NCAA 13 Demo- 1st impressions

[ra742002]

I finally finished downloading the demo over the weekend, so I booted up this morning and started playing the Week 10 Dynasty Mode. You get to select from Baylor vs. Kansas State, Bama vs. LSU, and Oregon vs. So Cal. I chose to play with Oregon because I wanted to see if they made any changes to the zone read/zone blocking/spread option attack. Also, in general, I love their offensive playbook.
First of all, let me say, this is not a repackaged NCAA 12. The game plays much much faster than 12. The players seem to skate on the field. I don't think that's a good thing, but they do. It makes the game play a bit smoother. Finally, DT's can't stop on a dime and make a cut just like an RB, their momentum plays a part in their agility.
Secondly, the inside zone play is still broken. Zone read, inside zone, whatever you want to call it, the aiming point of the RB is wrong. He should be aiming at the A gap, instead he's running wide, which allows the LB to make the play more often than not. The QB running seems a little easier, and the DE's aren't able to play both as they have in the past.
Throwing: The throwing has certainly been tweaked. QB's have different launch points, not every QB throws the same way, which is nice. The footwork is good, the QB's take drops, instead of just standing there, and they set their feet and throw. One thing that I do like, is that the icons for the receivers don't pop up until the receiver is ready to catch the ball. You can't just snap it and throw it, he has to be looking at you. It's not necessarily about him being in his break/cut, it's just that he has to be prepared to catch the ball from you. When the D blitzes, the receivers look quicker, and are ready to catch the ball sooner than normal.
The running game needs to be tweaked still, but it did get a little better, as the holes in the line are easier to see, at least for me.
Defensively, the game has changed a bunch. It's not as easy to get off of a block, the LB's actually shoot the gaps that open up on running plays and blitzes, and blitzing is certainly risk/reward this time around, more than ever.
The biggest difference I can see is that everyone looks at the ball once it's thrown now. QB throws the ball, and all eyes in the secondary as well as the receivers are now looking at the ball, in order to make a play. You cannot swat, intercept or make a play on the ball, unless your guy is now looking at it. Same goes for WR's, they now turn and look, which is much better than catching a ball that you never looked at, which happened ALL the time in the previous versions. All in all, it's pretty different from 12, I can see it being a very good game, with a few more minor tweaks. BTW, the computer's QB still doesn't get called for grounding when they just throw it out of bounds to avoid a sack. As I play, I'll post more.

[cockypanther]

Thanks for your insight on the game ra. I have always enjoyed basically any genre of sports game for 360. It is fun to play NCAA football as it is a different game then Madden. That being said, there always have been a lot of bugs in the game which at times make it frustrating to play. I could never get over trying to throw a 15+ yd slant and having the LB jump 10 feet in the air to intercept or bat down the pass. Since you said the QB trajectories have changed, have you experienced this happening still? I recently moved to a new apartment and do not have internet yet, but I am hoping to get it soon so i can download the demo and get my fix.

[ra742002]

Well, I have experienced the leaping linebackers, mostly on the post route, or a square in/dig route. The thing I can see that has changed, is that the LB's actually take a drop to their zone, and get deeper in it. I did not experience the superman linebacker during my demo games (I only played two). I will continue to play and give more feedback as I notice little things.

[ra742002]

Couple more thoughts: I played the Bama/LSU match-up. I played with Bama and stomped LSU. I scored 21 points in the first half of 2 minute quarters. Against a good OL, it is extremely difficult to get pressure without bringing a blitz. Gone are the days of a DE just simply swimming or ripping past a Tackle on EVERY snap. I genuinely like the feel of the new game, and I'm very pleased with the way you can lead receivers and change trajectory of the pass. I'm looking forward to getting this game, although, with a new baby on the way I'm not sure how much I'm going to get to play it...

[pantera17]

To me it feels like 12 just a tad bit smoother.

The passing is nice. Tho not realstic.

It might be enough change for some people. But not for me. Maybe next year.

[DrPhilTheThrill]

The new passing and pass defense system is fantastic!

[rosstheboss]

Has anyone played the heisman thing with rg3? They made him the greatest player of all time! You can scramble then throw a 60 yd bomb with ease for a td every time.

[ra742002]

Yeah, I played with him, used Baylor vs. K State. I wasn't impressed. You are right though, they certainly made him super human.

[USCooper]

I dont care about the gameplay as much as the glitches in the OD being fixed. I quit playing last year because of it.

[Mr.101]

The player movements like spins, jukes, and tackle animations are too fast, it's like watching a game in fast forward.

[gamecockfan]

Hasnt anyone noticed the HUGE Graphics improvement in the new game. I mean seriously the motion blur is amazing. And the graphics are on pretty much the same level as Madden for me but I mean all the replays and cutaways are superb. There are also so many new throw motions and receiver/running back animations its not even funny.

[pantera17]

Originally Posted by gamecockfan

Hasnt anyone noticed the HUGE Graphics improvement in the new game. I mean seriously the motion blur is amazing. And the graphics are on pretty much the same level as Madden for me but I mean all the replays and cutaways are superb. There are also so many new throw motions and receiver/running back animations its not even funny.

Are you serious? The game looks exactly like 12.

Operation sports put out new screen shots and almost everyone was asking if it was a joke. Because there is no difference in the graphics. Lol

[Order 66]

Originally Posted by gamecockfan

Hasnt anyone noticed the HUGE Graphics improvement in the new game. I mean seriously the motion blur is amazing. And the graphics are on pretty much the same level as Madden for me but I mean all the replays and cutaways are superb. There are also so many new throw motions and receiver/running back animations its not even funny.

Didn't notice, the demo only shows in 720p for me, so that sucks.

[cockyjordan3]

I loved the demo

[Sir Big Spur 912]

Im excited to play Heisman mode with Barry Sanders on the Gcocks. I will switch him over to QB and run the option with Latti every play. You cant stop Barry and Latti.