To the NCAA Football staff at EA Sports,
I've put a lot of time and thought into this. I've tried to steer from coming off as tedious or too critical, but depth of conversation is needed. Though it is lengthy, it consist of sound arguements/points and (quickly) envisioned answers to some areas of weaknesses. I've offered examples and ideas throughout, no offense to anyone, so as I don't come off as an unpleasant complaint with no ideas or answers of my own. Many are simple, just calls for attention to detail. I strongly believe this is successful and should be taken as so. Thank you.
Let's get it down to a list; and the list is in order of priority (this is vital):
1) Gameplay, Gameplay, Gameplay (have to read this) - Don't focus on any other project until you've mastered this. Revamp the A.I, it's horrible. Players react so unrealisticly, especially in the secondary. Attention to detail!! It's so hard not to go on and on about this (and physics also). Example: I was in a tough game, on defense, the computer drops back and my pass rush takes about 7-8 seconds to get to the QB so he has all day, meanwhile their slot receiver runs about a 10 yard stop, my CB is in man cover and the fool just stood 4 yards behind him and when the QB finally had to throw it he has an easy, ridiculous, 10 yarder. He just stood there until the WR caught the ball and then tackled him, and I play the game usually on Heisman. Happened on many occasions. For good secondaries there needs to be a better field awareness. I hate that it's usually left up to either intercept the ball or they will probably complete it because QBs are too accurate and the WRs have too great of hands. I'm a DBs guy and I want my guys to go up and fight and break up passes realisticly, give 'em some ball skills!. If it's in tight coverage have better animations that resemble it, not just have it to where the reciever has automatic position. Show the receivers and DBs actually jostling with each other then the interfence call would be much more relevant. If the DBs ball skills aren't too great it'll effect how often he gets called for the flag and how often he gets beaten for the ball, and once in a while have the WRs pass interfere too (this would really drag the player into the detail of the game). ----- I strongly agree (how could you not?) with the desperate need for a real battle in the trenches. What year in the franchise was it that one of the big selling points was exactly that, because it exactly was not. There has never been an installment of this game in which the lines resemble that of the actual game of football. It's a disjustice for teams and players that like to run between the tackles (shut up Corso). If you have a dominant run blocking O-Line then it should be displayed with realistic blocking and actual holes opening up. I know this won't happen every play and it shouldn't, expecially against other dominant D-Lines, but give us something. Have a pile form sometimes in the hole, that would be really cool (and very realistic). I'm tired of all this stuff about 'wide open offense' and all the other 'new' things. Cover all aspects of the game, not just the fun or 'cool' aspects of it. ALL of it! It's like you're almost baited into playing Florida or Oklahoma's style of play. Would like to see this game be more defensive- focused this year, similarly to NHL '09. Also, make sure those guys that test the games out have a good, solid knowledge of the real game so they will pick up on this.
*1-A- Physics (a little more in depth look at gameplay) - New physics engine could help bring a solution to the gameplay problems. I keep hearing about FIFA's great physics, might need to check that out; Madden even got a new physics engine. It's time to do the same, and even richer and more detailed. The interaction between the players should be a top priority, examples: 1) DBs should put their arms out to get a feel for the WRs on bump and run coverage and especially on deep and fade routes (like they do in real life), this helps to keep them close to the receiver. And WRs and DBs both should do suttle josiling to get in better position to make a play on the ball (ball skills will effect how they perform at this). If one does too much or does not have great ball skills they might commit pass interference or just get out played for the ball. 2) DBs should contest passes more intelligently and be givin more animations to showcase this. They are either brain dead morons or jump the route and get the pick (cpu is ridiculous at this on heisman). Have them jam receivers better, get their hands/arms between the ball and receiver when he is trying to reel in a catch (make sure you give the user controlled guys the ability to do this also), have them attempt to break the pass up as the receiver is trying for the reception if they're in position instead of just waiting for the receiver to catch it and tackle him. Fix the computer's ability, on Heisman, to just jump routes and pick the ball off in a superman like fashion makes me want to rip my face off. Plenty of times I'm throwing to my open TE or WR in the middle of the field about ten yards deep, and their MLB will jump at split second timing and come down with the pick, and he's only about five yards away from me and nowhere close to who I was throwing to (what if that had happened in a critical moment). Bobbled catches should be added as well for Receivers, DBs, and anyone that it applies to. It's not an often thing, but one that does occur from time to time. Would make for great blind side decleaners and just great entertainment. --- I'll just put them into bullets:
- Much more improved physics and A.I. in the secondary and passing game all together -- cannot stress enough (hard to refrain myself from this topic)--- One thing
(*must read*)- An option would be to try that
'skill stick' control that NHL '09 used. We'd be able to play the ball using the right stick and corresponding it to the ball and the receiver (for DBs) and defender (for WRs). DBs could get their hand/hands out, up, down, around, pick off, used with diving and jumping. Adding a jump button would be best for total control so we could break up jump balls seamlessly and fluidly (don't skimp on the DB play; defense first). For WRs, it would be used to catch the ball, of course, but you would have to move it in the direction of the ball. The seperate jump button along with the 'skill stick' would give so much satisfaction; would give the user the feeling of actually 'making' the play instead of pushing a button and letting the computer do the rest. This would make the game SO much more immersive (Whoah!). Though, there is still the question with what to do with 'hit stick'. I don't know if you could move it to seperate buttons/triggers (high and low hits), or make the right stick the 'skill stick' when the ball is in the air and switch to 'hit stick' when the ball is in possession (make sure the stick switches seamlessly between the two in case of playaction, option pass, HB pass, flea flicker, etc.). Then the question is still "what about those bang-bang plays where you have a shot at killing the WR?" Well, assigning the 'big hit' to a button while the ball is in the air wouldn't be a problem; there aren't too many options to control the hit types anyway. How many people hit low when delivering a blind decleaner? For those moments it should be left up to the player's build, strength, speed, and hit power for which hit he'll deliver. If the receiver is jumping through the air, and you hit the designated button (depending on your player's abilities) can send him flipping on his head (sort of a low hit) or just slam a shoulder in his chest that puts him in his grave. The button would just have to be smart about making the right hit for the situation. ---- Whatever you think would be best, go with the stick or something else, would be fine as long as it's done right; I'm just tossing an idea.
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Improved physics and A.I. in line play. The battle in the trenches is weak to nonexistent. They just don't seem to be battling out there. The O-line doesn't have the intent of opening holes, they just pick a guy out and try and block him, and in many instances they will run right by a guy they should've easily picked up and the ball carrier gets drilled ( I could understand if it were lower tier lineman with low awareness, but even the best OLs do this often). The blockers get even more lost when you get past the first line of defense with blockers still in tact, they don't seem to try and keep the play alive intelligently. Also, there are plenty of players falling on both sides of the trench war in football, especially in the running game. Would love to see this displayed; actually, definitely needs to be added. Defensive line needs attention too. The run stuffers don't really try and **** up blocks and penetrate, they're just kind of there. The pass rushers don't do a great job of exploding around or inside the lineman (speed rushers) and don't use a bull rush either (stronger pass rushers). Give the DL and blitzing LBs more animations and options to use to get around a defender; explode with a hook, quicker swim and spin moves for the better players, bull rush, etc. And, obviously, how good they are with respect to what they're trying to do will determine how efficient they are at it. Also, give the pass rushers the ability to jab and swat at ball to cause a fumble when they can't quite get around the blocker, but are close enough to reach him. Animate the pocket crashing down around a QB and effect his decisions and accuracy (important). Include composure ratings, maybe, to determine how well they handle this. That's what the pocket is, DLs try to push it back on the QB while OLs try to keep it in tact and off the QB. I bet all this would make people pay more attention to the big boys during recruiting.
- Weather Effects - When it's raining the field should get tore up as the game progresses along with the players displaying it all over their uniforms (the more rain, the nastier the players; especially with natural grass stadiums). Give physics so the players resemble having trouble with traction and even on occasion may slip or fall (along with the cold would make it even more slippery). There should be a little more fumbling, more difficult to catch the ball, and more difficult to throw it also. -- Same things apply to snow, with players leaving their footprints behind (may already be in the game, not sure).
-----*** I was in Best Buy the other day and this guy was playing Madden. After I got done playing around with NCAA I went to leave, and on the way out I glanced over at the guy playing and was blown away at how muddy the field and players were. If it weren't for the scoreboard at the top of the screen and the name 'Brees' under his QB, I wouldn't have been able to tell which teams were playing.
- Give defenses their due. It seems like all the focus goes to the offense. Players also love to be that man on defense (ex: linebacker, safety, etc.), but it's presented to them like the offensive side of the ball is. Defense's attention from you guys is long over due.
- Defenses that have been getting wore down by the opposition's running game should resemble it - being able to consistently run the ball is demoralizing for a defense.
- Add branching tackles - this is pretty big. RBs (and even tough WRs or TEs) should be able to drag or shake off tacklers, and even consecutive tacklers. When a RB hits through a hole and defenders lunge out for him, he should have the ability (depending on the appropriate ratings) to drag or shake them. Would be very realistic if a back with a good strength rating shows his tendency to drag tacklers or push the pile for those extra few yards. Also, If a tackler has us unsecurely and another guy is coming, then we should be able to duck him and change directions or spin/power out of it and go. Whatever you could do with this addition (but not over-done) would definitely be a very welcomed one by all fans.
- Quarterbacks-- much too accurate. QBs, especially in college football, tend to have errant throws from time to time. I understand there are your Colt McCoys and Sam Bradfords who miss too often, but in the game everyone is really accurate. This tends to really be a major problem in-game as the computer QBs (on a high difficulty) can march down the field easily. Make it more noticable when you're playing a top tier QB as opposed to a lower tier QB (and, please, not just by interceptions). Much improved physics in the overall game would definitely help fix this problem and make it more realistic.
- Also, the computer QBs don't seem to be bothered by pressure. If one of my guys, on a rare occasion, gets through quickly, the computer just throws off his back foot to a, usually covered, receiver (and I never see the computer throw the ball away). That just kills me. It happens just as much with lower rated QBs. It's like the awareness rating doesn't mean a thing. Not only should it result in more sacks and incompletions, it's a great time to influence the interceptions and fumbles (talk more about that in a sec.). The pressure should be clearly animated, and how that QBs ratings are in regards to the pressure he's receiving should depict how well he can beat it. Maybe QBs with low awareness ratings (sporatics) tend to throw picks and inaccurate throws, QBs with decent awrareness tend to take more sacks if there isn't a clear hot route thus not turning the ball over, QBs with high awareness tend to show their ability to beat the pressure or throw it away. I think there actually should be seperate ratings for making good decisions on where to go with the ball and their ability to pickup and beat the blitz. Think about it, just because G. Harrell and S. Bradford know where to go with the ball shouldn't also mean they are good at beating the blitz. That's the way to defeat them! They never faced consistent pressure during the season, but in the bowl games they did face it and they weren't too hot with it. Someone like John Parker Wilson who always gets the compliment of "he's great at controlling the ball and not turning it over", but he ***** at picking up the blitz!
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More fumbles by the QBs when being sacked or pressured. QBs carrying rating should play more of a factor when getting sacked (especially when the rusher uses a swat or strip). I think it's cool when a speed rusher flies around the edge, but can't quite get to the QB so he swipes or pokes the ball out of his hands. Would be really nice to see.
- More dynamic hits - There should be harder hits. I'm not really 'wowed' by the the games biggest hits. They're ok, but we'd like to see those 'murder she wrote' hits on those rare occasions when you catch someone blindsided or you have a full head of steam with all that built-up momentum and just release it into the opposition's soul, he hits the ground so fast and so hard that they would need a shovel to get him out. It be awesome to see, but not 'over-done'.
- More gang tackles and better piles - Gang tackles shouldn't only consist of two guys at the most, there should be the opportunity to have more. If one or two of my guys is having trouble bringing down a ball carrier (branching tackles) I should have the opportunity to finish him off. Also, the 'pile' is poorly represented, if not at all. RBs that slam into the heart of a defense often ends in a pile of players, or when they hit a wall of people. On big third/fourth and shorts and goalline runs up the gut often end up that way whether they get stuffed for a loss or gain a yard or two. -----***Give us the ability to get up and stuff the goalline dive - I know we can hit them, but how cool would it be to have a pile form up and be able to come over the top with your middle linebacker and stick them? ...Quite a bit.
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Wide receivers have too great of hands. Would like to see receivers drop a little more and bobble more passes, especially in tight coverage and off target throws. If a WR's momentum is carrying him one way, then it is very difficult to reach back behind himself to catch the ball. Only the better receivers can do this consistently. All off target passes (hopefully there are more) should be somewhat difficult to snag, but it seems that every receiver has great body control in the game. Sometimes a pass should cause the player to slow down or come to a stop, or slide down to get it if they have good hands but not the athleticism (or body control) to catch it and keep his momentum. The spectacular catch rating should also govern how good they are at catching off target passes and keeping their body under control/keeping their momentum.
- Route running should be more dynamic. Should be able to tell the difference on the field between a weeker route runner compared to a much better route runner.
- More dynamic and juggled catches - I would love to see that when the ball is batted around and my player is falling to still have a shot at pulling in the catch. Including the 'skill stick' would really make these insane catches possible and immersive seeing as you have to be quick and procise (if the 'stick' is done correctly). This includes juggled catches also.
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Improved player models - We should be able to tell the difference between a monster 340+ lb. player from a 270 lb. player, and not just by the belly (not all 300+ lb. players have huge bellies). Also, speed guys should look more lean and sleek.
- A much improved physics engine would make for a much more refined and smoother gaming experience.
2- Difficulty - Must be fixed- I'd like to just play the game on a challenging, but satisfying, difficulty level. It would be understandable if the Heisman level was meant for a "see what you got" type level, but there is no happy medium. Insert Madden's Adaptive Difficulty Engine, I think it's a wonderful idea but I've also heard mixed reviews. The bad side being that the 'Virtual Training Center' doesn't do a good job of assessing your IQ by putting you in game situations, rather they make you go one on one and see if you could beat the CPU at whatever the skill is. I like that it adjust during games, but what I'm worried about is that 'What if I'm playing a lowly team or if I'm just 'on' that game?' I hope it doesn't unjustly punish me by increasing the CPU's ability up to too high of levels that they shouldn't be at. Big wins or runs happen, even against a tough foe. If you get all the momentum and run with it then the engine hopefully won't automaticly help the CPU catch up, those things can, and do, happen. I like for it to find a nice setting and stick with it throughout the games, unless the player opts for it to change. Hopefully it won't be limited to Freshman, Varsity, All-American, and Heisman; instead be able to mix in between two of them if needed. Maybe a number system of 1-10, for instance: 1- Freshman, 4-Varsity, 7-All-American, 10-Heisman. That way it's simple and the engine would have plenty of options (10) to choose a satisfactory difficulty.
- On Heisman it's too difficult to win, computer does flat out ridiculous things- for example: as soon as I go to throw the ball their DBs and LBs are already reacting to it like they knew where I was going with the ball. Therefore, too many picks. While when I'm on defense it is too damn hard and frustrating to stop their pass. 1) can't seem to get to the QB, even if I do get in he just gets it off spot on, at split second timing (hurrying the QB doesn't seem to have much effect) to his receiver (which is my next point). 2) the QBs are too accurate. The computer can throw off his back foot and still deliver perfect passes consistently. 3) it's like their receivers have automatic position on my DBs, all I can hope for is that they jar it loose on the tackle. 4) receivers catch too well. ---- Also, they break too many tackles, even their WRs break plenty of tackles. I like game breaking plays, but it seems to happen too much (and I like to pride myself on defense).
- On All-American it's too easy to win- All that would be ok on Heisman if All-American wasn't too easy. It's not a cake walk or anything, but I win unrealisticly. The main problem is the computer can't run the ball. Don't get me wrong, I do pride myself on stuffing the run but it's not satisfying when I consistently shut their running game down every game, easily; unless they happen to break one. I think the problem is that the O-Line isn't trying to open holes.
- Sliders seem to have little to no effect- I'll tweak at 'em all day, but can't find what I'm looking for. I could take their WR's catching all the way down and they still catch most everything. I'll take their run blocking all the way up, but they still can't run on me. Every game I play I take the interceptions slider all the way down for my unit and the computer's; on All-American it seems there are a little too many picks going on and mostly done by my unit, on Heisman the computer gets too many.
- Use Madden's Adaptive Difficulty Engine- Bring it over, but make it more detailed. A definite need to give the gamers that nice mix of competiveness and playability (not too hard, not too easy). Too often sports games leave the gamers (including me) with unsatisfactory difficulty levels, therefore, leaves the game unrewarding and unplayable.
3- Coaching Effect - I don't see why, in NCAA or Madden games, there is no effect from the coaching staff. The entire game is left up to attributes. That is only half the actual game of football. I'm always hoping for a TRUE TO LIFE game. Coaching staffs have a lot to say about the outcomes of games (I know you're probably sitting the with an "I know" expression), but explain why it's not in the game. We need coaches that bring their different schemes to the game ex: Saban and his defense- blitz packages to harrass the QB (if we'd have had that speed off the edge we would have played for that National title), Meyer and his play in space offense (playbooks and A.I execution should exhibit this). Dan Mullen is headed to Miss St. so they should exhibit the same style. How cool would it be to try and counter what the elite coaching staffs are going to do? If it's too hard (or too lazy) to put in the game, then how about at least have a coaching staff grade or areas of the game that they impact ex: Saban with bonuses to the defense's execution and team discipline (associated with the already present player attributes) and Meyer bonuses for offensive execution, etc, etc. Maybe add in how well they prepare for an upcoming games, therefore, awarding us some tips as to what the opponent likes to do (also effects simulated games), effect how intense and focused the team is throughout the game, how well they recruit, etc., etc. Maybe a way to use this with current great coaches and a way to improve as a coach would be a point system. Maybe how well a team performs at certain task or areas you designate to this would decide how many points you gain or lose and what areas we could spend them (just an idea thrown out there). That way there could be up and coming coaches to move their way up the coaching ranks, and coaches that get fired. No matter how deep you go with it (hopefully fairly deep) at least attempt at it. At least have something where the coaches have an effect. There is no reason the game should be purely decided by ratings.
4- Special Teams - This is a HUGE part of NCAA football, but it's poorly showcased in the game. We, the gamers, need to feel the excitement of all the aspects of the special teams game (both sides).
-4-a- The kick return and punt return game consists of players running around with no knowledge or idea of what they want to accomplish. There are no wedges or lanes being attempted to set. Also, give us the option of which form of kick and punt returns we want to perform; either one wedge or lane or seperate lanes, etc. Maybe just make it a set formation under the coach's strategy, like a defense set or style of offense.
-4-b- Field goal and punt block need improvements- The main one is FG block, I've only blocked a few or so field goals in my entire time playing NCAA's games (and I don't take breaks when they attempt one). I try to get it, even on extra points. I'll try from different spots and angles or even try and load players up in one spot before they snap it, but nothing works. There is no penetration like there should be, followed by a leaper (give him some air) over the top and divers from the angles. It would be intense to be foaming at the mouth at the opportunity to block a game-winning or late field goal, and to have the confidence in doing it. But sadly we must just watch and hope they miss it. ---- Punt block isn't in need of as much attention as FG block, but a little adjustment would be appreciated. Give optional formations to come after the punter; up the middle, off the sides, etc.
-4-c- Different forms of punting- ex: regular, rugby style, and the wall of guys in front of the punter forms. As well as the one where your team is in the opposing teams territory, but your not confident in a field goal so you line up to go for it; if you don't like what you see in the 'D' you should be able (if you have a QB that is able to somewhat punt, like many can) to option out and back up about ten yards and do a 'pooch' punt.
---*** Wouldn't it be cool if a team that uses that 'wall of guys' formation because they think it's tougher to block the punt, for us to have the ability to come barrelling in and use the 'bull rush' move to try and knock him back on the punter or be able to leap over him and maybe cause a mess.
-4-d) Also, punt return containment needs tweaking- Teams don't use many offensive lineman on punt coverage. Too much seperation between the coverage guys coming down the field (probably because of slow guys that shouldn't be out there). Leads to being too easy to beat those couple of guys coming off the edges and the next group is a crowd of about nine guys running side by side, and all you can do is just try to **** 'em one way and quickly cut and head in the other.
-4-e) The 'surprise' onside kick should be implemented , as well as the onside kick as a whole should be refined.
5) Recruiting - Pretty good, but needs updating.
- We need to see those recruits that are 'ready to produce' prospects. This meaning they would come in to your team already advanced in their raitings and awareness; ready to be a starter or receive consistent playing time. These players would already have such a step above other Freshmen, so they should still progress, but just at little slower rate. Players like Julio Jones or AJ Green should have been rated a lot higher than they were, they came in right away and were two of the most skilled and reliable 'go-to' guys in the nation. Michael Crabtree won the Biletnikoff award as a Freshman and Sophomore (partly because of the system), but the game would never allow that. Like how Tebow and Bradford adapted so quickly as Sophomores. There needs to be those type recuits and at any positions, but needs to be limited to a handfull or so a season. I understand it's hard to impossible to tell how quickly they will adapt to the college game. Though in dynasty there should be those rare type of players out there.
- Dynasty should also have those 'bust' (overrated) players and 'hidden gems' (underrated) players. Maybe have an added feature or attribute in the recruitment of a prospect to show this. Maybe a percentage thing or recruiting coordinator reveal the likelihood of that prospect to go either way, and we have to spend recruit points and/or have the coordinator and/or assistant coaches recruit ratings to reveal how reliable and skilled they are at this. Would help level the playing field for lower tier programs.
- I think this would be a great idea: have your assistant coaches factor in on recuiting with a ratings system designated for them. You could assign your coaches to certain areas of the country to recruit depending on how good they are and where the most talent is. Then (depending on their abilities) they would gather as many recruits as they can and get them interested in your program. Then your job is to come in and try and sell yourself and the program to the recruit; seal the deal. Also, you can still be able to go out and search for your own recruits. I know the game already does something like this, but it's unclear. Needs a shot in the arm.
- Fix future recruits' ratings and 'sub'- ratings- As the dynasty gets into multiple years, there are so many recruits with attributes that don't make sense. For example: a RB prospect with the measurements of, say, 6'0 225 lbs. may have a low truck rating and a high spin/juke rating, or a high strength rating with a low truck rating. A running QB with no other attributes to support his running (carrying, break tackles, spin, juke, etc.). A CB with no press and release, man cover, zone cover, ball skills, etc. It goes on and on with all types of prospects at every position.
6) Presentation - Let's get right into it:
- 6-a- The announcers are not drawn to the game and are very uninteresting. Often they sound like a broken record (especially Corso). They've been repeating the same lines for years. They need plenty more lines to keep it fresh. Sometimes what they're saying doesn't match up well or at all to what went on in the game. They need much more enthusiasm in the game when a team or unit (say, defense) is performing great; for big plays or hits too. Also, during big moments of the game they should do a really good job of drawing us in and climaxing the moment. There are plenty of ways to up the announcers.
- 6-b- Pre-game presentation - Show the teams coming out with the crowds just bursting into cheers (fanbase rankings); for bigger games and rivalries the crazier they can get.. During rivalries have them boo the opposing team as they come out on the field. Include signature entrances (ex: Clemson, Maryland, etc.), but focus squarely on them as others might feel slited. I've read that fans would like to have the option of putting a clip of their own music in for their team's entrance or go with the team's fight song (would be easy, and appreciated by fans). Have the announcers talk about strengths and weaknesses and certain, interesting areas of matchups between the two teams.
- 6-c- Halftime presentation - During halftime, it would be cool idea to show not only the stats, but players who have made an impact or been shut down in the game so far; not only for the best players of the half, but if a key player has struggled so far then maybe highlight him. Example: if Tebow or McCoy were struggling they'd be the topic of discussion for they're team. -- Also, showing highlights from the first half would be a big plus. Kind of how 2K Sports did with their games, but better and more fluid.
- 6-d- Post-game Presentation - A post-game recap would be nice too. It doesn't need to be blown out, but a little would go a long way (except for big bowl games and title games, they should have the added production). After the game, show a zoomed out view of the coaches (or a split-screen view of the coaches) heading toward mid-field to shake hands; and maybe for big wins in a tough matchup, show the winning coach trotting off with his hand up showing No. 1 for the fans (if at home) and maybe just clapping or pumping his fist slightly (if away) or what not... The players should be celebrate and shake hands according to their team's outcome. Fans should still be cheering or depressed according to their team's outcome also. There shouldn't be only one reaction between the teams either, if a team had played poorly they should look lowly as a group, if it were a tough game and they played well then they should hold their heads up. Also, after a big upset it would be awesome to see the fans storm the field like when Texas Tech defeated Texas. Just a zoomed out view would be good (that way you wouldn't have to worry about detail on the fans). ------*On a minor note, do we have to have Corso involved. I personally think he is a bum (lol), and I think a lot of people would agree. I understand he's a big image on Gameday though. At least could we have the option of taking him off or replacing him on the 'Ask Corso' feature in the play select screen? Maybe change it to 'Ask the Coordinator' or something. Either way, it's not a big deal.
7) Crowds, Atmosphere - Another huge area of college football. I think you all do a beautiful job on the stadiums. There can still be improvements in other areas though.
- Crowd involvement and enthusiam - It would draw excitement and get the adrenaline pumping to have the crowd roaring, chanting, and getting involved in certain moments of the games. Examples: cheering and chanting in the red zone, momentum swings and gains, big plays, big third downs, fourth downs, and just go crazy for big games and rivalries. This would go a long way and help keep us into and focused on what we're playing for; especially in those big bowl games and championship games (conference and BCS), they shouldn't feel like normal games. If the home team is doing poorly the should show their disappointment by being bummed out or leaving early. Many fans want signature chants, so that would be appreciated.
- Also keep the ratings system for fanbases/atmosphere, but fix it. I know many fans will feel wronged by where their team is, but c'mon....no way is Alabama that low, they have the biggest fanbase in the nation. I'm sure other fans will dissaprove of their's too, so maybe we could edit it a little or something. Plus, have more ways for teams to improve or slide in the rankings over time. A good option would be a combination of home records, prestige and tradition, consecutive years of high rankings, national television records, and bowl records/championships. This would give plenty of areas to climb up or fall and keep things interesting.
Playbooks - It's not horrible like many people make out, but it does need improvement.
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A little more creativity and realism would be appreciated. Example: Florida has plenty of plays that aren't in the game like that triple option where Tebow either keeps, pitches, or shovels to the inside (usually to the TE). Applies to defense also; blitz packages, coverage mixes, etc. Also, the trick plays or plays that are supposed to be called at opportune moments doesn't seem to work too great and are performed with little deception. Reverses and similar plays hardly ever pan out; I agree that if called too often or at inappropriate times should end in disaster. But if you have set the defense up for certain plays, you should be rewarded with a more open opportunity for big plays. Say, if you have the defense worried about your run, then playaction, flea-flickers, option passes, HB passes, reverses, etc., should work more realisticly; (playaction does seem to work a lot better than the others). The better you have set the 'D' up and opportunistic you are with calling these plays should result in the amount the camera showcases the 'fake' to the defense; for ex: if you've pounded out consistent big runs on the defense and you call playaction, flea-flicker, etc., the camera and presentation will sell the fake much better depending on how well you've set them up.
- Customization and Formation Subs are a 'must' - I don't want to have to pick out of playbooks that have been created for me, and neither does anyone else. This would also solve the problem of a player being angry over plays or formations that are missing from their team's playbook; this way if it's in the game, under another team's playbook, they could just simply drop a play/plays or forms and add the desired ones without changing all together (and eventually never being quite satisfied). -- As far as formation subs goes, I just don't understand why it's gone. Many fans are angry about this, and as well they should be. There are too many reasons why we would want formation subs, it's just a no-brainer.
- Create-a-play, please bring it back - It's understood about offensive plays, but this applies to defense as well. We would really like to create our own blitzes, coverage mixes, etc.
- Don't forget about defenses - Please don't slite the defenses, it's where championships are won.
9) Cosmetics - Seems to be a hot issue with people. Although I don't think it's anywhere near the main issues with the game, though it would be nice to improve upon. Hopefully the improved physics might help out too in this department. Also, having licenses to Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour gives you tons of equipment and apparel to choose from.
- Uniform options - More uniform options at the...well.....uniform select screen. Many people are having a fit over this; ex: Oregon Duck fans. Many are calling for alternate uniforms with the option of mix and match.
- More cleat options - cleats for speed (DBs, WRs, RBs, speed LBs, etc.), cleats for stability (OL, DL, pocket QBs), and also kicker and punter cleats. Having the three major licenses gives you the ability to imput a nice, diverse mix.
- Different under garment/athletic apparel - Long sleeves are not the only thing athletes wear. The one-arm long sleeve look that many Miami and Virginia Tech's players wear. The short sleeve that comes down a little past the shoulder pads like many of Bama's players wear (ex: Rolando McClain wears it every game). Mock-turtle neck, quarter, and three-quarter should be easy to include and fine.
- Hair options - Give us the option to have long hair, dreads, etc.
- Better helmet options and graphics - I think the helmets are ok, but a little touching up could help. Revolution looks clunky and needs a few more options and polishing, seeing as it's become a very popular helmet.
- Towels - Many players wear these hanging from their pants (I think that's very cool); especially used by DBs, S, and warm weather teams.
- Hand warmers - used for cold weather.
- Improved tape, wristband, and elbow pad options - Elbow pads look a little goofy. Also, some players like to wear the bands right above their biceps; a few players are also wearing that really long sleeve that Allen Iverson wears.
- More glove options - They all kind of look alike.
- Shoulder pad and jersey style options - We should be able to choose, not only the height, but also the width of our shoulder pads; if you choose the 'no sleeves' look for your big DT, for instance, his pads like so wide and goofy (most big men like the 'no sleeves' with small pads look). -- There about three different styles for jerseys up at the shoulder pad level: normal (hanging just below pad level), tucked under (tight, and right at pad level), and really tight (don't quite make it to pad level, therefore a little shoulder pad would show); the third was the one that was left out. Also some players slit their jersys on the sides to fit tight and not have to tuck in.
- OL and DL knee braces - Just about every OL wears these.
- Thigh pad options - Not a priority, but would be neat if we could choose whether or not to wear them (most players don't), and the size.
10) And Finally: Bring back Create-a-School - Everyone enjoys this feature. Just can't understand why it hasn't been included in the 'next-gen' games. Please bring it back and include better logos and customizable uniforms, a detailed stadium customization, and more original mascots. Giving us some options that could make our program stand out and seem special would be cool; and if you decided to give the option of entrances that would also be a plus. We would also need to be able to enter into dynasty, either in D-I, D-II, and so on; and have the opportunity of moving up and advancing. Also, the opportunity to expand your stadium throught would be nice, but I understand their would have to be some type of income and money factor in the game.
-----***Guess I should bring this up now: You've heard all the talk and arguement about a playoff system, so if you could give the option of switch to, about, an 8 team playoff; I'm sure that would be a huge hit.
Give us the highest quality, realistic game of football. I've heard (and honestly thought) about the fact that EA buying out the rights to college and professional football so it can put out a mediocre game and not worry because there aren't any other options for fans. I hope this is far from the truth. The way I look at it is EA doesn't have the right to relax on account of the buy- out, but instead carries a great deal of responsibility to deliver the finest game they can. I wish I were a part of EA Sports with the opportunity of working on NCAA. You have all the money and resources available with a huge fanbase that could get bigger if devoted to them. If you don't have the right engine, GET the right engine. There are no excuses with a franchise that's been running for this long with the resources and money that EA has.
If your team could fix or include as many of these problems and ideas as you possibly can with total attention to detail, I can only guarantee and imagine the astonishing achievement in gaming and fanbase you all will have created! You wouldn't even really have to do that much in the offseason, just polish up and update.
On behalf of every NCAA Football fan, I thank you for all the joyous and memorible moments of gaming you've brought to us. We hope that you heed the advice and ideas and dedicate to achieving as close to perfection as possible, as we have and will dedicate to you.
--- If you'd like to contact me, or maybe even hire me (lol, just kidding...but not really) my email is:
jbech9@yahoo.com or
skybech9@gmail.com
-- Thank You --
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