NCAA 14 Demo: Early Returns & Gripes
Early impressions of NCAA 14 are pretty positive so far. I admit I haven't played it in God knows how long...so some of those who've pretty loyally played it year after year have an advantage in the progression of the game.
I really like the control and flexibility of the running game. It's nice to see Man-Bawl be successful - especially against our hated rival!
I also like the "Ask the Coach" feature for play-calls. Makes me feel like I'm in Borges' head during the game...I don't recall this being a feature when last I played. It's been in Madden forever, but not sure about NCAA.
Dislike the names tied to the players though. I understand they can't use REAL names, but I think I prefer OT #77 to the name tied to Lewan (can't recall it off the top of my head). Especially confusing to my 7-year old son who loves Devin Gardner and was like "why is #12 named xxxx?"
Also find it a bit TOO easy in the passing game. Just about every throw seems to hit on target without alot of effort. My kids are effectively winging it all over the place - which is great to keep them interested - but not altogether realistic.
I only played for about 2 hours - but interested in learning other's feedback and features of the game they've found an improvement - or simply just fun to utilize.
***Side Note - had to change my Xbox name from BDOGG6969 to BDOGG1974 since my 10-year old daughter and 7-year old son love the game so far...and they're asking too many questions about my name!***
Speaking of all them questions...
*****Updated TItle to highlight as the demo vs. full released copy in July****
The Ask the Coach feature makes you feel like you're in Borges' head? So did the game call the I-Form Iso with undersized RB and terrible interior line play?
Still not over it....
Maybe varsity was a little too easy.
Gardner: 8/8 118 yards 2 TD's and 45 yards rushing
Miller: 4/7 34 yards and 22 yards rushing
The best part of the game was the last play where freshman running back #3 from virginia (Green) scooted 77 yards in clean up time. It just got me excited I guess.
SI Link: here
The author seems to think Johnny Football looks like Bill Paxson... There is a very slight resemblance, but the point is he looks nothing like the real Johnny Manziel.
Not impressed. The physics are improved, but it still is the same game. Just brighter colors now. As usual, with 20 seconds before halftime, I was able to just run Shotgun Trio Verticals and complete two 50 yard bombs for a TD before time expired. The vertical passing game is super easy. Darboh had 4 receptions for 160 yards and 2 TDs in 3 quarters for me. I quit after that.
There was one thing that really irked me. A few times, with a wide open gaping hole, Rawls would duck and slow down for no apparent reason and end up getting tackled for a 3-4 yard gain by a DE that had been sealed off by my RT. Should have been 15-20 yard runs. Pretty lame.
If this game cost $25-30, it would be worth purchasing. At $60, it's a waste of money. I'll wait for the price drop on Amazon.