EA's NCAA Football 2007 1st preview

[ncaajunkie 172]

ncaa football 2007 1st preview, im a big fan of ncaa football on the ps2 and play all the time

www.IGN.com has posted 2 previews

first is on the ncaa football 2007 for the ps2/xbox version (curent gen)

name of article is NCAA Football 07: Turn the Tide

ign.com ncaa football 2007 for ps2/xbox version

second is on ncaa football 2007 for the xbox 360 (next gen)

name of article is NCAA Football 360: First Look

ign.com xbox 360 ncaa football version

under the 360 pics is a pic of alabama at auburn, game shot during a mini game called tug of war, wished my ps2 looked that good, im still holding out for ps3

[SouthLink02 8]

Is that stupid stadium shaking thing going to be in 2007?

[ncaajunkie 172]

its wasnt mentioned so i dont thinks so

[Grider 1]

Wow, they even got the tunnel spacing right for the seating sections. If you look toward the top of section 17 there, I'm the orange pixel... 3rd from the alsie.

You are looking toward the south endzone, the band is in the right place in the student section, don't see the cheerleaders though.

If that was any bigger you could see Shula mouthing the F-bomb over on the visitor's sideline.

[bigsixfive 327]

Brodie even over throws wide open receivers in the video game, imagine that. I'd say they did a good job capturing the realism.

[saniflush 0]

Brodie even over throws wide open receivers in the video game, imagine that.  I'd say they did a good job capturing the realism.

231674[/snapback]

Outside of the fact that he is actually standing upright. I thought I saw a whiskey bottle in Laura Ingle Wilders' hand.

[AUHansel 0]

Is that stupid stadium shaking thing going to be in 2007?

231665[/snapback]

actually...in the second article it says that there is no "stadium pulse"

[lukeduke 8]

Brodie even over throws wide open receivers in the video game, imagine that.  I'd say they did a good job capturing the realism.

231674[/snapback]

Other than the fact that it appears McClover got blocked. If they were being realistic, you would spend an hour on the game in spring training perfecting the Brodie dive.

[SouthLink02 8]

Is that stupid stadium shaking thing going to be in 2007?

231665[/snapback]

actually...in the second article it says that there is no "stadium pulse"

231678[/snapback]

[BamaJay 0]

Can you copy & paste the article please?!? The site is blocked for me.

[Aubie16 1]

April 19, 2006 - The Puntrooskie. When you think trick plays and momentum shifts, maybe no play in college football history sums it up better than Bobby Bowden's call against Clemson. It was a fake punt LeRoy Butler took 78 yards to set up a game-winning field goal late in the fourth. It's a play nobody saw coming. A play nobody thought would work. A play that still lives on in the minds of fans as one of the most stunning scenes in a sport known for reverse passes and The Hail Marry.

And while the NCAA Football series has been able to accurately capture a lot of the spirit, pride, and passion of the college game, one thing that's been missing has beenthose moments that Turn the Tide. Those unforgettable trick plays that make your jaw drop and the team that lost drop even farther down the standings.

That's what NCAA Football 07 (PS2, Xbox) is all about. It's about momentum shifts. It's about control. It's about unpredictability, trickery and deception.

And it's about to launch the term Puntrooskie into the vernacular of gamers.

So here's the situation. It's 4th and 20 and your opponent is laughing as he sees your punter walking out on the field. He's stopped you cold on 3rd down and the game is all but over. What do you do? How about a direct snap to a running back? But there's more. When the runner gets the direct snap, he runs up to another teammate in front of him. In a split second, you can bounce away from the line with the ball carrier or hand the ball to the man in front of you…between his legs. That's right, when you watch the replay, you can actually see the deception, the ball is being passed between the legs of the player in front of you. Each player runs a different direction and the defense has to figure out who to tackle.

This is just part of the new emphasis on not only trick plays, but special teams. You'll find reverse runs, fake reverses, and of course, a new way to block both punts and kicks. In one-player games, you can actually switch to a new camera that focuses in on the defensive player you want to use in attempting to block the kick.

Hit the sprint button right before or right at the snap of the ball, and your player will explode off the line, getting a jump on the tackle or guard as you dive toward the ball with an all new set of animations specifically for blocking kicks.

But with every action, the other team has an opposite and equal reaction, as for the first time, gamers will be able to abort kicks while the play is in process, turning the holder into a quarterback if you sense the defense is about to block the ball. Even onside kicks have been given an overhaul as the camera shot is on the ball and you move an icon on the pigskin where you want to thrust your foot (helped out with the all new kick meter that uses the right analog stick to pull back to start the motion, then flick up to kick, even aiming left or right). Kick it on the top to send it straight down into the turf for the high bounce or kick underneath it to try and lob it in the air. The choice is yours (although the big bounce is the way to go).

Score a block, a touchdown, a big play, or even recover an onside kick, and you can not only feel the momentum change in the game, but you can see it shift on a meter that now keeps track of what team has momentum on their side. The more big plays a team accumulates, the more momentum they get (while helping turn the tide of the game), and with that come even bigger animations. Your team will get amped up to the point where every tackle might look like a Hit Stick smack as your D lines up with more intensity. Wide receivers will start making one-handed grabs, sacks will jar the ball lose for fumbles, and you'll see animations (captured close up in an Impact Cam) that you won't see during regular gameplay. Momentum will also give your team stat boosts for a short period of time, so once momentum is on your side, you really need to take advantage of it because you never know when your opponent will pick off a pass and swing momentum back the other direction.

Upping the Ante

But just because everything you've read so far has been about highlight plays, don't think the producers at Tiburon haven't gone in and fine-tuned the gameplay that was already there. In fact, this might be the biggest overhaul - from playbooks to AI - that you've seen in the NCAA series to date.

One of the big AI fixes is aimed at stopping scrambling quarterbacks. Last year's game in particular was ruled by running QBs as the defense failed to recognize when he was scrambling. The improved AI logic now sees the defense react faster to quarterbacks looking to run, including spies, and even zone defenses who will use more realistic pursuit logic.

There is also a new run commit feature to help turn every down into more of a chess match as the defense tries to anticipate the offense's next move. Before the snap, if you sense the offense is going to run straight ahead, you can flick the right analog stick straight down to send your defenders toward the middle of the line (great for stopping the QB sneak). Press the right stick to the right or left to anticipate a direction for the option or sweep, or press up to make sure that nobody bites on play-action. Then again, if you guess wrong, you're in trouble, as a defense selling out to the right while the blockers are rushing left are going to get blown off the ball so bad, there might only be one guy left to beat as the ball carrier sprints toward the sidelines.

Another little feature that has been added could end up paying huge dividends as quarterbacks finally have the option to throw the ball away from the pocket. This way, if you're feeling the rush, you no longer have to try and scramble before launching the ball out of bounds. The new option actually looks like you're trying to complete the pass, throwing the ball toward a receiver, but it will bounce at his feet. It's a nice safety valve to have, especially if your QB isn't fleet of cleat. You have to be responsible with this new ability, though, especially because you're throwing the ball in the field of play. A bad throw is always liable to get picked off if the defense is in the right position or if you are throwing off balance.

And while the team at Tiburon always hates it anytime anyone refers to NCAA as Madden's little brother, there is actually a lot from the Madden series that is now being brought over to NCAA 07. They are incorporating the pass blocking logic from Madden that eliminated nano blitzing into NCAA, along with adding slide protection. Precision passing (throwing the ball high/low, right/left) has also made the jump, even if (thankfully) the vision cone system did not. Also look for defensive hot routes to make the jump to the amateur ranks.

Other gameplay tweaks include more accurate throwing power (you can finally see the difference in velocity between a star QB from USC and some scrub from D2), along with less broken tackles throughout the game. Last year, there were too many small running backs who could all break through the line no problem. This year, it depends more on rating, with the smaller guys slipping tackles instead of trucking over everyone in their way. In addition, look for formation specific audibles. Using the right analog stick at the line of scrimmage, you will have four audibles automatically at your disposal for every formation. This way, you're not changing in and out of formations when changing your play, enabling you to hide your calls a bit better from your competition.

But if you're looking for maybe the biggest change in the series, all you need to do is open the playbooks. I'm talking about the biggest playbook overhaul in the history of the series. Tiburon hired two offensive gurus who watched at least three games of every team, then went in and personalized each and every playbook. There are 102 new formations in the game (86 on offense, 16 on defense), including the spread offense that includes option runs to the WR, the double slant and go, the post stop, the Nevada Pistol formation (QB stands 3 yards deep with a RB directly behind him)…there are so many new plays, it's almost overwhelming (to the point you'll get called for delay of game while cycling through all the new hotness). There is also greater variety in the formations you already know. Just because USC and Texas both have I formations, that doesn't mean they both run the same plays out of the I. Now USC's I looks more like a pro setup, while Texas uses the I to run more options.

There are approximately 17 formations per team, including 270 plays.

And that also includes a variety of trick plays like I talked about earlier. You'll see fake field goals where the holder will flip the ball over his head to the kicker who is running behind him. You'll see the holder throw shovel passes to a player out on the wing. You'll see reverses, fake reverses, and of course, the reverse pass.

But all of the newness isn't reserved for scores, as the defense also has some new flexibility. The added variety includes everything from cross-fire stunts to more zone blitz packages, capturing a more realistic scheme for every team in the game.

Campus Legend

Last year, the featured hook was Race for the Heisman, a one player game where you created a character and embarked on a four-year odyssey of games and ugly girlfriends in attempts to capture the greatest trophy in sports. In NCAA 07, you're still trying to win the Heisman, but the real goal is simply to be the most popular person on campus. Sounds a little Brady Bunch to me (Big Man on Campus), but to be the guy Marsha falls in love with, you're going to need to be one hell of a baller...and a scholar. That's right, when creating your player, you now have to select a major and pass your classes. You're given a midterm and a final throughout your semester, and if you fail, you're actually found academically ineligible and given a one-game suspension.

Luckily for gamers, the 10 question tests are un-timed (hope you have your Internet search ready), but it pays to be smart. The harder your major (U.S. History, Chemistry) the bigger boost you'll receive to certain attribute points tied into your major. Don't worry, though, if you want to be a dumb jock, you can take a simple major like Sports Geography or Football Trivia and breeze right through.

When you create your character, you'll have to earn your attribute points a lot more than last year, as there will be five drills tied to each position for you to run through. Jam through the 40, punt and kick return drills, pass catching and more, then use the points you earned to go into the player editor and assign them to any skill you want. This way, if you want to start with the fastest player possible, you can give all of your points to speed, working on the other skills as you go. The choice is finally up to you.

Depending on your rating, certain schools will offer you scholarships (more choices than last year, although you no longer have the ability to walk on), then it's time to head into the routine of a freshman sensation. That means every day you need to go to class, head to practice (10 practice plays from a specific formation. The better you practice, the better that formation will work in the next game), and go out to social events in order to be seen around campus. But that's not the only way to become popular as everything you do in the game will obviously reflect highly on how you're viewed. Win the Heisman, defeat rival teams, even spurn the NFL and return to school…if only I could take ballroom dancing. In the end, you might see yourself enshrined in your favorite school's Hall of Fame.

Dynasty

There are a lot of gamers out there that don't want to be a Campus Legend, they want to lead their favorite school to the BCS Championship, and if that's the case, Dynasty mode is once again your obsession. The new addition to Dynasty is the Spring game. This is your chance at evaluating your talent before the season and working out certain players, as the better they perform in the Spring game, the better their rating will be next year. This enables you to focus on the passing game to help young quarterbacks progress, or watch as your linebacker intercepts a pass and increases his awareness +2. That's why the Spring game isn't focused on your seniors who are already maxed out. It's about building for the future, and that's what laying the foundation for a successful dynasty is all about.

ESPN Integration

You can't flip on the game without noticing the ESPN impact. ESPN.com stat screens, online ESPN tickers, ESPN radio. The Greatest Games feature is now called ESPN Instant Classics. The magazine in Dynasty mode has switched from SI to ESPN. In the coming years, expect the integration to become even deeper and creative, but what's here already is pretty cool, especially the ticker. When online, you can have the ticker display scores from real life or from your dynasty, keeping you up to date on whatever season actually means more to you (tough choice).

The Early Word

I spent a few hours playing an alpha version of the game, and everything is already feeling and looking like the title that should follow what many consider (myself included) the best sports game of last year. The new additions may sound overwhelming, but so far blend smoothly into the mix of style, substance, and of course, trickery, the likes that would even make Bobby Bowden proud (and a few Clemson fans cry).

Cheer up Tigers. Now you can call a Puntrooskie of your own, changing the momentum and the game back in your favor with the press of a few buttons and the imagination of a gambler.

Turn the Tide. That's what NCAA Football 07 is all about.

It sounds like we're going to get another great game. Hopefully these new features are as good as they sound.

[AUwareagle84 0]

Can't wait to get it.

[abrnfanatc 6]

I am looking forward to it. I am playing in the 2008 season now on the '06 game and it gets much easier as you go along IMO.

Can't wait until August.

[WeagleDMS 0]

Saw that yesterday and it was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. I'm glad my roommate bought an xbox 360.

[BamaJay 0]

Can't wait to play it. Thanks for the read.

[ncaajunkie 172]

ps2 version is loaded with great new features but 360 is kinda stripped down.

[fearthetiger03 0]

Sooooo WeagleDMS-

After the game is released, when are you having all of us over? haha

[wareagle1985 0]

How could they forget AUBIE!

[WeagleDMS 0]

Sooooo WeagleDMS-

After the game is released, when are you having all of us over?    haha

231797[/snapback]

Don't care when you come over as long as you don't take my controller!

[aufan175 13]

Anyone else think Chase for the Heisman is Stupid?

[WeagleDMS 0]

Anyone else think Chase for the Heisman is Stupid?

231869[/snapback]

It's not horrible but there really is no motivation to play it again after you win the Heisman the first time.

[ROLL TIDE FOREVER AMEN 0]

I wish they would change up and / or add some dialog. I get tired of listening to Corso say "That was a BEAUtiful play!"

Oh and the Madden cover is cool to, course I may be a bit biased.

[SouthLink02 8]

Do they come up with new sayings every year or just add a few and keep the rest?

[AUslug 1]

Do they come up with new sayings every year or just add a few and keep the rest?

231907[/snapback]

We talking about real life or the video game?

[ROLL TIDE FOREVER AMEN 0]

Do they come up with new sayings every year or just add a few and keep the rest?

231907[/snapback]

We talking about real life or the video game?

231915[/snapback]

Now thats funny.