NCAA 09 Gameplay Issues (response from EA)

[WDOgF0reL1fe]

Ian, I am very curious as to one thing that I have been wanting to happen for a while now.

Why do NCAA and Madden need to be released at the exact same time every year? Why dont you guys delay one month or so if you need to? I totally understand that the development cycle you guys have is so small, and I believe that just ONE extra month would help you guys find things that normally wouldn't be found. Hell, use the "Usual Release Date" as the date you go gold, that way you can have those 2 or 3 extra weeks to test with community leaders.

I know Im not the only one who would be for a delay if it was for the greater good. Thanks Ian for keeping in touch with us at OS

[Ian_Cummings_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by stoncold32

Also, can we make sure both patches(PS3, 360) come out at the same time?

No way to guarantee that unfortunately...once it leaves our hands and is off to the manufacturer, the time can vary in terms of when they post it.

[bad_philanthropy]

Ian, it has also been reported that the Sub In/Out sliders don't actually do anything. The user isn't having guys automatically subbed in and cpu isn't subbing in players unless they are completely gassed, so they are only seeing one RB or the same two DT's for the entire game when playing the cpu. I know it's not as big a priority as the other stuff, but it would be nice if we saw those sliders work (they did work well in the past) properly so that the cpu would use a DT rotation and give other players on the roster some touches.

[Ian_Cummings_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by poster

One thing that I think would help is if the community day was a little different. I know everyone wants to play the game, but playing user vs user doesn't tell the story of how certain aspects of the game work. Have one person from the time they get there play dynasty so that they can report on roster issues, sim stats, and other bugs that go along with playing that mode. Also have someone that does nothing but play the computer when they are there so that they can see what issues exist there. I am hearing some say that the computer won't sub, still no penalties, sliders still not having an effect, and the CPU punt return coverage being sub-par. Maybe things like this can be caught. Maybe it is not possible to do this, but anything that can save you headaches at this time of the year would probably be welcome by yourself and other devs who visit the boards. A win-win for all involved is the best thing. One other thing that you may or may not be able to answer? On all of the OS forums, they have been looking for community leaders. All the forums except Madden and NCAA. Why is that? Does EA not want anyone from OS there? If this isn't your area, all good, just wondering.

Great points.

I'm not sure about the lack of OS guys...that sounds strange (especially since I'm here most of the time). I'll have to check into that.

[Illustrator76]

I am glad to see you that responded so quickly TheFuture15. I think all of the things in the top two tiers of your list are very important and would address a good amount of concerns with this game. I for one have been harping on the CPU snapping the ball too quickly issue so I am glad that you are willing to look in to it....I would just say that if possible the CPU doesn't have to delay on EVERY snap, maybe 75%-80% of them (still gotta keep people on their toes).

If it is not possible to do it this way then I would rather see them delay all of the time rather than not (like I have a decision in the matter...LOL) If the issue is patched just remember not to have them delay too long in the hurry up offense/end of quarter situations! Thanks again for your quick reply to these issues, it really is nice to see that our voices are being heard!

[Ian_Cummings_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dbrentonbuck

WOW! Didn't expect this. Is there any way you can update the first thread Phil to let us know you are hearing all these other bugs that are happening like teams disappearing and return men becoming invisible? Also, the main thing for me is this; can you give us a logical estimate of when to expect a patch for this? I know myself and the local league my friends and I were going to have has been postponed as none of us are willing to spend $60 on a game that doesn't work. We were all going together on tuesday to get this game and now none of are. That is 8 people at $60 a pop that have changed their mind about this game. While that may not be a big deal to EA, it does substantially hurt local stores. I for one do not want to purchase the game without knowing if it is going to be 4 days or 4 months before there is a patch. Second, will having to make a patch to fix bugs effect the plans for a patch to fix game play issues and the other stuff you guys planned to patch like stadium sounds?

I can only talk to the gameplay stuff...that's what this thread will be dedicated to. Adam is the contact point for other issues.

And also I can't talk about patch timing...it's impossible to say exactly how long it will take due to the 3rd party testing guidelines and such. But I have heard the NCAA team definitely wants to accelerate a patch out the door to fix the roster editing issues you list above (since they are definitely major).

Who's Phil? I'm Ian.

[BrianFifaFan]

Thank You, Ian! While we "beta" testers might have to endure some annoyance for a bit longer, it'll be cool that the general public will get a patch that much sooner based on the quick response. You tha man! Brian

[bad_philanthropy]

Quote: Originally Posted by nxt

Another good one. Yes, if this is still a problem this needs to be addressed. Please add this to the list Ian.

Yeah it's a big deal for me because teams like LSU who have a rotation of five or so elite DT's annually have a huge advantage over so many teams. And also in college football you hear the term "Stable of RB's" often, teams like USC get three to four guys touches in games because of the depth of talent at the position, and teams like Oregon splitting carries almost equally between Stewart and Johnson.

So basically those Sub In/Out sliders need to work (and maybe fatigue tuned in future versions of the game) to emphasize the advantage of teams with depth in college football. I think that would translate very well to the on-field gameplay so we could get that "too many horses effect" of superior teams in games.

[Ian_Cummings_EA]

If you guys can do me a favor, if you have MAJOR gameplay issues that you feel are must-fix for a patch in 09, please post with:

- Do you actually own the game and are you seeing this yourself?
- If not, can you quote the post and/or thread where you're passing on their feedback?

What we don't want to happen is make changes to the game that are possibly an over-reaction due to a very small sample of gamers. An example would be the Bill Abner threads...there was this massive panic about the number of INT's based on one half of play that turned out to (hopefully) be an over-reaction. We don't want to fix things until we actually have good feedback from a large set of users.

Just to re-iterate what Adam hinted at, we can fix gameplay issues, but they do need to be MAJOR. The ones I've listed in Muy Importante qualify as major IMO.

[Ian_Cummings_EA]

Quote: Originally Posted by jpringle

What about online dynasty freezing issues?

Again, I can really only talk to the GAMEPLAY stuff. Ask Adam regarding anything off the field for clarification.