do was outrun OSU backup LB Brian Rolle but instead of just running for daylight he juked no one in particular and allowed Rolle to catch him. I have seen the Ghost Juke about 5 times now. Not good.
I also don't see much variety in the AI offensive playcalling. Deep passes are *rare*. I see them , but maybe 1 per game tops and it is not uncommon to see zero. (By deep I mean 20+ yards in the air.) A lot of dinks, dunks, and 7 yard passes over the middle. Because of this it is hard to tell a difference between playing against, say, San Diego State and Michigan State. The plays all feel similar it's just that MSU is better at running them.
The AI likes to run delayed options with slow ass QBs and it NEVER works. I see this play called by every team and I have yet to see it gain one positive yard.
I don't mean to focus on the negative but I want you guys to see the issues that might have an impact on the games on a regular basis. I am still very much enjoying myself, but these are the flaws that are popping out so take it FWIW.
I think you have to expect issues with every game it's just going to depend on what you can live with and what you can't. I still feel it's the best version on the field (I have not touched recruiting or checked the sim engine or the ranking AI) since NCAA 04, which was in my mind the high point of the series.
Back in Town -- More Games Coming
I'm back from our afternoon road trip and I'll try to get in some NCAA later today -- hopefully after a quick trip to the store.
The AA test games have been very good but I'd like to go to Heisman again to see a few things. Namely playcalling and the other weird AI quirks like the Ghost Juking. I was able to play with OSU on Heisman, but again, OSU is loaded in this game so I am curious if playing on that lvl with a lesser team will be too tough.
More later.
The AA test games have been very good but I'd like to go to Heisman again to see a few things. Namely playcalling and the other weird AI quirks like the Ghost Juking. I was able to play with OSU on Heisman, but again, OSU is loaded in this game so I am curious if playing on that lvl with a lesser team will be too tough.
More later.
The Next Great Red Wing?
No, I'm not talking about the Wings signing Marian Hossa away from Pittsburgh. Though, 1-year at about $7.4 mill is a coup only the Wings could pull off for a prolific 2-way, goal-scoring fiend who's just 29 years old.
No, I'm talking about my boy, Kyle (3). Check out his form with his new $2.50 hockey set from the clearance rack at Target.
That puck, by the way, is moving towards him and he one-timed the hell out of the sucker. Seriously, the kid just picked up the stick and started whacking at it like it was second nature. Next we'll have to find out if the dynamo can skate (or if he's Happy Gilmore).
No, I'm talking about my boy, Kyle (3). Check out his form with his new $2.50 hockey set from the clearance rack at Target.
That puck, by the way, is moving towards him and he one-timed the hell out of the sucker. Seriously, the kid just picked up the stick and started whacking at it like it was second nature. Next we'll have to find out if the dynamo can skate (or if he's Happy Gilmore).
Florida State 32 Tulane 9
This might be the only update today as I'll be on the road. I would have posted this last night but my DSL was down.
Anyway I played against FSU last night and took a lesser team like Tulane to get a feel for the difference between playing with the Green Wave (rated I think in the 70s) and Ohio State. Same settings as the OSU game. As you can see, it was rather ugly.
Whereas the OSU game was a defensive battle in the first half, Weatherford went 26/38 for 352 2 TD and ZERO INTs against me. The Tulane QB (me) -- who is an impact player rated in the mid 80s--completed 59% for 260 yards 1 TD and 2 INTs. The 260 is TAD inflated because I completed a 40 yard Hail Mary with 5 seconds left.
Some more notes:
Anyway I played against FSU last night and took a lesser team like Tulane to get a feel for the difference between playing with the Green Wave (rated I think in the 70s) and Ohio State. Same settings as the OSU game. As you can see, it was rather ugly.
Whereas the OSU game was a defensive battle in the first half, Weatherford went 26/38 for 352 2 TD and ZERO INTs against me. The Tulane QB (me) -- who is an impact player rated in the mid 80s--completed 59% for 260 yards 1 TD and 2 INTs. The 260 is TAD inflated because I completed a 40 yard Hail Mary with 5 seconds left.
Some more notes:
- This was the first game that the CPU pass rush killed me. Tulane's line vs FSU is a mismatch -- I was sacked 5 times.
- I have not seen a fumble since the OSU USC game test.
- I am a shade concerned about playcalling. Yes, FSU passed for 352 but I cannot recall one pass that was thrown 20 yards downfield. Most was short and intermediate passes and while one pass went for a 60 YD TD, it was due to a safety blitz and FSU called the perfect play -- the WR caught it 10 yards downfield and was off to the races. If any team would try a deep route at least once, you'd think it would be FSU.
- Early in my impressions I said that the QB Quiz was a guessing game,. Well, I didn't notice that you can cycle through "photos" of the play in action. I didn't see the button option. I just saw how the D was initially lined up, which made it pretty tough. Seeing the play unfold -- it's much better this way. I got some practice doing that this game, heh.
- I am still keeping an eye out on open field running by the CPU. The CPU LOVES to make moves in the open field when they aren't needed. The FSU HB could have taken one for a long score but he did a spin move and ran right out of bounds.
- I think if I had played the game on default sliders that I would have picked off at least 3 FSU passes. I think the INT slider is working. I can recall at least three that hit my LB and safety right in the breadbasket, but were dropped.
- Have I mentioned how bad the kick coverage is? I have? Ok. Let's move on.
- I did not sack FSU once. Speed rushing doesn't work when you don't have a speedy DE. :)
- So after a few more games (what is that, 18-20 quarters or so?) my fear has shifted from INTs -- which have not been a problem since those first two games -- to a lack of CPU deep passes, weird open field jukes, poor kick coverage, and a real penchant for going for it on 4th and short at midfield instead of trying a corner punt. If these are the MAIN issues this year -- and considering how damn fun the game is to play, I can live with those flaws (if in fact they are flaws; I need to play more) .
I have not even opened up the recruiting model yet and I'll try to take a look at it this weekend. But right now -- based on the still somewhat small sample size of games -- NCAA is a green light. I have not had this much fun playing NCAA since the 2004 version. Usually by this time we had discovered either the crazy INTs (NCAA 2008), the huge number of dropped passes (NCAA 2005..), terrible secondary AI (NCAA 2007..) -- something that ruins the experience, for me at least. So far, this is a really, really fun game and I cannot WAIT to start our Online Dynasty.
I'll try to post some tonight, but this depends on when I get back and if Dave comes over and we play some boardgames. We were supposed to play Last Night on Earth or maybe another game of Pandemic.
If not, I'll get back into the game.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Ohio State 10 Florida State 0 at The Half
I once saw Boomer Esiason throw 5 INTs against the Browns back in the day. Being a Browns fan, I was thrilled. God as my witness I hate the Bengals. Icky Shuffle my ass. Anyway--
5 picks. It was surreal. But it happened.
Playing NCAA after those first two test games reminds me of that day when Boomer was mercilessly picked off 5 times by Hanford Dixon and the boys.
I am currently playing at FSU with my Bucks.
AA lvl, 7 min quarters, CPU Acc at 70 (or 75, I can't recall)
Human INT, KNDWN and DAWR at 0
It's 10-0. FSU can't move the ball at all. Beanie Wells is being shutdown by a very fast FSU defense and the Silver Bullets are swarming to the ball. This is the first time in the history of this series that I can really tell the difference between playing with a good defense and a GREAT defense. Ohio State is all over the field, gang tackling -- getting to the ball, sniffing out screens.
It's a thing of freaking beauty.
Little Animal has 12 tackles -- at the HALF.
FSU QB line: 9/13 70 yards, 2 sacks, 1 INT
OSU QB: Todd is 7/11 87 yds 1 INT (totally my fault...)
Beanie has 28 yards on 12 carries. It's a struggle.
The INT is how I scored. It was 3-0 OSU in the 2nd when FSU calls a screen on 3rd and 10. Freeman read it and was all over the RB. Weatherford (He's still at FSU, right?) was being pressured by Wilson (2 more sacks by him by speed rushing -- getting pressure is NOT a problem in this game, regardless of what anyone else tells you. Speed rushing in fact might even be too effective.) So as the rush is coming he throws the ball to the RB anyway -- and Freeman picks it off at the 10 and walks in. TD. That was the only pick in the half and it didn't feel canned.
By canned -- you know what I mean. So many of the INTs last year were in the middle of the field, almost as if by design, like it was "time" to get an INT. This felt legit -- pressure + forced throw = bad news.
Of course we're about to leave for the fireworks so I had to kill the game...but 10-0! Two great defenses! A game where every yard counts!
Happy happy joy joy. That simply NEVER happens in NCAA.
So, my hope is those first two games were simply Boomer Esiason games. Because every game since then has been very different -- and a hell of a lot of fun.
Now, just fix the damn kick coverage!
5 picks. It was surreal. But it happened.
Playing NCAA after those first two test games reminds me of that day when Boomer was mercilessly picked off 5 times by Hanford Dixon and the boys.
I am currently playing at FSU with my Bucks.
AA lvl, 7 min quarters, CPU Acc at 70 (or 75, I can't recall)
Human INT, KNDWN and DAWR at 0
It's 10-0. FSU can't move the ball at all. Beanie Wells is being shutdown by a very fast FSU defense and the Silver Bullets are swarming to the ball. This is the first time in the history of this series that I can really tell the difference between playing with a good defense and a GREAT defense. Ohio State is all over the field, gang tackling -- getting to the ball, sniffing out screens.
It's a thing of freaking beauty.
Little Animal has 12 tackles -- at the HALF.
FSU QB line: 9/13 70 yards, 2 sacks, 1 INT
OSU QB: Todd is 7/11 87 yds 1 INT (totally my fault...)
Beanie has 28 yards on 12 carries. It's a struggle.
The INT is how I scored. It was 3-0 OSU in the 2nd when FSU calls a screen on 3rd and 10. Freeman read it and was all over the RB. Weatherford (He's still at FSU, right?) was being pressured by Wilson (2 more sacks by him by speed rushing -- getting pressure is NOT a problem in this game, regardless of what anyone else tells you. Speed rushing in fact might even be too effective.) So as the rush is coming he throws the ball to the RB anyway -- and Freeman picks it off at the 10 and walks in. TD. That was the only pick in the half and it didn't feel canned.
By canned -- you know what I mean. So many of the INTs last year were in the middle of the field, almost as if by design, like it was "time" to get an INT. This felt legit -- pressure + forced throw = bad news.
Of course we're about to leave for the fireworks so I had to kill the game...but 10-0! Two great defenses! A game where every yard counts!
Happy happy joy joy. That simply NEVER happens in NCAA.
So, my hope is those first two games were simply Boomer Esiason games. Because every game since then has been very different -- and a hell of a lot of fun.
Now, just fix the damn kick coverage!
TCU 24 Penn State 13
Very, very promising game this afternoon. I was TCU, playing on AA lvl, 7 min quarters.
Worth noting:
Worth noting:
- PSU QB throws ONE pick-- to my MLB spying the middle of the field. I can live with that, as I think we all can. I threw zero picks myself with TCU (another achievement. woo.) So it was a 1 TO game (no fumbles). This was on AA lvl and I can't tell you how happy I was to see that. Several passes SHOULD have been picked but maybe the INT at 0 slider was working? Time to play as OSU again to see if the INTs return -- this is great news, though.
- One note about INTs: I never "user pick." I play as the DLine or blitzing LB -- I never play ion coverage so when the CPU throws a pick, I never have anything to do with it. I dunno how the user picks work, I have never played the game like that, FWIW.
- I put together a new "combo" move with the star TCU HB. Wow, that was sick. The PSU CB is still on the ground I think, wondering what happened.
- I registered three sacks with the TCU DE -- all speed rushes. No spins or power moves -- just racing around the edge.
- Final stats for PSU QB: 18/30 144 yds 1 TD 1 INT. Final stats for my QB: 12/22 166 yds 1 TD.
- Kick coverage is 100% ass. Sorry to keep repeating this--but this needs fixed. Maybe longer punts? You are going to average 30 yards per kick return in this game.
- Several passes that would have been caught in previous editions of NCAA were drops either because the pass was behind the receiver or he was hit as the ball was delivered. Very nice.
- The CPU blocked a kick! It wasn't a major block but he DID tip it. The punt went 17 yards. Woo!
- One thing that I noticed that I didn't like -- the playcalling. Again,. who knows what could have caused this -- PSU gameplan, AA lvl -- I dunno. But late in he game PSU had several 4th down plays when they were down 21-13. On 3rd and 5 with 2:12 left they called off tackle and lost a yard -- 4th and 6 ...same play. No gain. Kinda odd. Then the next possession they had 4th and 10 and threw a 5 yard square out and the WR caught the pass out of bounds. The HBs and FBs still have NO Idea where the sideline is on flare patterns. This is an OLD problem and that is still in the game. This sealed the game for me for the most part and was kinda anti climatic.
- A LOT more "2 plays off" types of injuries, which I like a lot. Guys taking a series off or taking a breather for a play or two.
- I still think Heisman will be my level of choice, (I felt this game was a bit too easy for TCU)but this AA game was a blast--more to come hopefully later today.
Happy 4th
I dunno how much time I will be able to get with NCAA today. I'm dying to get back into it. There's a lot of stuff to mess with and I want to see the new recruiting goodies. I'm going to go back into AA lvl now that I think Heisman is playable. It's time to see if this INT thing from last night was a fluke. I also want to experiment a bit with different teams.
But it IS the 4th of July and for us that means...continuing to clean out the basement that flooded last week. It's dry now and we're moving things back down today -- from Ashley's Emporium of Toys to some furniture.
In the long run, it's not a disaster that this happened. We needed to clean the basement out and rearrange things ...I guess this just prompted us to do it sooner than later. We also needed a backup Sump Pump -- mission friggin accomplished!
Worst case scenario is that I get back into NCAA tonight after the fireworks. We go to New Albany every year to watch their display (damn good show) but when we get back I'm playing NCAA come hell or--OK I don't want to deal with anymore high water but you get what I mean.
I will also be gone most of the day Saturday as we're driving down to my parents house for the afternoon. But I'll post some thoughts on the game tonight for sure. I've just scratched the surface of the game, after all.
But it IS the 4th of July and for us that means...continuing to clean out the basement that flooded last week. It's dry now and we're moving things back down today -- from Ashley's Emporium of Toys to some furniture.
In the long run, it's not a disaster that this happened. We needed to clean the basement out and rearrange things ...I guess this just prompted us to do it sooner than later. We also needed a backup Sump Pump -- mission friggin accomplished!
Worst case scenario is that I get back into NCAA tonight after the fireworks. We go to New Albany every year to watch their display (damn good show) but when we get back I'm playing NCAA come hell or--OK I don't want to deal with anymore high water but you get what I mean.
I will also be gone most of the day Saturday as we're driving down to my parents house for the afternoon. But I'll post some thoughts on the game tonight for sure. I've just scratched the surface of the game, after all.
Halftime at Iowa City
I stopped the game at halftime because -- hey I'm tired and can't stay up like I used to.
31-7 Ohio State on Heisman. The good news? This had nothing to do with INTs. OSU is just better. In fact the Iowa QB is 13/18 with zero picks in the first half. Woo hoo! I think we need to be careful, though. QBs DO throw picks. Just because we see one doesn't mean we should get upset. There just needs to be a balance to it all.
This was also with QB ACC at (I think) 60. Very promising. But to me it seems clear at least thus far that it's w/o a doubt a Heisman thing. The game just flat plays better on this level and look..I'm killing Iowa so it's not like the AI is going to whip you at this level mercilessly.
Right now my number one concern on this lvl is the return game. I ran a punt back for a TD which was cool but I'm telling you -- it's REALLY easy. Something ain't right with the coverage. I guess if one thing had to be broken...
So I go to bed tonight optimistic. It started off a tad rocky, eh? I will revisit AA lvl with different teams to see how it shakes out but I'm thinking it's Heisman for me this year.
The online dynasty with Todd and Billy Baroo will be a go but I can't test that until the game is out. I do love the feature set for that mode, though. I'll try to post some tomorrow but it being the 4th, we'll have to see. Knowing me...I'll find the time to play a few games.
31-7 Ohio State on Heisman. The good news? This had nothing to do with INTs. OSU is just better. In fact the Iowa QB is 13/18 with zero picks in the first half. Woo hoo! I think we need to be careful, though. QBs DO throw picks. Just because we see one doesn't mean we should get upset. There just needs to be a balance to it all.
This was also with QB ACC at (I think) 60. Very promising. But to me it seems clear at least thus far that it's w/o a doubt a Heisman thing. The game just flat plays better on this level and look..I'm killing Iowa so it's not like the AI is going to whip you at this level mercilessly.
Right now my number one concern on this lvl is the return game. I ran a punt back for a TD which was cool but I'm telling you -- it's REALLY easy. Something ain't right with the coverage. I guess if one thing had to be broken...
So I go to bed tonight optimistic. It started off a tad rocky, eh? I will revisit AA lvl with different teams to see how it shakes out but I'm thinking it's Heisman for me this year.
The online dynasty with Todd and Billy Baroo will be a go but I can't test that until the game is out. I do love the feature set for that mode, though. I'll try to post some tomorrow but it being the 4th, we'll have to see. Knowing me...I'll find the time to play a few games.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
USC 27 Ohio State 13
Received a few emails from some, um, "enthusiastic" NCAA fans. I'll never get why so many people take this stuff personally. If I had slapped your sister and kicked your dog, I'd understand the venom. But people -- get a grip. This is one guy talking about a very small sample. This is major grain of salt/your mileage may vary stuff.
I think I need to make some things very clear before we continue. This isn't a review of the game. That's going to take a while. The INT issue that I am talking about has been a problem in NCAA for a while now, so when I see the CPU throw so many picks in bunches, it simply raises red flags. I have seen this story before. Was the AA stuff a fluke? Was it because I was using OSU? I have no idea. Could be. But when the #1 issue from 08 rears its head 1 hour out of the case, it's a concern.
Now, onto the Heisman game.
Now, this might have been a fluke, too. Just like the 6 picks I had on AA lvl in 3 quarters.
But the USC game was one of the very best NCAA experiences I have *ever* had. And I lost 27-13.
Now, the sliders I used were WAY favored toward USC (100 QB ACC...) but the flow, and the playcalling, and the feel of the game was spot on awesome. The INT I mentioned earlier was the only one for the game. Well, for USC at least. Boeckman wasn't so lucky. Was that due to Heisman or the 100 ACC? Again, I have no idea; again -- sample is too small.
But we now know one thing -- it IS possible to play a game without the CPU handing it over to the human player via turnovers. And that's important. I think Sanchez ended up like 22/30 for the game, and only one pass should have been picked but wasn't.
Now, there remain a few concerns:
--Punt and kick coverage need major help. I still have WAY too much open field on punt returns, as does the CPU. The coverage is just crap. Not sure what to do about that.
--I saw more than one weird open field AI glitch. The score in reality SHOULD have been 34-13 but the AI juked in the open field when I was running 5 yards behind the WR and it allowed me to catch him. Kinda odd.
I have never lost a game and felt so happy afterward.
Of course a lot more games need to be played, but just knowing that the AI CAN play a competent game is a big step in the right direction.
Need to take a break and put my daughter to bed, but I'll get one more game in tonight if possible.
I think I need to make some things very clear before we continue. This isn't a review of the game. That's going to take a while. The INT issue that I am talking about has been a problem in NCAA for a while now, so when I see the CPU throw so many picks in bunches, it simply raises red flags. I have seen this story before. Was the AA stuff a fluke? Was it because I was using OSU? I have no idea. Could be. But when the #1 issue from 08 rears its head 1 hour out of the case, it's a concern.
Now, onto the Heisman game.
Now, this might have been a fluke, too. Just like the 6 picks I had on AA lvl in 3 quarters.
But the USC game was one of the very best NCAA experiences I have *ever* had. And I lost 27-13.
Now, the sliders I used were WAY favored toward USC (100 QB ACC...) but the flow, and the playcalling, and the feel of the game was spot on awesome. The INT I mentioned earlier was the only one for the game. Well, for USC at least. Boeckman wasn't so lucky. Was that due to Heisman or the 100 ACC? Again, I have no idea; again -- sample is too small.
But we now know one thing -- it IS possible to play a game without the CPU handing it over to the human player via turnovers. And that's important. I think Sanchez ended up like 22/30 for the game, and only one pass should have been picked but wasn't.
Now, there remain a few concerns:
--Punt and kick coverage need major help. I still have WAY too much open field on punt returns, as does the CPU. The coverage is just crap. Not sure what to do about that.
--I saw more than one weird open field AI glitch. The score in reality SHOULD have been 34-13 but the AI juked in the open field when I was running 5 yards behind the WR and it allowed me to catch him. Kinda odd.
I have never lost a game and felt so happy afterward.
Of course a lot more games need to be played, but just knowing that the AI CAN play a competent game is a big step in the right direction.
Need to take a break and put my daughter to bed, but I'll get one more game in tonight if possible.
Game is Complete -- Details in a sec
I finished the game on Heisman.
Thoughts in a sec -- it was interesting to say the least.
Thoughts in a sec -- it was interesting to say the least.
One Word: Heisman
I know these are coming fast but I really want to see if I can get this to work right. This INT thing absolutely ruined NCAA 08 for me (off line) and damn it..I want it fixed.
Heisman might be the answer.
I went in and maxed out CPU ACC and made my INT and Kndwn both at 0. If THIS won't work, folks, we're screwed for off line play. Plain and simple. I am currently playing OSU @ USC -- seeing as how that is sort of a big game this year. ;)
Kinda funny: the FIRST play was one of the new "tipped passes." It looks ultra slick. USC QB throws over the middle and the WR jumps and it goes through his hands (and he gets plastered by the safety) and goes straight up in the air -- and was picked. Now I know I am trying to fix this INT issue but MAN that looked cool--and very realistic. It wasn't one of those canned INTs animations that we all know and love. This looked organic.
And best of all -- at the half it's 13-10 OSU and that was the only USC INT. USC QB is I think 8/13 at the half. Beanie has 70 yards on the ground. AND -- Heisman feels extremely playable this year. If you are an NCAA vet--trust me. Start on Heisman. Don't even mess with AA. Well, if you are playing with a good team at least. Even so, it plays SO much better.
More later..
Heisman might be the answer.
I went in and maxed out CPU ACC and made my INT and Kndwn both at 0. If THIS won't work, folks, we're screwed for off line play. Plain and simple. I am currently playing OSU @ USC -- seeing as how that is sort of a big game this year. ;)
Kinda funny: the FIRST play was one of the new "tipped passes." It looks ultra slick. USC QB throws over the middle and the WR jumps and it goes through his hands (and he gets plastered by the safety) and goes straight up in the air -- and was picked. Now I know I am trying to fix this INT issue but MAN that looked cool--and very realistic. It wasn't one of those canned INTs animations that we all know and love. This looked organic.
And best of all -- at the half it's 13-10 OSU and that was the only USC INT. USC QB is I think 8/13 at the half. Beanie has 70 yards on the ground. AND -- Heisman feels extremely playable this year. If you are an NCAA vet--trust me. Start on Heisman. Don't even mess with AA. Well, if you are playing with a good team at least. Even so, it plays SO much better.
More later..
Notre Dame Reset
Hmm. Well, I started another game, OSU @ ND still on AA lvl but this time with human INTs and Kndwn at 0 and CPU QB ACC at 75.
2 picks in the first quarter for the Bucks. Uh oh.
Let's see what happens on Heisman with INT at 0 and CPU ACC at 100...
Come on Bucks..stop picking off passes!
2 picks in the first quarter for the Bucks. Uh oh.
Let's see what happens on Heisman with INT at 0 and CPU ACC at 100...
Come on Bucks..stop picking off passes!
Ohio State 31 Michigan State 3 -- at the half..
OK so this is a blowout. It's halftime of my first game of NCAA 09 and ...wow. Ohio State as a team is rated a *99*. I love my Bucks but come on. A 99? UGA is a 99, too, FWIW.
Understand I didn't play the demo so this was my first taste. I am playing on default All American -- no slider changes at all.
It looks gorgeous, plays smooth as silk, the tackling is great, and the old bugaboo from NCAA 08 -- the CPU INT, at least in this first half of this first game, is in full effect. The Bucks have picked off the MSU QB 4 times in the first half. It's kinda crazy, really. MSU actually put together a great 14 play drive which netted their only score, but it's picks-a-plenty for OSU.
No penalties thus far, either. Again, no setting changes at all.
Open field running is great. Really cool this year.
Punt returns on this lvl -- CRAZY easy. I am averaging 30 per return.
I can already tell that playing with a good team on AA lvl (default) isn't gonna fly. Not just due to the INTs but Ohio State is just friggin loaded. I feel like I can lob it to Robiskie almost at will. Keep in mind I have *never* liked NCAA on default settings so this is by no means a shock or something to take too seriously. It's the first half of one game on settings we all know to be a bit easy out of the box.
I did have to take the QB Quiz to boost my composure. I admit -- it's a total guessing game. I picked right and unlocked an achievement. Woo.
But -- I really, really hope we are not stuck, again, with the CPU INT problem. If sliders do not fix this, it will yet again by a bust as a solo game and it will depend on online dynasty mode to save it. Normally I'd say "Eh, it's just one half" but with how NCAA 08 turned out in this regard, the red flag is up.
Time to go to Heisman...
Understand I didn't play the demo so this was my first taste. I am playing on default All American -- no slider changes at all.
It looks gorgeous, plays smooth as silk, the tackling is great, and the old bugaboo from NCAA 08 -- the CPU INT, at least in this first half of this first game, is in full effect. The Bucks have picked off the MSU QB 4 times in the first half. It's kinda crazy, really. MSU actually put together a great 14 play drive which netted their only score, but it's picks-a-plenty for OSU.
No penalties thus far, either. Again, no setting changes at all.
Open field running is great. Really cool this year.
Punt returns on this lvl -- CRAZY easy. I am averaging 30 per return.
I can already tell that playing with a good team on AA lvl (default) isn't gonna fly. Not just due to the INTs but Ohio State is just friggin loaded. I feel like I can lob it to Robiskie almost at will. Keep in mind I have *never* liked NCAA on default settings so this is by no means a shock or something to take too seriously. It's the first half of one game on settings we all know to be a bit easy out of the box.
I did have to take the QB Quiz to boost my composure. I admit -- it's a total guessing game. I picked right and unlocked an achievement. Woo.
But -- I really, really hope we are not stuck, again, with the CPU INT problem. If sliders do not fix this, it will yet again by a bust as a solo game and it will depend on online dynasty mode to save it. Normally I'd say "Eh, it's just one half" but with how NCAA 08 turned out in this regard, the red flag is up.
Time to go to Heisman...
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