NCAA Demo is now available for download.

please report how it compares to 07 (spefically, madden 07. I never got play play ncaa:(). it comes out 7/17, right?

How big is it?

I just sent my 360 in for repairs and this gets released go figure....

I want to pick this up but if it isnt a big jump up from 07 I might as well stick with that since I dont go online...So far I hear its a pretty bad ass game compared to last years but thats usually just the hype rolling.

How big is it?



684 MB

I'm not a big football player, yet own Madden 07, so take this for what it's worth.

I didn't care for it. I tried it out, played a couple quarters, but just wasn't impressed. The graphics are decent, but they just didn't wow me. Now I know that you can find TONS of screenshots making this game look amazing, and when you watch replays then the game looks nice...but actual in game graphics didn't wow me. I didn't find them to be any better than Madden 07. I don't care for the play selection menus. I find that Madden did a much better job.

There is no commentary at all, but if you check the markeplace menu they state that it was removed to allow a smaller download.

For me this is a pass. I suggest you try it out.

684 MB


Thanks

I'm not a big football player, yet own Madden 07, so take this for what it's worth.

I didn't care for it. I tried it out, played a couple quarters, but just wasn't impressed. The graphics are decent, but they just didn't wow me. Now I know that you can find TONS of screenshots making this game look amazing, and when you watch replays then the game looks nice...but actual in game graphics didn't wow me. I didn't find them to be any better than Madden 07. I don't care for the play selection menus. I find that Madden did a much better job.

There is no commentary at all, but if you check the markeplace menu they state that it was removed to allow a smaller download.

For me this is a pass. I suggest you try it out.

Are the player models different than 07? Is the kicker still 300 pounds and does everyone look the same?

It was pretty known Madden/NCAA would be using the same physics engine and the same player models but focusing more on animations than anything else this year though...I didnt really have a problem with them not changing the visuals because they were fine before but if I cant see a big change in gameplay I will just stick with 07.....

Im curious is the gameplay still cheap as hell where every punt return usually turns into a fumble and if you so much use the speed burst button you will drop the ball?


*edit*

I've been pretty critical towards football this year and was curious how is the collision detection? I still say its garbage where you go down before you are actually tackled or it looks like they dont make full contact...Is this still an issue?

I will say that the players look a little leaner, as if they forgot to take the usual Madden 'roids. They still look big, but not as big...or I'm just getting used to giants.

I don't know what you consider fumbling excessive. I did drop the ball a couple times. I'm thinking that it might be more chance than AI.

I didn't play it enough to notice if they had fine tuned the collision. I just tried it out, wasn't impressed by the graphics/play selection/presentation and decided that I'll wait for Madden.

Thanks



Are the player models different than 07? Is the kicker still 300 pounds and does everyone look the same?

It was pretty known Madden/NCAA would be using the same physics engine and the same player models but focusing more on animations than anything else this year though...I didnt really have a problem with them not changing the visuals because they were fine before but if I cant see a big change in gameplay I will just stick with 07.....

Im curious is the gameplay still cheap as hell where every punt return usually turns into a fumble and if you so much use the speed burst button you will drop the ball?


*edit*

I've been pretty critical towards football this year and was curious how is the collision detection? I still say its garbage where you go down before you are actually tackled or it looks like they dont make full contact...Is this still an issue?

I haven't played NCAA in about 4 years but I didn't know that EA passed down the 300 pound players of all positions to NCAA. I thought that they reserved that for Madden, which is one reason I never bought the Madden series b/c the player models were horrible. I wanted to pickup NCAA and Madden this year.

I will say that the players look a little leaner, as if they forgot to take the usual Madden 'roids. They still look big, but not as big...or I'm just getting used to giants.

I don't know what you consider fumbling excessive. I did drop the ball a couple times. I'm thinking that it might be more chance than AI.

I didn't play it enough to notice if they had fine tuned the collision. I just tried it out, wasn't impressed by the graphics/play selection/presentation and decided that I'll wait for Madden.

Ok gotcha, in 07 anything about varsity difficulty you would fumble the ball on a punt return if two guys were coming at you from both sides and tackled you if you had the speed burst button pressed it was a ridiculous flaw that reoccurred 8 times out of 10 (fact I actually tested this theory out and it proven true when I got bored)

The collision is one of the things that really peeved me with the 07 series from Madden/NCAA I hope they fixed it but I am not holding my breath but this really agitated me to the point of never caring to pick up a football game until this was fixed...

How was the running did you get stuck on any of the offensive linemen? Another huge flaw in both series from EA?

Presentation wise I think NCAA is the best in the business it really creates the atmosphere of being at a Saturday game...Much more than I can say for Madden because of the lame radio announcer...Corso is just godlike.

Also sorry to be a pain in the butt with 100 questions (my console is in for repairs) but is the real grass integrated into NCAA 08 like it was for Madden 07?

I will say that the players look a little leaner, as if they forgot to take the usual Madden 'roids. They still look big, but not as big...or I'm just getting used to giants.


I'll DL the demo when I get home. So you said the player finally got off of the Madden 'roids? :D That's good b/c back when I was playing NCAA the players avoided the Madden 'roids like a hot girl that avoids the nice guy she claims to want.

1 minute quarters like last year's demo I assume?

1 minute quarters like last year's demo I assume?


I hear it is one 2 minute quarter.

I hear it is one 2 minute quarter.

Nope..
4 quarters..2 min long
I Played through twice.
Hard to describe why, but the players look better. Not sure if it's the lighting or what. But I like what I see.

Default level of Demo is Varsity and you cannot change it.

Collision detection. Looks fine to me

Play calling menus take some getting use to as it is different, but not for the worse.

Changing your player packages within the play calling screen is much better as you can do it in both the formation screen and play screen by simply hitting x.

Individual Defensive Hot routes finally make it to the college game.

Receiver hot routes can now be called like the old way.

I Still hate the extra step to put a man in motion, but now there are also plays that have a man in motion as a part of the play and the player goes automatically.

Gang Tackling is a nice touch and one of the first things that popped out at me.

I'm looking forward to the full version.

Nope..
4 quarters..2 min long
I Played through twice.
Hard to describe why, but the players look better. Not sure if it's the lighting or what. But I like what I see.

Default level of Demo is Varsity and you cannot change it.

Collision detection. Looks fine to me

Play calling menus take some getting use to as it is different, but not for the worse.

Changing your player packages within the play calling screen is much better as you can do it in both the formation screen and play screen by simply hitting x.

Individual Defensive Hot routes finally make it to the college game.

Receiver hot routes can now be called like the old way.

I Still hate the extra step to put a man in motion, but now there are also plays that have a man in motion as a part of the play and the player goes automatically.

Gang Tackling is a nice touch and one of the first things that popped out at me.

I'm looking forward to the full version.

Thanks. What about the grass? As Spinx mentioned, is that natural grass that Madden 07 had. Granted I haven't seen any of the next gen Maddens but I thought I would ask the question again for Spinx.

Not sure what to think about the grass in the demo...
It doesn't look as good because it looked more like artificial turf.


Another cool note.
At the end of the game it shows a replay of a "game changing performance" highlight from a play that was much earlier in the game, similar to the way 2k5 did.

At the end of the game it shows a replay of a "game changing performance" highlight from a play that was much earlier in the game, similar to the way 2k5 did.

Have no doubt I was already planning to download this the nanosecond I get home.. but you have just guaranteed I leave an hour earlier today.

That used to be my favourite part of NFL 2K5.. The way Chris Berman went the highligh reel.. you felt you yourself had actually made Sportscenter.

Even better the guy you just beat.. had to see there and watch that amazing play all over again in slow motion!

I love football games, but I wasn't impressed by this at all. I thought this year was going to be a huge jump from previous years in gameplay etc. I'm still getting all kinds of choppiness in the menu controls, which is just annoying. Also, the gameplay feels as stiff as ever. It seems like they barely made any changes to the game. I hope Madden impresses more. JMO.

Just played it over at my brother in laws...Im disappointed.

Knowing the audio was missing wasnt the problem, it ran smoother than last years and looked fine....

My complaints:

graphical wise aside from the smooth frame rate doesnt look as good as last years
Stadium atmosphere visually seems meh, the turf looks like crap. It just didnt have that sense of being alive like in 07...But that wasnt he focus this year I guess.
Play calling menus is worst than a euro trash hooker...I HATE IT! If that is what we are stuck with and cant go back to the format like last years im opting out of it....Takes to long to get to a play especially when you know what plays you want and have to find them all over again.
Gang tackles are meh and you can barely notice it.


My compliments
Smooth
Animations are improved but are they really improved enough to praise and jump for joy? No, despite the collision and not getting stuck on the o-line which always sucked it still seemed like something was missing.
Truck stick seems toned down from Madden 07...This is a good and a bad thing because I liked the truck stick but its harder to break away from tackles.

Overall 3 out of 5...Worth a purchase if you like College football but dont see much reason to upgrade over 07 at least from a gameplay perspective although the final version will be feature rich this is just basing it off the on the field gameplay.

I have to agree with Spinks here... The play-calling menus SUCK!!! Whoever came up with this idea for the game should be shot! Takes way too long to find the play(s) you want. Last years game was awesome, but this demo didn't really make me want to spend another $60.00 for college football, and I love playing football games. Some people may like the changes... I hated it!

I thought it looked much better than '07. Didn't play enough to get into gameplay as Michigan and USC are my two most hated shcools it's hard for me to play as one of them. :p

WOW...i just finished playing the demo and all i can say is..



I CANT FREAKING WAIT TIL APF2K8 HITS THE STORES NEXT WEEK...

SAME OL' COLLISION DETECTION AND SAME OL' TACKLING ANIMATIONS SAME OL' LINE GLITCHING...SAME OL' SAME OL'

I played one half of football and I'm happy. The animations are much better. Playcalling is a little different but I always use one school so knowing plays isn't a problem as I know where most are for my team anyways.

I was sold before this demo was released and now this just helps the week go by a bit smoother untill this releases next week.

If you play as much football as we do, you can't help but notice the changes in 08.

There are more defensive options at the line of scrimmage than any current gen version before it.

As far as playcalling, if you know what you want run, I find it takes no longer than current gen to pick a play.
Picking plays by formation is basically done the same way as it's always been
If you like to randomly look for plays in multiple formations then that might be a problem.

Unless it's something they didn't feel a need to include in the demo version
I can't figure out how to hide the playcall
In 07 "x" called the play..." y" made the bluff noise and "A" exited the screen.
In 08 "x" changes your player package and "Y" zooms. Not sure why one would want to zoom.

if you are randomly picking plays, not picking by formation, you should pick by play type

I wanna run the option, there are the option plays
I wanna throw a deep pass, there are my deep pass plays

you get the idea

Well that was unimpressive.
I have been holding out getting my sports game until the focus was on this gen and not last gen (after I played the bad Madden 06). I thought this would be the year and was all set to buy this game, but now I question that.

However, this was a small download demo so I guess I will have to wait for reviews of the full game.

Things I liked
Well, there seemed to be a day to night transition
Highlight at the end of the game
At least one gang tackle was nice

Things I didnt like
Lots of clipping
Lots of very jerky movements
Lots or random fumbles
In games sounds were unimpressive, I could barely hear the band (not sure if they left those out with the announcer)
Field, crowd, presentation all very boring and bland (but this certainly may be something they left out for the demo)
Control very touchy (loose) on the all the selection menus
Field if it was supposed to be grass looked bad but maybe it was turf.

I would like to see weather.
Also, not used to the new controls (since last time I played NCAA on last gen). Had a bit of trouble finding the coach cam play layout.

I just played another game.

Highlight for me was when the other team threw a high pass over the middle and the receiver had to jump to get the ball and was crushed midair. It looked like one of those highlight film hits.

I hope theres commentary in the actual game. Either way, think I'm going to pass. Very unimpressed and I was really looking forward to this game. There are slight improvements in the graphics, but nothing to go crazy over. Play menu reminded me of Madden 07 for the PS3 (I hope EA doesn't think that game was actually something to use as a reference). I liked the band ... could've been a little louder ... but overall, wasn't really impressed with the audio. Think I'll wait for next year or maybe 'til the reviews come in.

Last years demo didn't have commentary either.

I'm a pretty avid football gamer so I'll go ahead and chime in here.

Graphics looked worse than last year at first, but I quickly got used to them. Guys (kicker included) are still huge, but that's never bothered me.

I liked the new playcall system, but I don't see how anyone can hate it. At worst it's the same as it was before (just choose "by formation") except that you can actually see what you're scrolling to next instead of trying to get there quickly and passing it, having to go back, etc.

Now I'll focus on some of the real core stuff, that avid football gamers care about at the heart of the gameplay rather than stuff like the size of the kickers.

Defensive controls are awesome. Defensive playmaker is a big welcome to the NCAA series from Madden, and the manual pass defending controls seem much more refined this year (whereas last year you'd get in perfect position to jump for an interception and instead when you hit "Y" the guy would just throw his arms up quickly). This is an area of the game that has gone far, far downhill in both the NCAA's and Madden's since Madden 2004 (which was perfect in this regard). While it's still not near that wonderful level, it's good to see it headed in that direction again instead of just getting worse every year.

The biggest thing with these games is always how well it can balance the computer AI. In year's past, rather than a higher difficulty simulating a better opponent, it instead just meant you drop more passes, they make more miracle catches, your blockers are worse, etc. There's no way to tell any of that from the demo, but I'm hoping (praying) that this will have online dynasty mode similar to Madden 07's online franchise mode where you can have someone play as the other team in your dynasty through Live. Anyone heard anything on this?

The big problem with the next gen football games thusfar had been stupid things left out, and while this seems to again be on the right track I still noticed a couple, mainly that you can't call the playmaker run flip on offense on a passing play, so when you see the QB make that hand signal you KNOW it's a run play, and there's no way to bluff it.

Also, the QB's release the ball WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too quickly. Anyone else noticed this? I'm surprised I haven't seen it mentioned yet. It's basically impossible to take a sacke unless you totally don't see the guy coming until you're in the tackle animation. There's no "too late". You can be rolling to the left w/ a DE an inch away from popping you in the face, and tap a button to throw the ball to a guy across the screen on the right and the QB will throw it instantly.

Also, maybe it was just the guys I was using, but the spin move seems waaaay slower this year, like it takes a while to activate after the button press. Don't like that at all..

Lastly, last year the next-gen versions had the trick plays vastly handicapped. No flea flickers, double reverse passes, etc. Anyone know if those are back in the next-gen versions this year?

Well that was unimpressive.
I have been holding out getting my sports game until the focus was on this gen and not last gen (after I played the bad Madden 06). I thought this would be the year and was all set to buy this game, but now I question that.

However, this was a small download demo so I guess I will have to wait for reviews of the full game.

Things I liked
Well, there seemed to be a day to night transition
Highlight at the end of the game
At least one gang tackle was nice

Things I didnt like
Lots of clipping
Lots of very jerky movements
Lots or random fumbles
In games sounds were unimpressive, I could barely hear the band (not sure if they left those out with the announcer)
Field, crowd, presentation all very boring and bland (but this certainly may be something they left out for the demo)
Control very touchy (loose) on the all the selection menus
Field if it was supposed to be grass looked bad but maybe it was turf.

I would like to see weather.
Also, not used to the new controls (since last time I played NCAA on last gen). Had a bit of trouble finding the coach cam play layout.I agree with you and jinx.

I played it after I got home from work and the player models actually look better than I thought they would but I guess I was expecting a little more definition. The controls really take some time to get used to. The running backs and the recievers didn't feel as fast as I thought they should feel. I couldn't figure out how to make the players go faster when I had the ball. Overall I liked it and will pickup the game next week. One thing I wanted to see but couldn't is the colored arrows that mark the route which the reciever or running is supposed to take. At least that's how it was in the last gen NCAA which is the last NCAA game I played. I also thought that the controls were a little sluggish. I wanted to snap the ball quicker and have the qb release the ball quicker but it felt slow. I like the animations and the tackling.

It runs at a constant 60FPS. I'm happy. It's really hard to tell about certain things from the demo (like if the nanoblitzes from last year work), but the core is the same. I'll buy it and enjoy it until Madden comes out.

The gameplay from Madden was a bit of an upgrade in 07 compared to NCAA so maybe their is still hope with that.

2k8 isnt even on the radar for me...I mean its just random prenamed teams with last names on the back of a jersey not even representing the original team..Blah!...I want my NFL...Back to 2k5...For now

As a hardcore football gamer, I believe this is a pretty big leap in the evolution of the game.

The gang tackling is a major addition this year. These are physics based and have a big impact on how the game is played. You can shed individual tackles better now which means gang tackling is vital(as it is in real life). I've been stopped short of the first down marker several times because of gang tackling.

The controls are much smoother thanks to the 60 FPS. It makes it much more playable and allows you to use your "stick skills".

The blocking is vastly improved with double team blocks and blockers that make better decisions. The CPU DB AI is way beyond where it has been in the past. They make good plays on the ball with out warping 10 yds to make a play. They also respond to plays in a timely fashion(ie safeties break on passes much better and when a RB gets around the line, the safeties and CBs don't continue back pedaling. They charge up field to make a play.

Collision detection is incredible during gameplay(I agree that there are some clipping issues during the post play scenes, but they don't have an effect on gameplay).

There are other big gameplay enhancements, but the ones listed really change the dynamics of the gameplay. For those who say it isn't a big change, I would have to say that you must be a casual gamer that haven't fully understood where the game lacks in the simulation department on AI and collision detection issues for the past 5 years.

For those complaining about the lack of commentary and other presentation elements, that was intentional.

I'm looking forward to seeing the complete package next Tuesday.

The Good:

*Plays smoother than any EA football game I've ever played. That's saying a lot because every EA football game I've played post-Genesis days has felt like I'm running in mud.

*The 60FPS makes a BIG difference to the way the game moves and you should notice it immediately


The Bad:

*TOO... MANY... DAMN... FUMBLES!!! Nope, it's not chance, it's bad programming. I played the game twice and in 2 games there was a total of 10, count'em, 10 fumbles! Ridiculous. It's as if the issue from last year has gotten worse. WTF!?

*The gang-tackling is a joke. One guy wraps up, another guy adds his little "me too" hit and bounces away. It's not true gang-tackling. Again, it's a joke. Better luck next time on that one EA.

*The detail seems to have gone down, and you'll notice it immediately in the grass. This is something that probably had to be done in order to maintain 60FPS which I can accept, but it sucks to see it go.

*They made a mistake by getting rid of the cutscenes. EA developers said they didn't make sense because people skip through them. Well, I have news for EA; everybody didn't. I liked the cutscenes because it gave you a really cool inside view of the game. Getting rid of them wasn't the answer. The answer was to create MORE of them and make them more random so it stayed fresh. See, that sort of thinking always escapes EA and in the end we're left with something "new" which actually turns out to be a half-assed effort.

*Guys seem to keep bumping into each other. It's like they can't get out of each other's way.

*The photos look better than the actual game

Conclusion: Not impressed. And if I had to base my buying decision on this, I'd be passing. What the heck does EA do with a development cycle? They build hype and underdeliver.

One thing I wanted to see but couldn't is the colored arrows that mark the route which the reciever or running is supposed to take. At least that's how it was in the last gen NCAA which is the last NCAA game I played..

it's in there. you have to hit RT (I think) to pull up the coach view or whatever they call it, and then press a direction with one of the sticks. Sorry that's not exact, but I was in the same boat as you until I saw an icon pop up for that view.

The Good:

*Plays smoother than any EA football game I've ever played. That's saying a lot because every EA football game I've played post-Genesis days has felt like I'm running in mud.

*The 60FPS makes a BIG difference to the way the game moves and you should notice it immediately


The Bad:

*TOO... MANY... DAMN... FUMBLES!!! Nope, it's not chance, it's bad programming. I played the game twice and in 2 games there was a total of 10, count'em, 10 fumbles! Ridiculous. It's as if the issue from last year has gotten worse. WTF!?

*The gang-tackling is a joke. One guy wraps up, another guy adds his little "me too" hit and bounces away. It's not true gang-tackling. Again, it's a joke. Better luck next time on that one EA.

*They made a mistake by getting rid of the cutscenes. EA developers said they didn't make sense because people skip through them. Well, I have news for EA; everybody didn't. I liked the cutscenes because it gave you a really cool inside view of the game. Getting rid of them wasn't the answer. The answer was to create MORE of them and make them more random so it stayed fresh. See, that sort of thinking always escapes EA and in the end we're left with something "new" which actually turns out to be a half-assed effort.

*Guys seem to keep bumping into each other. It's like they can't get out of each other's way.


Conclusion: Not impressed.
Agreed that there are too many fumbles at this point. From what I understand, though, (and this is the way it was last year) the demo was a build from late May.

I have to disagree about the gang tackling. I feel it provides a very real element to the game.

I'm glad cut scenes are gone. To me all they are is a big delay in getting back to game play.

Guys bumping into each other after the play is over? again, this doesn't bother me in the slightest.

Not saying your opinion is wrong, it just seems like you are more of a presentation person than I am. I am concerned with the game play on the football field and dynasty mode.

it's in there. you have to hit RT (I think) to pull up the coach view or whatever they call it, and then press a direction with one of the sticks. Sorry that's not exact, but I was in the same boat as you until I saw an icon pop up for that view.

Do you know how to audible your play to the other side? I'm not referring to an actual "flip" play where the entire formation flips, but say I am running a HB dive to the right and I want to instead run it to the left, yet not change the formation.

I'm pretty sure the fumbles are coded into the demo to make it easier...the final game will not be like that.

Overall, I'm very happy with the improvements and will definitely be keeping my 360 preorder. :)

Agreed that there are too many fumbles at this point. From what I understand, though, (and this is the way it was last year) the demo was a build from late May.

It's EA, so we can bet the final game will have the same issue.


I have to disagree about the gang tackling. I feel it provides a very real element to the game.

I think they tried, but that next hit needs to stick. If the guy falls off and goes flying in a different direction, nearly everytime, it needs some work.


I'm glad cut scenes are gone. To me all they are is a big delay in getting back to game play.

If you compare what happens after the play now with the way the cutscenes were set up before, you're still getting many of the same sequences, the only difference is that they're just not closeup's this time. If I'm going to get most of the same sequences still, why not just leave it the way it was?

Guys bumping into each other after the play is over? again, this doesn't bother me in the slightest.

It not just the fact that they bump/run into each other, it's the fact that it happens way to often. It's so bad sometimes that a guy in motion is actually moving a guy who is standing in a rested position for a couple of yards. That's bad programming.

Not saying your opinion is wrong, it just seems like you are more of a presentation person than I am. I am concerned with the game play on the football field and dynasty mode.

I'm just as concerned with gameplay as you are, since if a game doesn't play well nothing else matters. But I also care about the whole package; that's what I expect to spend my hard-earned money on and that's what we deserve to get for it. When too many parts of the package are broken, I'd rather not buy the package and certainly not at full price. Having said that, I'll probably still get this game, used of course and at a discount.

Just played the demo and I am somewhat disappointed. After playing the demo I did not see much improvement over the 2007 version which I owned. Like mentioned by others after playing madden 07 with the 3D grass it was somewhat bland to see a crappy texture that made the players not look like they were grounded. Animations are not as smooth as I would have liked. Also like others said the atmosphere just wasn't there. I understand the announcers were taken out (which I hate by the way!) but it didn't feel like college football enough for me to purchase this years' version.

I think I will stick with NCAA 2007 and just update my rosters. Only football game I will probably buy this year is APF 2K8 to get a taste of something other than EA football which has kind of gotten stale.

I'm pretty sure the fumbles are coded into the demo to make it easier...the final game will not be like that.

Overall, I'm very happy with the improvements and will definitely be keeping my 360 preorder. :)

Well, there was a fumbling problem with last year's games, so...

I'm not sure how it makes it easier if both teams are fumbling too much.

Hmmm...kinda disappointed.

I hate the way the turf/grass looks, kickers still look like LBs, and is it me or all the players kinda 'shiny' looking.

I'll rent first.

look at gears....

Wax = Next Gen (this gen)

:D

I played it after I got home from work and the player models actually look better than I thought they would but I guess I was expecting a little more definition. The controls really take some time to get used to. The running backs and the recievers didn't feel as fast as I thought they should feel. I couldn't figure out how to make the players go faster when I had the ball. Overall I liked it and will pickup the game next week. One thing I wanted to see but couldn't is the colored arrows that mark the route which the reciever or running is supposed to take. At least that's how it was in the last gen NCAA which is the last NCAA game I played. I also thought that the controls were a little sluggish. I wanted to snap the ball quicker and have the qb release the ball quicker but it felt slow. I like the animations and the tackling.
Yeah this is what I was having trouble finding too. In last gen you just hold the trigger and boom you can see your play and what your guys going to do. You easily audible and pull the trigger again to see what everyone is set to do and you go.

Now you have to hold the trigger and move the right thumbstick (I believe). You move it up to see motivation and down to see the play...what a pain. Plus on Defense if you forget to pull the trigger then you go offsides, or if you hit the wrong trigger you are audibleing your line. Thats fine I suppose because you just have to get used to the controls and have a bit of skill. But it still takes too many movements just to quick check my play and audible and quick check again with time clicking down. I just want to hold the trigger and see the play, see if I want to audible, take a deep breath and snap it.

The purposful cutting out of "the little things" like cut scenes, textures and the college atmosphere is what is causing EA to lose rep. Its the little things that can make a good game a great game or make a good game just bleh. It makes EA look lazy and unmotivated and uncaring. Why the hell should they care since they have no one to compete with them? Thats what people start to think and EA does nothing to disuade this opinion with their lack of care to detail.

I liked the cutscenes it was a way to run time off the clock and not just seeing your guys lined up and watching the clock...

I find it laughable EA did this, perhaps to cut down on the bashing of the players all looking the same haha...

In last gen you just hold the trigger and boom you can see your play and what your guys going to do. You easily audible and pull the trigger again to see what everyone is set to do and you go.

Now you have to hold the trigger and move the right thumbstick (I believe).

I guess you haven't played NCAA football 07 last gen. It operates the same way.

The purposful cutting out of "the little things" like cut scenes, textures and the college atmosphere is what is causing EA to lose rep. Its the little things that can make a good game a great game or make a good game just bleh. It makes EA look lazy and unmotivated and uncaring. Why the hell should they care since they have no one to compete with them? Thats what people start to think and EA does nothing to disuade this opinion with their lack of care to detail.

I said this in another thread last week about EA. The effort they've put forth recently has been blah and so to me they are lazy, don't care and this b/c they have no competition.

I may end up passing on this year's game. I usually get it nd thne play it until madden comes out. Maybe I will just play the "other" game until madden comes out or just keep it if I am totally happy...

I may end up passing on this year's game. I usually get it nd thne play it until madden comes out. Maybe I will just play the "other" game until madden comes out or just keep it if I am totally happy...


I've thought about this but if Madden is anything like NCAA I am passing on that as well...

Id go with the other guys but slapped on names with no relevence to their history kind of makes it junk and adds no realism...For football its probably great but I still like the idea of leading my team and managing them...

I think 08 is a worst year for football than 07 was...Ouch

I'm glad I played the ncaa demo.I will not spend a dime on ncaa 08,the lack of atmosphere,presentation , lack of speed,same gameplay make this a no buy for me.I will not even rent it.My last hope is apf 2k8,if it plays like 2k5 it's a winner for me

I think the player models are better this year, in that they don't all look like body builders. The arms have definitely been toned down a lot. However, like someone else mentioned above, there is a weird shining effect on the pants.

Another problem I saw was that there is still a problem with sacks. Basically, you still get sacked even in situations here the ball clearly should have released and it's really annoying. Same problem from previous games.

I liked the cutscenes it was a way to run time off the clock and not just seeing your guys lined up and watching the clock...

I find it laughable EA did this, perhaps to cut down on the bashing of the players all looking the same haha...

I wouldn't doubt it. I also think it's less programming work for them, for so it only makes sense that they'd 86 it. After all, these guys are lazy as all hell.

What a huge letdown after all of the hype.

OK, I know this is supposed to be running at a 60fps, but did it feel that way to you guys? I'm not saying it was chunky, but my team still feels stiff, like when someone is covering a guy and the ball is thrown and the corner suddenly pops in front of the guy. Or when you are running the ball and you kind of pop around a lineman. I guess its just a gameplay element, but with the 60fps thing I was expecting it to feel smoother.

OK, I know this is supposed to be running at a 60fps, but did it feel that way to you guys? I'm not saying it was chunky, but my team still feels stiff, like when someone is covering a guy and the ball is thrown and the corner suddenly pops in front of the guy. Or when you are running the ball and you kind of pop around a lineman. I guess its just a gameplay element, but with the 60fps thing I was expecting it to feel smoother.
Play last year's or last year's Madden. It feels like night and day to me.

all of you guys will be sorely disapointed with 2k8...if you think NCAA looks bad wait until you see 2k8, they are using the PS2 nfl2k5 engine and it looks really dated

Play last year's or last year's Madden. It feels like night and day to me.

Are you saying that last year's version played faster? I'm gonna have to wait until the reviews come out b/c I like to game to an extent but the pace of the game and the feel was there.

I think NCAA has nicely improved for 08. I don't know whats up with all the whining I think people just expect way to much. I really nice having 60FPS.

As a hardcore football gamer, I believe this is a pretty big leap in the evolution of the game.

The gang tackling is a major addition this year. These are physics based and have a big impact on how the game is played. You can shed individual tackles better now which means gang tackling is vital(as it is in real life). I've been stopped short of the first down marker several times because of gang tackling.

The controls are much smoother thanks to the 60 FPS. It makes it much more playable and allows you to use your "stick skills".

The blocking is vastly improved with double team blocks and blockers that make better decisions. The CPU DB AI is way beyond where it has been in the past. They make good plays on the ball with out warping 10 yds to make a play. They also respond to plays in a timely fashion(ie safeties break on passes much better and when a RB gets around the line, the safeties and CBs don't continue back pedaling. They charge up field to make a play.

Collision detection is incredible during gameplay(I agree that there are some clipping issues during the post play scenes, but they don't have an effect on gameplay).

There are other big gameplay enhancements, but the ones listed really change the dynamics of the gameplay. For those who say it isn't a big change, I would have to say that you must be a casual gamer that haven't fully understood where the game lacks in the simulation department on AI and collision detection issues for the past 5 years.

For those complaining about the lack of commentary and other presentation elements, that was intentional.

I'm looking forward to seeing the complete package next Tuesday.

I pretty much have to agree. I was impressed with the title, so much so it would be bought if Madden 08 wasnt coming out a month later.

The only problem I have with NCAA08 is I dont love football gaves enough to buy 2 or 3 titles. Its pretty much one football game every year (same goes for bball titles).

As much as I want to spring for APF2K8.. if Madden08 looks and plays as good as this NCAA08 demo.. then Madden08 is definitely at the top of my console football food chain.

all of you guys will be sorely disapointed with 2k8...if you think NCAA looks bad wait until you see 2k8, they are using the PS2 nfl2k5 engine and it looks really dated

They're not using the "PS2 engine" as there is no such thing in this case. But if they are using their 2K5 engine (which they are) they'd be basing it off of what they had with the XBOX-One since the PS2 was incredibly inferior.

Secondly, after side-by-sides, it's clearly on par with Madden.

It does appear to be a mild improvement over last year. I'm a pretty rabid college football fan so I'd buy it unless it was an absolute bomb. Casual fan would be best suited to pick up ncaa07 for dirt cheap once this comes out.

I think NCAA has nicely improved for 08. I don't know whats up with all the whining I think people just expect way to much. I really nice having 60FPS.

It never ceases to amaze me how criticism is called whining on the internet.

I think people expect every review to be positive. Well, that ain't reality.

What people expected is for the game to be better than last years. Right now, it doesn't exactly look to be living up to all of the hype EA put out there.

EA has always been full of hype. They are living off of madden 93' still! :mad:

Are you saying that last year's version played faster? I'm gonna have to wait until the reviews come out b/c I like to game to an extent but the pace of the game and the feel was there.
No, this year's version is faster and smoother.

all of you guys will be sorely disapointed with 2k8...if you think NCAA looks bad wait until you see 2k8, they are using the PS2 nfl2k5 engine and it looks really dated
Funny, considering that the original Xbox was the lead SKU on NFL 2K5.

Secondly, after side-by-sides, it's clearly on par with Madden.


No its not, its already been known 2K8 looks better up close and during cut scenes and replays while Madden looks more polished while actually playing...They both suck. :D ...I expected a bigger noble effort from 2k considering they want to try to win the license back...But then again they did say it was a 2k5 homecoming so at least they were honest about their lack of attempt in doing so.


I wouldn't doubt it. I also think it's less programming work for them, for so it only makes sense that they'd 86 it. After all, these guys are lazy as all hell.

What a huge letdown after all of the hype.

Neither would I and is probably true but you think it would be more work to remove it than to just keep it in....

all of you guys will be sorely disapointed with 2k8...if you think NCAA looks bad wait until you see 2k8, they are using the PS2 nfl2k5 engine and it looks really dated


Moot point it runs on the same engine and is a bit more polished already known and if people bitch about this when the time comes when its released obviously they didnt do their homework and deserve a kick in the ass with that one...Not that their is anything wrong with the engine or the visuals, I just expected more from a company who is trying to make an impact in the genre...But hey kudos to them for admitting the game was rushed...

Does anybody really want to make a good football game anymore?

Sports games in general have been stuck in a rut for quite some time now. The only sports game that I've really gotten into recently is MLB 07 The Show on the ps3. It's not the main game that has consumed many of my waking hours, but the road to the show part. The immersion factor is so important in sports games. I think one big part of it is that for the most part, sports games have been played from the same camera angle for years now. I know making a sports game in first person view is difficult, but these developers need to figure out a better way to make us feel like we're actually playing IN the game, and not watching from afar. The Show has done this to a pretty good degree, but it has just scratched the surface.

I would like to see a developer make a sports game designed from the ground up that incorporates a more immersive camera system. The primary reason why this hasn't happened yet, is that it's usually just a tacked on feature that doesn't get enough development time, while the same stale, seen it a million times before camera angle gameplay gets the bulk of attention.

If you haven't played Mlb 07 The Show, this might be hard to understand, but once you do, you'll see what sports games need to feel like.

No its not, its already been known 2K8 looks better up close and during cut scenes and replays while Madden looks more polished while actually playing...They both suck. :D ...I expected a bigger noble effort from 2k considering they want to try to win the license back...But then again they did say it was a 2k5 homecoming so at least they were honest about their lack of attempt in doing so.




Neither would I and is probably true but you think it would be more work to remove it than to just keep it in....




Moot point it runs on the same engine and is a bit more polished already known and if people bitch about this when the time comes when its released obviously they didnt do their homework and deserve a kick in the ass with that one...Not that their is anything wrong with the engine or the visuals, I just expected more from a company who is trying to make an impact in the genre...But hey kudos to them for admitting the game was rushed...Where in the world are you getting your info from.All the major sites like IGN,Gamespot,Teamxbox and operationsports have nothing but good things to say about apf 2k8.I love how you just invent your own things. keep thinking the game will suck while I'm home with a smile from cheek to cheek.

Where in the world are you getting your info from.All the major sites like IGN,Gamespot,Teamxbox and operationsports have nothing but good things to say about apf 2k8.I love how you just invent your own things. keep thinking the game will suck while I'm home with a smile from cheek to cheek.


What am I making up? They said it ran on the same engine and anyone can see the visuals were not built from the ground up...The animations and physics engine might be but the visuals were not and are nothing more than a high res version of 2k5..NOT THAT THEIR IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT! Keep in mind people believe 2k5 still rivals Madden 07...


Seriously every major site in 07 praised Madden as next gen football finally being here..It was released and down the road it became crap...Now that 08 is on the verge of being released these "major sites" are reporting 07 sucked and real football is finally here...Its called dollars and thats what they speak with before the game is released...Shady bastards.

I still am not sure which football I will buy this year. I can stick it out with madden 93', Tecmo SuperBowl and Mutant Football league! :D

I still am not sure which football I will buy this year. I can stick it out with madden 93', Tecmo SuperBowl and Mutant Football league! :D


Mutant Football league/hockey brings back so many memories haha...I remember their Saturday morning cartoon..

For the people complaining about too many fumbles.
You might want to start using the "protect ball" button. It's "RB".

For the people complaining about too many fumbles.
You might want to start using the "protect ball" button. It's "RB".


That doesnt fix the problem its a glitch and a cheap one at that, its to redundant...Especially on punt returns.

That doesnt fix the problem its a glitch and a cheap one at that, its to redundant...Especially on punt returns.

Glitch?
If you don't protect the ball you will fumble. Especially since they added the strip button back to Next Gen.
I've played through 5 times and seen a total of 2 fumbles. I don't consider that a glitch.

A PR in NCAA will fumble almost every time if a defender is within 5 yards of you fielding the punt and you don't fair catch.
Using the juke or not protecting the ball within a crowd of defenders is also not wise.

Glitch?
If you don't protect the ball you will fumble. Especially since they added the strip button back to Next Gen.
I've played through 5 times and seen a total of 2 fumbles. I don't consider that a glitch.

I agree. I played the game once and I saw a fumble by my team, the opposing team and fumbled I intercepted the opposing team off twice. It's hard to say there's a glitch. Two fumbles seem normal.

That doesnt fix the problem its a glitch and a cheap one at that, its to redundant...Especially on punt returns.
It's not a glitch, it's pretty realistic. How many times does a PR not call a fair catch when two guys are barreling down on him while the ball is still in the air?

Maybe an arcade style football game is more up your alley.

Glitch?
If you don't protect the ball you will fumble. Especially since they added the strip button back to Next Gen.
I've played through 5 times and seen a total of 2 fumbles. I don't consider that a glitch.


This might apply when you are running but on a punt return 8 times out of 10 in 07 you fumbled the ball on a return if you use any juke/spin/dive/speed burst button and you get hit...Its a flaw in the game and while fumbles do occur they are not consistent like that...

Definately not buying this.

This might apply when you are running but on a punt return 8 times out of 10 in 07 you fumbled the ball on a return if you use any juke/spin/dive/speed burst button and you get hit...Its a flaw in the game and while fumbles do occur they are not consistent like that...

It's not a flaw if it's preventable.
We play both gens of NCAA football 07.
I've never had a problem with fumbling.
I don't have a problem with fumbling in the 08 Demo either.

It's not a flaw if it's preventable.
We play both gens of NCAA football 07.
I've never had a problem with fumbling.
I don't have a problem with fumbling in the 08 Demo either.


Its preventable if you call a fair catch or play on the easiest setting...

I never played 07 on any other console but the 360s but the fumbling was so tedious to the point of exhaustion...Half the time I just call a fair catch because of the constant fumbles.

What am I making up? They said it ran on the same engine and anyone can see the visuals were not built from the ground up...The animations and physics engine might be but the visuals were not and are nothing more than a high res version of 2k5..NOT THAT THEIR IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT! Keep in mind people believe 2k5 still rivals Madden 07...


Seriously every major site in 07 praised Madden as next gen football finally being here..It was released and down the road it became crap...Now that 08 is on the verge of being released these "major sites" are reporting 07 sucked and real football is finally here...Its called dollars and thats what they speak with before the game is released...Shady bastards.Jinx the difference between Madden and 2k is that after the praise from the reviewers the game of 2k did not turn to crap.There is a big difference between 2k and ea football.Madden and ncaa are the same game year after year

Jinx the difference between Madden and 2k is that after the praise from the reviewers the game of 2k did not turn to crap.There is a big difference between 2k and ea football.Madden and ncaa are the same game year after year


True but generally 2k football games was the same year after year with previous games...

You know I would be sold on APF if they would just release some freaking details about the game instead of keeping them bottled up..It comes out next week and we basically know everything we did 6 months ago....That is not a good sign and a reason why I am so critical towards it..Its as if 2K has something to hide considering their track record hasnt been to good in the glitch department with next-gen sports titles...Not that EA has been any better but give me some details on the customization and the online leagues! This could be their shining star for the game but instead keep details bottled up...Why!

Its preventable if you call a fair catch or play on the easiest setting...

I never played 07 on any other console but the 360s but the fumbling was so tedious to the point of exhaustion...Half the time I just call a fair catch because of the constant fumbles.

I play on Heisman
I have never had a problem with fumbling.
Fair Catch is part of the prevention.
You can't expect to return every punt.
A good opponent will make you have to fair catch most of the time.
You got to know when you can and can't run.
Not to mention it has a lot to do with the rating of who is actually returning the punts.
Some players are more forgiving than others.
If your fumbling 8 of 10 punts, it's obvious that your doing something that you shouldn't be doing.

I play on Heisman
I have never had a problem with fumbling.
Fair Catch is part of the prevention.
You can't expect to return every punt.
A good opponent will make you have to fair catch most of the time.
You got to know when you can and can't run.
Not to mention it has a lot to do with the rating of who is actually returning the punts.
Some players are more forgiving than others.
If your fumbling 8 of 10 punts, it's obvious that your doing something that you shouldn't be doing.

I will accept your points as I play on Hesiman but honestly man you dont believe that the game is cheap in that just about every punt return is a fumble because you either press the juke button or speed burst?

True but generally 2k football games was the same year after year with previous games...

You know I would be sold on APF if they would just release some freaking details about the game instead of keeping them bottled up..It comes out next week and we basically know everything we did 6 months ago....That is not a good sign and a reason why I am so critical towards it..Its as if 2K has something to hide considering their track record hasnt been to good in the glitch department with next-gen sports titles...Not that EA has been any better but give me some details on the customization and the online leagues! This could be their shining star for the game but instead keep details bottled up...Why!Jinx I agree with you totally about NCAA and Madden but apf has been on teamxbox,gamespot,Ign in the last 2 weeks.Today gamespot was showing a live demo that everyone at operation sports and 2k forums were saying it looked incredible.The owner of operationsports has had the game since yesterday and is giving impressions as we write.He said that the legends attributes were pretty on,Ronnie Lotts is a beast hitting

Jinx I agree with you totally about NCAA and Madden but apf has been on teamxbox,gamespot,Ign in the last 2 weeks.Today gamespot was showing a live demo that everyone at operation sports and 2k forums were saying it looked incredible.The owner of operationsports has had the game since yesterday and is giving impressions as we write.He said that the legends attributes were pretty on,Ronnie Lotts is a beast hitting


I just headed over onto Gamespot and noticed they some photos up of the team editor...The "Iron Men" is such a blatant call at the steelers as is "top guns" the jets...Haha love the Pats logo rip off as well!....

Im interested in hearing about the online leagues and complete names of the team names available...I know Cincinnati is a city that is in the game and the detail you can do to the uniforms is just amazing and I can recreate them if I want to...I am curious if you can get the announcers to say the name of the city and not actually the team name????


From what I have seen in the 5 videos and screenshots at Gamespot I am sold on the game especially since 30 minutes ago I played a little bit of 2k5....Im looking for something different and see no real reason to upgrade NCAA/Madden at least not until a price drops...But I think I could have fun with APF for a while...

Anyone up for creating and AVS league? Im in and promise to keep my razor tongue attitude towards games off the mic and on the board. :p


On a side note, I am scared to death with this game...2k games are to glitchy in recent times.

I just headed over onto Gamespot and noticed they some photos up of the team editor...The "Iron Men" is such a blatant call at the steelers as is "top guns" the jets...Haha love the Pats logo rip off as well!....

Im interested in hearing about the online leagues and complete names of the team names available...I know Cincinnati is a city that is in the game and the detail you can do to the uniforms is just amazing and I can recreate them if I want to...I am curious if you can get the announcers to say the name of the city and not actually the team name????


From what I have seen in the 5 videos and screenshots at Gamespot I am sold on the game especially since 30 minutes ago I played a little bit of 2k5....Im looking for something different and see no real reason to upgrade NCAA/Madden at least not until a price drops...But I think I could have fun with APF for a while...

Anyone up for creating and AVS league? Im in and promise to keep my razor tongue attitude towards games off the mic and on the board. :p


On a side note, I am scared to death with this game...2k games are to glitchy in recent times.Add me to the avs leagues.I know people are waiting for the answer about the dl glitch and qb spy glitch.

Add me to the avs leagues.I know people are waiting for the answer about the dl glitch and qb spy glitch.


If we can get a pool of at least 16 people from AVS I am willing to make a league...Id prefer to keep it clean and find a good mix of players that isnt out to expose glitches and takes defeat as a mere learning experience...Granted I will probably have the worst record of the league, I just dont want to play with a bunch of sore losers or people who exploit the games flaws in their favor....I had enough of that with 2k5 where I would never get the ball because they would kick return it 5 yards....

I will accept your points as I play on Hesiman but honestly man you dont believe that the game is cheap in that just about every punt return is a fumble because you either press the juke button or speed burst?

As I said I've never had a problem with fumbling.
I can't tell you which version shaped my play style in regard to punt returns, but it was well before next gen NCAA 07.

another fah thread on avs.

60fps does look and feel better than last yr. playbooks are the same which they wont be in the actual game. no fumbles if ya COVER "RB" the ball. Gang Tackling is a lil off in the demo but looked better in the vids.

found a dime and nickle nano blitz, the ai never could pick up. LB and/or lineman get through for a sack.

no stuck on people like usual.

mix on the motion snap plays. you're rather stuck once started.

Luv the D hot routes. able to send lb or de to flats is great help to those easy flares of last yr.

Stiffarm is still sketchy. I was in front of someone and used it, cb just fell off. then another player lb was in great position for one but I got flung back.

Wish they would go back to fields on the playcall sheet. you can still bluff by holding the button til ya done but 3 selections were better.

The Good:

*Plays smoother than any EA football game I've ever played. That's saying a lot because every EA football game I've played post-Genesis days has felt like I'm running in mud.

*The 60FPS makes a BIG difference to the way the game moves and you should notice it immediately


The Bad:

*TOO... MANY... DAMN... FUMBLES!!! Nope, it's not chance, it's bad programming. I played the game twice and in 2 games there was a total of 10, count'em, 10 fumbles! Ridiculous. It's as if the issue from last year has gotten worse. WTF!?

*The gang-tackling is a joke. One guy wraps up, another guy adds his little "me too" hit and bounces away. It's not true gang-tackling. Again, it's a joke. Better luck next time on that one EA.

*The detail seems to have gone down, and you'll notice it immediately in the grass. This is something that probably had to be done in order to maintain 60FPS which I can accept, but it sucks to see it go.

*They made a mistake by getting rid of the cutscenes. EA developers said they didn't make sense because people skip through them. Well, I have news for EA; everybody didn't. I liked the cutscenes because it gave you a really cool inside view of the game. Getting rid of them wasn't the answer. The answer was to create MORE of them and make them more random so it stayed fresh. See, that sort of thinking always escapes EA and in the end we're left with something "new" which actually turns out to be a half-assed effort.

*Guys seem to keep bumping into each other. It's like they can't get out of each other's way.

*The photos look better than the actual game

Conclusion: Not impressed. And if I had to base my buying decision on this, I'd be passing. What the heck does EA do with a development cycle? They build hype and underdeliver.I totally agree

Can you imagine what the people at EASports are say, " no matter what we put out and hype up people will take that and really feel like its a big jump from previous years thx for the $120" all it really is is fans of football & football fans getting excited for a new year of football, so they keep buying mediocre EA games b/c they have no other options

Can you imagine what the people at EASports are say, " no matter what we put out and hype up people will take that and really feel like its a big jump from previous years thx for the $120" all it really is is fans of football & football fans getting excited for a new year of football, so they keep buying mediocre EA games b/c they have no other options


This year we do!...

You know my theory with football and other sports related titles have always been buy them bi-yearly. Get 2 years of use out of them and at the end of 2 years enough should be done to where it warrants a new purchase but if you want to upgrade get the year you skipped out on for a fraction of the cost.

You're right though it is people just wanting to get their football fix...Im a victim of that like a dog in heat right now and cant wait for the season to take off...But I still play the 07 titles and have no qualms about them so why should I upgrade?


APF is a must after I saw their customization for the teams uniforms...88 Bengals baby!

True but generally 2k football games was the same year after year with previous games...

You know I would be sold on APF if they would just release some freaking details about the game instead of keeping them bottled up..It comes out next week and we basically know everything we did 6 months ago....That is not a good sign and a reason why I am so critical towards it..Its as if 2K has something to hide considering their track record hasnt been to good in the glitch department with next-gen sports titles...Not that EA has been any better but give me some details on the customization and the online leagues! This could be their shining star for the game but instead keep details bottled up...Why!
Im with you on everything your saying, i was on gamespot site and they had a new E3 video interview with 2 guys from 2k and they talked more about the online part of the game

Look at this http://www.gamespot.com/video/938065/6174738/videoplayerpop?rgroup=e32007_videos this is what football should be like

I play on Heisman
I have never had a problem with fumbling.
Fair Catch is part of the prevention.
You can't expect to return every punt.
A good opponent will make you have to fair catch most of the time.
You got to know when you can and can't run.
Not to mention it has a lot to do with the rating of who is actually returning the punts.
Some players are more forgiving than others.
If your fumbling 8 of 10 punts, it's obvious that your doing something that you shouldn't be doing.

I think you're misunderstanding what he's saying.

The majority of the time, the fumble does not occur from a guy getting hit. You can catch the punt (or kickoff) with no one within 20 yards of you and you're still very likely to fumble when you eventually get tackled.

Here is the problem. The game did not adjust carry ratings for kick returners whose natural position is not WR or RB. The game assigns absurdly low carry ratings for CBs, safeties, etc etc so the problem is when you stick them at KR or PR (which many real teams do) they'll fumble extremely often.

This would explain why some people are not experiencing the problem (probably have a WR or RB at kick returner).

The fix is just to put a RB or WR with a high carry rating as your return guy, which just hurts realism a bit if your team happens to use a DB there in real life.

The big problem with the next gen football games thusfar had been stupid things left out, and while this seems to again be on the right track I still noticed a couple, mainly that you can't call the playmaker run flip on offense on a passing play, so when you see the QB make that hand signal you KNOW it's a run play, and there's no way to bluff it.



Actually
You can hit run flip on a passing play and he will bluff the motion.
At least it worked for me
I also noticed in the Demo that sometimes USC's playbook will appear (no shot gun formations) and some times it won't.

I think you're misunderstanding what he's saying.

The majority of the time, the fumble does not occur from a guy getting hit. You can catch the punt (or kickoff) with no one within 20 yards of you and you're still very likely to fumble when you eventually get tackled.

Here is the problem. The game did not adjust carry ratings for kick returners whose natural position is not WR or RB. The game assigns absurdly low carry ratings for CBs, safeties, etc etc so the problem is when you stick them at KR or PR (which many real teams do) they'll fumble extremely often.

This would explain why some people are not experiencing the problem (probably have a WR or RB at kick returner).

The fix is just to put a RB or WR with a high carry rating as your return guy, which just hurts realism a bit if your team happens to use a DB there in real life.

Thing is
I've never had a problem with any teams default PR's fumbling.
I'm also not one that usually likes to switch out the default KR or PR because your default players usually have the highest KR or PR rating.

I have always liked putting a burner back there to do the returns. It makes it more exciting...

I read all of the early reviews for the Demo before playing, i have to echo alot of the reviews. I'm hoping this demo was rushed as last years was. I'm not a fan of the new play selection window. The Graphics are smoother, more next gen but still not anywhere close to what they could/should be. Gameplay is good, the QB does have an exceptionally fast release.

Overall, once again i think the Demo was rushed. If the game ends up as this demo was, then EA has completely given up on pleasing the public, sure the gang tackles are nice, but i get the game for the gameplay. Dont change it every year.

I hope you are right about the rushing of the demo...

does anyone know if I can transfer the players name to my xbox360 with a usb drive instead of a memory card?

does anyone know if I can transfer the players name to my xbox360 with a usb drive instead of a memory card?
won't work, gotta be with a memory card

I'm wondering if EA accelerated/exaggerated a few things in the two minute demo so that they could show off a few things. Hear me out on this: it's not just the fumbles that are too frequent, you can say the same about the instant replays (although related to fumbles), the injuries and the spectacular catches. Some may even say the interceptions are also too frequent for a 2 mintue demo on varsity level. Maybe EA tuned these up in the demo as to ensure we see these things in a demo that only has 2-minute quarters.

Having said all that, I still don't experience the fumbles nearly as much as many of you. I do use the RB button occasionally though. I'm also not too worried since I hated last year's demo but enjoyed the actual game. I actually like this year's demo better. Hopefully the trend continues.

Hearing all of the excuses for the fumbling is funny. So tell me, why is it that the CPU fumbles so much? Hmmmm?

Simple: bad programming.

End of story.

It's not a glitch, it's pretty realistic. How many times does a PR not call a fair catch when two guys are barreling down on him while the ball is still in the air?

Maybe an arcade style football game is more up your alley.

A classic response. The only ones that don't feel it's realistic are the ones that don't play realistic LOL.

Hearing all of the excuses for the fumbling is funny. So tell me, why is it that the CPU fumbles so much? Hmmmm?

Simple: bad programming.

End of story.

Played through 10 games
CPU has fumbled maybe 3 times. Compared to the times i've tried to strip it or force it with a big user hit thats not many at all.

There is hope after all... :)

I'm wondering if EA accelerated/exaggerated a few things in the two minute demo so that they could show off a few things. Hear me out on this: it's not just the fumbles that are too frequent, you can say the same about the instant replays (although related to fumbles), the injuries and the spectacular catches. Some may even say the interceptions are also too frequent for a 2 mintue demo on varsity level. Maybe EA tuned these up in the demo as to ensure we see these things in a demo that only has 2-minute quarters.

Having said all that, I still don't experience the fumbles nearly as much as many of you. I do use the RB button occasionally though. I'm also not too worried since I hated last year's demo but enjoyed the actual game. I actually like this year's demo better. Hopefully the trend continues.


I hate that the demo is stuck on the easy varsity level because the CPU presents no challenge what so ever. So it is not really possible to truly evaluate the AI.
Most of my INT's I get are "user INT'S", so I can't say that they are too frequent unless you want to say that the CPU QB throws a lot of frequent bad passes.
But, I'm expecting that because it is the varsity level.

I would think that if there was an actual fumble glitch that I would be fumbling too.

I'm excited about 08 mainly because it looks like it will finally have everything offered in the current gen versions.
Only thing I see missing is the slide blocking for the 0 line and a way to hide the play calling in the demo.

I thought there were too many fumbles in Madden, too. I think fumbles should be very rare, but they happen too often in EA football games. In 2K football games, I thought fumbling frequency was spread out very well. You'd have played a number of games without one, and suddenly on 3rd and 5 with 1:00 left and you're driving to the winning score, one of those realistic squirt-outs would happen. You'd be pissed, but pleased because you knew it happened at the right time. With EA, you're worried a fumble is going to happen on every play and you're just waiting for it even from the CPU. Not good.

... you watch some of the NCAA videos up on the web, and what do you see? More fumbling!

Guys, several users at Operation Sports have the game. Yes, I know, they usually are fan boys but the impressions are overwhelming positive. Most of what was missing int he demo are basically gone from the retail version. For example, lack of atmosphere, too many spectacular plays, excessive injuries, excessive fumbling, etc. At least most users say the fumbling has been toned down fromthe demo. Start at about page 60 of this thread: http://forums.operationsports.com/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=211312&page=113

You can also check out videos at EA Sports world at: http://easportsworld.com/

I'm definitely picking up this game.

Oh yeah, and in real football you gotta cover the ball when you get it traffic or it gets stripped.

Ok, so some posters have reported lots of fumbles. Some say it's a realistic amount. In either case, you've got to use the cover up button in traffic.

Am I the only one still posting here?

My football hormones aren't flowing yet. I simply can't get stoked about football until I flip the calendar and see "September". I played two demo games and thought the game played okay... certainly better than last year. The 60 fps definitely helps with the feel. The graphics were acceptable, but not jaw-dropping.... sort of like Forza 2 in that sense.

I got owned in both games I played, but my heart just simply isn't into football right now. I'm pretty confident that this game will get the job done for me come September. Heck, most of you guys will have 6 weeks of experience under your belt by the time I pick it up and get online. I can't imagine the arse whuppings I'm going to get when I first take it online!

Ok, so some posters have reported lots of fumbles. You've got to use the cover up button in traffic.

Am I the only one still posting here?

Thats what I've been saying all along.
I got the "User Strip" button down pat on the current gen version of NCAA 07.
Thats is all we been playing at work all year. I'm talking hundreds of games.
If they think the Demo has a lot of fumbles.
Don't cover up when playing me and see how many you get :D.

My football hormones aren't flowing yet. I simply can't get stoked about football until I flip the calendar and see "September". I played two demo games and thought the game played okay... certainly better than last year. The 60 fps definitely helps with the feel. The graphics were acceptable, but not jaw-dropping.... sort of like Forza 2 in that sense.

I got owned in both games I played, but my heart just simply isn't into football right now. I'm pretty confident that this game will get the job done for me come September. Heck, most of you guys will have 6 weeks of experience under your belt by the time I pick it up and get online. I can't imagine the arse whuppings I'm going to get when I first take it online!

Let me help you out.
Go ahead and flip the calender to September
Turn your TV to the NFL Network

My football hormones never stop flowing :D
Football practices are already starting for my kids.

... you watch some of the NCAA videos up on the web, and what do you see? More fumbling!

Ever watch football follies?

What really stinks about all these awesome video games coming out starting in August is that it is right during football season.

Pro ball is not so bad because I have the two side by side TVs and the way the networks work you only get one game at a time in our market. So I can pop in a game and still have the football game on (if it gets boring). But College ball thats different. I will need both my TVs and all my PiP to watch all the games that are on at any one time.

Plus there’s Monday night games and sometimes Wed, Thur night games (yes I watch even the small school teams). I think there was a point last year where there was a football game on everyday for about 10 days in a row. It’s going to make it hard to find time to play all the video games, especially with big long games like Blue Dragon and Mass effect in there. I may have to schedule some time off work. :)

You know, having said all that above, I don’t feel as bad about skipping NCAA08 again this year. I mean I REALLY want a football game, but why get one if it stinks and I don’t play it. Especially with all those other games on deck, ready to be released. Still I will wait for user reviews to decide if I will get it.

I'm a huge college football fan and thought this year is head & shoulders above last years 360 version. The animations are amazingly smooth & gang tackling is a very nice plus. I couldn't even play one full game on last years version because it was so bad.
The game didn't blow me away (which I surely did not expect based on EA's performance the last few years) but it is good enough to put my PS2 away for good.

I agree with others that the playcalling screen is poorly designed and the run animations are still a tiny bit off. Overall, the gameplay has improved by leaps & bounds.
I can't wait to get this thing and try it on Heisman.


Oh, and I played 3 games with only 1 fumble.

Football practices are already starting for my kids.

And this is probably why I have such a negative football vibe this time of year... the late July and August heat reminds me of the torurous two-a-day high school football practices in 95 degree heat. I learned more about doing bear crawls and hill climbs than I did about football during this time.

I tried watching the NFL network, but that doesn't do it for me either. I just don't feel it for some reason. I'm not a baseball fan either, so that doesn't fill in the void. I watch golf and racing during the summer, if anything.

I'm the same way about basketball. I can't get into it at all until mid-December. Once the NCAA tournament is over, I'm done with it in April. The NBA doesn't do a thing for me. I guess I'm an anomaly in this sense, but I can't change my nature. I enjoy the heck out of football and college basketball when they're in season, so I can't complain.

And this is probably why I have such a negative football vibe this time of year... the late July and August heat reminds me of the torurous two-a-day high school football practices in 95 degree heat. I learned more about doing bear crawls and hill climbs than I did about football during this time.

I tried watching the NFL network, but that doesn't do it for me either. I just don't feel it for some reason. I'm not a baseball fan either, so that doesn't fill in the void. I watch golf and racing during the summer, if anything.

I'm the same way about basketball. I can't get into it at all until mid-December. Once the NCAA tournament is over, I'm done with it in April. The NBA doesn't do a thing for me. I guess I'm an anomaly in this sense, but I can't change my nature. I enjoy the heck out of football and college basketball when they're in season, so I can't complain.


Golf, cant go wrong their.

Thats is all we been playing at work all year.

Villanman, what the f*** do you do for a living? I WANT YOUR JOB DAMN IT!!!

Villanman, what the f*** do you do for a living? I WANT YOUR JOB DAMN IT!!!

I'm a Firefighter
Best Job in the world :D .

Ever watch football follies?

Yeah. Is that where EA is taking this?


LOL.

I just bought the game 30 minutes ago from Sears, of all places. I have the only copy in the City, and perhaps the entire area and I know because I called around.

Sears had just one copy for 360 and about 15 for XBOX-One. I asked them if they'd sold any for 360 and they said "Nope, you're the first."

I don't understand how Sears can have it and none of the gameshops in my area have it. I called EB and Gamestop to tell them I have it and they were like "WTF!!!???" LOL. I loved that.

Anyway, I haven't played it yet but I'll get to it sometime today. However, I have to say it doesn't look good right off because the picture of Tim Teabow on the back of the case has bad jaggies all over the helmet's face mask! When will EA get this straightened out? (never).

Hurry up and tell us about the gameplay! :D

I just bought the game 30 minutes ago from Sears, of all places. I have the only copy in the City, and perhaps the entire area and I know because I called around.

Sears had just one copy for 360 and about 15 for XBOX-One. I asked them if they'd sold any for 360 and they said "Nope, you're the first."

I don't understand how Sears can have it and none of the gameshops in my area have it. I called EB and Gamestop to tell them I have it and they were like "WTF!!!???" LOL. I loved that.

Anyway, I haven't played it yet but I'll get to it sometime today. However, I have to say it doesn't look good right off because the picture of Tim Teabow on the back of the case has bad jaggies all over the helmet's face mask! When will EA get this straightened out? (never).


I was at EB today and they said they had it and even showed me the whole box of it but said they couldnt sell it because they would get fired...EBGamestop is always uptight about breaking street date.

Consider yourself lucky my Sears doesnt even carry games anymore but Toys R Us always breaks street date. :)

Just figured out how to hide play calling for when your playing a buddy in the same room.

Press A for the play you want, but keep it held down.
The play calling screen will remain up
Scroll to a random play and release.

Just figured out how to hide play calling for when your playing a buddy in the same room.

Press A for the play you want, but keep it held down.
The play calling screen will remain up
Scroll to a random play and release.

I hope that's not all their is to it, that doesn't work at all. They can just listen for the click when you press A initially and know that's your play..

I hope that's not all their is to it, that doesn't work at all. They can just listen for the click when you press A initially and know that's your play..

There is no click.
It's not like 07 NG
There is no sound, no matter if you hide it or not.
I actually like this way much better than 07 NG.

So how is the game?

I'm a Firefighter
Best Job in the world :D .

Oh, Ok, that explains a lot. I have a lot of respect for what you guys do. I'll have to say I won't be trying to steal your job though. I'm too selfish and too much of a chicken. Keep up the good work though.

I was at EB today and they said they had it and even showed me the whole box of it but said they couldnt sell it...

WTF, I thought you were holding out for AP 2k8? ;)