Adam Thompson (NCAA Designer) Q&A Thread

[beeneeb]

Can we make the team selection screen quicker? On the team selection screen, it's a struggle to scroll to just about any team because the background of the screen wants to dynamically change to reflect your current selection. Thus, I want to be able to press my "R2" button (or any other button for that matter) to "quick scroll" through the teams. This "quick scroll" feature would be similar to when you make changes to the depth chart, you press "R2" or whatever button to change the current position selection (ie: change QB to FS).

[beeneeb]

Can we get halftime stats? At the end of the 2nd quarter, I want to see a breakdown for the stats for the game just like when I'm watching a game on ABC. Give me rushing yards, passing yards, attempts, first downs...everything you normally would. The only difference is that you would highlight the items that are the most important. For example, if I had 250 yards of rushing and my opponent had 50 yards of rushing, you would highlight my 250 yards. Also, list the "key plays" for each team. You could also show the 2 highest rated plays from the game so far (almost like a halftime highlight reel).

[rudyjuly2]

Quote: Originally Posted by beeneeb

Can we get halftime stats? At the end of the 2nd quarter, I want to see a breakdown for the stats for the game just like when I'm watching a game on ABC. Give me rushing yards, passing yards, attempts, first downs...everything you normally would. The only difference is that you would highlight the items that are the most important. For example, if I had 250 yards of rushing and my opponent had 50 yards of rushing, you would highlight my 250 yards. Also, list the "key plays" for each team. You could also show the 2 highest rated plays from the game so far (almost like a halftime highlight reel).

They actually had a halftime highlight show in the original patch but it didn't work quite right and they pulled it. I'm really hoping a robust half and post time show make it in for next year myself.

[Adam_Thompson_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by GKEnialb

I have a couple of Wii questions. In general, it's an awful lot like the PS2 for the features that were implemented (which is a good thing), but there were a couple of seemingly small things that don't make sense: - The winner of a coin toss to pick kick/receive (as opposed to being able to choose a side as well) - You can't name your own coach. - You only get three recruits in in-season recruiting. Were these different because of trying to make the game more "casual" or were they oversights? Also, is there any chance that the pass controls could be the same as they are for Madden (select the receiver before throwing)? I almost always hit the right receiver in Madden, but have a tough time on NCAA...

I really don't know. The Wii game was developed at a different studio. They did use a lot of our PS2 art, and I helped them with logos and school approval, but I'm not familiar with any of the features.

[Adam_Thompson_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by RAZRr1275

One more thing. Do you think you could get the lead designer of NCAA on here so we can have someone of more importance to the design (no offense) on here?

Heh... I don't think you'll see him around. Ben Haumiller has more clout than me and he posts on NCAA Strategies. Is there something specific you were wondering?

[Adam_Thompson_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by mgoblue678

Hey Adam is there any chance that the number of players allowed on each team rosters in the game could be increased to the real life number? I assume the issue is a lack of disc space. As a guy who edits rosters extensively to get them right it is hard with not having more roster spots available. Also I noticed a play that seems to be missing from the game that is run frequently in real life. The reverse, any chance it could be added along with other plays such as shovel passes and maybe some other trick plays for next year?

It isn't a disk space thing. We would just have to clear up memory in a large number of game modes and screens. The player database would get much much larger. This is something I have wanted.

The playbooks, like every year, will be expanded. I know there are reverses in there... I'll pass on a note to the playbook designer.

[Adam_Thompson_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by GQman2121
I'll ask a different question since this one doesn't seem like it's going anywhere........ After reading how features and modes are broken down into man hours, has the idea of hiring more bodies ever crossed the minds of those in charge? Of course those salaries would cut into profits, but doesn't the idea of putting out at lease one decent and working football title this generation sound appealing to anyone in Redwood? Spoiler The overall quality of the $60 versions of both NCAA and Madden has been embarrassing; everything from the presentation and implementation of the menus to the gameplay on the field has been broken or at best average – and you people working on these games know it. You have too.ffice Surely it’s not a good feeling knowing that a game you’re working on is going to have to be rushed to market because of something like time, money or memory constraints. Have some pride in what you produce and stop making excuses for those in power. I hate to put it that way, but that’s honestly how some of these posts are going to be perceived.

[Adam_Thompson_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by beeneeb

Can we make the team selection screen quicker? On the team selection screen, it's a struggle to scroll to just about any team because the background of the screen wants to dynamically change to reflect your current selection. Thus, I want to be able to press my "R2" button (or any other button for that matter) to "quick scroll" through the teams. This "quick scroll" feature would be similar to when you make changes to the depth chart, you press "R2" or whatever button to change the current position selection (ie: change QB to FS).

If you hold L2 you can scroll through the teams alphabetically.

[WakeUnc2321]

Mr. Adam, one more question. Why aren't coverage skills (man/zone coverage, press, hit power) factored in to a player's rating for DBs or LBs? What about the special ratings for WRs (special catch, route running) and RBs (spin/juke, BC vision, etc.)?

[UGA-Showstoppah]

Adam,

Although the spread offense is the 'hot item' in NCAA football these days, I'm a purest when it comes to running Bill Walsh's "West Coast Offense' which utilized he pro-form 'split back' formation and rarely lined up in the Shotgun. The split back formation is still available with the QB under center in some playbooks, but it seems little has changed since the mid-90's.

Although the I-form, stong, and weak formation include the twins, twins flex formations; the pro-form 'split back has been regulated to a base look and 3-wide on NCAA.

Anyway of getting the programmers to look into making a playbook like Madden's WCO playbook with NO shotgun and multiple 2 back sets along with the 1 back and Empty sets with the quarterback still under center?

I know you're a designer, not in charge of the playbooks; but as a person who's played this game since it was called Bill Walsh College Football....a little honor to the man who's name started it all would sure be cool.