The Gaming Tailgate's NCAA Football 13 Retail Release Impressions

[AustinWolv]

Playing on Heisman against CPU only so far. Defense is possible and I've gotten INTs playing zone defenses. Just uploaded a nice one that my LB returned for a pick6 to win in OT.
Been playing zone at least 50% of the time and mixing up man versus zone calls a lot.

What I've found "hard" so far is getting stops on 3rd downs.....CPU QB is very eager to take off if receivers aren't open.

The silliness of CPU QB taking sacks on HB screens is still in there which is just :facepalm:

[baseballplyrmvp]

i know my opinions dont mean much, but here's what i think in my first play now game of :USC: vs cal

1. dont like the new pre play camera, where it shows the majority of the field.

2. o-linemen can figure out who to block. cal runs a 3-4, and their d-tackle came into the backfield untouched, right in between USC's center and left guard. :fp:

3. cpu defense calls way too many blitzes. every play so far, they've rushed at least 6 guys.

4. cover 2 zones gives up a td every time to a fast outside receiver running a streak route. the free safety doesnt back pedal to prevent a deep pass, and by the time that he does start playing the receiver, the receiver is already by him.

5. whatever happened to gang tackles? cal's te (cpu) was surrounded by 5 USC defenders, and broke 3 different tackle attempts.

6. receivers seem to drop the ball more often when immediately hit when making an attempted catch. very nice

7. qb's lose a lot of accuracy when hit when they throw.

8. when using the d-line sub package, it still uses the #2 and #3 d-tackles....not the #3 and 4.

9. cpu safeties in cover 2 are just stupid to begin with. they almost see the outside receivers as the larger threats regardless of what route they're running. slot receivers on streak routes blow right on by them.

10. something has to be done in regards to picking up fumbles. i dont need linemen trying to do a scoop and score; i need them falling on the ball.

[Bohica1010]

I get that people will be disappointed for various reasons, but do we have a new area to ask questions for those of us who are playing through? I am interested in finding out if I am recruiting and never scout a guy and he is a 60, will he stay a 60? Or will he change to what I would have found if I had scouted him, let's say he was worse so a 60(-2) or 58?

[Rudy]

I get that people will be disappointed for various reasons, but do we have a new area to ask questions for those of us who are playing through? I am interested in finding out if I am recruiting and never scout a guy and he is a 60, will he stay a 60? Or will he change to what I would have found if I had scouted him, let's say he was worse so a 60(-2) or 58?

The game has gems and busts. If you don't scout you won't know his true rating which could be higher or lower. I know Tommy had said there are some guys that will have big swings either way.

[gschwendt]

I get that people will be disappointed for various reasons, but do we have a new area to ask questions for those of us who are playing through? I am interested in finding out if I am recruiting and never scout a guy and he is a 60, will he stay a 60? Or will he change to what I would have found if I had scouted him, let's say he was worse so a 60(-2) or 58?
He'll be the 58. Added, even if you don't scout someone, if you have scouting time left over, the cpu will use it for you.

[skipwondah33]

.If you enjoyed 11 and 12 you can probably enjoy 13. If you hated 11 or 12 don't even bother renting the game as you will just enrage yourself for wasting your time. I'm disappointed with this year's title as they added NOTHING of value to me and in fact made several things important to me arguably worse (pass defense).That was my fear. Couldn't stand 11 or 12.

Was in the same boat though. Had $35 built up in Amazon credit so figured I'd give it a shot. Hopefully by Madden release the patches start rolling in...otherwise may be tough to keep.

[Bohica1010]

The game has gems and busts. If you don't scout you won't know his true rating which could be higher or lower. I know Tommy had said there are some guys that will have big swings either way.

Huge is an understatement, I have a 2 star that is +8 after scouting him. Pretty crazy, but I like the fact that they did some players with more of a swing either way to make things interesting!

[Sinister]

Has anyone got the shovel pass to kick in

[CLW]

Has anyone got the shovel pass to kick in

LOL I completely forgot about this and the abort play action "features" I've not done either one and I doubt I EVER do.

[psuexv]

Played 2 user games last night and must impressions are high for me. Played both on default Heisman and thought the game played really smoothly. In my first game I tried to stretch the field but didn't see what people are talking about with safeties as they did a very good job and didn't really give up the deep ball.

Snoop ran a lot of read option in our game and only once did I see a problem with the OLB that was blitzing and didn't play run at first but then ran directly past the QB that kept the ball.

The new passing system is definitely a thumbs up. Played with Arkansas the first game and was able to put the ball where I wanted with a 94 OVR QB. Then played with UTSA and could easily see that he was nowhere as good and had a rough day, as I should. Also was cool to see some throws off the mark when at times.

One thing I would like to see is a better job when the QBs are getting hit. There a number of times when I feel the pressure and do feel I got the ball off and the QB gets hit and the ball goes like 3 feet. I think they could do some work with this as you tend to see QBs still able to get a good/decent ball off at times when getting pressure/hit.

Did see some alignment issues last night but not too terrible. Of course I run pretty standard defenses with 4-3, Nickel and occasionally Dollar. The issues I did see where in the Dollar.

[Sinister]

yeah psu they don't always line up right you'll end up with a safety lined up on the slot and slot cb lined up on te .. especially in no huddle

oh tino sucks for pitt can't make deep passes to save his life. i also saw last night possible progressive injuries. i hurt cincy rb with a broken finger he came back in then sprain his wrist then i broke it . so that was cool i hope its like that during season injuries too.

[psusnoop]

Screens are an area where psuexv and I Talked last night. A QB will allow the defenders in real life to get real close maybe even make contact yet they are still able to flip, toss the ball out to the HB however again with 13 the QB either eats the ball or throws it 3 feet.

The outside containment really needs improved. Like E mentioned, that DB had zero reason to choose the HB since he had already delayed his decision and he should have kept with the QB. This happens on blitzes as well and should really be looked at.

I agree that Heisman plays the best for me at least through my many season ticket and now the actual game too. Just feels smooth and fluid and not crazy like years past.

[psuexv]

Screens are an area where psuexv and I Talked last night. A QB will allow the defenders in real life to get real close maybe even make contact yet they are still able to flip, toss the ball out to the HB however again with 13 the QB either eats the ball or throws it 3 feet.

The outside containment really needs improved. Like E mentioned, that DB had zero reason to choose the HB since he had already delayed his decision and he should have kept with the QB. This happens on blitzes as well and should really be looked at.

I agree that Heisman plays the best for me at least through my many season ticket and now the actual game too. Just feels smooth and fluid and not crazy like years past.

Absolutely, I forgot about screens. Also the lineman don't even touch the rush at all. They immediately break into the screen passing scheme thus giving the QB very little time. In real life you rarely see a QB get sacked on a screen play.

[morsdraconis]

Next time you do a screen, try slide protecting the line in the opposite direction of the screen. If I remember correctly, to get them to actually block for a second, I would do that in '12.

[AustinWolv]

I liked how I had a DL peel off to play the CPU HB on a screen pass, and he ended up knocking the pass down when he raised his arms when the CPU HB went to catch the pass. Looked pretty good, i.e. the kind-of-face-guarding way that real DL will play a HB screen. I should have captured video on it.

Hitting receivers in stride on deep balls is beautiful, looks more fluid than in years past.

[xMrHitStickx904]

I hate the way defense plays now. It's so stiff, can't even user anything like I used to. Players don't react with swats on strafes anymore. smh, all bad. The longevity of a game comes with gameplay, not with these ridiculous modes that I never play to begin with. Then, when I actually want to play it, I can't because the gameplay is bad.

[ram29jackson]

I hate the way defense plays now. It's so stiff, can't even user anything like I used to. Players don't react with swats on strafes anymore. smh, all bad. The longevity of a game comes with gameplay, not with these ridiculous modes that I never play to begin with. Then, when I actually want to play it, I can't because the gameplay is bad.

dod you delete and reload your tuner? thats suppose to help that problem.....?

[steelerfan]

I hate the way defense plays now. It's so stiff, can't even user anything like I used to. Players don't react with swats on strafes anymore. smh, all bad. The longevity of a game comes with gameplay, not with these ridiculous modes that I never play to begin with. Then, when I actually want to play it, I can't because the gameplay is bad.

Are you talking about the cheese where guys would strafe all over the field, changing directions and never losing any speed, all while holding the swat button to have the cpu auto-swat for them?

If so, I'm glad that shit is gone.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

[morsdraconis]

Are you talking about the cheese where guys would strafe all over the field, changing directions and never losing any speed, all while holding the swat button to have the cpu auto-swat for them?

If so, I'm glad that shit is gone.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

Something VERY close to that and I agree. It's GREAT that that shit is gone.

[skipwondah33]

Are you talking about the cheese where guys would strafe all over the field, changing directions and never losing any speed, all while holding the swat button to have the cpu auto-swat for them?

If so, I'm glad that shit is gone.+1

Remember you could do that change of direction in Madden 2-3 versions back. Where you could be running full sprint towards one side of the field, then completely reverse field instantly keeping your speed.

[CLW]

Telling EA isn't "hyping" up their reviews this year. In fact, other than IGN I don't think I have seen a "mass" publication/website reviewing the game this year.

[souljahbill]

GameSpot and Joystiq did reviews. They weren't pretty.

[JBHuskers]

Telling EA isn't "hyping" up their reviews this year. In fact, other than IGN I don't think I have seen a "mass" publication/website reviewing the game this year.

As of yesterday, most scores were at an 80.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[gschwendt]

Telling EA isn't "hyping" up their reviews this year. In fact, other than IGN I don't think I have seen a "mass" publication/website reviewing the game this year.
http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/ncaa-football-13/critic-reviews

[CLW]

http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/ncaa-football-13/critic-reviews

Of course, these #s are always "subjective" a 75 for some is a 60 for others. The only thing Metacritic is good for is comparing a game within the universe of rules as it gives you a framework.

Looks like 12 received an 82 and 13 is currently sitting at 75 meaning 13 is viewed by most as a regression and not an improvement.

[AustinWolv]

Are you talking about the cheese where guys would strafe all over the field, changing directions and never losing any speed, all while holding the swat button to have the cpu auto-swat for them?

If so, I'm glad that shit is gone.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

Agreed. People who love to user love that shit and usually did cheese, even though they claim they don't.

[ram29jackson]

Are you talking about the cheese where guys would strafe all over the field, changing directions and never losing any speed, all while holding the swat button to have the cpu auto-swat for them?

If so, I'm glad that shit is gone.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2


I dont think he means that? until you reload the tuner, you cant swat at all-period.

[I OU a Beatn]

Are you talking about the cheese where guys would strafe all over the field, changing directions and never losing any speed, all while holding the swat button to have the cpu auto-swat for them?

If so, I'm glad that shit is gone.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

I've never heard of anyone ever holding the swat button while running all over the field and it has nothing to do with what Hitstick is talking about. What he's talking about is exactly what he said - the animations are so stiff that it's impossible to user defend anything. I guess that's a good thing for the people who let the CPU do everything, but for those of whom who actually like to make user plays on the ball, it kind of sucks.

It's not just defensively, either...the entire game as a whole feels much more sluggish than '12. It has the running in quicksand feeling, at least online.

I don't even understand what you mean by calling user defense "cheese." That makes no sense.

[Kingpin32]

I dont think he means that? until you reload the tuner, you cant swat at all-period.
This may be why it's almost impossible for me to user catch passes.

[AustinWolv]

WTF? I've already pulled down two user picks in 3 Play Now games on Heisman, what is this about not being able to? Just swat doesn't work?

[ram29jackson]

the highlight replays- when you try to save your own highlights/replays

the frame rate is all screwed up or its not smooth or what ever, its horrible.

[Marlowe]

WTF? I've already pulled down two user picks in 3 Play Now games on Heisman, what is this about not being able to? Just swat doesn't work?

Swat works just not the way one was used to in '12. Jump is fubar.

[kindella2]

I have only played 2 games in very different situations. If the CPU plays zone then you wont have any trouble winning as someone will be open, if they play man you will run more.

Run blocking is HORRID...OLine arent moving up to LBs and thus they are running free to kill your RBs.

Swat doesnt work on Defense...also it seems like others have said that some routes that have cuts in them cause DBs to either hesitate or regroup and it leaves the WR running free usually for a big play or TD.

Defensive Read and React is gone. Both user and cpu defenders stand around on run plays and often wait for the RB to get to then past them before reacting.

I think suction blocking is back...it was so refreshing not to have it last year.

Its frustrating to play a game that improves in some areas then regresses in others and even other things are broken.

Its like "This new thing and better, but wait this other thing was working last year and now its broken like it was in '11 DAMMIT i hate that, and FINALLY EA how in the HELL did you let this through the test phase."

[kindella2]

Has anyone seen a instant replay yet?? I

[ram29jackson]

the highlight replays- when you try to save your own highlights/replays

the frame rate is all screwed up or its not smooth or what ever, its horrible.


Has anyone seen a instant replay yet?? I



or maybe you mean something else ?

[souljahbill]

Run blocking is HORRID...OLine arent moving up to LBs and thus they are running free to kill your RBs.
So many times, THIS! Sometimes I wish the Madden 04(?) "Mike-Vick-Point-At-Who-You-Want-Blocked" controls were in because unblocked LBs kill my run game. Pulling guards/fullbacks go derp coming around the edge, heading way the fuck up field instead of helping block the end or blocking the incoming LB who's now running like a crackhead on fire towards the ball carrier.

[AustinWolv]

User catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msUFFBTLlcM

[gschwendt]

I was on Game Changers Radio last night talking about NCAA... probably nothing new to anyone here, but I have it on high authority that until everyone here listens, the rosters won't be released.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/easgcradio/2012/07/11/game-changers-radio

[CLW]

I was on Game Changers Radio last night talking about NCAA... probably nothing new to anyone here, but I have it on high authority that until everyone here listens, the rosters won't be released.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/easgcradio/2012/07/11/game-changers-radio

I B listenin' 4 da RASTAS!

[ram29jackson]

User catch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msUFFBTLlcM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msUFFBTLlcM

[psusnoop]

Ran into a really cheese ball. I see what IOU was saying about some things.

The guy was squib kicking and the damn ball would bounce around and off my returners hands which he would then dive around for it ultimately the kick team would recover the ball. He did this 4 times in the game.

Then I spent the other part of the game watching him constantly pressing not pressing, flipping not flipping his play continually which created instant pressure on most plays.

Also I noticed that unless I ran a cover 3 every snap he was able to complete the deep ball with relative ease and user catch while I couldn't do anything to defend it. I couldn't let the CPU defend it either.

This was just a normal lobby game and it was the second bad experience of the short start of NCAA lol.

Yes I know these idiots are there but I wanted to try some stuff against other users this afternoon.

[I OU a Beatn]

Ran into a really cheese ball. I see what IOU was saying about some things.

The guy was squib kicking and the damn ball would bounce around and off my returners hands which he would then dive around for it ultimately the kick team would recover the ball. He did this 4 times in the game.

Then I spent the other part of the game watching him constantly pressing not pressing, flipping not flipping his play continually which created instant pressure on most plays.

Also I noticed that unless I ran a cover 3 every snap he was able to complete the deep ball with relative ease and user catch while I couldn't do anything to defend it. I couldn't let the CPU defend it either.

This was just a normal lobby game and it was the second bad experience of the short start of NCAA lol.

Yes I know these idiots are there but I wanted to try some stuff against other users this afternoon.

That would be the goon kick. It's been in NCAA since '09 and it's been done the exact same way since '09. I've sent multiple requests to EA and have even sent them videos the past 3 years now. For something as game breaking as this, they don't seem too concerned with fixing it. I've all but given up trying to get their attention on the matter.

[psusnoop]

That would be the goon kick. It's been in NCAA since '09 and it's been done the exact same way since '09. I've sent multiple requests to EA and have even sent them videos the past 3 years now. For something as game breaking as this, they don't seem too concerned with fixing it. I've all but given up trying to get their attention on the matter.

For anyone playing online this needs fixed, it's total bullshit and really took away from the game even though I don't play online people that I am not familiar with after a week or two after release the ones that do still this is a real deal breaker for them.

They goon kick it and your guys also do not block at that point really either. Your just left high and dry to field the ball hopefully cleanly then hopefully you don't fumble when smacked immediately.

[psusnoop]

I'll also add that I'd had normally just said ah just play people you know and you'll be fine, I've said that in the past as well as don't play online then too but man those couple of games really has my blood pressure boiling with the amount of BS that occurred. :D

[SmoothPancakes]

I'll also add that I'd had normally just said ah just play people you know and you'll be fine, I've said that in the past as well as don't play online then too but man those couple of games really has my blood pressure boiling with the amount of BS that occurred. :D

Ah, just play people you know and you'll be fine.

:P :D

[psusnoop]

Ah, just play people you know and you'll be fine.

:P :D

:D screw that I like getting so frustrated that I want to rip my daughters barbie's heads off and throw them across the room :D

[SmoothPancakes]

:D screw that I like getting so frustrated that I want to rip my daughters barbie's heads off and throw them across the room :D

That would be entertaining to watch, daughter comes home to find all our barbies beheaded and their heads scattered all over the room while you're sputtering to come up with an explanation. :D

[I OU a Beatn]

It bothered me a few years ago, but I've gotten to the point now that I just quit as soon as I see it. If winning a game is so important to someone that they need to cheat to do it, then they can have their fun without wasting my time. Still, it's the biggest issue online wise. I was absolutely baffled that it was still in the game last year. I sent them video after video with precise instructions on how to do it and I thought for sure they would take care of it. Nope.

I think I sent a video to G who sent it to EA last year, but that was about it. I knew full well it was going to be there again this year, so I put forth minimal effort trying to get EA's attention. I've played 2 full games of NCAA '13 so far including the Season Ticket and the goon kick/man switching/shake blitz/disconnect glitches are the main reasons why.

[steelerfan]

I've never heard of anyone ever holding the swat button while running all over the field and it has nothing to do with what Hitstick is talking about. What he's talking about is exactly what he said - the animations are so stiff that it's impossible to user defend anything. I guess that's a good thing for the people who let the CPU do everything, but for those of whom who actually like to make user plays on the ball, it kind of sucks.

It's not just defensively, either...the entire game as a whole feels much more sluggish than '12. It has the running in quicksand feeling, at least online.

I don't even understand what you mean by calling user defense "cheese." That makes no sense.

I guess you're suggesting that I just call plays on defense and set the controller down. That's not the case.

As for defensive "cheese", again, I think that that not being penalized for making a directional change while strafing is crap. It's poor physics/foot planting/momentum/whatever. Maybe cheese is the wrong word but, for me, doing anything superhuman is a form of taking advantage of an unrealistic flaw with the game.

I've only played about 6 games so far, and only one against a user. I wasn't sure what Hitstick was talking about, which is why I said what I did, the way I did. I play defense differently than most. I play on the line until the ball is in the air. You may have the opinion that that means I let the cpu play defense "for me", but whatever. Ask anyone who has played against me, I'm not a wizard, but I'm certainly no pushover on defense either.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

[I OU a Beatn]

I wasn't making accusations. I didn't understand what you meant by saying what Hitstick was talking about was "cheese." I agree that you should be penalized for making a wrong move, but I don't think it's "cheese" if you patrol with a safety to try to take away certain things. I do it all the time - every single down. I don't do it to be an ass, I do it because if I don't, I know there's going to be a gaping hole somewhere to fit the ball in because of the questionable AI logic that sometimes occurs.

If you play online against some random people a few games, you'll quickly understand why a lot of people control a safety or linebacker. I also think the solution to this is for EA to put a bigger emphasis on momentum, acceleration, and things like that. As it is now(especially with all the issues with zone defense), you pretty much have to patrol the field with a safety to at least minimize the places someone can throw the ball.

[steelerfan]

I wasn't making accusations. I didn't understand what you meant by saying what Hitstick was talking about was "cheese." I agree that you should be penalized for making a wrong move, but I don't think it's "cheese" if you patrol with a safety to try to take away certain things. I do it all the time - every single down. I don't do it to be an ass, I do it because if I don't, I know there's going to be a gaping hole somewhere to fit the ball in because of the questionable AI logic that sometimes occurs.

If you play online against some random people a few games, you'll quickly understand why a lot of people control a safety or linebacker. I also think the solution to this is for EA to put a bigger emphasis on momentum, acceleration, and things like that. As it is now(especially with all the issues with zone defense), you pretty much have to patrol the field with a safety to at least minimize the places someone can throw the ball.

Fair enough.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk 2

[ryby6969]

One thing I am noticing is way too many broken tackles by WR's and QB's in the open field on safeties and LB's. They shed them off like they are about 150lbs.

[Rudy]

delete

[MuckyPup]

personally myself, i see hardly any changes to last years release, same ole problems they had last year and couldn't fix, what did they do all year ? or are we suppose to just hand over our money again and have a game that's broke , same as last year, it was basically, well, we can't fix this without messing up something else, so ur SOL. We got our money , you just got screwed with a broken game. even the stadium lights don't work for most night games, they come on here and there only in sections, quite annoying. i gave them another chance, but this will be it for me , this stuff is uncalled for, they had a year to fix this stuff and most of it is still the same .

[jaymo76]

That would be entertaining to watch, daughter comes home to find all our barbies beheaded and their heads scattered all over the room while you're sputtering to come up with an explanation. :D

Just blame the roster makers :D

[ram29jackson]

delete

oh come on, what were you worried about ?

it was valid.

[ram29jackson]

One thing I am noticing is way too many broken tackles by WR's and QB's in the open field on safeties and LB's. They shed them off like they are about 150lbs.

every player breaks tackles in this game LOL online on AA settings it can be everything from funny/dumb/frustrating/exciting/thrilling watching it happen...theres moe than just new catch animations in game...alot of player movement is different

[CLW]

I presume all the "critic" reviews are in and NCAA 13 comes in with a 75. (Last year 12 got an 82)


http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/ncaa-football-13

http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/ncaa-football-12

[JBHuskers]

I presume all the "critic" reviews are in and NCAA 13 comes in with a 75. (Last year 12 got an 82)


http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/ncaa-football-13

http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/ncaa-football-12

The PS3 side is an 83.

http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/ncaa-football-13

[I OU a Beatn]

Yes, but as with most games, most reviewers do their reviews on the 360 side, so it's essentially the same thing. Joystiq and Gamespot gave it a 60 and 65 respectively and those scores haven't even been added to the PS3 side yet.

It was interesting to see that even with all the discounts, going into the last week before release, this year's version had almost 100,000 less preorders across the 360/PS3 than '12 did...at least according to VG.

[Rudy]

It was interesting to see that even with all the discounts, going into the last week before release, this year's version had almost 100,000 less preorders across the 360/PS3 than '12 did...at least according to VG.

That doesn't surprise me. A lot of people were disappointed with NCAA 12. With sports titles I think disappointment one year leads to poor sales the next year.

[JeffHCross]

Yes, but as with most games, most reviewers do their reviews on the 360 side, so it's essentially the same thing. Joystiq and Gamespot gave it a 60 and 65 respectively and those scores haven't even been added to the PS3 side yet.In Gamespot's case, it looks like the review is only official for the 360.

Speaking of Gamespot though:

Thankfully, once you move away from the Heisman Challenge and into the more team-focused modes, the action is as good as ever.How does that line fit in a review with a score of a 65? :D (Actually, upon reading the rest of the review, it makes perfect sense. It was still jarring to see though. I was expecting a very critical review with a 65 score)


With sports titles I think disappointment one year leads to poor sales the next year.I think that's true of all series, but sports titles get the brunt of the impact because they're one of the few year over year series. There are several series I can think of where I enjoyed edition X, but didn't enjoy X+1 or X+2, and so haven't given them a shot since.

[SmoothPancakes]

I think that's true of all series, but sports titles get the brunt of the impact because they're one of the few year over year series. There are several series I can think of where I enjoyed edition X, but didn't enjoy X+1 or X+2, and so haven't given them a shot since.

Or you just don't want to buy it again the very next year. I bought FIFA 10 and NHL 11, and while I played the hell out of both and enjoyed both, I didn't feel like spending the money on FIFA 11 or 12 or NHL 12. I'm gonna get both NHL 13 and FIFA 13 this year, but the last couple years for each, I haven't had any desire to buy when I was still playing and enjoying the previous year's. NCAA is the only sports game that I am willing to buy each year, the rest, I'll buy once every other or every couple years.

[AustinWolv]

I'd say the game should get a higher rating than it did. To me, the changes are subtle and not whack-you-in-the-face wow improvements, but the gameplay changes that have been made make the game more enjoyable so far than '12.

[JeffHCross]

The reviews are pretty clear on how much influence the visuals have on the reviewers. Lots of comments about the presentation being "stale". Oh, and Heisman Challenge being, well, not at all a game changer.

[beartide06]

The reviews are pretty clear on how much influence the visuals have on the reviewers. Lots of comments about the presentation being "stale". Oh, and Heisman Challenge being, well, not at all a game changer.

Sure it was a game changer. Just not in a positive light like they hoped. :D

[I OU a Beatn]

I've played 3 games on 360 so far and I've been shake blitzed every single one of them. What the hell? Does EVERYONE know how to do it? It's especially annoying since I want to try to run my legitimate offense and I can't because about the only thing you can do against the shake blitz is get in a 2 back set, set up max protect, and bomb the shit out of them down field. Ugh, so lame.

[gschwendt]

I've played 3 games on 360 so far and I've been shake blitzed every single one of them. What the hell? Does EVERYONE know how to do it? It's especially annoying since I want to try to run my legitimate offense and I can't because about the only thing you can do against the shake blitz is get in a 2 back set, set up max protect, and bomb the shit out of them down field. Ugh, so lame.
Can you PM me the shake blitz steps? I knew how to easily do it last year but this year they changed to where you can't shake as quickly so not sure how it's performed.

[I OU a Beatn]

Yeah, sure...I was going to last week but I completely forgot.

[tdc02]

I feel you on that shake blitzed. those lbs or cbs come free and you can't run anything on offense. I just post a game on youtube, I play last night against someone that did that to me all game.

[beartide06]

I've played 3 games on 360 so far and I've been shake blitzed every single one of them. What the hell? Does EVERYONE know how to do it? It's especially annoying since I want to try to run my legitimate offense and I can't because about the only thing you can do against the shake blitz is get in a 2 back set, set up max protect, and bomb the shit out of them down field. Ugh, so lame.

Ok, so I am not too sure what the shake blitz actually is, but I played against a "friend" of mine the other day online, and I kid you not, he got through untouched EVERY time. I literally could not even move hardly. It was a bit ridiculous. He was using the MLB the entire game. He also was able to have 30 more sacks than anyone else in the country. Could he have been using this "shake blitz" shenanigan?

[JeffHCross]

Yeah, sure...I was going to last week but I completely forgot.I was looking at that post again this week and wondered if you'd made the video you claimed you would :D

[I OU a Beatn]

The shake blitz is the most recognizable glitch in the entire game, but it's also one that's fairly easy to beat. If your opponent's Linebackers are moving back and forth repeatedly, they're shake blitzing. When defenders are moving prior to the snap, they start at full speed when the ball is snapped. Most of these lovely human beings who do this do it out of 1-5-5 where there's a ton of speed right at the line of scrimmage which is when it's most effective. It's been in the game for years and EA FINALLY took notice and tried to do something by slowing down the speed at which you can shift the linebackers multiple times, but if you time it right, you can still do it.

There's a number of ways to beat it. You can try to time your snap so that you snap it right when the linebackers make their shift to a pinched look or you can do my preferred method: get in a 2 back shotgun formation and hot route the 2 RBs to block to each side with aggressive slide protection. I don't think I've ever been sacked doing that. I usually have a drag and slant going to one side of the field, and then a streak to the other. Good luck defending that shit with cover 0 coverage.

[I OU a Beatn]

I was looking at that post again this week and wondered if you'd made the video you claimed you would :D

The video on the shake blitz? I definitely can - it's not like I would be letting a secret out of the bag. Virtually everyone random I've played online so far has done it to me. It's more annoying to me than anything; I don't really have much trouble moving the ball against it.

I'd love to make a private video sometime and set it up so only invited people could watch it. Some of you would be absolutely shocked at some of the major game breaking glitches that exist for online play. I wouldn't dare make it public though...several of them are unknown by most people and I'd certainly like to keep it that way.

[JeffHCross]

You probably know this, but you definitely can make a YouTube video private so that only people with the link can see it. G did that with one of his videos before release, if memory serves.

[beartide06]

The shake blitz is the most recognizable glitch in the entire game, but it's also one that's fairly easy to beat. If your opponent's Linebackers are moving back and forth repeatedly, they're shake blitzing. When defenders are moving prior to the snap, they start at full speed when the ball is snapped. Most of these lovely human beings who do this do it out of 1-5-5 where there's a ton of speed right at the line of scrimmage which is when it's most effective. It's been in the game for years and EA FINALLY took notice and tried to do something by slowing down the speed at which you can shift the linebackers multiple times, but if you time it right, you can still do it.

There's a number of ways to beat it. You can try to time your snap so that you snap it right when the linebackers make their shift to a pinched look or you can do my preferred method: get in a 2 back shotgun formation and hot route the 2 RBs to block to each side with aggressive slide protection. I don't think I've ever been sacked doing that. I usually have a drag and slant going to one side of the field, and then a streak to the other. Good luck defending that shit with cover 0 coverage.

Ok, yeah I have seen this a million times. I thought that may be it, but I was unsure. What a pain, man! I wish people just played this game without exploiting it. What is the glory in saying "oh, I just owned you because I used cheesing methods to do so." I want to win playing sim, real football style. Seems to be the minority these days. One of my favorite quotes from these guys, "Well, stop it, then. Don't hate the player, hate the game." :glare:

[JeffHCross]

What is the glory in saying "oh, I just owned you because I used cheesing methods to do so."LOLZ. That has to be it. Otherwise I can't explain it without resorting to "dumbasses".

Though I have met some cheesers who think it's a form of out-strategizing your opponent if you've found a way to cheat that they haven't. Of course, those people usually get owned at tournaments when their four play offense gets stopped.

[souljahbill]

I just won my 1st ever game on Heisman difficulty ever in my entire history of NCAA Football. Granted, I was Alabama and played against UMass and I only did it to attempt getting the "Win by 35+ on Heisman" trophy (which I got) but at least I can say I won a game on Heisman once in my lifetime. Whenever I attempted Heisman in the past, the game felt über-cheap so I stuck to AA.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JeffHCross]

Heisman is tons, tons, better this year, Bill. Outside of the occasional "well, that was just a convenient time for my open WR to drop the ball", I haven't felt cheated at all. And that includes a 17-15 Florida State victory over Ohio.

[souljahbill]

Heisman is tons, tons, better this year, Bill. Outside of the occasional "well, that was just a convenient time for my open WR to drop the ball", I haven't felt cheated at all. And that includes a 17-15 Florida State victory over Ohio.

I may have to jump up. I just beat Arizona St. in Arizona with Ohio by over 30 points on default AA. I'll play around some on Heisman to see how I like it.

[Deuce]

I may have to jump up. I just beat Arizona St. in Arizona with Ohio by over 30 points on default AA. I'll play around some on Heisman to see how I like it.

I've always played on AA but jumped up to Heisman and I'm enjoying it. I've only felt cheated once in about 15 games. I was 20-7 against the #2 team in the country. With about 2:30 left in the game they completed a 50yd bomb on 4th and 7. Then turned around and threw another bomb with about 50 seconds to win.

[Rudy]

Just think how easy the super gamers (who thought Heisman was easy last year) think Heisman is this year with tons of gamers jumping to Heisman. I still think EA needs to add a 5th difficulty level. Heisman needs to stay really hard but they need to insert a difficulty level between AA and Heisman. Tons of gamers on the forums usually use sliders to find a level between AA and Heisman. It's time for EA to create that level. The Show has had 5 difficulty levels for a few years now and five is probably a good number.

[JeffHCross]

Well, they don't necessarily need five levels. Freshman, as far as I know, is used by no one. Varsity should be the lowest level, and AA should be the default. IMO. Or Varsity could still be the default, since some games out there do default to the easiest setting.

[Rudy]

Well, they don't necessarily need five levels. Freshman, as far as I know, is used by no one. Varsity should be the lowest level, and AA should be the default. IMO. Or Varsity could still be the default, since some games out there do default to the easiest setting.

I agree with most of this. Freshman is essentially useless and with Heisman/All-Madden being incredibly difficult in the past that really left gamers with only two difficulty levels for the most part. So they either have to make more of the difficulty levels relevant or add another difficulty level. The one hesitation I have is that the lowest difficulty level is often a useful one for very young kids. Obviously anyone 13+ wouldn't use it but I do know my 7.5 year old son plays on the very lowest level on the Show for some exhibition games. I'd hate to say get rid of Freshman and then have some young gamers miss out on something they would like.

[JeffHCross]

I agree about young gamers, Rudy. I do have that hesitation as well. I'd be very curious what numbers EA has on use of difficulty level. When I was playing at that age, I don't recall there even being difficulty levels :D (or sliders, for that matter).

[jaymo76]

Heisman is tons, tons, better this year, Bill. Outside of the occasional "well, that was just a convenient' time for my open WR to drop the ball", I haven't felt cheated at all. And that includes a 17-15 Florida State victory over Ohio.

Agree 100%. This is the first year I have played Heisman and IMO it is excellent and makes thegame far more fun to play. Other than a very questionable loss to a 1-8Tulane (you just know you aren't going to win after the first few drives) I have not felt the cpu cheats either. Anyone who plays AA, I would recommend to go to Heisman for NCAA 13.

[JBHuskers]

:+1: on the Heisman difficulty.

[souljahbill]

Alright, I'm convinced. I'll try it out. Like I said, I figured I might need to jump when I beat Arizona St. with Ohio by over 30 points on default AA.

[AustinWolv]

Use authentic's Heisman sliders from over on OS. I've played 4, maybe 5, dynasty games with them so far and really enjoying them. Best I've used so far.

[souljahbill]

Use authentic's Heisman sliders from over on OS. I've played 4, maybe 5, dynasty games with them so far and really enjoying them. Best I've used so far.

I'm gonna have to see how default Heisman goes before I start making changes. I JUST learned how to call slide protect and change a single defensive player's assignment so I gotta take baby steps.

[JBHuskers]

I'm gonna have to see how default Heisman goes before I start making changes. I JYST learned how to call slide protect and change a single defensive player's assignment so I gotta take baby steps.

This is my first ever full go around with Heisman. It plays well and isn't as cheap as it was in the past.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

[AustinWolv]

I think you guys will like it. Not sure how you played at anything lower than Heisman in the past, but no matter, just have fun.


I JUST learned how to call slide protect and change a single defensive player's assignment so I gotta take baby steps.
:confused:
You've been playing the series a little while, right?

[souljahbill]

:confused:
You've been playing the series a little while, right?

Since last generation. LOL! I honestly never looked at all the pre-play controls before. I R3'd that stuff immediately to get the clutter off the screen.

[souljahbill]

Anyway, just played a more even game on Heisman. I was B- Temple vs. C+ Hawaii. I have the settings set so that when I go to play now, it gives me 2 random teams and not my fav vs. rival. I won 42-25 but that included 2 KO TDs by Temple's beastly little RB (dude had 409 all-purpose yds in the game). Take away the kickoffs and I won 28-25 which is a close score for 2 pretty even teams. I'll take that.

[AustinWolv]

Since last generation. LOL! I honestly never looked at all the pre-play controls before. I R3'd that stuff immediately to get the clutter off the screen.
Honestly, I rarely use the OL slide stuff. Just lazy and impatient most likely. I probably should though because CPU blitzes are very effective this year with the sliders I'm using.

Since zones are fairly useless, I've been playing a lot of man defenses and then manually hot-routing defenders to get different blitz and/or QB spy looks as of recently.

[souljahbill]

Alright, so I played 2 more games on Heisman and I'll roll with. These sliders though, do they do anything for CPU almost insta-pressure and user non-existent pressure? Not only does the CPU have all day to pass but when they want to run, they're getting 6 or 7 yds. a pop (every is stuck ballroom dancing or laying down, admiring the view of the sky) while I'm lucky if I get 4.

[Rudy]

I agree about young gamers, Rudy. I do have that hesitation as well. I'd be very curious what numbers EA has on use of difficulty level. When I was playing at that age, I don't recall there even being difficulty levels :D (or sliders, for that matter).

We had difficulty levels at some point but sliders were a revelation when they came out. Can't remember when that was though.

[AustinWolv]

CPU will definitely get pressure with the sliders I'm using. Have to make a decision quickly. Long plays can happen for sure if you catch them in the right call. If you see the blitz coming, you need to get rid of the ball. Helps to keep blockers in also. Don't expect to have all day on 3rd and longs for example, as they'll send pressure and long routes take time to form.
As for defense, if you play a lot of zones, you'll get chewed up. That is one complaint I have so I'm hoping the August patch will make the zone defenders not as retarded. You'll need to blitz. Your pressure without blitzing can and has occurred for me, but it depends on the team you use. Also keep in mind that the CPU QB, if he's a runner, will start to abuse with scrambles......setting up QB spy will fix that.

As for stopping the run, it won't happen while playing zones. I've had to play man defenses and pinch down the DL if they are hurting me a lot up the middle......sometimes sending pressure. If you do want to play a zone, for example a 3rd and long, highly consider hot-routing a DL to QB spy......that will limit the QB scramble as well as help against the draw plays which the CPU will VERY happily start using and highly effectively.

As for running the ball, you'll have to work at it. Just the way it is. My starting RB went for ~175 I think in my last game, averaging over 5ypc. Have to really vary the runs, up the middle and set up the outside stuff. From different formations. If you keep running your favorite running plays, the CPU will snuff them out. I have had NO success running load options. A tiny bit of success with speed options. QB powers have been great, but again, I had a 70+ TD yesterday with that play which was beautiful, but the next time I ran it, the CPU jumped it for a just a small gain. Read options have worked pretty solid. Been running out of I, Ace, and shotgun. I use the stick to switch the side of the run pre-snap if there is a numbers advantage I can take advantage of. Once in a while, I motion extra blockers, but that doesn't work as well in the past IMO since the CPU plays a lot of man.

[JeffHCross]

Austin, what's your consensus on the I-Form FB? Worth it or useless? Risk or reward? And did you see anything to my quick impression that the H formations were more effective?

[AustinWolv]

Jeff, honestly haven't played with the I-Form H formations. I've got regular I, I twins, and I tight in my playbook. I haven't seen, or been as pissed about at least, the FB be as retarded as I complained about previously but I think a big part of that might be the lower run defense slider for the CPU on the slider set I'm using. The LBs don't read and fill as quickly.