EA's NCAA Football 14 Catch-All

If you want to tool around with some interesting teams and playbooks, try Cal and Fresno State. Fun shotgun teams.

Stele wrote:

Free alternate uniforms coming, with video.

Fun.

So, there's some discussion over on the sliders board at OS that *penalty* sliders strongly affect the game, notably the roughing the kicker slider. Strange world we live in...

firesloth wrote:
Stele wrote:

Free alternate uniforms coming, with video.

Fun.

So, there's some discussion over on the sliders board at OS that *penalty* sliders strongly affect the game, notably the roughing the kicker slider. Strange world we live in...

I saw that discussion, but I think they are full of it.

Ha! Okay...I haven't tested. I have played one game with the OS mixed varsity/Heisman sliders. That was fine. I the CPU offense was probably still too good compared with the defense it faced. That's actually my main complaint against the Heisman setting: the CPU offense has largely crushed my defense, no matter what I do. But, I also only really played with one team whose defense isn't that great.

firesloth wrote:

Ha! Okay...I haven't tested. I have played one game with the OS mixed varsity/Heisman sliders. That was fine. I the CPU offense was probably still too good compared with the defense it faced. That's actually my main complaint against the Heisman setting: the CPU offense has largely crushed my defense, no matter what I do. But, I also only really played with one team whose defense isn't that great.

I've been playing a Dynasty with Toledo using the OS sliders. They don't have a great defense, but even weaker MAC teams seem to really move the ball of me.

Offensively, I think the read option is over powered, but there are defenses against it. They key is what they call a scraper. Basically, the DE crashes, but you send in a second LB or DB to go after the QB. You an also set your D to target the QB aggressively, and then focus on stopping the runs up the middle.

But overall, the Read Option, especially with a fast QB, is nearly unbeatable. I have Terrance Owens in the running for Heisman.

The other thing back is the money vertical plays to the inside slot receiver or TE that that angles to the middle. Again, there are defenses that can beat it, but the CPU, not so much.

Otherwise, I really like the gameplay. My gut tells me that default All-American might be better. Maybe I will finish up my season on that setting to see how it compares.

Also, in this Dynasty I have taken time to give recruiting my full attention. My initial impressions weren't so great. But as I've drilled down and taken time to understand it, I'm really starting to like it a lot. It's different, and less random. But there is a lot of interesting strategy if you want to take the time to spend on it.

Basically, you have 5000 points to divvy up among recruits that can go towards scholarship offers and scouting, and up to 500 points for general recruiting each week. Each player also gets bonus points each week based on your school's characteristics, some of which can change.

You can see how many bonus points other schools provide, and you get a breakdown on how many points you picked up or lost in the recruiting each week. so if you are way ahead, and picking up 250 points a week, it's dumb to spend 500 when you can shift 150-200 to another recruit that might need it.

There is also a much stronger RPG mechanic to your coaching. As you level up, you can emphasize game management or recruiting. Since I'm trying to build up a 2* MAC team, I've been hammering away at recruiting. Starting this week, because I maxed out my Closer ability, I get 6000 instead of 5000 points to spend starting in week eight. I believe you will also start to get ability to allocate more than 500 points a player if you level up the right ability.

If you start up a dynasty with a coach from the game, you will get a head start in different areas. Teams like Alabama have coaches that are basically already set. Interestingly, Weis, at KU, has a bunch of recruiting stuff open, but it light on gameplay. But I coach Jay Hawker, so I started out with almost nothing.

You also level up you OC and DC, and again choose paths. I can focus on run defense or pass rush right now on defense. Offense has similar choices.

After each game, you get points for completing tasks, like 50 points for each touchdown, or 150 for holding a team under 150 yards rushing. As those points build up, they unlock upgrades for your coaches.

Overall, I feel like the coaching RPG mechanic and the new recruiting system are well done. They also provide something new to make the game feel more fresh when the gameplay is very much the same.

So who's starting up the OD?

I've been playing a bit with these sliders:

Gameplay Options:
Skill: All Heisman
Gamespeed: Normal
Threshold: 50
Quarter Length: 8-9 min

Game Rules: (thanks to author of split sliders)
Offsides: 100
False Start: 100
Holding:55
Facemask:55
OPI: 0
DPI: 0
KR Int: 55
Clipping:55
INT Grounding: 65
Roughing the Passer: 50
Roughing the Kicker: U)
QB Accuracy: 5/10
Pass Block: 10/35
WR Catching: 30/40
RB Ability: 30/30
Run Blocking: 0/0
Pass Coverage:0/0
Interceptions: 40/40
Rush Defense: 70/100
Tackling: 45/50

Special Teams:
FG Power: 40/35
FG ACC: 0/40 (still insanely accurate)
Punt Power: 35
Punt ACC: 65
Kickoff Power: 30

I feel like it is a bit too easy for humans on defense. The CPU defense is reasonably tough. The problem with the Heisman setting to me is when the CPU is on offense. The user defenses are heavily nerfed, and it doesn't feel to me like the user's play has that much impact.

And I'm all for starting an online dynasty...Jayhawker, you want to fire up a 2* league??

I think a 2* is a good place to start, especially with the new recruiting system. Do we want to go 2*+non-BCS?

As for sliders, I will give those a try. Do you think it might be worth altering the difficulty on defense to AA, and then adjusting from there?

In regards to penalties, does moving pass interference to zero really result in any getting called? I know penalties are pretty dorked.

I'm up for a dynasty as well. I have about 10 games under my belt.

Heisman difficulty, regardless of sliders, is hilarious for the opposing QB. Very accurate.

Leroyog wrote:

I'm up for a dynasty as well. I have about 10 games under my belt.

Heisman difficulty, regardless of sliders, is hilarious for the opposing QB. Very accurate.

Actually, the sliders I posted above are pretty reasonable, with typical completion percentages of 60-75%.

I think they're a bit too hard for the CPU running game, so cranking up rushing ability. My experience with them is going 6-1 as Colorado in a dynasty. I beat Oregon by 2 points, but only because Marriota was out from the first series until the 4th quarter and Thomas was out the whole second half. I lost to ASU, beat Az by 3, and beat Oregon St. by 1; those last two victories were keyed by my defense grabbing timely turnovers (I needed a +3 turnover difference to beat Az by 3).

Jayhawker wrote:

As for sliders, I will give those a try. Do you think it might be worth altering the difficulty on defense to AA, and then adjusting from there?

I'd be fine with that. I think default AA is going to be too easy by the end of the season. You could also try bumping up the running abilities / blocking of the CPU when they're on offense. When the CPU is on defense, this is probably a bit too easy, as well, but the majority of the problems are with the user defense being a bit too good.

I'm not a great player, but I haven't scored more than 35 points in a single game in the first 7 games, and Oregon, OrState, and ASU held me to under 25.

In regards to penalties, does moving pass interference to zero really result in any getting called? I know penalties are pretty dorked.

No. However, I do at least see holding, false start, clipping (too often), and occasionally offsides.

firesloth wrote:
Jayhawker wrote:

As for sliders, I will give those a try. Do you think it might be worth altering the difficulty on defense to AA, and then adjusting from there?

I'd be fine with that. I think default AA is going to be too easy by the end of the season. You could also try bumping up the running abilities / blocking of the CPU when they're on offense. When the CPU is on defense, this is probably a bit too easy, as well, but the majority of the problems are with the user defense being a bit too good.

I'm not a great player, but I haven't scored more than 35 points in a single game in the first 7 games, and Oregon, OrState, and ASU held me to under 25.

In regards to penalties, does moving pass interference to zero really result in any getting called? I know penalties are pretty dorked.

No. However, I do at least see holding, false start, clipping (too often), and occasionally offsides.

Oh, I'm scoring a lot. I lost my opening game worth Toledo to Florida 49-35, and I was down 28-0 early. I've then beat Mizzou 41-16, and really began to lay waste to the MAC.

My problem with the default Heisman sliders was in *stopping* the scoring!

What sliders are you using to get those results, the OS mixed ones?

I'm down for a league. Let me know when invites go out.

Former NCAA athletes win video game lawsuit against EA

In a 2-1 vote, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court that EA had used the images of several ex-NCAA athletes without their permission in its NCAA Football and Basketball series. The decision comes two weeks after EA lost the rights to put the NCAA logo and name on its games beyond this year.

Judges said EA's game "literally recreates [Arizona State University quarterback Samuel] Keller in the very setting in which he has achieved renown."

The decision could open up a class action suit against the video game publisher from other former college athletes who have been unhappy with their likenesses being used in the games without compensation.

I have to believe the days of college sports games are numbered.

Either that or start paying them royalties. It's only fair.

Leroyog wrote:

Either that or start paying them royalties. It's only fair.

I think it's fair. But I also think that college sports games sell only a fraction of the volume that pro sports sell, yet have many more teams and players. And right now, the players cannot take the money and still play college sports.

The NCAA needs to change a ruling then. It's 2013. Why can't we pay these kids some money to appear in a video game? I'm betting that there weren't video games around(or at least NCAA versions of video games) when this rule came about. Guess it's time to dust off the ol' rule book and scribble something new in it.

On the flip side, it's not like they would pay someone more than the next guy. Give them all the same amount. Fair. Done. Someone wants to cry about it, take it away. Hey look, you were getting 0 dollars and we were going to give you 10 dollars. Take it or leave it.

Bunch of crusty old jerks, hogging all the money.

You would get bargaining, I think. You don't think Teddy Bridgewater would hold out for more money and end up on Louisville as "QB Louisville"?

And yeah, I think they should get paid. Including fair compensation for past players.

DSGamer wrote:

You would get bargaining, I think. You don't think Teddy Bridgewater would hold out for more money and end up on Louisville as "QB Louisville"?

Maybe they could just call him Teddy Football.

I think the answer is to let NCAA athletes organize and negotiate as a group. But seriously, we are along ways from anything close to this being allowed. And right now, A is being told it is illegal to produce the game they are without paying the players, and the players are told that if they take money, they can't play.

So is there going to be a GWJ League? Haven't been on the xbox in a while but been looking here for any updates. Sucks if there is no league. Wasted $60 if that is the case.

Bill

Bill Bonney wrote:

So is there going to be a GWJ League? Haven't been on the xbox in a while but been looking here for any updates. Sucks if there is no league. Wasted $60 if that is the case.

Bill

I plan on still being in a league. I'm not sure I want to run it.

I've been awfully distracted by school and the new Full House Poker beta. I expect as the season draw closer, we will get a league rolling.

BTW, it is also available On Demand right now, but it is still $60. I'm tempted to sell my current copy and get a download, because it is a game I pop in so often.

Okay, let's get a league going. Who wants to run a 2* league? I think default AA difficulty is fine. The mixed sliders from OS are okay. I've got some others I prefer a bit when the player's on defense (Heisman just feels like the CPU offense is cheating with the 90% completion rates...).

All that being said, let's just get it started! I'm okay to commish if there are no other takers, but I wouldn't mind someone else doing it.

DO you have to buy anything special to run a league this year? If not, I'll set one up tomorrow when I get home from work.

Leroyog wrote:

DO you have to buy anything special to run a league this year? If not, I'll set one up tomorrow when I get home from work.

Nope. Only if you're gonna run more than 2 (?) ODs.

Cool. Could you link or post the sliders and settings you'd like to use?

I will also be sending out friend invites and what not later.

I'm not sure I've found a "great" set yet. These Heisman sliders are good, but I'm not really sure if they're that much of an improvement over default AA.

For more of a challenge, the OS community sliders are pretty good. I think we'll have a rough first year, but that could be fun (or at least appropriate) if we're playing 2* teams. I'm playing with these in one dynasty, and they seem okay. The offense is based on the Varsity level (bumped up by sliders) to make the secondary of the CPU defenses play more appropriately. The defense is based on Heisman level. I feel a bit like the CPU offenses are too difficult to stop.

Oh, one last thing: we've traditionally played at very slow speed, but there's a goofy bug at slow and very slow speeds that makes it so that when you run a toss play or pitch on an option, your HB stops briefly before you can get him going again. It's enough to make toss plays not worth running. May not really be a big deal as long as we know it's there. Normal speed feels a bit slower than in previous years. I don't have a strong opinion about which to go with...

Anyone else have any thoughts? I'd be fine with default AA for the first season if we want to get more experience with sliders.

I'm running on default AA and normal speed. Last night I boosted rushing defense for both teams to 55 for me and 60 for the CPU. That was a bit of help. I also lower FG power to 45 and accuracy to 40. I wouldn't want to nerf it completely, but I felt like 48 yards was just a gimme. I think we could stand to drop user QB accuracy to 40 or 45.

I think the OS strategy of dropping PI and OPI low to encourage more penalties was a mistake. I'm not getting any, so I went ahead and knocked those to 100. But otherwise, I like their penalty settings.

I've been playing on Heisman difficulty and there doesn't seem to be a happy medium with QB play. At a 5, I was getting torched. At a 0, the QB was missing everything.