NCAA 08 Community Day Forum Members Questions

[Kobra]

I am going to the EA Tiburon Studios within the next few weeks for some hands on time with the game. What I like from you forum members is a list of questions you have for current and next gen NCAA 08. I will take these questions with me on my trip to have the EA Tiburon NCAA 08 team answer as many as they can. When I get back and I will post them all here, plus give you my impressions on what I think of the game.

Thanks,
Kobra

[Grizzman]

While playing online with the PS3, are we going to play under our Playstation Network log-in or are we still using the EA log-in.

[BluEStorm_47]

For this years 360 version:

1. Last year, the Current Gen consoles seemed to have plenty more features than the Next Gen did. Are we yet to the point where the Next-Gen NCAA 08' will mirror current gen or will we still have to make with what is due with lack of features? (Ex.= Not a lot of depth in dynasty/defensive hot routes)

2. Will the PS3 and Xbox 360 version have defensive hot routes this year? (Putting LB's/DE's in spy, Blitzing LB's, etc.)

3. Were there any improvements made online for the 360 version because last year many of the stats seemed to be missing. Last year, we only got to see our win-loss record, DNF %, and Win Streak. Will we be treated with more in-depth statistics than last year?

[kevin21boston]

Is it true that during recruiting you can sort the player's numbers?

[CrHawkeye]

1) First and foremost, some good gameplay impressions.
1A) Gameplay features.

2) Any changes or additions to online play.

3) Feature set of PS2 as compared to PS3 version. (basically, did the current-gen get ripped, did they get the same features?)

4) Fat chance, but, custom play editor?

[NextMikeLeach]

Just a couple off the top of my head...

- Is gang-tackle both generations?
- Will Darren McFadden still have trouble beating Andre Fluellen downfield (is speed more noticable) ?
- Will every team be A+ or A after 4 years of dynasty mode?
- Any changes to online play?
- And obviously, any nice gameplay additions/subtractions.

Thanks

[Kaidog]

- Are all stadiums finished for PS3 version? Is Alabama's expansion in?

[blitzrique]

Defense:

Assignming a top DB opponents top WR like in Madden?

Ability to double up on a WR pre-snap like in Madden?

More types of zones like in Madden?

Offense:

Wider variety of hot routes?

[Avenge1]

Tell them thanks for the real-time weather online for 08' ... seriously ... that's cool.

[mcnaire2004]

My question is about the server. I assume it will be under EA on playstation network. But, will it be the same piece of crap madden 07 for the PS3 was?

[mcnaire2004]

I want to see a better drop back animation. Lower the camera angle closer to 1st and 3rd person views for the QB.

[ChadSimons]

All I want from you is to pick a team with a fast QB that should also have questionable accuracy at best. Call a play with a streak, drop back 15-20 yards and assuming he's right handed -- roll left to the sideline and throw to a streaking WR. Is the pass "right on the money" and how do the DB's react. If it is the same old BS for both, pull out a shiv and shank the closest person to you. Continue shanking until the room is quiet or you feel satisfied. Lemme know.

[mcnaire2004]

All I want from you is to pick a team with a fast QB that should also have questionable accuracy at best. Call a play with a streak, drop back 15-20 yards and assuming he's right handed -- roll left to the sideline and throw to a streaking WR. Is the pass "right on the money" and how do the DB's react. If it is the same old BS for both, pull out a shiv and shank the closest person to you. Continue shanking until the room is quiet or you feel satisfied. Lemme know.

This should be at the top of the list of things to do^^^

[moostache2]

All I want from you is to pick a team with a fast QB that should also have questionable accuracy at best. Call a play with a streak, drop back 15-20 yards and assuming he's right handed -- roll left to the sideline and throw to a streaking WR. Is the pass "right on the money" and how do the DB's react. If it is the same old BS for both, pull out a shiv and shank the closest person to you. Continue shanking until the room is quiet or you feel satisfied. Lemme know.
:eek: Yikes....someone remind me to stay far clear of Kobra down there....lol!

[xquizit]

1. For the both ps2 and ps3 versions more indepth defensive playbooks.
2. The ability for the AI to cover out routes and deep posts playing in man or zone coverages.
3. The ability of the CPU to cover the deep streaks in a cover 2 man defense. Does one player go for the pick when in position knowing he has over the top help and does the over the top help defender go for the tackle.
4. The ability of offensive line to better pick up the blitz and not just stand and watch as the defender runs past them.
5. Also the ability of the offensive line to better hold their blocks and not have to worry about defenders tackling you thru your blocker.
6. Will all versions dynasty mode be the same and feature all the same features.

*note all these are for both ps2 and ps3 systems. Thanks and have a blast there Kobra

[Shiloh]

All I want from you is to pick a team with a fast QB that should also have questionable accuracy at best. Call a play with a streak, drop back 15-20 yards and assuming he's right handed -- roll left to the sideline and throw to a streaking WR. Is the pass "right on the money" and how do the DB's react. If it is the same old BS for both, pull out a shiv and shank the closest person to you. Continue shanking until the room is quiet or you feel satisfied. Lemme know.

I'm seriously ROFLMAO! that is classic, but sadly i know how you feel....

Question for next gen: Will the field actually look like grass and or turf this year?

When the field gets torn up does it look real, will it affect gameplay?

While weather is nice, will the snow, rain and temp have a effect on gameplay. e.g. if it's raining will the RB's and WR's have to cover up the ball more to reduce fumbles, will O'lines have and advantage over D'lines in the rain and snow?

[Kyredline]

How do the D-back react?

[userskills7]

Are the DBs actually in position and equipped with the animations to play good pass defense on the deep ball? If you have played Current Gen Madden, the deep bomb into double coverage is not over effective, whereas in NCAA it can be an entire offense....


Basically, how does the game play compared to current gen madden, which is the gold standard up to this point? Is the controlling of players smooth and responsive, unlike last year's version on 360?

[nolzfan]

Questions for next gen:

How is the secondary AI?

Have the next gen playbooks been upgraded? They were very subpar relative to those in current gen.

How well do the DE's contain the qb in the pocket?

[MMQB14]

What camera angles are supported ?

I NCAA 08 would support finally "Madden Long View", then I'd be happy camper.

[ChadSimons]

2. The ability for the AI to cover out routes and deep posts playing in man or zone coverages.
3. The ability of the CPU to cover the deep streaks in a cover 2 man defense. Does one player go for the pick when in position knowing he has over the top help and does the over the top help defender go for the tackle.

How do the D-back react?


Are the DBs actually in position and equipped with the animations to play good pass defense on the deep ball? If you have played Current Gen Madden, the deep bomb into double coverage is not over effective, whereas in NCAA it can be an entire offense....

How is the secondary AI?

Ummmmmm...... I think I see a theme here......
I'm not usually the guy to really worry about this stuff that much -- but I just think it is rediculous that a post route works against any defense in the game unless you manually cover it. I also think it sucks that if your in man coverage (even double coverage) that the DB's cannot figure out an out route. I'm not calling for a 2005esque defensively dominated game but these don't exactly seem like reinventing the wheel. And as userskills said please ask about the defensive animations. That is a major reason that the secondary play is so effed up. Really it just needs smarter AI and better animations. Not a lot of DB's will run with there assigned WR down the field in real life while the running back is nipping at their heels for 10 yards before they turn to react. I'm sorry that this is now a full blown rant but I really would like to see actual strategy play a part in determining a winner as opposed to money user plays. I'm not advocating taking user skill out of the game at all but I want my secondary guys to cover there ASSIGNED area in a zone for crying out loud.

[djwill13]

Next gen:

Will rosters be visible online?

[Avenge1]

for crying out loud.

That's what you are doing ... wuss! :mad:

[Avenge1]

(continuing the theme :) ) Make a computer defender attempt to knock down a pass. If you don't manually do anything in one on one coverage, the computer player will just run along-side the WR even if the ball is right by his helmet ... and fix the scramble left throw right by right-handed QB's stuff.

[VoltronViking]

Will we be able to edit the length of socks??

and hair???

and equiptment for both 360 and PS3???

[Avenge1]

and jock strap bulk???

[M-Dub�]

I think I speak for most of the posters on here when I say that these are probably the two most pressing questions for both CG and NG versions:

1. Will we finally be able to take custom playbooks online?

2. Will there finally be a play editor?

[Kobra]

Guys keep posting your questions. I just got my confirmation on my plane tickets. I will be at EA Studios this coming Tuesday playing NCAA 08. I will do everything I can to ask the producers the questions posted in this thread.

Kobra

[firety89]

Just info about the playbooks would be nice such as are they same for current gen and next gen? Same question with all the features. Is everything the same? Etc.

[M-Dub�]

Is momentum still in the game (god forbid)? If so, has it at least been toned down?

Have they made any tweaks to the "Fair Play" rules?

Are the new trick plays either totally ineffective or totally over-effective?

Is the Wildcat formation going to be a cheeser's delight?

[mcnaire2004]

I know it is a little late for this, but I'd like EA to focus on defense. Expand to different types of 4-3, 3-4, 4-2-5, ect... playbooks. For example, miami and tennessee both run the 4-3, but they don't have the same style. Maybe 3 or 4 different types of each type of defensive playbooks.

[HcopenhagenH]

Does FB lead blocking actually work?

Do DB's actually play in their zones?

What type of Hot Route Features are there?

Is the stupid Punt Return, Kick Return, and INT return camera still in the game?

Will the OL actually pick up Spies being blitzed manually?

Will guys being spied actually contain the QB from sprinting left or right out of the pocket and chucking it deep?

How is the deep ball AI?

Is the AB Blitz still in the game?

When in bump in run do the DB's still jam for 5 seconds?

Can you get pressure on the qb without blitzing in passing situations?

Is the QB accuracy fixed for poor throwers that are fast? Meaning will the QB's accuracy affect someone that sprints straight back and lobs the ball?

Is the OL blocking any better?

Are the servers for PS2 online going to be any better?

Has momentum been toned down?

Is passing to a RB out of the backfield on a flare still a money play?

Does the defense react properly on AA and below levels to the WR screen?

Are the animations gone where the WR gets stuck on short routes and flat routes? There are certain times when a WR gets a dump off pass in the flats and can't turn around the way you want him to go. The animation just doesn't let you. He becomes stuck and just gets pummelled.

If a WR is in double coverage is he likley or unlikely to still catch the ball?

Can you still formation glitch?

Is Nickle Thunder still a money defense that any scrub can run?

Do Line Shifts for the OL actually work this year where you can see it or is it still programmed as random? It is like flipping a coin using this feature right now.

I think this is all for now.

[HcopenhagenH]

What is the street date?

[HcopenhagenH]

How do you like the new defensive hot routes?

Can you still use classic controller configuration?

[mcnaire2004]

How do you like the new defensive hot routes?

Can you still use classic controller configuration?

If it is anything like madden(ps3) then you can custom your controls.

[dirtypeter]

Online dynasties for next gen.?
:confused:

[Kobra]

I am going to start answering some questions that were posted here.

Kobra

[Kobra]

While playing online with the PS3, are we going to play under our Playstation Network log-in or are we still using the EA log-in.

I didn't get an answer on that because EA Redwood in San Fransisco deals with the online portion of the game not EA Tiburon. I did manage to get a few online nuggets though.

Kobra

[Kobra]

For this years 360 version:

1. Last year, the Current Gen consoles seemed to have plenty more features than the Next Gen did. Are we yet to the point where the Next-Gen NCAA 08' will mirror current gen or will we still have to make with what is due with lack of features? (Ex.= Not a lot of depth in dynasty/defensive hot routes)

2. Will the PS3 and Xbox 360 version have defensive hot routes this year? (Putting LB's/DE's in spy, Blitzing LB's, etc.)

3. Were there any improvements made online for the 360 version because last year many of the stats seemed to be missing. Last year, we only got to see our win-loss record, DNF %, and Win Streak. Will we be treated with more in-depth statistics than last year?

1. EA added a lot of stuff to NG NCAA 08 that was in CG 07. To be honest I liked NG 08 better than CG NG Dynasty mode actually has more features than CG mode.

2. Yes, all the ones that were in CG are in NG. Really nice. feature to counter high percentage offensive plays.

3. This question is more for EA Redwood, but they did tell me that they added even more stats for online. What type of stats, I don't know.

[Kobra]

Is it true that during recruiting you can sort the player's numbers?

Yes, you can filter players stats out by using a built in search feature.

[Kobra]

1) First and foremost, some good gameplay impressions.
1A) Gameplay features.

2) Any changes or additions to online play.

3) Feature set of PS2 as compared to PS3 version. (basically, did the current-gen get ripped, did they get the same features?)

4) Fat chance, but, custom play editor?

1. I did a big write up on game feature that will posted tonight or tomorrow. Let me just say NG is loaded with features,

2. Another question that really needs to be addressed with EA Redwood.

3. No I dont think PS2/Xbox got ripped. For instance one feature on the CG that didn't make it to NG was fake cam play art, which I wished would of made it. Its nice to be able to look at hot routes you made at the line of scrimmage without having to worry about your opponent seeing them. This feature is a must for NG 09.

4. No, nothing.

[Kobra]

Just a couple off the top of my head...

- Is gang-tackle both generations?
- Will Darren McFadden still have trouble beating Andre Fluellen downfield (is speed more noticable) ?
- Will every team be A+ or A after 4 years of dynasty mode?
- Any changes to online play?
- And obviously, any nice gameplay additions/subtractions.

Thanks

1. Yes, its in both.
2. Not on CG he won't. NG, can't say. I know my 91 speed QB couldn't get going.
3. This question is really difficult to answer for this one reason, the randomness in the game has a huge effect on it from what I told.
4. Vision cone was added to next gen. I never used it, but I did see a few other guys trying it out. I doesn't look like you will be forced to use it based on the version I played for NG.

[Kobra]

- Are all stadiums finished for PS3 version? Is Alabama's expansion in?

Yes all but 3 Divsion 1A teams, cant remember which ones were mentioned.

Kobra

[Kobra]

I'm seriously ROFLMAO! that is classic, but sadly i know how you feel....

Question for next gen: Will the field actually look like grass and or turf this year?

When the field gets torn up does it look real, will it affect gameplay?

While weather is nice, will the snow, rain and temp have a effect on gameplay. e.g. if it's raining will the RB's and WR's have to cover up the ball more to reduce fumbles, will O'lines have and advantage over D'lines in the rain and snow?

1. Didn't really pay attention to the turf to much. I think if you look at the videos and screen shots that have been posted on the net, you can a good judgment from those.

2. Yes it does effect game play.

3. Good questions, I never actually played a game in bad weather. I can ask though.

[Kobra]

Defense:

Assignming a top DB opponents top WR like in Madden?

Ability to double up on a WR pre-snap like in Madden?

More types of zones like in Madden?

Offense:

Wider variety of hot routes?

1. No nothing like Madden.
2. Yes through individual defensive hot routes.
3. Yes, just like Madden, plus there have been some new zone blitz schemes added to next gen.

[Kobra]

How do the D-back react?

Big improvement on the next gen. I can not state this enough especially on the deep pass routes. CG it also seemed the same way. Not as easy to throw streaks by running the QB straight back.

Kobra

[Kobra]

Are the DBs actually in position and equipped with the animations to play good pass defense on the deep ball? If you have played Current Gen Madden, the deep bomb into double coverage is not over effective, whereas in NCAA it can be an entire offense....


Basically, how does the game play compared to current gen madden, which is the gold standard up to this point? Is the controlling of players smooth and responsive, unlike last year's version on 360?

I didn't play as much current gen as I had hoped, but from what I seen, the defensive backs covered the deep receivers much more effective. As for NG lack of control of defenders, thats not an issue this year. Game play control is real tight.

[Kobra]

Questions for next gen:

How is the secondary AI?

Have the next gen playbooks been upgraded? They were very subpar relative to those in current gen.

How well do the DE's contain the qb in the pocket?

1. Answered a few times already.
2. Yes, most of the plays and formations have been carried over to NG. Also there some new plays on NG that are brand new.
3. Great, not nearly as easy to run your QB with DE Contain added to the game. Plus the DEs even when not in contain take better angles at QBs that like to drop to far back.

[Kobra]

Next gen:

Will rosters be visible online?

If you mean with player names, I doubt it.

Kobra

[Kobra]

I think I speak for most of the posters on here when I say that these are probably the two most pressing questions for both CG and NG versions:

1. Will we finally be able to take custom playbooks online?

2. Will there finally be a play editor?

1. No
2. No

[Kobra]

Is momentum still in the game (god forbid)? If so, has it at least been toned down?

Have they made any tweaks to the "Fair Play" rules?

Are the new trick plays either totally ineffective or totally over-effective?

Is the Wildcat formation going to be a cheeser's delight?

1.On NG, I didn't think it was that big of factor outside the home field advantage for NG. I had a hard time calling hot routes or any audibles. Of the 7 games I played, I think I played one game at home.

2. No not on CG or at least I know of.

3. Actually I would say balanced if called in the situation against the right defense, then they will work.

4. I never actually ran it, I was to busy running the spread playbook.

[mcnaire2004]

Here is a good question.

On swing passes to Running backs. Is there still the problem of them being wide open, the pass is accurate (not near side line) and they still run out of bounds for a loss?

[Kobra]

I know it is a little late for this, but I'd like EA to focus on defense. Expand to different types of 4-3, 3-4, 4-2-5, ect... playbooks. For example, miami and tennessee both run the 4-3, but they don't have the same style. Maybe 3 or 4 different types of each type of defensive playbooks.

That might be something added in 09, its not in 08.

[Kobra]

Here is a good question.

On swing passes to Running backs. Is there still the problem of them being wide open, the pass is accurate (not near side line) and they still run out of bounds for a loss?

On that next gen thats been fixed for the most part. Last season I know I threw passes and I couldn't take control of the RB from going out of bounds. With the branching system, thats not the case anymore.

Kobra

[Kobra]

Online dynasties for next gen.?
:confused:

Not in 08, but is something I really think EA is really considering doing in the future.

[Kobra]

Guys thats it for now. I will check back again tomorrow morning if you have any more questions, I will try my best to answer them.

Kobra

[blitzrique]

Thank you Kobra.

[VG_Bert]

I'll be posting Kobra's writeup from the community day as well as some screens in the morning.

[djwill13]

Nice work Kobra. Seems like you were a little busy today.

Any idea why they aren't having the names show up? Do you know if this is going to be just a 360 issue or will there not be names viewable online for the PS3 as well. Guess I should've asked that before you left huh? My bad.

[mcnaire2004]

Nice work Kobra. Seems like you were a little busy today.

Any idea why they aren't having the names show up? Do you know if this is going to be just a 360 issue or will there not be names viewable online for the PS3 as well. Guess I should've asked that before you left huh? My bad.

It isn't really a big deal about the names. As long as you know who they are.

[themenace47]

in floridas shotgun big F tight formation, after the qb motions out to wr how many different plays are there to get him the ball for a double pass... or is this the typical setup for those double pass plays at all?



good news on the streaks being covered

horrible news on the play editor and custom books not going online... doubtful anybody cares but thats by far the low point of ncaa series for me...

[rhombic21]

I just wanted to say that meeting Kobra in person, and getting a chance to talk football with him for 2 days was a great experience. Neither cdj or I had ever been to a community day, and Kobra was really nice to take us under his wing a little bit and help us make the most of the opportunity.

[Packersrule1]

It isn't really a big deal about the names. As long as you know who they are.
It makes it more realistic.

[mcnaire2004]

It makes it more realistic.

Well, in real life you can't see the players names. You hear them called. And, yes you can see them on the back of most of the teams jersey's. But, for the most part I honestly don't think it is a important issue.

[djwill13]

It isn't really a big deal about the names. As long as you know who they are.
I like to know though. I mean, yes I know, but I don't know EVERYONE'S name. Plus, when you play with lower tier teams, it helps you get more aquainted with players.........sorta like giving them recongnition.

[mcnaire2004]

I like to know though. I mean, yes I know, but I don't know EVERYONE'S name. Plus, when you play with lower tier teams, it helps you get more aquainted with players.........sorta like giving them recongnition.

Yea, I can see that. One day, I am going to show up to a college football game with a giant sign that says "Go RB#24"

[xquizit]

I got a question.....not sure if it was asked or not sorta sifted through some of the posts...but...how is the run defense using man or zone coverages.....does the defense recognize runs better and actually attack the running back instead of waiting for him to get to the los using zone coverage or in man coverage do the dbs still run with the reciever and have no awareness that the half back is running behind him for the past 10yards on cg and ng.....

[humehall86]

Any news of 1080p support? Bert mentioned 60FPS which is great and hopefully NOT 720P.