Upcoming football community event
by 
As mentioned yesterday there are a couple of community events taking place in the near future. The first one covers the three football games as NCAA Football 09, NFL Head Coach 09, and Madden 09 will all be available for significant hands-on time. There will also be some presentations and producer interaction taking place. This will be held next Thursday and Friday (5/29-30) with travel days buffering.
When it comes to the subject of embargoes this is how it will likely shape up. NCAA will be wide open for discussion for obvious reasons. Head Coach should be wide open as well given that essentially everything there is to be known about the game has been revealed. When it comes to Madden though I suspect that we will be held back on a few of the features that have not been made public. Still though there should be a ton to talk about right away including general impressions of the game and majority of the features. There is even the potential of holding a live blog at some point during my time out there.
While I will be concentrating mostly on Head Coach and Madden, there is a good opportunity to spend at least some time with NCAA to compare the most recent build to what was played late last month. I should be able to communicate any adjustments or changes that have been made which really can only be done through the feel of it. Both myself and Chris Jacobs from NCAA Strategies should be able to give that perspective on the game and how it has progressed.
This will be another chance to give input and hopefully see that reflected in the release versions as Madden and Head Coach are still early enough that feedback could be considered and acted on.
As always feel free to leave comments on what you would like to hear back on. I can’t guarantee that everything will be gotten to but I do take the suggestions and requests into consideration.
May 19, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Test out madden if the spec catch is still cheesey, and if you can still do that bs one handed catch. Just test out catching period thanks
May 19, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Try to find out about Campus Legend and Superstar Mode.
I haven’t heard anything about those features yet.
Also, try to find out if Madden 09 will have ACCURATE virtual faces for players that don’t have a picture and players added from the draft during franchise mode. I’ve gotten really frustrated having to see a shaded outline of a head for the player picture. I’d really appreciate if you ask Pasta.
May 19, 2008 at 7:30 pm
[quote comment="21542"]Try to find out about Campus Legend and Superstar Mode.
I haven’t heard anything about those features yet.
Also, try to find out if Madden 09 will have ACCURATE virtual faces for players that don’t have a picture and players added from the draft during franchise mode. I’ve gotten really frustrated having to see a shaded outline of a head for the player picture. I’d really appreciate if you ask Pasta.[/quote]
Well Campus Legend mode had the camera fix now where it won’t swing around after a change of possession which was really disorienting. It also lets you stay in practice and do several in a row if you want which takes away time spent loading.
From what I’ve heard Superstar mode will probably have those same improvements. But there won’t be much in the way of major changes. I will definitely go into it and try to find what they’ve done for this year.
May 19, 2008 at 7:46 pm
hey Pasta…
in a couple of the madden videos (and definitely from last year)…i was not impressed with the angle of pursuit taken by the CPU defenders…they may have fixed it this year, but from a video i saw this year (the long touchdown to randy moss against the giants where the linebacker clearly ran to where moss was, and not to where he was going) it appeared to still be a problem…but obviously, i have no idea what level of difficulty they were playing on…is this something that you can pay attention to and take note of for me? i feel this is one reason why INTs went so often for TDs last year…and the running game was incredibly easy, as you only had to run parallel to the line of scrimmage (and maybe arch the run back a bit) and the defenders suddenly were completely out of position to stop the runner from streaking down the sideline…
sorry for being so long-winded…
May 19, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I think there was some doctoring going on with that pic of the Nevada player. Hopefully, I’m wrong because that’s probably the best player model I’ve seen.
May 19, 2008 at 7:51 pm
and also…i know they will not let you reveal franchise features…but…do you think you could sim a season in franchise mode and just make a comment on whether sim stats are drastically toned down (meaning all 32 starters don’t have a 90 or above QB rating)…and if you noticed an improvement to player progression…also, i pray it is gone, but you might take a glance and see if the INTx2 stat problem still exists…i am sure you have a long list of things to look for already…but if these things aren’t already on your list…i thought i would help you out…
May 19, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Haha Padre I know your getting asked to find out a lot at these events coming up so I gotta ask a favor and find out if records are being reset or still be carried over from 07 and 08. Would greatly appreciate Padre.
May 19, 2008 at 8:24 pm
find out about the camera angle on ncaa football and could u see about if theres new plays in ncaa football for instance the bubble screen that texas tech and hawaii use frequently
May 19, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Can you give use info on player models for Madden and NCAA Football, as well as Head Coach. Players that should be tall and skinny (like WRs, most RBs, DBs, QBs, and some LBs) are bigger than most D-linemen in the games. Can you tell us all if they fixed this issue. Thanks in advance.
May 19, 2008 at 8:33 pm
One more thing. If you could tell if they went back to the last-gen way of selecting plays.
May 19, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Ask Earl has an interview with a certain Bills player.
May 19, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Would it be possible to find out what teams have alternate unis on NCAA, and to find out what the alternate uniform situation is on Madden (as in is there more selection as opposed to last years game)?
Thanks Pasta.
May 19, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Pasta why did you take me off your list?
May 19, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Thanks Pasta.
I’d still like you try to find out if Madden 09 will have ACCURATE virtual faces for players that don’t have a picture and players added from the draft during franchise mode. I’ve gotten really frustrated having to see a shaded outline of a head for the player picture. I’d really appreciate if you ask Pasta.
May 19, 2008 at 9:32 pm
see if we can use alternate unis online in both ncaa and madden
thanks
May 19, 2008 at 9:33 pm
[quote comment="21555"]see if we can use alternate unis online in both ncaa and madden
thanks[/quote]
I know that they can be used in NCAA, not sure on Madden yet.
May 19, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Can you see if the 3-4 defense is unstoppable?
May 19, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Hey pasta will you please, please, please ask about the lag issues with the online on NCAA 09, because if I had lag on online dynsaty that would just ruin my summer
May 19, 2008 at 9:55 pm
[quote comment="21544"]hey Pasta…
in a couple of the madden videos (and definitely from last year)…i was not impressed with the angle of pursuit taken by the CPU defenders…they may have fixed it this year, but from a video i saw this year (the long touchdown to randy moss against the giants where the linebacker clearly ran to where moss was, and not to where he was going) it appeared to still be a problem…but obviously, i have no idea what level of difficulty they were playing on…is this something that you can pay attention to and take note of for me? i feel this is one reason why INTs went so often for TDs last year…and the running game was incredibly easy, as you only had to run parallel to the line of scrimmage (and maybe arch the run back a bit) and the defenders suddenly were completely out of position to stop the runner from streaking down the sideline…
sorry for being so long-winded…[/quote]
great point defensive football 101 pursuit angles.They really need to look into that.That can probley take away bad screen plays and break away runs for TDs with slow players.I mean if theres a big back or TE running down the field with the ball and champ bailey or terrance newman chasing him from across the field the computer AI should take a good pursuit angle until u change player and control him to go for the tackle.
Stuff like that is what real life football players or people who actually played the game look for.This is what coaches is teaching to players pick up on it and put it in the game to get that realistic flow.
May 19, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Hey Pasta could you find out if madden is going to improve the draft in owner mode? I want to know if they will use NFL Head Coach 09 for that part of the game if you buy both and will they bring the crowd reactions back?
Also could you see what the end of game presentation is like coach shaking hands,players celebrating, or end of game highlights? And if they put any new cut scenes for injuries like trainers?
May 19, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Pasta I know this is alot of questions but would you mind figuring out if your players do something, if anything, after you win a big game or win a bowl/championship game
May 19, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Pasta
I would very much appreciate it if you could inquire about the create a player ability for all three games especially Head Coach 09. This feature is a very integral part of my ability to reproduce legendary players and I’m looking forward to reproducing these Hall of fame and Heisman rosters for all 09 versions of these games.
May 19, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Do the Oklahoma Sooners have their names on the back of the jerseys??
Thanks!
May 19, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I have asked you about this a lot, and I’m sure you have given them feedback on it. But…
Less interceptions please. Less interceptions both ways, it was annoying even when I was on the defensive side of the ball. Tell them once, twice, three times. It drove me crazy last year, especially since NCAA was the only sports title I played significantly last year.
Less interceptions.
May 19, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Pasta, I know a lot of people from other NCAA forums are eagerly trying to find out if the new revolution facemasks have been put into the game this year. Obviously it’s a minor detail, but to some of us it does make a difference. If you could find out if there are in the newest build that would be awesome
May 20, 2008 at 12:52 am
Good Luck Pasta any bring back as much info as you can.
May 20, 2008 at 4:56 am
I know you aren’t a big franchise player in Madden, but any info on new or updated features would be great. They’ve been pretty tight with info in regards to franchise which gives me a little hope that they have something in store for us.
Also, how does the new presentation in Madden look? Are the stats and quarter/half summaries good? If the commentary is in there, how well did they do with it?
And finally, if you have the chance to use the rewind feature how is it? I know a lot of people are complaining about this, but to me it seems like it could be a great teaching tool for the people that don’t have hours to put in to practice mode.
Thanks Pasta.
May 20, 2008 at 5:59 am
Pasta what happened to the weekly Madden feature? I thought they were going to post something new every week until release.
May 20, 2008 at 6:06 am
[quote comment="21572"]Pasta what happened to the weekly Madden feature? I thought they were going to post something new every week until release.[/quote]
they have been. this week was some “Replay” feature that, personally, i think is a terrible waste of time
May 20, 2008 at 6:07 am
[quote comment="21573"][quote comment="21572"]Pasta what happened to the weekly Madden feature? I thought they were going to post something new every week until release.[/quote]
they have been. this week was some “Replay” feature that, personally, i think is a terrible waste of time[/quote]
[quote comment="21573"][quote comment="21572"]Pasta what happened to the weekly Madden feature? I thought they were going to post something new every week until release.[/quote]
they have been. this week was some “Replay” feature that, personally, i think is a terrible waste of time[/quote]
“EA Sports Rewind”: http://www.gamestop.com/gs/blog/
May 20, 2008 at 6:13 am
Pasta,
Can you check to see if the Human pass protection has improved?
Also, are their any additional edit player options? (Hair Styles, Skin Complexions)
May 20, 2008 at 6:41 am
Pasta,
I know I am p*ssing in the wind with this one, but can you find out if a merge/spawn locker feature is available on the PS2 or PS3?
May 20, 2008 at 6:54 am
Hi Pasta,
Could you please find out if 2 CPU controlled teams in Franchise mode can execute trades? If not, then can you please ask when they might add this feature?
Thanks,
May 20, 2008 at 7:09 am
[quote comment="21556"][quote comment="21555"]see if we can use alternate unis online in both ncaa and madden
thanks[/quote]
I know that they can be used in NCAA, not sure on Madden yet.[/quote]
Pasta, please tell me this wasn’t a typo. Please.
May 20, 2008 at 7:26 am
is it bad…that the news just came across the wire that the NFL owners just voted unanimously to opt out of the CBA…and the only thing i can think about is how terrible Madden 2011 is going to be with no salary cap in franchise mode (with 2010 now being an uncapped year, and of course the players will never again agree to a salary cap after that)…
May 20, 2008 at 7:53 am
[quote comment="21580"][quote comment="21556"][quote comment="21555"]see if we can use alternate unis online in both ncaa and madden
thanks[/quote]
I know that they can be used in NCAA, not sure on Madden yet.[/quote]
Pasta, please tell me this wasn’t a typo. Please.[/quote]
Ha, actually not a typo. I’ve heard that you can use them online in NCAA. Assuming it is the same as offline that means the home team will get to select the uniform and the road team won’t have a choice.
May 20, 2008 at 8:04 am
Pasta –
Can you ask EA if these things have been fixed/included?
1. Stupid amount of fumbles.
2. Scouting actually working in franchise mode
3. Franchise being broken because of a lack of Free Agents
4. CPU INTs counting as double in simmed franchise games.
5. In-season progression included?
6. CPU O-lineman on your team still not getting pancakes in non-simmed games.
7. Elite CPU D-lineman on your team still not getting sacks in non-simmed games.
8. LBs not jumping 35 feet in the air or warping 5 yards to intercept/knockdown crossing routes.
9. When controlling a DB or S, can you hit the jump button while hold speed burst? Last year, this didn’t work and your guy just stood there.
10. Will WRs actually adjust to the route and fight for the ball as opposed to just letting the DB/S undercut them for the INT?
11. Will the CPU actually try and establish a running game, or will it still be 5-10 runs versus 35-40 passes?
12. Can you still dominate a running game with the Dime and Quarter defenses?
13. Can you have a single kick returner or are you still locked into two?
14. Is there a real squib kick option, or is it still just a terrible short kick?
15. Are FGs still really easy to make from 50+ yards?
16. Does the Hit Stick still have a delay? Currently, you have to flick it about 5 yards ahead of time or your guy just runs past the CPU player and dives wildly.
17. Smart routes so you can get a WR or TE to run past the first down?
18. Does playaction actually work on the CPU, or is it still useless?
19. Can DBs still defend and intercept balls that they don’t see coming?
20. Is their a fade route in the end zone yet?
21. Do the sideline animations actually look good this year? I wanna see a guy really stick the catch as opposed to looking like a falling dead body.
22. Sidelines still look like trash?
23. Fans still look like trash?
24. Are there actual stat overlays during the game, or is it all limited to the playcall screen?
25. Do they actually commentate on things that really happen in the game, or is it all generic?
26. Does commentary highlight something big in a game, like a guy rushing for 200 yards?
27. How repetative are the post-play animations? Last year there were like 10 at best.
28. On a fumble, does the first guy still miss the ball everytime with that scooping animation and then the second guy dives on it, so you can’t ever return a fumble.
29. Can you still run the same 5 offensive plays the entire game on All-Pro level and win every game in a blowout?
30. Can you still run the same ONE defense the entire game and still blowout the CPU on All-Pro?
31. Can LBs still cover WRs with ease?
32. Do LBs and DBs still cover huge areas in zone defense with no problems?
Thanks a lot!!
May 20, 2008 at 8:06 am
[quote comment="21581"]is it bad…that the news just came across the wire that the NFL owners just voted unanimously to opt out of the CBA…and the only thing i can think about is how terrible Madden 2011 is going to be with no salary cap in franchise mode (with 2010 now being an uncapped year, and of course the players will never again agree to a salary cap after that)…[/quote]
You seem to think the salary cap actually matters in Madden already? It is pretty easy to sign anyone you want to whatever deal you want. I’ve never had a cap issue.
May 20, 2008 at 8:09 am
Another question to ask…
Do injuries actually matter in the game? I never have anyone get injured for a significant amount of time and once you have the minumium required at a postion, those players never get injured.
It makes it pointless to carry more than the minimum amount of players at certain postions, like OL and QB.
Last year, all I ever had was the occasional RB injury for a few plays and maybe a WR that missed a quater. Where are the season ending or multiple game injuries?
May 20, 2008 at 8:36 am
For Head Coach 09:
1. With the game using the Madden engine what are the graphical differences between HC09 and Madden 09 (if any)? I’m presuming the engine is using Madden 09 – but this may not be the case – if so which engine is it using?
2. Is there field and uniform degradation during gameplay?
3. Can you view other side’s games (as cpu v cpu) – could be used as a valuable scouting tool? Or are you restricted to only seeing your own side’s games?
4. Tied into question 3 but if you’re side doesn’t make the playoffs are you able to watch any of the other playoff games..ie with the game having so much depth it would be a little disappointing imho to play a full season and just be told who has won the Superbowl – it would be a great addition if you could actually watch these games unfold (even if you’re team isn’t involved). That’s what would happen irl.
5. What is the pre-season feature that EA have alluded to on their website – can they reveal any further info on this?
6. Are the players/coaches in the game editable (Names/Ratings etc)
7. What happens if you get fired half way through a season…does it just end or are you able to apply for other jobs as they crop up by playing through the remainder of the season – or do sackings only occur at the season end?
8. Relating to 7 – if you are sacked can you just pick a new team to coach within the same season or do you have to wait for job offers?
9. What are the difficulty levels? Which level would achieve the most realistic results/stats?
10. In-game sliders – what can they affect?
11. Are there any other personalities in the game apart from Adam Schefter. If so, what do they do/add to the game?
12. Will roster updates be available for the game? If so will this include downloadable content ie. player pics etc?
13. What is the roster cut-off point prior to the game going gold?
14. Are pre-season games included and will the CPU sub out it’s starters accordingly in these games?
15. Are there any player/coach awards in the game? ie. weekly awards, season awards.
16. Do players get selected for the Pro Bowl along with the coaches? Is this game playable within the game?
17. Are you able to view stats or highlights from other side’s games?
18. Will the Superbowl be held in different stadiums each season?
19. Will CPU teams attempt to upgrade their roster throughout the season? For example, if their #1 QB gets injured and is out for the season will they look to trade depending upon their season standing?
20. Josh Looman in the OS video touched upon how they have got the stats and number of plays about right – has this been polished and can they confirm that the stats/no. of plays will be statistically correct with the release version.
21. Relating to Q20 – is there a supersim feature? If so has this been tuned to produce realistic stats & no. of plays per game (this was poorly implemented in NCAA 08)
22. Do CPU teams sub accordingly in-game? Is there a sub in/out slider and will it work? Will the #2 replace the #1 at times during the game for example (due to fatigue).
23. Does the weather play any effect at gametime? eg. A cold day in Milwaukee when the Bucs come into town – will it have a detrimental effect on the away team?
24. During a game are you informed of the latest scores from around the league? So if you’re locked in a battle for the wild card for instance, it would be good to know the latest scores from the other games that your closest challengers are playing in.
25. Are you able to view other team details? Roster, stats, depth chart etc. Bascially anything about all the NFL teams.
26. Will a free agent always sign with the team that gives him the most money or will he sign with the team that has the best chance to win? Does the free agent take into account the philosophy of the team and the players or is it all about money?
27. How realistic will penalties be during game play?
28. Is the game single player only? By this I mean can you have more than one player during a career…for example 2 friends playing with different teams or is it a max of one user for career mode?
29. Will there be a demo released? If so, any idea on a release date?
30. I realise it’s still early and this is dependant upon many issues but what are the future plans for the product? Will there be a HC 2010?
May 20, 2008 at 9:25 am
Can we edit player positions? It is killing me that I can’t officially move a DT to DE when switching to a 3-4. Or DE to LB. Or CB to S. Or definitely G to T to C. It completely sucks ass.
May 20, 2008 at 10:02 am
Pasta,
Last thing: We’ve all by now heard about this “new” tackling engine that Madden will be employing. Can you let us know if you can feel the difference when playing the game?
It’s one thing to show a gameplay trailer of all the cool animations but I want to know if there will be noticeable difference between that gameplay and Madden 08.
May 20, 2008 at 11:00 am
Pasta, Can you find out what EA will do with online dynasties?
(i’m wondering if they will bump it to 24 teams max next year.)
May 20, 2008 at 11:14 am
Pasta, you definitely have your work cut out for you. That’s a lot of questions. Good luck!
May 20, 2008 at 11:36 am
Ninj… that’s a fantastic question list for Head Coach. That game can be so cool. Especially if most of your questions are answered with a “yes”.
May 20, 2008 at 12:05 pm
If I bomb it out will my wr jump for the ball? I mean its sort of sad how wr’s just don’t try for the ball. APF did a gr8 job at having wrs at least attempt to catch the ball.
May 20, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Where is the event and is it media only?
May 20, 2008 at 12:05 pm
[quote comment="21593"]Ninj… that’s a fantastic question list for Head Coach. That game can be so cool. Especially if most of your questions are answered with a “yes”.[/quote]
Cheers Darkheath. I’m really looking forward to Head Coach, I think for all us ‘non-button mashers’ it will be a godsend…along with all the other guys of course. Hopefully Bryan can get some more details about things when he gets to the event, but from what I’ve seen so far I think we’re going to be in a for a very deep experience with the game. Time will tell I suppose.
May 20, 2008 at 12:31 pm
[quote comment="21597"]Where is the event and is it media only?[/quote]
Probably in Florida or wherever Tiburon is now and yes, media only.
May 20, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Could ask/see for the following:
1. Special in game animation for a special event? (like Jake Plummer throwing for 560 yards LOL).
2. Switchable positions (align Trevor Pryce as a DT for the 3-4 and changing safeties from Free to Strong, etc.).
3. Reliable player models (like faces and short skinny dudes like Wes Welker looking like they could snap in two after a big hit and Sam Adams looking like the walking closet he is).
All the best Pasta, we really appreciate your effort.