NCAA 09 Gameplay Issues (response from EA)

[mudtiger]

I can explain exhibit A easy. The rb is turning up field to run a route down field. The LB in coverage turns to run with him. This happens as the pass is being thrown, but it is behind the rb so he adjusts and turns back with a spin move to running towards the sideline to make the catch thus making the LB look foolish out in space because he can't adjust with an animation.

[dave374]

This game's obvious flaws:
A) CPU qb accuracy
B) Kick/punt return game
C) Pass rush
D) Online not nearly as smooth as offline

Of course I know online won't be addressed because EA can always use the excuse "Oh, it must be your connection" even if you have a stellar ISP.

Anyway...

[ralphsundin]

Quote: Originally Posted by mudtiger

I can explain exhibit A easy. The rb is turning up field to run a route down field. The LB in coverage turns to run with him. This happens as the pass is being thrown, but it is behind the rb so he adjusts and turns back with a spin move to running towards the sideline to make the catch thus making the LB look foolish out in space because he can't adjust with an animation.

Blackmon doesn't head upfield until the ball is already in the air. He shouldn't do that. Perhaps a very bad LB, but Blackmon is a total monster.

[erivera7]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheFuture15

Hey guys. Just wanted to let you know there definitely are folks looking into the following gameplay issues - we will be able to let you know very soon if they are patch-able (and hopefully when): Muy Importante - DL pass rush - CPU QB percentages - DB "stand straight up" issue - Kick / Punt Returns are too easy - Players in pursuit often turn the wrong way (see LB's on swing passes?) Will Investigate - Delay CPU snapping a few seconds - CPU deep ball - Rocket catch - More penalties - Substitution sliders

Here's more ...

- INT leaders in the stat sim engine NEED to be fixed. In the NCAA last season, out of the top 40 INT leaders, 39 were DB's. Only 1 was a LB. In the game, we're seeing too many LB's in the Top 40.
- QB TD/INT ratio is off as well, again, a stat sim engine problem.
- I'm assuming if you fix the ridiculous QB completion %'s and the absurd TD/INT ratios, you'll get more realistic QB ratings.

Here's links to further support the last argument (scroll down) ...

http://nutweasel.blogspot.com/

Actual NCAA QB Leaders ... (notice the QB ratings esp.)

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/sortab...=2007&group=80

Actual NCAA INT Leaders ...

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/sortab...=2007&group=80

In my opinion, those need to be listed as important as well.

[dave374]

Quote: Originally Posted by mudtiger

I can explain exhibit A easy. The rb is turning up field to run a route down field. The LB in coverage turns to run with him. This happens as the pass is being thrown, but it is behind the rb so he adjusts and turns back with a spin move to running towards the sideline to make the catch thus making the LB look foolish out in space because he can't adjust with an animation.

Even with human defensive awareness at 100%, this is an issue.

[Jmustang1968]

I've played about a dozen games so far and have come across some of these issues as well. Game is definitely fun to play but some balancing issues just stay in the back of my mind.

About every game I play, the cpu qb completes all but 5 maybe 6 passes. Half the incompletes are usually ints. I think I have seen the cpu wr actually drop 1 pass while not being hit. So about 90% of the incompletes are the receiver getting hit and dropped or interceptions. The qb always throws catchable passes. It would be nice for these mostly average college qbs to throw off target at times.

I have many of the same pass rushing issues as well. The best I have done is 3 sacks in a game. My sacks come from 2 scenarios:
Either the qb goes in 'panic' mode and tries to tuck and run it immediately, or my quick linebacker gets to the qb on a screen play before he can get rid of it. Otherwise they are always stood up at the line. I try blitzes, stunts, and moving the line around... Blitzing seems just a liability as I get the same pressure but less coverage...

Other than that the game plays great. If those 2 issues can be fixed (and they may be related to each other somewhat, as in a better pass rush might hurry the qb and cause him to throw more erratic), I think it would make this one of the best NCAA experiences yet.

[mudtiger]

Quote: Originally Posted by ralphsundin

Blackmon doesn't head upfield until the ball is already in the air. He shouldn't do that. Perhaps a very bad LB, but Blackmon is a total monster.

I'm not saying it's not an issue, but neither react to the ball until after it is thrown. The rb reacts well because he has a spin move animation to get to the ball thrown behind him. The LB does not react because he has no quick animation to turn around.

[bama2]

julio is just that much better than mike mcneil. jus playin, that was a pretty play though

[AuburnAlumni]

Women and small children...avert your eyes!

I just played a half of Auburn (Me) vs Utah State...the WORST TEAM IN THE GAME.

Keep in mind, this is on All American sliders with CPU Pass block at ZERO and QB Accuracy at 25 . Human Break Block is at 100 and Defensive Awareness is at 100 .

First off...here is an example of a typical blitz in NCAA 2009. No matter who you are playing against, no matter how good your Defensive front is....this is pretty typical.

Some fun tidbits for ya....

Utah State O line ratings....73, 72, 70, 74, 75.

My Auburn Defensive Front ....87, 82, 95, 90 with 2 Blitzing LBs of a 90 and 92 overall.

Utah State is going to pick up the stunting DT and LB PERFECTLY and pancake or "knock down" 4 defenders on the blitz. The others are stonewalled. With everyone blitzing, the Super Robo QB finds his receiver and gains a first down.

This happened just about everytime I blitzed.....with Auburn.....against Utah State...... ....against Utah Freaking State.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

Here is another example. Check out Raven Gray, #42, my Defensive End. He is going to do a nice spin move off of the tackle, leaving a clear path to the QB. But does he spin off the tackle and attack the Quarterback?

Nope...instead he decides to run STRAIGHT ACROSS THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE and engage ANOTHER lineman. Of course, the QB, having all day to throw yet again, finds his receiver for a gain.

Again, Utah Freaking State, against Auburn, one of the better defenses in College Football over the last several years.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

And now, for the grand finale, the "piece de resistance" if you will. The ultimate "highlight".

Here is Utah State's All Pro QB, who is a 72 by the way....doing what CPU QBs do best in NCAA 2009. Throwing Touchdowns and making plays. It's all about "Wide Open Gameplay". He was 16-20 with 2 TDs at halftime.

Let me repeat.... CPU QB Accuracy was at 25 . HUM Defensive Awareness and Break Block were at 100 with Knockdowns at 65 .


....I need a drink.

EA SPORTS World: NCAA Football 09 Video

[Moojenowski]

Minor change to a classic rant...

You wanna talk about Defense? DEFENSE?! Are you Kiddin Me?!