NCAA Football 11 Catch-All

shag26 wrote:

DSGamer, maybe using "schoolyard antics" was a little harsh. I thank you for you honesty and transparentcy with forming this league. You have every right to run this league how you see fit. I was more taken back by Jayhawkers comments about grinders and people who have only posted to Madden threads. That struck a cord with me because I feel that those comments were directed towards me. It seemed that those comments were elitist or saying that I am better than you since I have been here longer and have posted to different threads. I understand that grinders must prove themselves, but how can they if they aren't allowed into leagues with established goodjers.

Again, I am interested in playing in this league since as far as I can see, it is the only one in GWJ. Am I in consideration or am I wasting your and my time?

Shag -- It's so hard to read into what people say. I wouldn't have guessed you'd be in the category that these folks are worried about. But, if I'm wrong, Jayhawker please send a not to shag telling him what an *sshole he is. I bailed pretty early on the Madden league because of time issues, but it seemed you were likely not among those that were bordering on inappropriate for this community.

Besides, you're now a consultant!

shag26 wrote:

DSGamer, maybe using "schoolyard antics" was a little harsh. I thank you for you honesty and transparentcy with forming this league. You have every right to run this league how you see fit. I was more taken back by Jayhawkers comments about grinders and people who have only posted to Madden threads. That struck a cord with me because I feel that those comments were directed towards me. It seemed that those comments were elitist or saying that I am better than you since I have been here longer and have posted to different threads. I understand that grinders must prove themselves, but how can they if they aren't allowed into leagues with established goodjers.

As I said before, I've never disallowed grinders in my 2k leagues. They just had to wait at the back of the line if the numbers didn't work out. I'm of the same mind this time around. There will likely be grinders in this league. But they're at the back of the line and I want to be very careful that I don't repeat mistakes that happened in Madden 10 last year.

shag26 wrote:

Again, I am interested in playing in this league since as far as I can see, it is the only one in GWJ. Am I in consideration or am I wasting your and my time?

You're fine. You're in. 2009 shag might not have been, however. But only because the rush of people into Madden and the kinds of things that were said on the message boards gave pause that all grinders were suspect and were here just because there happened to be a league and not to be a quality member of a quality community in a league.

DSGamer wrote:

Created a thread for the league I am forming so we can move that discussion out of here. Anyone (grinders, SpyNavy, whomever) is welcome to come and express interest, lay claim to teams, etc. That's the thread for figuring out rules such as quarter lengths, how long we take to let games get in, etc. As we get an idea of how NCAA 11 really is we'll figure out how much space we have, who is in, etc.

http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/50883

Gah, how did I get lumped into this? I have been a member of this community for more than 6 years now. I don't remember Legion getting this grief when he routinely stomped us in 2K5 :). Heaven forbid you be good at something. Y'all think I am tough wait to you play Legion. Oh and don't play hockey with Certis or Mr. Green, that's an opportunity for an education :).

DSGamer wrote:

Created a thread for the league I am forming so we can move that discussion out of here. Anyone (grinders, SpyNavy, whomever) is welcome to come and express interest, lay claim to teams, etc. That's the thread for figuring out rules such as quarter lengths, how long we take to let games get in, etc. As we get an idea of how NCAA 11 really is we'll figure out how much space we have, who is in, etc.

http://www.gamerswithjobs.com/node/50883

Gah, how did I get lumped into this? I have been a member of this community for more than 6 years now. I don't remember Legion getting this grief when he routinely stomped us in 2K5 :). Heaven forbid you be good at something. Y'all think I am tough wait to you play Legion. Oh and don't play hockey with Certis or Mr. Green, that's an opportunity for an education :).

I wasn't lumping you in, SpyNavy. I just made a point of mentioning you so people understood that even given our earlier conversation I had not "banned" you from perhaps getting a spot in the league I'm putting together.

DSGamer wrote:

I wasn't lumping you in, SpyNavy. I just made a point of mentioning you so people understood that even given our earlier conversation I had not "banned" you from perhaps getting a spot in the league I'm putting together.

Good heavens, what did I do to get considered for the ban hammer?

SpyNavy wrote:
DSGamer wrote:

I wasn't lumping you in, SpyNavy. I just made a point of mentioning you so people understood that even given our earlier conversation I had not "banned" you from perhaps getting a spot in the league I'm putting together.

Good heavens, what did I do to get considered for the ban hammer?

Quite the opposite. I was trying to clarify that you are welcome to play (contrary to what many may have thought earlier) so long as you take to heart what I said about my tolerance for people using micro-blitzes, etc.

Either way, there is a thread for the league. Go there and talk about the league if you want. Or don't. I'm done defending my choices of how I want to run this.

SpyNavy wrote:

Oh and don't play hockey with Certis or Mr. Green, that's an opportunity for an education :).

Which reminds me, why the heck was there not a GWJ hockey league?

The fact is, you are welcome in the league, and I don't think there is a need to re-hash prior debates. The fact is, you've always been more than willing to discuss any of the issues, and have been a positive part of the GWJ community for long before these latest issues came up.

I think that anyone that has seen my record in the 2K8 seasons, or even the NHL 2k6 season knows that getting beat on a regular basis is not a problem for me.

DSGamer wrote:
SpyNavy wrote:
DSGamer wrote:

I wasn't lumping you in, SpyNavy. I just made a point of mentioning you so people understood that even given our earlier conversation I had not "banned" you from perhaps getting a spot in the league I'm putting together.

Good heavens, what did I do to get considered for the ban hammer?

Quite the opposite. I was trying to clarify that you are welcome to play (contrary to what many may have thought earlier) so long as you take to heart what I said about my tolerance for people using micro-blitzes, etc.

Either way, there is a thread for the league. Go there and talk about the league if you want. Or don't. I'm done justifying my choices of how I want to run this.

You don't have to justify anything to me. I have abided by every rule, dictate, and guidance. I am just here to play.

SpyNavy wrote:
DSGamer wrote:
SpyNavy wrote:
DSGamer wrote:

I wasn't lumping you in, SpyNavy. I just made a point of mentioning you so people understood that even given our earlier conversation I had not "banned" you from perhaps getting a spot in the league I'm putting together.

Good heavens, what did I do to get considered for the ban hammer?

Quite the opposite. I was trying to clarify that you are welcome to play (contrary to what many may have thought earlier) so long as you take to heart what I said about my tolerance for people using micro-blitzes, etc.

Either way, there is a thread for the league. Go there and talk about the league if you want. Or don't. I'm done justifying my choices of how I want to run this.

You don't have to justify anything to me. I have abided by every rule, dictate, and guidance. I am just here to play.

Then we don't have a problem. I was under the impression that you didn't feel welcome and thus felt the need to clarify. Come join us on the other thread then. Pick a team (I suggest Harvard ), and give us your 2 cents on the rules.

DSGamer wrote:
SpyNavy wrote:
DSGamer wrote:
SpyNavy wrote:
DSGamer wrote:

I wasn't lumping you in, SpyNavy. I just made a point of mentioning you so people understood that even given our earlier conversation I had not "banned" you from perhaps getting a spot in the league I'm putting together.

Good heavens, what did I do to get considered for the ban hammer?

Quite the opposite. I was trying to clarify that you are welcome to play (contrary to what many may have thought earlier) so long as you take to heart what I said about my tolerance for people using micro-blitzes, etc.

Either way, there is a thread for the league. Go there and talk about the league if you want. Or don't. I'm done justifying my choices of how I want to run this.

You don't have to justify anything to me. I have abided by every rule, dictate, and guidance. I am just here to play.

Then we don't have a problem. I was under the impression that you didn't feel welcome and thus felt the need to clarify. Come join us on the other thread then. Pick a team (I suggest Harvard ), and give us your 2 cents on the rules.

Will do. I have considered Navy, but I am more of a pass guy.

GameInformer is out with the first review, for what its worth. They give it a 9/10, and the second opinion is an 8.75.

Obviously this is to be taken with a barrel of salt. GameInformer is not a place I go to for sports reviews.

I have to say. Biggest upgrade this year is the crowd. Co-ed with glasses > fat guy with beer hat.

Here is a much more reliable review from over at Operation Sports. They give it a 9 out of 10.

This reviewer shelved NCAA 10 after two weeks.

NCAA Football 11 is the best game in the series since NCAA 06, and it is also the best football game I have played during this console generation. If you are a fan of college football, or you are just looking to relive the glory years of NCAA on the PS2/Xbox, then check this game out. There is really not much more to say: NCAA Football 11 is a blast and will keep the most hardcore sports gamer busy for a very long time.

Nice. I have a good feeling my faith will be rewarded. I have enjoyed all the next gen NCAA games. They're amongst my most played games, hours wise, this generation. I generally play a 2 to 4 season dynasty every year intermixed with playing with pubbies. However, this is the first one I've really been "excited" about.

Crap, I forgot if this was mentioned already, but I was just glancing at the kotaku review and thought this was cool. If someone already pointed it out, sorry I missed it, but I figure it's a cool new feature that is interesting.

Taking a cue from last year's TeamBuilder, EA Sports built web integration into its long-term dynasty mode, by far its most popular gameplay mode, to allow players to manage their programs away from the console. Ideally, you'll be doing this with a bunch of friends, but even if you don't have enough pals for that, I still think it's worth creating a one-team Online Dynasty for the efficiencies it offers in the game's recruiting obligations.
...
NCAA 11's Online Dynasty is a profound step forward in how this game mode is serviced, and given college fans' interest in recruiting and bulletin-board hype, could be the basis for making it an obsession.

Any word on a decent roster yet? Can you download other people's rosters this year?

Edit: Apparently you can, and FAIRDALE KINGS should have a named roster up tomorrow.

TheCounselor wrote:

Any word on a decent roster yet? Can you download other people's rosters this year?

Edit: Apparently you can, and FAIRDALE KINGS should have a named roster up tomorrow.

Good to hear I picked the game this morning, but haven't cracked the seal yet. I ended up playing MLB 2K10 so I could grab 40 achievement points for playing the ASG in MLB Today. I hope to get some game time in later this evening.

I saw the you really enjoyed the game form the other thread. It would be awesome if this game delivers, and holds me until NHL 11 comes out. It would be awesome if we can get two great leagues going into the winter.

I've only played one game so far, but I have to say: I'm enjoying the running game.

That is all.

EDIT: That is not all I like, just all I have to report at this point.

firesloth wrote:

I've only played one game so far, but I have to say: I'm enjoying the running game.

That is all.

EDIT: That is not all I like, just all I have to report at this point.

I had a couple nice sweeps in my game. I'd be playing now, but I'm watching my niece play t-ball.

IMAGE(http://cdn.content.easports.com/media2011/ncaa11/17299309/662A0001_1_JPEG_SCREENSHOT_DWN.jpg)

Okay; just played a mammoth game Notre Dame vs. Michigan (see game winning INT of a screen above). I'm really digging this game so far. Lots of back and forth and turnovers. I tried to throw my way to defeat...oh well. I came out on top 38-28.

Love the atmosphere. Not only do they play the fight songs, but they also play some of the 'secondary' fight songs that get played by the ND band. I even enjoyed dancing with the Leprechaun while clawing my way back into the game.

The lighting is awesome. A lot of ND home games get played late in the afternoon, and the lighting fades appropriately and then transitions nicely into the lighted field. Gorgeous stuff.

Oh, and a nice bit of blocking:

EA Sports: NCAA Football 11 Video

EDIT: Also, running a kickoff back 99 yards before the band has finished playing your opponents' fight song is awesome.

firesloth wrote:

Oh, and a nice bit of blocking:

EA Sports: NCAA Football 11 Video

Except for the fact that it showed two linebackers just freeze and let the HB go on by with absolutely no effort to stop him.

Grumpicus wrote:
firesloth wrote:

Oh, and a nice bit of blocking:

EA Sports: NCAA Football 11 Video

Except for the fact that it showed two linebackers just freeze and let the HB go on by with absolutely no effort to stop him.

Well, yeah...I suppose I should have put the smiley in there!

Oh, sorry if I missed the point.

It wasn't at all obvious...

But, the game is fun so far!

Grumpicus wrote:
firesloth wrote:

Oh, and a nice bit of blocking:

EA Sports: NCAA Football 11 Video

Except for the fact that it showed two linebackers just freeze and let the HB go on by with absolutely no effort to stop him.

This is why we have to give it a week. I personally don't get too worked up over AI issues like that. It's still a video game. Some do. So for them that might be a deal breaker.

Bummer that "Road To Glory" is lame as always. Why can't they do a "Be a Pro" mode like in NHL? I tried it out cause I always do and after winning the Idaho state championship (and getting an achievement for having the 5-star recruit DLC) I played 2 practices at University of Oregon and won the starting QB position. I love that. I can imagine a coach after two practices saying "I've seen enough, the freshman gets the job".

Otherwise the game is great.

Had the lady pick it up yesterday (360). I like the presentation, and they got Alabama's stadium right - even including the expansion which is just about finished in reality.

Not sure how I feel about the lack of Corso. He's been the guy you love to hate for so long.

I really didn't get too much into the gameplay mechanics, did my first game with Bama (that is a stout team) and a couple Air Raid games with Tejas Tech and Houston. It did irritate me to no end that I'm getting sportsmanship point deductions using an air raid team and doing short passes. I can see if I'm in a league or career game, but in an exhibition, where you're just trying to get your sea legs under you? C'mon EA, let me play the damn game.

I need to get into the game at a deeper level. In the past, I've chugged along at varsity level, doing okay. However, I've never been very good at making my reads and using audibles to my advantage. On the defensive side of the ball, I do a bit with db alignment and such, but I know I'm missing out on a whole aspect of the game that would allow me to step up the difficulty level and be competitive on line.

Hopefully, I'll be able to play some more tonight and get some more impressions of the actual gameplay.

It did irritate me to no end that I'm getting sportsmanship point deductions using an air raid team and doing short passes. I can see if I'm in a league or career game, but in an exhibition, where you're just trying to get your sea legs under you? C'mon EA, let me play the damn game.

Well, to be fair, they give you sportsmanship points for kicking a field goal on 4th-and-20. They seemingly also give them for not blasting the punt returner after he calls for a fair catch.

DSGamer wrote:

This is why we have to give it a week. I personally don't get too worked up over AI issues like that. It's still a video game. Some do. So for them that might be a deal breaker.

This one didn't bother me (well, maybe because I scored). I did change direction right in the hole, and one of those players had just turned around. So far I feel like the game treats me pretty honestly, which hasn't always been the case. The high jumping LBs are annoying. There was probably some stats-balancing reason they did that. Still, I'm pretty happy with the game so far.

firesloth wrote:

This one didn't bother me (well, maybe because I scored). I did change direction right in the hole, and one of those players had just turned around. So far I feel like the game treats me pretty honestly, which hasn't always been the case. The high jumping LBs are annoying. There was probably some stats-balancing reason they did that. Still, I'm pretty happy with the game so far.

You hit the nail on the head. There are things that don't always look right with a lot of sports games, but are actually just poorly done animations of things we want. We love having certain players with lower awareness and to be more likely to misplay a situation. But that doesn't always look like we want it to. I used to say the same thing about the DB backs running in circles in NFL 2K5.

The key is, are the ratings producing realistic results. Am I getting 3-5 yards a carry with most HB's. Are good QB's completing more passes than bad QB's. Do better ILB's make more tackles than the poor ones? Does realistic strategy produce realistic results? Am I saying, "Oh, come on!!!" any more in a videogame than I do on a given Saturday?

To be honest, this game feels like an improved version of Madden 10, but with less skilled players. And I really, really like that. From the games I put in last night, I just found that game to be as much fun as I've had with a game. When I finally figured out how to pull of the Read Options, the game began to feel much more like what I see on Saturdays. It was a bonus that I read the D, gave the ball to the HB instead of letting the QB keep it, found a hole a scored a nice 12 yard TD, and getting an achievement for pulling it off.

I used the Jayhawks against a variety of teams last night, and had the kind of varying success I would hope to find. I finished it off by playing a half as Texas against Ohio State, and the game felt much more epic with the higher class players squaring off. I tried a game as Navy, but let's just say that running an option offense is going to take some practice. Their playbook was pretty insane.