The Gaming Tailgate http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/ en Fri, 18 May 2012 16:04:10 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png The Gaming Tailgate http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/ Sniper Elite V2 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5068-Sniper-Elite-V2&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 14:38:47 GMT Anyone get this game? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGzyKHl7Geo Anyone get this game?

]]> Other Video Games psuexv http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5068-Sniper-Elite-V2 12: Season 6 Week 8 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5067-12-Season-6-Week-8&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 02:31:42 GMT No UvU games this week. Deadline is 5/19.


Welcome to Week 8! Remember to visit dynasty.easports.com to write your own stories.

Arizona (5-2) vs Arkansas State (3-2)
Last week, the Wildcats won 25-20 vs. Louisiana Tech (1-3)
In recruiting news, the following Arizona targets announced their decisions:
T Mike Hughes SDSU
HB Roderick Harris SDSU
DE Matt Fisher SDSU
MLB Melvin Jackson FS

Army (4-1)has a bye week
Last week, the Black Knights won 31-24 vs. Miami University (1-4)
In recruiting news, the following Army targets announced their decisions:
G Clint Dunbar Army
DT Craig Hill Army

ECU (4-2) at Southern Miss (0-5)
Last week, the Pirates won 65-14 at Arizona State (2-4)
In recruiting news, there were no commitments by ECU targets.

FIU (3-4) vs #10 Florida (5-1)
Last week, the Golden Panthers lost 28-26 vs. Troy (4-3)
In recruiting news, the following FIU targets announced their decisions:
WR John Pittman LSU
HB Jesse Nicholson TCU
G Dante Thompson FIU
WR Zach Hargrove Aub
HB Jon Rodriguez UCF
ATH Luke Watts UF
G Jordan Foster USF
C Bo Jackson UVA
T Daniel Johnson FIU

Missouri (4-2) vs Louisiana Tech (1-3)
Last week, the Tigers lost 27-22 vs. San Jose State (6-0)
In recruiting news, the following Missouri targets announced their decisions:
T Reggie Martinez Duke

Rutgers (5-1) at Houston (1-4)
Last week, the Scarlet Knights won 28-21 vs. Southern Miss (0-5)
In recruiting news, the following Rutgers targets announced their decisions:
SS Ben Jackson PSU
G Patrick Mack SU
CB Tommy Robinson Navy
P Jason Smith RU

#20 San Jose State (6-0) at SMU (4-2)
Last week, the Spartans won 27-22 at Missouri (4-2)
In recruiting news, the following San Jose State targets announced their decisions:
OLB Clark Davis FS
G Jon Johnson FS

Troy (4-3) at Arizona State (2-4)
Last week, the Trojans won 28-26 at FIU (3-4)
In recruiting news, the following Troy targets announced their decisions:
MLB Kyle Jones Troy

Kansas (4-1) vs #2 Oklahoma (4-0)
Last week, the Jayhawks had a bye week
In recruiting news, the following Kansas targets announced their decisions:
QB John Sanders Cal
HB Jon Rodriguez UCF
FS Adrian Mosley TAMU
]]> SBCOL (PS3) gschwendt http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5067-12-Season-6-Week-8 NASCAR The Game: Inside Lane - Fall 2012 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5066-NASCAR-The-Game-Inside-Lane-Fall-2012&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 00:28:06 GMT The sequel to NASCAR The Game 2011 has been officially announced. Hop in the driver’s seat, buckle up and start your engines because Activision... The sequel to NASCAR The Game 2011 has been officially announced.

Hop in the driver’s seat, buckle up and start your engines because Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and leading independent racing game developer Eutechnyx are pleased to announce NASCAR® The Game™: Inside Line. Bringing the true NASCAR experience to consoles, the game will allow players to race with the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, teams and cars, as well as feature all 23 officially licensed racetracks. NASCAR The Game: Inside Line is planned to launch Fall 2012 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Wii™ system from Nintendo.

“We set out to reinvent NASCAR gaming last year with NASCAR® The Game™ 2011 – and we’re very proud of it. With our continued enhancements to that game, and our very passionate fans helping guide us, we have an amazing platform to go to the next level with NASCAR The Game: Inside Line,” said Dave Thompson, Executive Producer at Eutechnyx. “We’ve added a new in-depth career mode and robust online features that include realistic race weekends, and now aspiring drivers can rise up through the ranks, attract sponsors, and upgrade their car’s components in the quest to be the Sprint Cup Series Champion.”

“The collaboration between Activision and Eutechnyx produced last year’s hugely successful NASCAR game experience,” said David Oxford, Executive Vice President, Activision Publishing. “NASCAR The Game: Inside Line builds on that platform and adds a number of innovative, cutting edge features that will give fans and gamers alike the chance to participate in the sport like never before.”

They have been releasing plenty of screens over the last few weeks/months and they can be viewed here and here. ]]> Other Video Games cdj http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5066-NASCAR-The-Game-Inside-Lane-Fall-2012 Now that we have Triple Threat Athletes can we create them? http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5065-Now-that-we-have-Triple-Threat-Athletes-can-we-create-them&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 17:26:23 GMT Question since we have multi-position athletes will we be able to create an athlete and add them to the recruiting database?? Question since we have multi-position athletes will we be able to create an athlete and add them to the recruiting database?? ]]> General Discussion Hustleman http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5065-Now-that-we-have-Triple-Threat-Athletes-can-we-create-them DayZ - Arma II Mod (PC) http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5064-DayZ-Arma-II-Mod-(PC)&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 16:22:02 GMT I posted about this in the deals thread but the more I read about it, the more I realized it needs it's own thread.

First off, you'll need Arma II: Combined Operations ($15 on Amazon right now)
Then you'll also need to download the mod itself DayZ (free)

This game is a persistent (you log out, you keep your loot and respawn at the same spot) open-world online FPS set in a zombie apocalypse. You're spawned on a beach with minimal supplies to try to survive. From there, you have to figure out how you want to live. Do you want to head to a military base to stock up on weapons, find a farm to get a farmer's shotgun and lay low, or just survive off of killing rabbits and finding lakes/rivers to resupply your water. Do you spend the time to fix up a car or have the patience to walk from A to B.

You also have to decide how you want to carry yourself... do you become a bandit that shoots everyone he sees or do you find others to team up with in order to survive. All while worrying about zombies that can't see very far but they can hear any noise you make (gun fire, running, etc.) To me it sounds a lot like the online lobby of Red Dead Redemption (just with all of the other goodies).

It sounds awesome.

I'm downloading Arma II now and will install later today. If anyone is interested, I should be on with it either later tonight or sometime Saturday evening... just look for me on Steam (gschwendt).

You can read Rock Paper Shotgun's experiences with it here: Part 1, Part 2 (excellent reads even if you don't do any PC gaming). As well, they have an interview with the creator. ]]> Other Video Games gschwendt http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5064-DayZ-Arma-II-Mod-(PC) Practice facility ? http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5063-Practice-facility&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 15:33:34 GMT Is there a way to practice bunker shots? When I go to the short game practice area and attempt to move the ball to a bunker so I can practice sand... Is there a way to practice bunker shots?

When I go to the short game practice area and attempt to move the ball to a bunker so I can practice sand shots it tells me I cannot drop/place the ball here.

Can someone tell me how we can practice these shots?

Thanks. ]]> Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 gigemaggs99 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5063-Practice-facility BCS Chaos Theory (PS3): Interest Thread http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5062-BCS-Chaos-Theory-(PS3)-Interest-Thread&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:49:12 GMT Dynasty Description

BCS Chaos got its start a few months after the NCAA '10 release. A league focused on having users fighting for the BCS Title every year has evolved into one of the, if not, thee toughest league on our former site. We don't succumb our desire to win a championship in Chaos but we realize every win will be earned. From talented users and a Heisman difficulty CPU, exciting games are destined to happen in our parts. We work hard. We play hard. And we always respect the man on the other side of the field (or couch in a faraway land).

This isn't your casual sim league. This is Chaos.




Roster

JerzeyReign

*Some of my veteran members may be on board but for a fact I have 3-4 spots open*

Sliders/Settings

TBD

Position ChangesTBD

BCS Chaos Rules

G.1.0 Depth chart changes are not permitted before the opening kickoff. Each owner is responsible for setting their depth charts weekly in the franchise. You are allowed to make a depth move during the game


If a player is struggling.
If you are trying to prevent an injury.
If the game is a blow out.

G.2.0 Controlling Players: You cannot pick plays and let the computer run them. Nor can you utilize the "Ask Corso" feature. You must control your QB throws and ballcarrier movement at all times.

G.3.0 Audibles: When calling an audible, you must allow the defense to adjust and be set for at least one second before snapping the ball.

G.4.0 Mixing up the Playcalling: Varying your playcalling on both offense and defense is a requirement of sim play. On offense, be sure to show your opponent different formations and different plays out of each. Of course, exceptions on offense come from your playbook. If you are using Florida or Georgia Tech's playbooks, for example, the formations that are available are not very different. However, even in those playbooks, different looks are available and should be utilized. It is understandable (and acceptable) for a team that is down by a lot to become one dimensional, needing to throw the ball. By the same token, a team that is up by a lot is permitted to become one dimensional running the ball to keep the clock running. As long as the game is close, we expect all box scores to reflect a concerted effort at reasonable play calling.

On defense, be sure to mix up coverages, bltizes, and the like. Showing blitz should be used VERY sparingly, but can be an option to mix it up. Sitting in Cover 3 or DE Contain all game, for example, is prohibited. In addition to making games more sim, mixing up your playcalling makes you a more lethal weapon as a coach. The more versatile you are on either side of the ball, the more you will be able to play mind games and set up plays against your opponent. The only exception to this goes along with offenses becoming one dimensional. If your opponent is forced to become one dimensional due to the score, you will be permitted to do so on defense.

When making adjustments on the field pre-snap, be sure that you are not making the exact same adjustments on every play. Constant press coverage, constant line stunts, shifting the DL and linebackers in the same manner every play and the like falls under the category of not mixing up play calling, and is frowned upon. In addition, moving anyone other than the player you will control is prohibited. If you find yourself in a situation where your guys move as you are switching to the player you intend to control, audible to your original play by pressing []+L2 (PS3).

OFFENSE

O.1.0 - Going on 4th Down: We encourage straight play in this league, however, we do not want to limit players to the point where they cannot play aggressively. With that in mind, there will be a simple rule on 4th downs:

Whenever you are past the 50 yard line with 1 yard or less to go, you are permitted to for it on 4th down.
If you are behind by two touchdowns or more in the second half, you can go for it whenever you like, if you are at least on your 40 yard line.
If you are the losing team in the 4th quarter, you can go for it whenever you like. If you go for it on 4th in the final quarter the other team may continue to run its offense. Punting will be considered waving the white flag, also known as conceding defeat. The user ahead will now look to kill the clock. Blitzing while user is in kill clock mode will also negate your 'white flag' allowing him to run his offense. This only pertains to user games.

O.2.0 - Motioning: Motioning by backs and receivers is allowed. If the defense audibles before your motion is complete you must wait for the defense to get reset before snapping the ball, when possible. Otherwise, you are free to snap the ball when the Motion man reaches their spot on the field and the motion is complete.

O.3.0 – Hurry Up Offense: All teams are allowed to run the "hurry up" offense in both two minute drill situations. Any team losing in the 4th quarter is permitted to hurry up as often as they like. When using the hurry up offense, please allow your opponent to set their defense before snapping the ball. Purposely trying to cause offsides penalties or taking advantage of defensive AI is not allowed.

O.4.0 - Playclock: We're all here to play football. Keep in mind we play anywhere from 6-8 minute quarters here; not 15 like the NCAA. So please choose your plays as quickly as possible on offense and make every effort to do so before the play clock gets close to running out. We do realize, however, that certain situations in the game may require some extra time when choosing a play. You may run the game clock with under 3 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Or if your trying to prevent another possession before the half.

O.5.0 - Play Action: Keep in mind it is unrealistic to call a PA Pass when it is 3rd down and more than 10. You may call a designed PA play and audible your RB to block or go into a pattern to stop the Playaction. Playaction should not be "over utilized" when you have not established the running game. Plain drop backs or shotgun formations should be the main passing formation for throwing the ball. Playaction is used to catch a defense off guard when you've been successful and pounding the rock during the drive or game. Be prudent in it's use.

O.6.0- QB Scrambling: Unrealistic QB scrambling/sprinting is frowned upon on pass plays, including screens. Constantly dancing from sideline to sideline, running straight backwards or well behind the line of scrimmage without being under pressure is not realistic. This does not include option plays, designed QB runs or broken/pressured play situations.

O.7.0- QB Dropback: Purposefully dropping too far back in the pocket during regular passing plays is not allowed. Defensive AI doesn't take into account how far back in the pocket the QB is, allowing for wide open out routes and passes into the flats. This includes hitting a WR on said routes on screen plays.

O.8.0 -Running Up the Score: Good sportsmanship is a major part of Tradition Football, so running up the score on user opponents will not be tolerated. This includes both User and CPU games. Please use good judgment when leading by a large margin. There isn't a reason to see multiple 70-80 point scoring games.

O.8.A - There are things you should do when on the positive end of a blow out. Removing your starters, punting, running the ball and chewing the clock should be staples of your gameplan. Starters should not be scoring when up by four scores. Late scoring will also not be tolerated. When up big, there should not be a reason to score in the closing minutes of the game.

O.9.0 -Option Piches: Make sure that you time your pitches correctly when running the option. There are instances in the game where the QB can make awkward, unrealistic and sometimes even illegal pitches that should be avoided. If you happen to execute a questionable pitch, the right thing to do is to try and negate any yards you have gained. Excessive amounts of questionable pitches is cheese.

O.10.0 - Motion: Manually motioning your WR's before the snap should be kept to a realistic minimum. There are plenty of plays with green routes and defined motion in them that you can utilize. But again, don't abuse them.

O.11.0 - Spreading the Ball Around: WR's should be the main target for passing plays. HB's should be checkdown receivers and not primary targets. HB receptions should not get out of hand or be a primary aspect of an offensive gameplan. Your 3rd, 4th, and 5th WR should not be a primary target. Majority of passes should be thrown to your two outside WRs with few exceptions.

O.12.0 - Two QB Offenses: If you have one passing QB and one running QB, you should limit the rotation of them. Yes, it has happened "some" in real life, but it doesn't translate well to the game. Mainly due to the fact that the defense can't see who is jogging in and out of the huddle. For this reason, QB rotation will only be allowed in groups of ten or more plays or at the beginning of possession. A Two QB System will only be allowed when a program is moving from one type of offense to another (meaning that the current starter is incapable of running certain portions of the playbook). This transition period can only exist for a maximum of one year.

O.13.0 - Wildcat Personnel Groupings: This should operate similar to the QB rotation. For playbooks that are designed to use a wildcat personnel grouping, offensive playcalling should realistically reflect this change. Meaning that the wildcat personnel should stay on the field for a grouping of plays and not switched in and out for individual plays here and there.

O.14.0 - Excessive offensive audibles (changing formations): Calling audibles at the line of scrimmage is commonplace in every level of football. However, these audibles are almost always to plays in the same formation, or to flip the side of the play. Audibles to a completely different formation are prohibited. Audibles to a different play in the same formation, or to flip the personnel to the other side of the field to run the same play is permitted. Calling an audible to change the formation circumvents personnel rules (I.E. WR at TE, WR at FB, HB at FB), and is not allowed.

O.15.0 - Playbooks: Playbooks will be determined at the beginning of the year and cannot be changed until the following offseason. Changing your playbook during the season, especially a User v. User game, will result in the results being thrown and the game replayed.

DEFENSE

D.1.0– Moving Players: On defense, shifting linebackers and the defensive line is permitted. However, if you move a individual defensive player manually before the snap you must control that player at the snap of the ball. This includes moving a player to cover an assignment.
Constantly spreading or pinching your DL or LBs and 'showing blitz' falls under the rules for mixing up your playcalling. If for some reason one of your players doesn't line up correctly, you can move him to where he needs to be and make an additional switch and move. This is easy to spot from the offenses point of view and rarely happens (maybe once in every couple games).

D.2.0 – Blitzing: While blitzing is certainly a part of the game, please be realistic when doing so, and do not use it excessively. Any attempt to confuse the AI when blitzing is prohibited (ie. spreading your defensive line then shifting your LB's to create AI holes). This also falls under the rules for mixing up playcalling.

D.3.0 - Defensive Playcalling: Please call realistic defensive plays for the proper situation. Use a 4 or 5 DL set to stop the run and a 3 or 4 DL set to play the pass.

D.4.0 - Defensive Subs: OLB are not suppose to play DE, Safeties are not suppose to play LB, etc in any package or formation, even if it's a game based package. It is just too much of an AI headache. Keep players in their original positions at all times.

D.5.0 - Playing the Position: Safeties do not normally play close to the line of scrimmage. Defensive linemen do not play in the secondary. Regardless of what player you are controlling, make sure you are playing that position. Controlling a safety and crashing him straight towards the line of scrimmage is not sim. A safety's first step is NEVER towards the line of scrimmage.

D.6.0 - Base Defense: Every 'real life' base defense is legal in our league until proven they are unsim. Use good judgement when using the 3-3-5 and 4-25 as a base.

D.7.0 - Playbooks: Playbooks will be determined at the beginning of the year and cannot be changed until the following offseason. Changing your playbook during the season, especially a User v. User game, will result in the results being thrown and the game replayed.

SPECIAL TEAMS

ST.1.0 - Fake Punts and FGs: Any fake punt or field goal must follow the same rule used when going for it on fourth down. If you are allowed to go for it on 4th down in that situation, you can also fake the punt or field goal. Faking a FG or punt is part of the game and provides "the element of surprise," but please be realistic. These are utilized in NCAA but on a limited basis, so please keep that in mind.

ST.2.0– Onside Kicks: Onside kicks are permitted at any time by the losing team in the 4th quarter only.

Recruiting And Redshirting

RR.1.0 - Redshirting: Redshirts can only be placed on true Freshman.
RR.2.0 - Recruiting: You may use all 25 of your scholarships. No limit on until proven otherwise.

WEEKLY GAMEPLAY

WG.1.0 - Pausing: NCAA allows a limited number of pauses during the game, so please keep that in mind. If it's ever necessary to pause the game, please provide a quick explanation to your opponent if your not utilizing your headset at that time. Pausing the game to show poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. Please do not start a game if you know something will interfere with your playing time.

WG.1.A Most game's pauses operate on a timer. If you select 'Resume' it will put your opponent on a timer before it auto resumes the game. Please take note that if you do not see a timer on your screen, your opponent has not selected 'Resume'.

WG.2.0- Disconnects: Games will disconnect from time to time for various reasons (and usually have nothing to do with either user's setup). It will be up to the players involved to figure out a resolution; with the choices being to either replay the game from the beginning or simulate for an obvious winner. If you cannot reach a resolution, contact the commish. TF expects all owners to have a reliable, high-speed ISP. If you are having any type of Internet trouble, please do not start the game until the problem is resolved.

WG.3.0- Quitting a Game: - Please do not start a game if there's a chance you will not be able to finish it. In the case of an emergency situation where you are forced to leave the game, an agreement should be made between both players as to whether the game will be replayed from the start or simulated in the opposing teams favor.

WG.4.0 - Scheduling: Leagues here operate on an as “fast as we can goâ€Â schedule (unless otherwise stated), missing games will be necessary at times. We are a community full of people who have lives outside of these leagues. TF simply asks that you make every effort to schedule and play your own games by utilizing the message boards. ALL GAMES MUST BE SCHEDULED ON THE FORUMS. If a problem arises with your game and it is not scheduled between both parties on the forums, it will result in a sim. In the unfortunate event that you are unable to schedule a game, we ask that you do the following:
-- Notify your opponent via email and message board as early in the week as possible.
-- Notify the commissioner that your opponent will need to play the CPU or that your CPU game will need to be simmed.

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a sim loss to your team.

WG.5.0 - Restarts: There will be NO restarts for user vs. cpu games. In the unlikely event that you experience a problem/emergency during your game, notify your commissioner immediately. Failure to instantly notify your commissioner will result in a sim. If restarts become a trend you will be dismissed from the dynasty. ]]> JerzeyReign http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5062-BCS-Chaos-Theory-(PS3)-Interest-Thread Teambuilder 13 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5061-Teambuilder-13&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 14:23:44 GMT I've noticed that the TB site has been down for a few days now. I know they need to update the school pitches and rosters but I'm surprised it's happening this early. Anyone remember when it was updated last year? Part of me hopes they wait on updating the rosters. Don't really want to hear people complain about the 2nd string safety for ECU and how his speed is too low. :D
Unless, of course, they've figured out how to upload TB rosters into the locker for sharing.

Could be regular maintenance though... :dunno:





Posted With Tapatalk ]]> TeamBuilder Deuce http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5061-Teambuilder-13 Matt Eddy- I know Football, I suck at madden http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5060-Matt-Eddy-I-know-Football-I-suck-at-madden&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 04:19:22 GMT http://www.aggrogate.com/2011/09/football-suck-madden/ I Know Football, I Suck at Madden by Matt Eddy This is not a review of Madden... http://www.aggrogate.com/2011/09/football-suck-madden/


I Know Football, I Suck at Madden
by Matt Eddy




This is not a review of Madden 12, you can find a much better job at that just about everywhere else on the internet. I’ve barely ever even touched a Madden game, and a yearly franchise like this one tends to demand a more experienced critical eye. No, my job here is to relate what it’s been like to be a complete newb at one of the highest-selling video game franchises of all time.

Here’s the twist: I played football in college (I was a tight end), and remain an avid fan. I’m not an encyclopedic geek about it, but my Football I.Q. is probably slightly above that of the average American. I would also consider myself a fairly well-rounded video game veteran, but the last football video game I played a lot was NFL Blitz and before that, Tecmo Super Bowl. So how have I fared in Madden? I’m here to tell you that it’s the most difficult new game that I’ve ever tried to learn. And being well experienced in football means I could tell exactly how bad I was sucking. Hit the jump to read how badly, accompanied by pictures of football failure.

Madden 12 is brutal to beginners. I came to discover one needs to be aware of two major skillsets – practical football knowledge and controller skills. I can’t even imagine how tough it would be to try to pick up Madden without any of the former, because I had enough trouble with just the latter. I could probably make similar observations about all sports games, but it’s particularly acute in this one because football is the most complicated, nuanced sport there is. Points to Madden 12 for simulating the real thing so well, but that’s also what gave me problems. Unlike other complex games like, say, World of WarCraft, there’s no “newbie” level-up phase that starts simple and gradually branches out from there. It’s the deep end right away, and I had trouble staying afloat.

Developing the controller skills is very slow-going because the button maps change depending on the situation – controlling the passer, controlling the rusher, controlling the pass-rusher, converting the passer to the rusher, controlling the defense when the ball’s on the ground, controlling the defense when the ball’s in the air, pre-snap reads and audibles, menu navigation, and “hotkeys” between plays – all change what your controller actually does. I’ve had a really hard time keeping track of all the possible things I can actually do, and to make it worse, the game does a pretty decent job at emulating the famous speed of NFL football. Margin for error is microseconds.



It seems clear to me that EA expects the vast majority of players to be considerable veterans of the series. There is little in the way of tutorial, since “Practice” modes don’t really train you very well in either practical football knowledge or the video game mechanics. Sure, they throw a list of what the context-specific buttons are for, and you can always consult the in-game manual, but there’s no mode that really teaches you when, how, why, and what the risks are to doing a spin move with the ball carrier as opposed to any of the other five or so possible moves.

I encountered the high learning curve in an exhibition between the Philadelphia Eagles – my team – and the most hated institution for any dutiful Eagles fan, the Dallas Cowboys. Kickoff went pretty well, at least the kicking mechanics are easy to pick up. I even quickly found the buttons to toggle which player to control, a basic skill for any sports game and there are a lot of bodies on the field in football.



From there, my input on the game went south. I started on defense, and tried for several plays to really micro-manage my secondary, blitzes, and line techniques but I had a tough time navigating the menus quickly. Fortunately, you always have the option on any play to “ask Madden,” which will provide three reasonably strategically sound options from which to choose. It was only a few plays before I essentially gave up on being a brilliant defensive coordinator in favor of the dumbed-down hand-holding provided by the game. I could actually dumb it down even further with “GameFlow,” which just picks a play for you at the push of a button, but I like at least having three choices as opposed to one.

As it turns out, you can play it pretty safe on defense by keeping your input to a minimum. Even the player you control will follow his assignment if you just don’t touch anything, and I found that my defense did fine, for the most part, with me in the back seat. That might seem like I’m saying the game was easy, and in terms of results, I suppose it was. But I don’t really like sitting back and watching it go on autopilot like that, even if I’m winning. I want to play the game. But the game doesn’t really teach me anything – I don’t really know where to go to learn how best to direct blitz packages, or to get practice checking into cover 2 if I see an audible, or what I can do with base defense if the offense is going no-huddle. The easy way is just to let the game play itself, and I held the Cowboys to a field goal by doing that. But I’m a sucker for the hard way.



On offense, the ball is almost always channeled quickly through a QB and/or RB in the backfield. That means they can put a lot more pressure on the player to understand and execute proper football moves. Again, you could always go with the game’s hand-holding, but I figured I was an offense guy, I should be able to get my head around a bit more tinkering on this side of the ball.

My opening drive started out with me trying to design a play from the ground up starting with the formation, and resulted in a delay of game penalty. That’s a facepalm moment in both real football, and in Madden. I suppose that’s actually a credit to the game’s verisimilitude – that’s exactly what would have happened if the Eagles had teleported me down to their sideline, thrust a playbook into my arms, and told me to call a play out of the dozens of options with no practice. After a little struggling, I got comfortable with how the menus sort all the various plays. Instead of choosing a play “by formation” like I tried to do at first, I do it “by category,” which means I can quickly decide if I want a run or a pass and choose more detail from there. It doesn’t take long to select “run – inside – iso” (not the Eagles’ forte, but at least I know exactly what the play does).



My playcalling abilities are adequate, but my execution is woeful. Many of my problems come from having zero QB experience (real or video game) using one of the most pass-happy teams in the league. I drop back to pass, the safety is creeping over top of my outside receiver’s post route, my slot receiver’s square in route is stuck in traffic, should I check down to my-SACK. Shit, it’s 2nd and 18. Alright, try again, this time I’ll be quicker to check down to the RB aaaaand I threw it into his back. Well, at least I didn’t lose yards. It’s 3rd and 18, let’s go shotgun, I think I see man-to-man on DeSean Jackson, let’s see if he can get a step on-BLITZ SACK. I get sacked a lot, which really is sad, seeing as how my QB Mike Vick is the most mobile and elusive athlete to ever play the position.

I throw low-altitude lasers straight into the facemasks of defenders when I should (I think) be putting more touch and arc on the ball. I have no feel for when is a good time to tuck and run in the backfield. I’m not sure how to throw the ball away to avoid a sack. I’m powerless to audible when all linebackers and safeties have walked up to breathe down my center’s neck. I actually have more success running than passing, but I tend to just jam the thumbstick upward and hold the “secure ball” button to minimize fumbles. I ended up beating the Cowboys 3 – 14, not because the human outplayed the CPU, but because the I was gifted broken tackles that enabled me to bust an inside run for a 60 yard touchdown on two separate occasions.



I would love to practice all these minute, specific skills, but no dice. At least not in any modes I’ve tried yet. I never played QB in real life, I would love for Madden 12 to have a QB practice mode to let me get the hang of reading coverages and what various receiver route patterns do to a secondary. Give me a practice mode for recognizing all the different kinds of blitzes and countering with hot routes and shifting my O-line’s assignments. Show me how to pressure the seams of zone coverage. What I’m asking for is a training camp for both football concepts and game mechanics. That would add realism, right? The pros don’t show up to a game without any practice, so why should I? I’m a student of football, and the game actually has an opportunity here to enrich my Football I.Q.

My biggest complaint is that it’s always hard to tell when a failure was due to player attributes as opposed to me just playing the game wrong. If I did everything right and someone drops the ball (figuratively or literally), that’s just how it goes sometimes in Madden and in life. But if he dropped the ball because of user error, that’s something I want to know so I can improve at it. On defense, it seems like I often get burned deep. I’m tempted to try to control the cornerback myself, but that’s a very easy thing to screw up. Falling even a half step behind the receiver as I assume manual control can be the difference between having to make a tough catch with my corner in his face and being wide open. Should I be leaving the corner alone to do his job, or will I have success more often with proper execution of manual control? This is a case where I’m not even sure how the game should be played. A practice mode for these skills would make that more clear.



I think I’ve become enough of a football geek that it bleeds over into an appreciation for Madden. But man, do I suck. I’ve yet to beat my girlfriend in a game, although in my defense, she’s been playing it even more than I have. Her execution is better than mine, so I guess that’s a glimmer of hope that I’ll improve with practice as well. Either that or I’ll just have to become a fan of the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers like she is. ]]> Madden NFL 13 ram29jackson http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5060-Matt-Eddy-I-know-Football-I-suck-at-madden Tiger Woods 13 Used copy ? http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5059-Tiger-Woods-13-Used-copy&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 04:10:18 GMT I've been doing some reading online about purchasing used copies. Similar to NCAA or Madden where if you purchase a used copy you have to purchase the additional $10 online (PS3 store) to play online.

Does anyone know, if I purchase a used copy of the Masters Edition for PS3 Tiger Woods 13 will I be able to play all of the courses? Do they come on the game or are they downloadable content? If it is DLC will it not apply since this would be a used copy? If this is the case I'd rather buy the base version used and then purchase the DLC instead of getting jipped on a used copy only to later find out I need to fork out more cash to get the DLC. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks for any advise. ]]> Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 gigemaggs99 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5059-Tiger-Woods-13-Used-copy Tiger Woods 12 vs 13? PS3 Move ? http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5058-Tiger-Woods-12-vs-13-PS3-Move&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 03:20:07 GMT I have Tiger Woods 12 and all the DLC. I like playing it, am not as good as I used to be on the older versions but I still enjoy it. Does anyone... I have Tiger Woods 12 and all the DLC. I like playing it, am not as good as I used to be on the older versions but I still enjoy it.

Does anyone play on PS3 using the PS3 Move? Is it realistic? I play golf in real life, am ok, can shoot low to mid 80s pretty regularly and on good days I can shoot in the high 70s. I know how to work the ball so I'm wondering how sensitive the PS3 Move controller is? I've watched some videos on youtube but it looks like those people are just swinging it wildly and there isn't much to it. I'm wondering about trying to draw or fade the ball or if you want to do a 3/4 swing does it register this?

Is Tiger Woods 13 a lot better than 12? I really enjoy 12 so I'm not sure I want to upgrade if it's not really that much different.

Thank you for your input and help. ]]> Tiger Woods PGA Tour 13 gigemaggs99 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5058-Tiger-Woods-12-vs-13-PS3-Move Alright, the internet continues to fail me. Tech Support help PLEASE http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5057-Alright-the-internet-continues-to-fail-me.-Tech-Support-help-PLEASE&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 00:25:58 GMT Everytime I go to load a program that isn't a web browser or a few other things, I get this error:

Quote:
'C:\Windows\system32\napinsp.dll is either not designed to run on Windows or it contains an error. Try reinstalling the program again using the originaal installation media or contact your system administrator or the software vendor for support'


And it says some shit about a "bad image" and then something related to the program that it's doing it during.

I've looked EVERYWHERE and already done the generally accepted way to fix it (running command prompt in administrative mode and typing "netsh winsock reset") without any effect to the issue at all. The accepted fix has something to do with not being able to connect to the internet, which I don't have a problem with at all.

I've been banging my head against this for a good two months on and off without anything helping. I'm about to say fuck it and reinstall Windows, but, apparently, sometimes it doesn't fix it either.

Any ideas? ]]> Off-topic Discussion morsdraconis http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5057-Alright-the-internet-continues-to-fail-me.-Tech-Support-help-PLEASE Players ratings - Should they be hidden? http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5051-Players-ratings-Should-they-be-hidden&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 11:02:08 GMT i wish EA wouldnt let us see player ratings in the game. just use the star systems with some other scouting service added to the game. you would... i wish EA wouldnt let us see player ratings in the game. just use the star systems with some other scouting service added to the game.

you would use the spring game and a few practices just before the start of the season to set your depth charts like real coaches do in real life!!!! ]]> General Discussion neystar206 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5051-Players-ratings-Should-they-be-hidden TGT PS3 OD - 2014: Week 11 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5050-TGT-PS3-OD-2014-Week-11&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 05:44:02 GMT The week will advance again on Friday, May 18.

User v User Games:
UL Lafayette (HANDSWARD) at NMSU (JBHuskers)

Off-week:
#14 Texas A&M (dukie98)

Good luck! ]]> The Gaming Tailgate OD (PS3) cdj http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5050-TGT-PS3-OD-2014-Week-11 12: Season 6 Week 7 http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5048-12-Season-6-Week-7&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 03:58:45 GMT Two UvU games this week, Troy at FIU and SJSU at Missouri. Deadline is 5/18 or 5/16.


Welcome to Week 7! Remember to visit dynasty.easports.com to write your own stories.

Arizona (4-2) at Louisiana Tech (1-2)
Last week, the Wildcats lost 49-3 vs. Troy (3-3)
In recruiting news, there were no commitments by Arizona targets.

Army (3-1) at Miami University (1-3)
Last week, the Black Knights won 24-21 at Kansas (4-1)
In recruiting news, there were no commitments by Army targets.

ECU (3-2) vs Arizona State (2-3)
Last week, the Pirates won 48-45 vs. FIU (3-3)
In recruiting news, the following ECU targets announced their decisions:
G Wesley Hawkins UNC

FIU (3-3) at Troy (3-3)
Last week, the Golden Panthers lost 48-45 at ECU (3-2)
In recruiting news, the following FIU targets announced their decisions:
G Caleb Brown UF
WR Tom Golden GT
T Jay Harrison UCF
WR Chris Parrish Cin
T Derrick Britt Miss
DT Dominique Smith Neb
MLB Roy Walker FSU

Missouri (4-1) at #24 San Jose State (5-0)
Last week, the Tigers lost 39-17 at Iowa (3-1)
In recruiting news, the following Missouri targets announced their decisions:
QB Corey Alston MSU
FB Jason Woodard Miz

Rutgers (4-1) at Southern Miss (0-4)
Last week, the Scarlet Knights won 49-45 at Notre Dame (2-3)
In recruiting news, there were no commitments by Rutgers targets.

#24 San Jose State (5-0) vs Missouri (4-1)
Last week, the Spartans won 58-54 at Arizona State (2-3)
In recruiting news, the following San Jose State targets announced their decisions:
OLB Joe Weiss Stan

Troy (3-3) vs FIU (3-3)
Last week, the Trojans won 49-3 at Arizona (4-2)
In recruiting news, there were no commitments by Troy targets.

Kansas (4-1)has a bye week
Last week, the Jayhawks lost 24-21 vs. Army (3-1)
In recruiting news, the following Kansas targets announced their decisions:
C Rodney Burns UGA
G Andrew Williams TAMU
MLB Ben Rose KSU
T Daniel Austin Texas
]]> SBCOL (PS3) gschwendt http://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/showthread.php?5048-12-Season-6-Week-7