Where Does NCAA Football Go From Here?

by pastapadre
Posted August 24th, 2009 at 7:03 am

ncaafootball100823

The NCAA Football series has seen its ups and downs over the last few years. Still one of the most fully featured sports games ever, there is definitely reason for gamers to be frustrated. NCAA Football 10 lacked emotion, presentation, and ultimately offered stale gameplay.

A series of gaffes including the issue that found the rosters in disarray plagued the game prior to release. The first patch for the game did nothing to actually improve the overall experience being offered other than fixing aspects of the game that were inexplicably broken. The second patch, which apparently will be rather extensive, has still not been detailed. At this point it is probably too late for it to really change the perception of this year’s offering.

Teambuilder turned out to be a big success and certainly it has been enjoyable creating teams and seeing them materialize for use in the game. Despite that, Teambuilder really isn’t about NCAA Football. It could be used in any game, it could even be utilized on its own to create a game. As much as I liked it I’m not sure how much credit NCAA should actually receive for having it.

Road to Glory did bring in an intriguing element with the video content tracking events in the player’s career. However the mode formerly known as Campus Legend still had on-the-field issues that have been carrying over since it was introduced. Questionable play calling, poor practice mode for gaining attribute points, and an obvious slant towards high-profile positions especially.

Then you have Season Showdown. Alright, I can’t hate on this too much because I understand what they were trying to do with it. But really, resources were put into this and in the end it has not captured anyone’s imagination. The college football season hasn’t even started yet and I can’t imagine anyone getting hooked on Season Showdown especially now. Certainly it is reasonable to question why so much was put into this “feature” as opposed to working on something else that could have been of more benefit to more people.

Rosters are going to be an interesting topic going forward. As I opined a while back it almost seems as though the legal issues has EA working towards more generic rosters that would then leave the responsibility to the community to correct. How the lawsuits play out will have a huge affect on the game going forward.

Online Dynasty continues to be a big coup for NCAA Football, however as seen this year it can’t hold the game up on its own. It did for 09, I played that game more than any other this generation. The pure fun allowed me to overlook the game’s flaws. That feeling just didn’t carry over to 10 though.

Reviews for NCAA Football 10 actually have the exact same Metacritic average as 09, this even despite a suspicious “world exclusive” review from TeamXbox that inexplicably gave it a 9.3 score. That shows that not enough was done even in the eyes of reviewers. The consensus definitely is that nothing drastic was done to the game other than the addition of Teambuilder and the gameplay essentially tweaked. Sales are down for the first time this generation. The only other yearly sports title that has been dropping is the MLB 2K series. EA can not be pleased to be in company with that franchise.

Over at ncaaStrategies they’ve worked up an NCAA Basketball style tournament polling for wishlist items. This is a great initiative and I’d encourage anyone interested in providing input on what NCAA Football should be adding to check it out. Click here to head there and take part in the voting.

The biggest problem for NCAA Football ironically is Madden. This year Madden 10 arrived and essentially blew NCAA out of the water. The game has advanced so much in a single year that it naturally makes you wonder why NCAA has not made, or even attempted, to do the same.

Basically that is what NCAA Football 11 has to go for. It desperately needs a fresh feel. There needs to be that emotional connection to the game that is completely missing right now. Atmosphere and presentation have to be upgraded and adding cheerleaders and bands that everyone skips through does not qualify. Finally the gameplay absolutely has to feel new. Madden was able to do all this in one year. No more excuses for NCAA Football not to do the same.

Tags: latest news

http://intensedebate.com/people/Shopmaster Shopmaster

I agree Pasta, Madden is what happened to NCAA this year. In years past the games have felt somewhat similar except for last year; but this year Madden is overwhelmingly far superior to NCAA.

Where does NCAA go from here, they do what Madden did. Revamp the whole game, work on the details of college football.

Ultimately EA needs to invest more into their online products with leagues, online tournaments seasons, etc. I think they can do a better job making the game more personal to the player which most people like.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Shopmaster Shopmaster

I agree Pasta, Madden is what happened to NCAA this year. In years past the games have felt somewhat similar except for last year; but this year Madden is overwhelmingly far superior to NCAA.

Where does NCAA go from here, they do what Madden did. Revamp the whole game, work on the details of college football.

Ultimately EA needs to invest more into their online products with leagues, online tournaments seasons, etc. I think they can do a better job making the game more personal to the player which most people like.
hii

this game sucked badly and i was so excited about it….. same old gimmicks every year so much hype for nothing. terrible gameplay and having to buy pipeline states and all that other stuff just got me frustrated only played it for about a week what a waste of my 60 bucks, fell for ea's gimmick once again this year and will again next year only because i have no choice just like everybody else
hii

this game sucked badly and i was so excited about it….. same old gimmicks every year so much hype for nothing. terrible gameplay and having to buy pipeline states and all that other stuff just got me frustrated only played it for about a week what a waste of my 60 bucks, fell for ea's gimmick once again this year and will again next year only because i have no choice just like everybody else
cool guy

ea needs a whole new game engine for madden and ncaa does anyone agree all it is is a bunch of animations put in one game its not fluid like it should be by now for a next gen game
cool guy

ea needs a whole new game engine for madden and ncaa does anyone agree all it is is a bunch of animations put in one game its not fluid like it should be by now for a next gen game
Jcoop

I agree Pasta, although I a NCAA guy by default, I think the Madden reviews and hear say is pushing to Madden. The lack of atmosphere in the game is inexcusable in my opinion. What separates the college game from the pros is atmosphere! How in the world do you produce a college football game w/o it????

EA definitely is complacent and needs a push or a loss of $$$$. They are putting out 1/2 product and expecting patches to fix it along the way. Kind of reminds of Microsoft and look how popular they are these days.

http://nickohrn.com/ Nick

You mean being responsible for >90% of the operating systems on desktop and laptop PCs? Yeah, they're pretty popular.

nicksucks

get off microsofts hard drive, ya pansie

http://intensedebate.com/people/KcKing2 KcKing2

Really good article Pasta… I agree with most of what you are saying, but even if you don't, hell of an objective article.

backwoodsjim

DUDE, GET OFF PASTA'S TALLYWHACKER!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/KcKing2 KcKing2

Really good article Pasta… I agree with most of what you are saying, but even if you don't, hell of an objective article.

backwoodsjim

DUDE, GET OFF PASTA'S TALLYWHACKER!!

Jcoop

I agree Pasta, although I a NCAA guy by default, I think the Madden reviews and hear say is pushing to Madden. The lack of atmosphere in the game is inexcusable in my opinion. What separates the college game from the pros is atmosphere! How in the world do you produce a college football game w/o it????

EA definitely is complacent and needs a push or a loss of $$$$. They are putting out 1/2 product and expecting patches to fix it along the way. Kind of reminds of Microsoft and look how popular they are these days.

http://nickohrn.com Nick

You mean being responsible for >90% of the operating systems on desktop and laptop PCs? Yeah, they're pretty popular.

nicksucks

get off microsofts hard drive, ya pansie

Gbrown4

It will be a rental for me at best next year , even EA thinks the game is half ass ,thats why if you trade the game in for madden you get 40 bucks off at gamestop, are they telling us that the game is not worth playing more than a month, if you really felt like you made a quality game why would you do that.
Gbrown4

It will be a rental for me at best next year , even EA thinks the game is half ass ,thats why if you trade the game in for madden you get 40 bucks off at gamestop, are they telling us that the game is not worth playing more than a month, if you really felt like you made a quality game why would you do that.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000059736340 Jesse Anderson

I strongly urge EA to take a long look at a way to bring a real college campus feeling back to NCAA 11. With almost no college feel, the game seems like a lost football sim, built to tide gamers over until Madden's release.

Gameplay mechanics were so different than Madden's that it's like the two dev teams were intentionally sequestered from public communication.

Great writeup, Pasta.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000059736340 Jesse Anderson

I strongly urge EA to take a long look at a way to bring a real college campus feeling back to NCAA 11. With almost no college feel, the game seems like a lost football sim, built to tide gamers over until Madden's release.

Gameplay mechanics were so different than Madden's that it's like the two dev teams were intentionally sequestered from public communication.

Great writeup, Pasta.
http://intensedebate.com/people/dfoz3 dfoz3

I bought it and I thought it was a pretty decent game at first. As I got to playing more and more though I became frustrated with the shotgun spread option running game. My favorite team is Oregon and since they are one of the top rushing teams in the country I figured that would be how I would move the ball. Unfortunately running out of the shotgun is ridiculously difficult in this game.

After spending some time tweaking sliders and difficulties I got my hands on the Madden demo. I immediately traded NCAA in towards Madden and I am happy I made that decision except for being out the additional $20 difference. Madden feels so much better and I don't have to worry about running out of the shotgun too often!
http://intensedebate.com/people/dfoz3 dfoz3

I bought it and I thought it was a pretty decent game at first. As I got to playing more and more though I became frustrated with the shotgun spread option running game. My favorite team is Oregon and since they are one of the top rushing teams in the country I figured that would be how I would move the ball. Unfortunately running out of the shotgun is ridiculously difficult in this game.

After spending some time tweaking sliders and difficulties I got my hands on the Madden demo. I immediately traded NCAA in towards Madden and I am happy I made that decision except for being out the additional $20 difference. Madden feels so much better and I don't have to worry about running out of the shotgun too often!
ben kent

I think this is the year we all finally stopped being bullyed by ea, the sales have suffered and it shows that the community finally had enough balls not to give in. This was the 1st year I ever passed on an ncaa game, I decided enough is enough.
Where we go from here: ncaa needs to get back to what makes college football so great, that’s the rivalry, the tradition. The entire presentation needs to be redone, we need teams running onto field during intros, interactive sidelines, a whole new crowd system, and a tv style broadcast. Dynamic commentary etc. The gameplay needs to be slowed down, and the tackling completely redone, noone clothesline tackles, or horse collars on every play. This game needs to get pretty creative and change, otherwise they will continue to lose consumers, they’re already losing the diehards, and the casual fan is not interested in something called a season showdown where you accomplish nothing but bragging rights over some kid in dublin ohio.
ben kent

I think this is the year we all finally stopped being bullyed by ea, the sales have suffered and it shows that the community finally had enough balls not to give in. This was the 1st year I ever passed on an ncaa game, I decided enough is enough.
Where we go from here: ncaa needs to get back to what makes college football so great, that’s the rivalry, the tradition. The entire presentation needs to be redone, we need teams running onto field during intros, interactive sidelines, a whole new crowd system, and a tv style broadcast. Dynamic commentary etc. The gameplay needs to be slowed down, and the tackling completely redone, noone clothesline tackles, or horse collars on every play. This game needs to get pretty creative and change, otherwise they will continue to lose consumers, they’re already losing the diehards, and the casual fan is not interested in something called a season showdown where you accomplish nothing but bragging rights over some kid in dublin ohio.
scdb12

Ncaa is not that bad of a game as everyone is making it out to be. Lets not forget that Madden has only 32 teams to worry about so everything from gameplay, presentation, graphics, etc should be top-notch. We tend to forget that NCAA has over 100 teams with 70 players on each, 100+ stadiums (that have to be the exact replica), over 50+ fightsongs, and a lot more. Sometimes we tend to forget that these are videogames and it will be awhile before we get a great representation of the actual sport. Even the college baskeball games are easier because you have 15 players max on a team, and 10 players on the court at one time.

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

HAVE YOU SEEN COLLEGE BASKETBALL???? THAT IS A SHIPWRECK ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!!

scdb12

Ncaa is not that bad of a game as everyone is making it out to be. Lets not forget that Madden has only 32 teams to worry about so everything from gameplay, presentation, graphics, etc should be top-notch. We tend to forget that NCAA has over 100 teams with 70 players on each, 100+ stadiums (that have to be the exact replica), over 50+ fightsongs, and a lot more. Sometimes we tend to forget that these are videogames and it will be awhile before we get a great representation of the actual sport. Even the college baskeball games are easier because you have 15 players max on a team, and 10 players on the court at one time.

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

HAVE YOU SEEN COLLEGE BASKETBALL???? THAT IS A SHIPWRECK ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!!

scdb12

And to everyone that wants FCS teams in the game and not through teambuilder, imagine how much space that will take up. They have already said on the Xbox 360 they have pushed the game to its limits with the amount of space that can fit on a 360 disc.

oscar

lets not forget that we should get the best product possible. as we pay top dollar for these games. in my opinion i would say ncaa 10 should have been priced at around 30-40 dollars. new

http://nickohrn.com/ Nick

Top dollar is $60? If you play it for ten hours (which I believe most people will) then the effective cost of ownership is $6/hour, less than the cost of going to the movies.

Seriously, $60 isn't that much money.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000059736340 Jesse Anderson

Relative to other forms of entertainment. But historically, game pricing has always been required to provide much more value than $6/hour. Typically, I need a game to push $1/hour for me or beyond.
http://intensedebate.com/people/darkheath darkheath

I've been making this point for years. Video games are BY FAR the best entertainment value for the money. You get two hours of m ovie for $10. That's it… you're done.

When you start talking about some of RPGs like Oblivion, it gets to mere pennies/per hour.

The greatest value I ever got from a game was the 400 hours I logged on NFL 2k5. I would have easily paid the $60 for that game, but it was only $20. Comes out to 5 cents/hour.

http://nickohrn.com/ Nick

I'm pretty sure I played Morrowind (TES 3) about 200 hours after buying it for 20 bucks. That's some good value right there.

nicksucks

yeah, to pansies like you who still live with mom, you piece of shit!!
vargas

sorry mr. moneybags, i forgot that 60 bucks is nothing to a male prostitute like you. on a lighter note please do the rest of us hardworking folk a favor and dont use your photo again.
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/default.aspx JohnZapp

They should get rid of Ben!!!! He is so gay!!! I swear he has been sleeping with Dad for 5 years now (counting) and the next morning my Dad asks me, "John, why is there a big dent in my new bed?" The words tell all.

scdb12

And to everyone that wants FCS teams in the game and not through teambuilder, imagine how much space that will take up. They have already said on the Xbox 360 they have pushed the game to its limits with the amount of space that can fit on a 360 disc.

oscar

lets not forget that we should get the best product possible. as we pay top dollar for these games. in my opinion i would say ncaa 10 should have been priced at around 30-40 dollars. new

http://nickohrn.com Nick

Top dollar is $60? If you play it for ten hours (which I believe most people will) then the effective cost of ownership is $6/hour, less than the cost of going to the movies.

Seriously, $60 isn't that much money.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000059736340 Jesse Anderson

Relative to other forms of entertainment. But historically, game pricing has always been required to provide much more value than $6/hour. Typically, I need a game to push $1/hour for me or beyond.
http://intensedebate.com/people/darkheath darkheath

I've been making this point for years. Video games are BY FAR the best entertainment value for the money. You get two hours of m ovie for $10. That's it… you're done.

When you start talking about some of RPGs like Oblivion, it gets to mere pennies/per hour.

The greatest value I ever got from a game was the 400 hours I logged on NFL 2k5. I would have easily paid the $60 for that game, but it was only $20. Comes out to 5 cents/hour.

http://nickohrn.com Nick

I'm pretty sure I played Morrowind (TES 3) about 200 hours after buying it for 20 bucks. That's some good value right there.

nicksucks

yeah, to pansies like you who still live with mom, you piece of shit!!
vargas

sorry mr. moneybags, i forgot that 60 bucks is nothing to a male prostitute like you. on a lighter note please do the rest of us hardworking folk a favor and dont use your photo again.
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/default.aspx JohnZapp

They should get rid of Ben!!!! He is so gay!!! I swear he has been sleeping with Dad for 5 years now (counting) and the next morning my Dad asks me, "John, why is there a big dent in my new bed?" The words tell all.

jamie

the only thing i wish they would add is the duplicate jersey numbers. it sucks that rosters are always going to be inaccurate due to this flaw,
jamie

the only thing i wish they would add is the duplicate jersey numbers. it sucks that rosters are always going to be inaccurate due to this flaw,
jay

i read that maddens sales are down too this year. Im guessing its not that the gme is bad, its just the economy when it comes to sales.
jay

i read that maddens sales are down too this year. Im guessing its not that the gme is bad, its just the economy when it comes to sales.
Pbrown

I love NCAA, mostly because I am probably easily amused. The game is still fun to play with my roommates and we enjoy competing.

But Pasta, do you know of an NCAA roster for the PS3 that has updated names and rosters, like Paulus for Syracuse on the game?
Pbrown

I love NCAA, mostly because I am probably easily amused. The game is still fun to play with my roommates and we enjoy competing.

But Pasta, do you know of an NCAA roster for the PS3 that has updated names and rosters, like Paulus for Syracuse on the game?
UF Fan

Ian Cummings is what happened to NCAA this year. NCAA staff need to get off their a– and step up.
smokedawg

i think the cheerleaders and the sportsmanship points are a complete waste of time. why not trash this shit and find more authentic entrances, or retro jerseys and helmets. ea you really need to hook up the free number editor for jerseys.
UF Fan

Ian Cummings is what happened to NCAA this year. NCAA staff need to get off their a– and step up.
smokedawg

i think the cheerleaders and the sportsmanship points are a complete waste of time. why not trash this shit and find more authentic entrances, or retro jerseys and helmets. ea you really need to hook up the free number editor for jerseys.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Dre2778 Dre2778

It seems like EA has got away from what made a College Football game feel like an actual Football game. Presentation is lackluster and dont get me started on RTG. I have been saying for years since they changed the format from the player having total control to the AI dictating everything that they either needs to change it back to how it was or scrap it. I think they need to start over from the ground up starting with the game engine and go from there.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Dre2778 Dre2778

It seems like EA has got away from what made a College Football game feel like an actual Football game. Presentation is lackluster and dont get me started on RTG. I have been saying for years since they changed the format from the player having total control to the AI dictating everything that they either needs to change it back to how it was or scrap it. I think they need to start over from the ground up starting with the game engine and go from there.
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/default.aspx JohnZapp

NCAA 10 is still a good game but madden makes it look like crap. i just got madden over the weekend and i cannot stop playing it. in ncaa football or basketball on espn in the morning they always have these pep rallys before the game that night and the students in the background just waiting for an upset or a blowout. I love that feeling. Unfortunately I don't feel that when im playing that big game on both video games. but when im watching the real game it feels like im a student and waiting til the game ends. Hope they fix both ncaa football and basketball to that feeling.
http://live.xbox.com/en-US/default.aspx JohnZapp

NCAA 10 is still a good game but madden makes it look like crap. i just got madden over the weekend and i cannot stop playing it. in ncaa football or basketball on espn in the morning they always have these pep rallys before the game that night and the students in the background just waiting for an upset or a blowout. I love that feeling. Unfortunately I don't feel that when im playing that big game on both video games. but when im watching the real game it feels like im a student and waiting til the game ends. Hope they fix both ncaa football and basketball to that feeling.
jumanji

I'm tired of this economy BS. The economy has an effect on Car sales, House sales, family travel,Tv and apliance sales, and mostly jobs. The videogame industry is doing pretty well right now because everyone can atleast afford a game or two. People are finding cheaper entertainment in playing and buying videogames.

The game has too many problems and will be a traget for alot of criticism. As people read the reviews and see the problems they are becoming less likely to make the purchase.

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

Econmy has actually helped the video game industry cause its a cheap form of family entertainment than having top go out and spen way more money doing other things

jumanji

I'm tired of this economy BS. The economy has an effect on Car sales, House sales, family travel,Tv and apliance sales, and mostly jobs. The videogame industry is doing pretty well right now because everyone can atleast afford a game or two. People are finding cheaper entertainment in playing and buying videogames.

The game has too many problems and will be a traget for alot of criticism. As people read the reviews and see the problems they are becoming less likely to make the purchase.

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

Econmy has actually helped the video game industry cause its a cheap form of family entertainment than having top go out and spen way more money doing other things

Hungryandrew

Simple soulution, stop buying crap from EA Sports, let it show in the sales, maybe by then EA will get off their EXCLUSIVE ass, and actually do something!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

Easier said than done. Problem is we are all football fans and they have rights to both football games.

Hungryandrew

Simple soulution, stop buying crap from EA Sports, let it show in the sales, maybe by then EA will get off their EXCLUSIVE ass, and actually do something!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

Easier said than done. Problem is we are all football fans and they have rights to both football games.

http://intensedebate.com/people/WWOFTBBNR WWOFTBBNR

I'm in the same boat – played the shine off online dynasty last year, but this year it just doesn't seem to have the same luster. NCAA needs to go back to what made them succesful – the atmosphere of college football. Integrate the College Gameday show – you've got 2 of the 3 faces. And ADD NEW AND MORE COMMENTARY!!! We've been listening to the same sayings since PS2. Give us editable coaches!!! And most of all, replace Ben Haumiller.
http://intensedebate.com/people/WWOFTBBNR WWOFTBBNR

I'm in the same boat – played the shine off online dynasty last year, but this year it just doesn't seem to have the same luster. NCAA needs to go back to what made them succesful – the atmosphere of college football. Integrate the College Gameday show – you've got 2 of the 3 faces. And ADD NEW AND MORE COMMENTARY!!! We've been listening to the same sayings since PS2. Give us editable coaches!!! And most of all, replace Ben Haumiller.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Not to turn this into a wishlist but:

First and foremost, amp up the presentation:
1) College Gameday show with previews of top games, polls, and post game highlights
2) Madden visuals
3) Improved sound to create immersion — NHL 10's demo has some of the best crowd chants I have heard in any sports game
4) Agree that fresh commentary is needed but hard to get on the audio, at least they sound natural, not robotic like Madden
5) Pre-game presentation needs improvement — Show conference standings, team history versus one another, last week's results, something to keep it fresh
6) Dynamic weather where the weather can change during the game
7) Cut scenes of tailgating Get rid of cheerleaders
9) Have more bands doing school-specific marches (too few this year)
10) Give the user options of bowl end zones or allow user-created bowl end zones to keep them fresh
11) Team-specific entrances (where did these go)
12) Classic teams and jerseys (where did these go)
13) Get rid of Road to Glory — I know some people like it but I would rather see EA put this on the bench to fix other things
14) Release the game in August — Usually, I don't play a season until the actual season starts
15) Chain-gangs
16) Better presentation during bowls like a trophy presentation after the game
17) User gets a vote in top 25

I know a lot of people are hating on NCAA but the game has a boat load of features. I was thinking the other day how hard it must be for developers to top themselves each year and basically make the same game seem fresh and new. I know where video games used to be in terms of gameplay and visuals and I would not trade anything about any games released over the past two years.

I appreciate the work these guys do and it really is amazing how sweet these games look and play. Yes, not perfect but it is easy to point out what games should have. The trick for developers is to implement these "wishes" and get them to work correctly….

I actually love the gameplay. I think in terms of realism it is a touch better than Madden in that the QB's don't go all "robo" on you. If anything, I would like to see the AI running game improved a bit and the FG kick power toned down.

I also think another option to keep the game fresh is to release it in August instead of July. Most people play the crap out of it, it gets stale then what?

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

cheerleaders are part of college football…..I like the rest of the suggestions though and they need some player model revamping i think soo also
MARCUS

yeah ur a fuckin homo for not wanting cheerleaders. go suck on timothy's dick..i saw you guys have some chemistry on another forum.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Okay Mr. "I need to whack off to virtual cheerleaders". Of course, I am guessing you will miss the male cheerleaders the most you pediphile….

lonnie

i was going to write and say..what can they do? it's just football and they can't change the game,football is football..you can't kill aliens or race cars or get to the next level..so other than better graphics and a new roster..what could they do?….but thank you sir…your the first person that did have ways to improve it and you do have some great ideas…EA should see what you wrote…good job.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Not to turn this into a wishlist but:

First and foremost, amp up the presentation:
1) College Gameday show with previews of top games, polls, and post game highlights
2) Madden visuals
3) Improved sound to create immersion — NHL 10's demo has some of the best crowd chants I have heard in any sports game
4) Agree that fresh commentary is needed but hard to get on the audio, at least they sound natural, not robotic like Madden
5) Pre-game presentation needs improvement — Show conference standings, team history versus one another, last week's results, something to keep it fresh
6) Dynamic weather where the weather can change during the game
7) Cut scenes of tailgating Get rid of cheerleaders
9) Have more bands doing school-specific marches (too few this year)
10) Give the user options of bowl end zones or allow user-created bowl end zones to keep them fresh
11) Team-specific entrances (where did these go)
12) Classic teams and jerseys (where did these go)
13) Get rid of Road to Glory — I know some people like it but I would rather see EA put this on the bench to fix other things
14) Release the game in August — Usually, I don't play a season until the actual season starts
15) Chain-gangs
16) Better presentation during bowls like a trophy presentation after the game
17) User gets a vote in top 25

I know a lot of people are hating on NCAA but the game has a boat load of features. I was thinking the other day how hard it must be for developers to top themselves each year and basically make the same game seem fresh and new. I know where video games used to be in terms of gameplay and visuals and I would not trade anything about any games released over the past two years.

I appreciate the work these guys do and it really is amazing how sweet these games look and play. Yes, not perfect but it is easy to point out what games should have. The trick for developers is to implement these "wishes" and get them to work correctly….

I actually love the gameplay. I think in terms of realism it is a touch better than Madden in that the QB's don't go all "robo" on you. If anything, I would like to see the AI running game improved a bit and the FG kick power toned down.

I also think another option to keep the game fresh is to release it in August instead of July. Most people play the crap out of it, it gets stale then what?

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

cheerleaders are part of college football…..I like the rest of the suggestions though and they need some player model revamping i think soo also
MARCUS

yeah ur a fuckin homo for not wanting cheerleaders. go suck on timothy's dick..i saw you guys have some chemistry on another forum.

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

Okay Mr. "I need to whack off to virtual cheerleaders". Of course, I am guessing you will miss the male cheerleaders the most you pediphile….

lonnie

i was going to write and say..what can they do? it's just football and they can't change the game,football is football..you can't kill aliens or race cars or get to the next level..so other than better graphics and a new roster..what could they do?….but thank you sir…your the first person that did have ways to improve it and you do have some great ideas…EA should see what you wrote…good job.

ncaafan

why would a roster glitch before the game was out matter to anyone when rating the game, and how would the roster be heading to a more generic form if demps and holliday, two top ncaa, sprinters have 99 speed
bottom line is that ncaa just takes what madden did the year before and puts it into their game and pass it off as new, if you dont like it then dont buy it but they have been doin it the same way for years

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

roster's is main part of the game!!! Would you buy a car that hasnt been painted yet???

ncaafan

why would a roster glitch before the game was out matter to anyone when rating the game, and how would the roster be heading to a more generic form if demps and holliday, two top ncaa, sprinters have 99 speed
bottom line is that ncaa just takes what madden did the year before and puts it into their game and pass it off as new, if you dont like it then dont buy it but they have been doin it the same way for years

http://intensedebate.com/people/okafor43 okafor43

roster's is main part of the game!!! Would you buy a car that hasnt been painted yet???

http://www.facebook.com/romanmaster Roman Masters

I like ncaa football, it's a great game, but i feel it strayed away from what it used to be. I liked that fact that if you played in Death Valley, the crowd is so loud it's really hard to audible your plays and gets your players confused. Home Field doesn't feel like home field anymore. crowd noise doesn't affect your players as much anymore, just the composure thing where their plays goes all messed up funny. it needs to go back to the roots of collage football and it's High scoring, fan fueled, Tides can turn feel again!!
http://www.facebook.com/romanmaster Roman Masters

I like ncaa football, it's a great game, but i feel it strayed away from what it used to be. I liked that fact that if you played in Death Valley, the crowd is so loud it's really hard to audible your plays and gets your players confused. Home Field doesn't feel like home field anymore. crowd noise doesn't affect your players as much anymore, just the composure thing where their plays goes all messed up funny. it needs to go back to the roots of collage football and it's High scoring, fan fueled, Tides can turn feel again!!
JDDrummer

Just do what you have done in the past, make ncaa the previous version of madden. Send all that code to EA NCAA and put it in the game. One thing i would like to see, is for online matches, make every monday a download of the updated rankings during the season. That way it feels more authentic and your not stuck with the same rankings all throughout. So when Ole miss beats FL again, FL is not still #1
JDDrummer

Just do what you have done in the past, make ncaa the previous version of madden. Send all that code to EA NCAA and put it in the game. One thing i would like to see, is for online matches, make every monday a download of the updated rankings during the season. That way it feels more authentic and your not stuck with the same rankings all throughout. So when Ole miss beats FL again, FL is not still #1