Official Vision & Precision Impressions Thread

[VG_Bert]

Your thoughts....

[JPar]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now.

I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered.

[tikyle]

I think they kind of set it up perfectly. Using the R trigger (or R2 for the lesser system) you get more precise passing for lesser QBs but it definitely takes longer. Using the R analog stick you can pass and scan quicker and for better QBs that see the whole field there is really no need for the direct method. I just have to get used to it. When I use the Colts there is no need to look directly at the receiver. But when I use the Ravens I must look directly at the receiver.

Sidenote: Kyle Boller even when locked on makes some real bad throws. That guy is killing me.

[TrickyDyk]

I absolutely love it. I was kind of surprised at how quickly I felt somewhat comfortable with it. I had trouble with the lock on feature for a game, so I was using the right analog to control the cone. I felt very comfortable with that, and now I feel pretty good with the lock on features as well. Overall I think it was a lot easier than I thought. My friend was having a bunch of problems with it, though he still really liked it.

I love how you have to make quicker decisions, and I feel like this feature almost makes you play more like a real QB. You have to be poised in the pocket and make quick reads or your probably going to be toast. Big thumbs up from me. I am a sim baller and this feature is one more thing that has drastically taken this game from arcade to sim. Good job EA, I dig it.

[jerseyjay14]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now.

I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered.

sums up my thoughts exactly

[mystkh]

This has taken gameplay to a whole new level. Right now I am pathetic at it. I have success locking onto one player but I know to be successful online you are going to have to develop the stick skills. I use the Bears and Grossman's cone isn't the widest. The problem I have is that when I manually use the cone, Grossman's cone is so narrow that my guys run out of his field of vision by the time he throws the ball. This leads to a incomplete pass or a pick.

This is going to take the game to a whole new level. I have bought your guide for the past 3 years and the one area I have always half a$$ed on was creating a game plan. Not this year. I realize that with the personnell I have it is going to be imperative to create a solid plan.

[warren123]

some games im on fire im like throwin mad tds other games my guys are stupid and it sucks when ppl play cover 0 and u cant deep lob wow

[ThaRide]

I agree with some of the posts above...kind of. I agree that it is harder to pass the ball and that is ultimately better for the game. I think the 'concept' is great, Im just not sure I like how it was executed. The main thing I am currently not a fan of is having to hold down the R2 button to switch the selected receiver. I typically like to hold the PS2 controller with my pointer (or trigger) finger pressing the R buttons. Now, if you want to change to the R2 receiver, you need to hold the R2 button while pressing the R1 button twice. Not exactly achieveable with one finger. You know either have to change your grip for the whole game (two fingers on the Right R buttons) or when you are going to throw to that receiver (I know there is always the R3 way to switch receivers). I would have preferred that you press and release the R2, then press and release the button of the receiver to change the target and select the receiver again to throw the ball. Utilizing the button structure allows the user (using the PS2 controller) to still only use 1 finger for the right R buttons.

I assume this is not a problem on the X-Box controller because the black and white buttons (corresponding to the R1 & L1 buttons) are within thumbs reach.

One other thing I am currently not happy with is that you cant throw the dart pass to the receiver. Pressing up on the stick now throws a high ball to the receiver so he turns around to catch the ball.

Just my initial thoughts...they may change over time..

[TRUEVisionDC]

I like it. A lot. And I suck at it right now

This is probably why Im not feeling it. Im not good at it......yet

I like it because I'm HUGE on realism in my sports games. I get very angry when something happens that is completely unrealistic, even though it happens on occasion in real life. Why? Because it happens too consistently in video games.

For instance, last year, people could drop their icons and sprint backwards, and without looking at a WR, chuck it deep to them, simply because they had learned to manipulate the DB AI to rocket catch. And the justification was that it took "skill," and not repititive motions to execute it.

Or, someone could roll out with a speedy QB to buy time, then chuck it ALL the way across the field against a zone defense and complete a pass, without penalty for making what is normally a boneheaded pass.

No, this year, it's real. Passing is HARD, just like in real life. People have to RESPECT the position of QB now and practice it, just like every other facet of the game. So now it is TRULY a test of skill and not of repetition. You not only have to master the controls, but also the nuances of the position, from checking down WRs, reading defenses pre AND post snap (last year, you could read pre-snap and be 99% certain of what route and timing would work), looking off defenders and navigating the pocket.

Will some people hate it? Yes, because it is far from an arcade game now. Now it's about reading. Now, defenses can play defense and not worry about AI exploits (for now) because it's going to take some REAL skill to execute any sort of glitch, in my opinion. Now, blitzes work because the QB has to recognize where the pressure is coming and make the appropriate throws.

I'm really loving it, even though I went 7-17 passing for a meager 117 yards in my first game. Why? Because my opponent went 4-23 for just 40 yards and 2 INTs, and he could only chuck it deep to Moss once all game. And that pass got picked off because he was double covered.

Go ahead JPar, very well put....

I still dont like the fact that I have to hit the WR icon TWICE to throw the ball. I did the first glitch....I held R2 and hit different WRs icons continously, I just went in a circle. Held R2, hit square, x, circle triangle, square, x, circle, triangle (all while holding R2). All the defenders fell b/c they tried to read where I was throwing...

[JPar]

This is probably why Im not feeling it. Im not good at it......yet


Go ahead JPar, very well put....

I still dont like the fact that I have to hit the WR icon TWICE to throw the ball. I did the first glitch....I held R2 and hit different WRs icons continously, I just went in a circle. Held R2, hit square, x, circle triangle, square, x, circle, triangle (all while holding R2). All the defenders fell b/c they tried to read where I was throwing...

... and then you got sacked. LOL

[VG_Bert]

I assume this is not a problem on the X-Box controller because the black and white buttons (corresponding to the R1 & L1 buttons) are within thumbs reach.

That's one of the reason we were all so high on the Xbox version of the game when we got to play out at EA San Fran.

It makes a big difference.

[levdgg]

I agree with some of the posts above...kind of. I agree that it is harder to pass the ball and that is ultimately better for the game. I think the 'concept' is great, Im just not sure I like how it was executed. The main thing I am currently not a fan of is having to hold down the R2 button to switch the selected receiver. I typically like to hold the PS2 controller with my pointer (or trigger) finger pressing the R buttons. Now, if you want to change to the R2 receiver, you need to hold the R2 button while pressing the R1 button twice. Not exactly achieveable with one finger. You know either have to change your grip for the whole game (two fingers on the Right R buttons) or when you are going to throw to that receiver (I know there is always the R3 way to switch receivers). I would have preferred that you press and release the R2, then press and release the button of the receiver to change the target and select the receiver again to throw the ball. Utilizing the button structure allows the user (using the PS2 controller) to still only use 1 finger for the right R buttons.

I assume this is not a problem on the X-Box controller because the black and white buttons (corresponding to the R1 & L1 buttons) are within thumbs reach.

One other thing I am currently not happy with is that you cant throw the dart pass to the receiver. Pressing up on the stick now throws a high ball to the receiver so he turns around to catch the ball.

Just my initial thoughts...they may change over time..

I agree here. Like the concept, dont liek the exectuion.my two eraly gripes....

1) just too many buttons for a simple action... reallytakes away from t he smothness of gameplay

2) When using r3, i think its a little flawed. I feel like when you go left to right it should lock on to the receivers in progression, otherwise its really inexact and you completely miss your target.

[TRUEVisionDC]

... and then you got sacked. LOL

lol...14 times my first game 11 my 2nd...

[JPar]

I agree here. Like the concept, dont liek the exectuion.my two eraly gripes....

1) just too many buttons for a simple action... reallytakes away from t he smothness of gameplay

2) When using r3, i think its a little flawed. I feel like when you go left to right it should lock on to the receivers in progression, otherwise its really inexact and you completely miss your target.

This is entirely realistic, though.

Think about it... if you've ever played QB, even in flag football....

1) you have to know the routes before hand
2) you have to know the timing of each pattern, and the sequence of your reads.
3) you have to have a primary WR, and a secondary, etc.
4) You have to read the defense pre snap.
5) You have to read post snap.
6) You have to avoid the pass rush while checking down your WRs.
7) You have to look defenses off as not to telegraph the pass.
8) You have to make the right throw at the right time.

There is a crap load more that goes into passing the ball, including throwing on the run, knowing when to tuck it and take off, dump offs, taking the sack, throwing it away...

QB is not SUPPOSED to be easy. It always has been in previous years. Last year, against soft man, I could throw a hook route over and over and over with 95% efficiency.

This year, if I try that garbage, it gets picked. As it should be.

[VG_Bert]

CRITICAL TIP

Here's one that will save you a ton of grief and get those sack numbers against you back down.

Use the backs in the flats as your hot read/safety valve. You don't have to switch the cone to them to complete the pass.

Watch the NFL. Those QBs have a clock in their heads.

1...2....3 Nobody open, dump it off to the backs.

It's not sexy, but it keeps the ball moving forward.