Digital Sportspage Blog

Following a suggestion on the DSP forums, I decided to try mascot mode. And it was the best game of NCAA that I’ve played so far. Other than the acrobatic jukes and crazy mascots, here are the three major improvements in mascot mode.

First, man defenses are much more effective. Since every player has a 99 rating in every attribute, this allows defenders to be able to cover receivers on crossing routes and other uber-effective plays in “normal” NCAA 09. Second, blitzes are actually effective in mascot mode. If the defense brings six and there are only five blockers, then someone will be in the quarterback’s face, forcing him to make a quick decision. Third, I didn’t see any problems with pursuit angles (though this was only over the course of one game).

I took Florida’s mascots against Georgia Tech, and led 5-3 at the half in a defensive battle. I ended up winning 26-3 breaking a few long plays and defending the wishbone well (how can’t you do that with 99 rated players).

Unfortunately, I don’t think this game mode has lots of play time for me, since the game speed is too quick, players are too good, and equal player across the board take away any matchup strategy. However, mascot mode suggests that passing defense could improve if NCAA reverted to a linear speed rating to game speed formula, where differences between player speed are less pronounced.