Digital Sportspage Blog

I am definitely in the camp that thinks there are way too many interceptions in NCAA.  I’ve tried about every slider set I can find, including sets on every skill level and with many different combinations for interceptions/knockdowns/WR catching/awareness/etc.  I’ve never played a game on defense without an interception and I usually return at least least one a game.  If not, I can usually rely on a fumble return.  I simply can not play as Penn State.  It’s not uncommon for me to get three interceptions in a half playing as Penn State on All-American.  My two impact defenders pretty much make interceptions automatic.  Dan Conner (rated a 99 in the game!) patrols the middle and Justin King is money for a TD going the other way on anything in the flats.  I don’t even have to control my players.

Please don’t suggest that my team is too good and I should try a lesser school.  I paid $50 (thank you Circuit City) to play this game as Penn State and Army.  I graduated from Penn State and my cousin is a captain on the Army football team.  I’m having fun with neither team.  Plus, if I want to play with teams that I don’t know any players I’ll play the much better All-Pro Football.

I don’t demand realism or perfection in games.  I’m still playing NHL 07 despite the fact the framerate is horrible and the CPU takes twice as many shots as they should.  But I do demand the feeling of accomplishment and of being in control.  NCAA takes all the fun out of defense and a good portion on offense.  I wouldn’t like it in Zelda or Mario if the computer took over the boss battles and I don’t like it that NCAA is giving me picks.

Which leads me to the actual topic.  I know we ridicule them for releasing version 5.x of their sliders and make fun of them for not just “playing the game” or “testing instead of playing”, but the slider gurus are the only hope for NCAA outside of the unlikely timely release of a patch.  I really want someone to figure out a workaround because I really like the game.  It’s not nearly as good as APF on the field, but I could have a lot of fun playing different rivalry games and a dynasty with Army and/or Penn State.  This was going to be a game I kept as a momento because my cousin is in the game.  I’m not sure I’ll keep it before the real season starts without the help of the gurus.