Thoughts on the NCAA Football 09 features

by pastapadre
Posted April 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm

The release of the first big NCAA Football 09 feature list has brought about a great deal of optimism. It seems as though many things from previous versions along with other wishlist type features have made their way in. So I thought I’d go over my reaction to a handful of the features and what they could mean for the this year.

Wide open gameplay: This is something that I’m really looking forward to. Since the 05 titles it has bothered me how the the football video games feel somewhat scripted and that they’ve lacked the “anything can happen” excitement of the sport. From watching football games you see those things (especially so in college) but never experience them in video games. Other than deep bombs there has been little to no opportunity for explosive plays. I think back to watching highlights of Reggie Bush and how I knew that much of what he did wasn’t possible to pull off in the games. I want to see those things and know that a big play can happen at any time.

Home Field Advantage: This return of HFA alone makes me more excited about NCAA than Madden. Atmosphere accented by HFA are sorely lacking in Madden but it appears that NCAA will improve greatly in those areas. While some people felt the previous attempt at HFA in NCAA was overdone I found it added to realism and ultimately made things more fun while presenting a unique challenge with each game on the schedule.

Roster sharing: Finally a hit to those people who have profited (in some cases tens of thousands of dollars) off rosters. Now the rosters will be passed around freely and to a much wider audience. I didn’t even bother going through the process of getting the rosters named last year and ultimately my interest in the game waned because of it. The question now is whether it will be like the EA Locker in March Madness or 2K Share in College Hoops. With the locker you have to be on a person’s friends list but with share it is held on a server where anyone can grab it. Either way it’ll really be a big thing for the game.

Online dynasty: Something people have been asking for now for a long time makes it in. This is certainly a big project so hopefully EA has things worked out for it. First of all the online play performance will need to be improved, otherwise it could end up as a big waste of time. I’d look for a max of 16 user controlled teams (which would be more than sufficient) and the ability to do basically anything that comes with an offline dynasty in the online ones.

Mascot games: I’ve always been bothered by elitist attitudes that belittle the merits of mascot mode and the people who enjoy them. I’m one of the people who like it and I’m not ashamed to admit it. With quick games against a friend sometimes it’s just more entertaining that way. There are very few resources spent in putting the mascot games together and it doesn’t take away from other aspects of the game. Regardless of what some will claim it is actually enjoyed by many people. Ultimately I’d even like to have mascot games available for online play.

College atmosphere: Really this ties into home field in my mind but they mention things like the dynamic crowds and sidelines. For the sidelines I’ll just be happy if they don’t detract from the experience. I don’t expect anything extraordinary but as long as they aren’t comically bad as they have been it’ll be an improvement.

Return missed field goals: Sounds like it could be fun to see once in a while but here is my concern. The kicking game has always been over-powered. The only time you really see any come up short is 50+ yards. Field goals are just too easy and unless they are made more difficult then I doubt there will be many opportunities for returning missed ones (although the CPU may miss more than other user controlled teams). The positive aspect is that it will make people think before attempting field goals that may be out of range.

I’m very excited about this year’s release after finding out about these new features especially when combined with the screenshot and video uploading via EA Sports World and the Campus Legend mode. Possibly more excited than for any game I can remember in the past three years or so. NCAA 08 was the best football game available for playing offline but they have an opportunity now to make it the premiere all-around football game besting Madden.

Of course there are still many “ifs” to consider. Will online performance and options be better than last year’s inexcusable experience? Will the CPU AI avoid throwing 6 INTs every game? Can you navigate menus and the depth charts without severe button lag? Will there be some improvements to the already strong Campus Legend mode?

Usually I anticipate NCAA Football in large part because it’s the first football game to come out after months of playing none. Then Madden comes and I just don’t find much motivation to continue playing it. But with the addition of online dynasties and roster sharing along with the return of a home field advantage the anticipation is going to be off the charts as the release nears. It’ll be interesting to see if that is enough to challenge for time when Madden and even Head Coach roll out.

Tags:

MattMVPStroehms

nice write up. I too, was wondering about the online dynasties. Hopefully they’ve been working on this for a couple of years now so that it is up to expectations. I wonder how long the dynasties will last. one year? two? 5? ten? it’ll be interesting to find out.
MattMVPStroehms

nice write up. I too, was wondering about the online dynasties. Hopefully they’ve been working on this for a couple of years now so that it is up to expectations. I wonder how long the dynasties will last. one year? two? 5? ten? it’ll be interesting to find out.
MontanaGRIZ

Oh God, you like the mascot games? Ok, to each their own, but still the absence of FCS is INEXCUSABLE.
MontanaGRIZ

Oh God, you like the mascot games? Ok, to each their own, but still the absence of FCS is INEXCUSABLE.
agent k

[quote comment="16763"]Oh God, you like the mascot games? Ok, to each their own, but still the absence of FCS is INEXCUSABLE.[/quote]
I am an Eastern Illinois Football fan but I don’t mind missing the FCS in NCAA 09. There would just be lower ratings and less accuracy like those level teams get in the March Madness and College Hoops. Personally, I would like to see some all-conference and classic teams from the past sort of thing and have it done very well.
agent k

[quote comment="16763"]Oh God, you like the mascot games? Ok, to each their own, but still the absence of FCS is INEXCUSABLE.[/quote]
I am an Eastern Illinois Football fan but I don’t mind missing the FCS in NCAA 09. There would just be lower ratings and less accuracy like those level teams get in the March Madness and College Hoops. Personally, I would like to see some all-conference and classic teams from the past sort of thing and have it done very well.
Xtremedunkz

Pasta has the idea ever came up (for madden specifically) of at least an option to change the play clock time? With 5 minute quarters i’ve seen people waste the entire 4th quarter with 2 first downs with a 40 second play clock. I always wondered why there was never an option to lower it to say 25 seconds.
Xtremedunkz

Pasta has the idea ever came up (for madden specifically) of at least an option to change the play clock time? With 5 minute quarters i’ve seen people waste the entire 4th quarter with 2 first downs with a 40 second play clock. I always wondered why there was never an option to lower it to say 25 seconds.
Brian Luk

I hope they fix the recruiting. Yes it was more in depth last year, but it was WAY too time consuming in my opinion. Slowed down the game way too much. I really didn’t mind the simple recruiting before last year’s
Brian Luk

I hope they fix the recruiting. Yes it was more in depth last year, but it was WAY too time consuming in my opinion. Slowed down the game way too much. I really didn’t mind the simple recruiting before last year’s
Dan

I never got the hate of mascot games. They don’t take up any space. All mascot teams have the same ratings, not to mention the mascots and player positions are already in the game. It was always fun playing with Syracuse and laughing as Otto the beachball catches balls above his head.

I’d like to see those leather helmets back again, those were real fun.
Dan

I never got the hate of mascot games. They don’t take up any space. All mascot teams have the same ratings, not to mention the mascots and player positions are already in the game. It was always fun playing with Syracuse and laughing as Otto the beachball catches balls above his head.

I’d like to see those leather helmets back again, those were real fun.
Callmetaternuts

I think they are heading in the right direction, but it doesnt matter what list they release until they can implement it. Im hopeful they can pull it off
Callmetaternuts

I think they are heading in the right direction, but it doesnt matter what list they release until they can implement it. Im hopeful they can pull it off
lizrdgzird

Where are the FCS teams? It’s inexcusable that they’re available on the PS2 and Wii versions but not on the 360 and PS3.
lizrdgzird

Where are the FCS teams? It’s inexcusable that they’re available on the PS2 and Wii versions but not on the 360 and PS3.
Dre

I just want to see an improved presentation all around for the game. I was looking for the pre-game show with Corso, Herbstreit an Nesler an I found some pitiful screen that only shows their picks but they dont talk about it an Corso didn’t put on his Mascot head. Other than the sub-par presentaion the game was great(PS3)
Dre

I just want to see an improved presentation all around for the game. I was looking for the pre-game show with Corso, Herbstreit an Nesler an I found some pitiful screen that only shows their picks but they dont talk about it an Corso didn’t put on his Mascot head. Other than the sub-par presentaion the game was great(PS3)
soonerhomie12

WHAT ABOUT THE WII!!! They haven’t said anything about it. I think it SHOULD NOT be a ps2 port it’s stupid! I hope that on that features list on the wii they’ll have a post game presentation!! IM SO MAD!!!
soonerhomie12

WHAT ABOUT THE WII!!! They haven’t said anything about it. I think it SHOULD NOT be a ps2 port it’s stupid! I hope that on that features list on the wii they’ll have a post game presentation!! IM SO MAD!!!
Mark

I would like to see them put the tunnel entrances back in… it always got me more pumped up to play when the players were waiting in the tunnel with the smoke and then run onto the field….
Mark

I would like to see them put the tunnel entrances back in… it always got me more pumped up to play when the players were waiting in the tunnel with the smoke and then run onto the field….
http://www.pastapadre.com/ pastapadre

[quote comment="16763"]Oh God, you like the mascot games? Ok, to each their own, but still the absence of FCS is INEXCUSABLE.[/quote]

I can certainly understand the desire to have them included, but I’ve seen people suggesting that the mascot games are basically taking their place. Which couldn’t be further from the truth.
MasternRuler

Lets hope other cool things return as well. I saw smart routes coming back which to me is exciting and if the O line audibles return as well I’ll be very happy.
http://www.pastapadre.com pastapadre

[quote comment="16763"]Oh God, you like the mascot games? Ok, to each their own, but still the absence of FCS is INEXCUSABLE.[/quote]

I can certainly understand the desire to have them included, but I’ve seen people suggesting that the mascot games are basically taking their place. Which couldn’t be further from the truth.
MasternRuler

Lets hope other cool things return as well. I saw smart routes coming back which to me is exciting and if the O line audibles return as well I’ll be very happy.
Russ

And additional camera views…
Russ

And additional camera views…
poundtherock

Pasta said: “Usually I anticipate NCAA Football in large part because it’s the first football game to come out after months of playing none. Then Madden comes and I just don’t find much motivation to continue playing it. But with the addition of online dynasties and roster sharing along with the return of a home field advantage the anticipation is going to be off the charts as the release nears. It’ll be interesting to see if that is enough to challenge for time when Madden and even Head Coach roll out.”

Sorry to say, but that describes me as well.

I posed a question in your previous “NCAA features” thread RE: NCAA features = Madden features. I would like to get your thoughts on that, either here or there.

Thanks

PTR
poundtherock

Pasta said: “Usually I anticipate NCAA Football in large part because it’s the first football game to come out after months of playing none. Then Madden comes and I just don’t find much motivation to continue playing it. But with the addition of online dynasties and roster sharing along with the return of a home field advantage the anticipation is going to be off the charts as the release nears. It’ll be interesting to see if that is enough to challenge for time when Madden and even Head Coach roll out.”

Sorry to say, but that describes me as well.

I posed a question in your previous “NCAA features” thread RE: NCAA features = Madden features. I would like to get your thoughts on that, either here or there.

Thanks

PTR
pastapadre

Ah, PTR I just replied to your comment in the other topic.
pastapadre

Ah, PTR I just replied to your comment in the other topic.
Details

Are referees in the game?
Details

Are referees in the game?
Josh

Pasta, one thing that has bothered me and I’m sure many others is how EA pulls this crap about “adding new features” when most of the features they are promoting as “new” have been in last gen titles. This basically sounds like NCAA 04 all over again. Although I’m happy that after 4 years they’re finally starting to understand that you can’t pull the wool over our eyes with pretty graphics forever. Overall I’m please to hear that they are finally getting on the ball, but PLEASE PASTA, TELL ME THE PUT REFEREES & CHAIN GANG BACK IN! This is something that is a MUST! No matter what they add to the game, I just can’t even take the game serious without REFS & CHAIN GANGS.
Josh

Pasta, one thing that has bothered me and I’m sure many others is how EA pulls this crap about “adding new features” when most of the features they are promoting as “new” have been in last gen titles. This basically sounds like NCAA 04 all over again. Although I’m happy that after 4 years they’re finally starting to understand that you can’t pull the wool over our eyes with pretty graphics forever. Overall I’m please to hear that they are finally getting on the ball, but PLEASE PASTA, TELL ME THE PUT REFEREES & CHAIN GANG BACK IN! This is something that is a MUST! No matter what they add to the game, I just can’t even take the game serious without REFS & CHAIN GANGS.
http://Maddenstrategy.net/ Hank

Why can’t they fix the playclock? It’s too long for 5 minute quarters!!!
http://Maddenstrategy.net Hank

Why can’t they fix the playclock? It’s too long for 5 minute quarters!!!
Michael

The game sounds amazing and i hope it will be as advertised but you never know untill the game comes out!I still want them to put the correct entrances in like clemson running down the hill and notre dame smacking there sign etc.
Michael

The game sounds amazing and i hope it will be as advertised but you never know untill the game comes out!I still want them to put the correct entrances in like clemson running down the hill and notre dame smacking there sign etc.
Dre

I think NCAA 07 was the best in the series IMO. I like the player highlight feature when your player in in the zone an the game slows down for you to make a great play.
Dre

I think NCAA 07 was the best in the series IMO. I like the player highlight feature when your player in in the zone an the game slows down for you to make a great play.
Bumble14

Pasta you are absolutely fooling yourself if you think for 1 second that the online dynasty will anything close to what offline dynasty is. I GUARANTEE online dynasty= online league where you select your team and all you will have are standings. No recruiting, no stat tracking,etc. It will be EXACTLY like the leagues in NHL this year.
Bumble14

Pasta you are absolutely fooling yourself if you think for 1 second that the online dynasty will anything close to what offline dynasty is. I GUARANTEE online dynasty= online league where you select your team and all you will have are standings. No recruiting, no stat tracking,etc. It will be EXACTLY like the leagues in NHL this year.
pastapadre

[quote comment="16799"]Pasta you are absolutely fooling yourself if you think for 1 second that the online dynasty will anything close to what offline dynasty is. I GUARANTEE online dynasty= online league where you select your team and all you will have are standings. No recruiting, no stat tracking,etc. It will be EXACTLY like the leagues in NHL this year.[/quote]

At least your expectations will be exceeded then, I fully believe the feature is going to be much more than that. We’ll see…
pastapadre

[quote comment="16799"]Pasta you are absolutely fooling yourself if you think for 1 second that the online dynasty will anything close to what offline dynasty is. I GUARANTEE online dynasty= online league where you select your team and all you will have are standings. No recruiting, no stat tracking,etc. It will be EXACTLY like the leagues in NHL this year.[/quote]

At least your expectations will be exceeded then, I fully believe the feature is going to be much more than that. We’ll see…
Mark

Is the PS3 version going to be worth getting? I own a PS3 as of now, but have tried to play nhl 08, but the framerate was so bad I couldn’t play it for more than a minute….. I know they say it will be 60fps, but does this mean it will take a hit graphically on the PS3?
Mark

Is the PS3 version going to be worth getting? I own a PS3 as of now, but have tried to play nhl 08, but the framerate was so bad I couldn’t play it for more than a minute….. I know they say it will be 60fps, but does this mean it will take a hit graphically on the PS3?
Bumble14

[quote comment="16800"][quote comment="16799"]Pasta you are absolutely fooling yourself if you think for 1 second that the online dynasty will anything close to what offline dynasty is. I GUARANTEE online dynasty= online league where you select your team and all you will have are standings. No recruiting, no stat tracking,etc. It will be EXACTLY like the leagues in NHL this year.[/quote]

At least your expectations will be exceeded then, I fully believe the feature is going to be much more than that. We’ll see…[/quote]

I seriously hope you are right. The problem is EA’s track record on the 360/PS3 for sports games has been beyond poor. We have yet to get a football game on either system that has eclipsed the feature set/innovations of the last generation. As much as people don’t want to admit it, the only improvement we have seen in these titles the last 3 years has been graphics.
Bumble14

[quote comment="16800"][quote comment="16799"]Pasta you are absolutely fooling yourself if you think for 1 second that the online dynasty will anything close to what offline dynasty is. I GUARANTEE online dynasty= online league where you select your team and all you will have are standings. No recruiting, no stat tracking,etc. It will be EXACTLY like the leagues in NHL this year.[/quote]

At least your expectations will be exceeded then, I fully believe the feature is going to be much more than that. We’ll see…[/quote]

I seriously hope you are right. The problem is EA’s track record on the 360/PS3 for sports games has been beyond poor. We have yet to get a football game on either system that has eclipsed the feature set/innovations of the last generation. As much as people don’t want to admit it, the only improvement we have seen in these titles the last 3 years has been graphics.