OT: Video Games/Computers/Gadgets/Gizmos

[jschligs]

Also FYI, for those interested in Team Builder, I believe 11:00 AM CST they're releasing news about the mode. It may be when the review embargo lifts, too.

I've heard the Team Builder will be relatively limited, which would be a bummer. My plan was to make UW-Stout and boot Liberty way the hell out. Menomonie, WI...welcome to Conference USA.

I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it exactly like the 14 version had. I built my college to a T and played them for decades.

[jschligs]

Also FYI, for those interested in Team Builder, I believe 11:00 AM CST they're releasing news about the mode. It may be when the review embargo lifts, too.

I've heard the Team Builder will be relatively limited, which would be a bummer. My plan was to make UW-Stout and boot Liberty way the hell out. Menomonie, WI...welcome to Conference USA.

I don’t see why they wouldn’t do it exactly like the 14 version had. I built my college to a T and played them for decades.

[humanrefutation]

I'm looking to buy a new OLED and I'm wondering if you guys have thoughts. I'm not looking to buy the absolute top of the line, but have been eyeing either a C4 or B4, or possibly a C3 if those go on a deep sale. I'm also looking at comparable Samsung OLED.

I have an audio setup already, so that isn't an issue. I also will have it connected to a PC for gaming and streaming video. I'm guessing the upscaling technology on my GPU (4080 Super) will be better than what is available on a TV, but I suppose I'll have to check that myself.

I have an LG OLED from Costco that I bought about four years ago. It's a beautiful TV. My big criticism is that LG completely redid their onboard smart menu a couple years ago in a way that made it appreciably worse. Now instead of overlaying it over my cable feed, triggering the smart menu takes you to a whole separate screen, which makes the experience slower and clunkier. They did so, in my view, to allow them to sell ad space on the smart menu, which is awful.

Also, their remote is lovely when it works, but I've had to replace it twice because the scroll wheel randomly breaks and stops accepting inputs.

The picture is wonderful, though, and I like the physical design more broadly.

[j_hilge444]

As someone who works in advertising, that is 100% why they changed the menu. In fact, I was just pitched to buy that space last week.

[ReasonablySober]

It looks like the EA Play (10 hours) trial is up and working. I think EA's having a deal right now where it's only $6 for the first month (and you can presumably cancel before the second month). So if you didn't pre-order and want to play a bit before Friday that's an option.

[Kerb Hohl]

It looks like the EA Play (10 hours) trial is up and working. I think EA's having a deal right now where it's only $6 for the first month (and you can presumably cancel before the second month). So if you didn't pre-order and want to play a bit before Friday that's an option.

I'm only a few minutes away from playable content. Bought Madden + NCAA pack for my kid that came with early access. Of course it's also for dad, and this week I kind of have some time...but realistically I'm going to get to week 8 of my dynasty while most of the family is out this week at a cabin and then basically log 2 hours/week against my oldest kid. Not as fun as being 17 and playing NCAA 03 or whatever

[Ryan5UW]

I'm looking to buy a new OLED and I'm wondering if you guys have thoughts. I'm not looking to buy the absolute top of the line, but have been eyeing either a C4 or B4, or possibly a C3 if those go on a deep sale. I'm also looking at comparable Samsung OLED.

I have an audio setup already, so that isn't an issue. I also will have it connected to a PC for gaming and streaming video. I'm guessing the upscaling technology on my GPU (4080 Super) will be better than what is available on a TV, but I suppose I'll have to check that myself.

I have an LG OLED from Costco that I bought about four years ago. It's a beautiful TV. My big criticism is that LG completely redid their onboard smart menu a couple years ago in a way that made it appreciably worse. Now instead of overlaying it over my cable feed, triggering the smart menu takes you to a whole separate screen, which makes the experience slower and clunkier. They did so, in my view, to allow them to sell ad space on the smart menu, which is awful.

Also, their remote is lovely when it works, but I've had to replace it twice because the scroll wheel randomly breaks and stops accepting inputs.

The picture is wonderful, though, and I like the physical design more broadly.

I have a Sony OLED which is absolutely fantastic (I know they used to use LG panels, not sure if that's still the case or not). But Sony did the same thing, the update" to the OS have definitely made it worse. I just use my Apple TV 95% of the time now and that's works great. I think your best bet is to assume the TV's OS is going to become crap, if it isn't already, and plan on using a 3rd party device for streaming. Those are easier and cheaper to replace anyway.

[jschligs]

Played a quick match today as Wisconsin vs Iowa. Took a bit to figure out kick mechanics and passing, and I still don’t really know how to throw a bullet vs lob. Threw 3 picks in the first half, defenders are ball hawks so I’m sure some slider adjustments will come out. Ended up losing 24-21 as on the final drive I had 4 straight drops. I think my WRs had 7-8 total the whole game which was kind of annoying. Game is fun, definitely not a Madden clone. Tackling on defense is insanely hard. Disappointed team
Builder isn’t ready yet but I can wait. I just can’t believe it’s here. Going to be spending a lot of time playing in the next 2-3 months.

[Licensed to Il]

NCAA 25 Football is awesome.

They nailed the atmosphere and energy aspect of the sport

There is a wonderful variability that Madden doesn’t have

There is a fun to the game, it wasn’t designed to sell more content to teen online players (all Madden’s ultimate team card modes) it was made for people who want to have fun playing video football

I do wish every player didn’t look the same, but the graphics are great

Defense is really difficult, but it is in college football as well

I hate Wisconsin’s schemes, the 3-3-5 is a dumb scheme and you get overpowered bs the run and cooked in mid level coverage

[ReasonablySober]

Feelin' good about our chances this year, boys.

[jschligs]

I will say, now that I’ve played a few games the difficulty needs to be adjusted. I’m beating top 25 teams with UL-Monroe on All American. Heisman here we come.

[MVP2110]

Anyone figure out how to set up protected rivals? I started a dynasty but set the BigTen to have 10 conference games instead of nine and all of a sudden I didn't have Minnesota or Iowa on my schedule

[ReasonablySober]

Read on Twitter

This is honestly pretty annoying.

On the surface a controller, a Firestick 4K, and a month of Game Pass for $79 is a sweet deal. The problem is the streaming service doesn't really work all that well. I've got a highly rated modern router, and I average something like 450 mb/sec download. I bought the Firestick 4K and downloaded the app last week and gave it a test drive. To me, the game play isn't adequate. Maybe certain titles that don't require precise inputs like old school JRPGs. But the lag and jerkiness was extremely noticeable in everything I tried. It absolutely could not replace a console.

[humanrefutation]

You all made me cave on CFB25. I wasn't going to pick it up for the foreseeable future due to time constraints, but I keep watching highlights and the itch to build a dynasty is roaring back after being dormant for more than a decade. Can't wait to hop in on Friday, though I wasn't willing to pay the extra $30 to play it early.

[ReasonablySober]

You all made me cave on CFB25. I wasn't going to pick it up for the foreseeable future due to time constraints, but I keep watching highlights and the itch to build a dynasty is roaring back after being dormant for more than a decade. Can't wait to hop in on Friday, though I wasn't willing to pay the extra $30 to play it early.

I already had EA Play for the Xbox, but I anticipate spending $6 tonight or tomorrow to play on my PS5 account too. Beats spending $30.

[jschligs]

Stayed up until almost 2am playing last night, and spent a good portion of today playing.

The game is great, but definitely has that feel of a game that just came out and needs a little refinement. The simming is a bit off, as I see upsets constantly in my Dynasty. There is also a bug that won't allow me to schedule a recruit to visit. Says he needs to be down to his top 5 but he's already there. Kind of hurts because I'm getting slaughtered in recruiting right now, even the 1 and 2 stars I don't end up getting. I don't love the recruiting skill tree either. Basically just prioritizes skill positions off the bat. I'm also being penalized for never having to punt (my P wants to transfer) and my 2nd strings are showing that they want out too. We'll see how the off season goes. Oddly enough, it seems UL-Monroe players didn't opt in?

I find offense to be ridiculously easy. Scoring 45 a game against supposedly top ranked teams, huge plays left and right. Defense is insanely hard, tackling guys in the open field is nearly impossible for me. I find other teams getting 80 yard plays on me frequently too. Even on running plays where I make a swim move the wrong direction and the RB gets to the second level, then I whiff on a tackle. Maybe some more time will help, but Madden almost pulled you in to the offensive player and started the animation, this one does the exact opposite. The throw and kick mechanics aren't my favorite either, but again, give me more time. RPO buttons are a mess as well.

The Wear and Tear needs serious adjustment as well, my RB is in shambles 7 weeks in and I try my best to sub him out and he's averaging 16 touches a game.

A few other graphical bugs, players doing weird things, etc. But nothing major. Menu's feel snappy, although some animations on clicks make me think I need to hold it when I don't. Gameplay is fun, fast, but still needs a touch up or two. They also used a few of the same voice lines too from 14 just re-recorded. And sometimes I can't skip through scenes or it gets stuck and I have to press start and back out.

If I had to give it a ranking right now I'd go with an 8/10.

[machu46]

Stayed up until almost 2am playing last night, and spent a good portion of today playing.

The game is great, but definitely has that feel of a game that just came out and needs a little refinement. The simming is a bit off, as I see upsets constantly in my Dynasty. There is also a bug that won't allow me to schedule a recruit to visit. Says he needs to be down to his top 5 but he's already there. Kind of hurts because I'm getting slaughtered in recruiting right now, even the 1 and 2 stars I don't end up getting. I don't love the recruiting skill tree either. Basically just prioritizes skill positions off the bat. I'm also being penalized for never having to punt (my P wants to transfer) and my 2nd strings are showing that they want out too. We'll see how the off season goes. Oddly enough, it seems UL-Monroe players didn't opt in?

I find offense to be ridiculously easy. Scoring 45 a game against supposedly top ranked teams, huge plays left and right. Defense is insanely hard, tackling guys in the open field is nearly impossible for me. I find other teams getting 80 yard plays on me frequently too. Even on running plays where I make a swim move the wrong direction and the RB gets to the second level, then I whiff on a tackle. Maybe some more time will help, but Madden almost pulled you in to the offensive player and started the animation, this one does the exact opposite. The throw and kick mechanics aren't my favorite either, but again, give me more time. RPO buttons are a mess as well.

The Wear and Tear needs serious adjustment as well, my RB is in shambles 7 weeks in and I try my best to sub him out and he's averaging 16 touches a game.

A few other graphical bugs, players doing weird things, etc. But nothing major. Menu's feel snappy, although some animations on clicks make me think I need to hold it when I don't. Gameplay is fun, fast, but still needs a touch up or two. They also used a few of the same voice lines too from 14 just re-recorded. And sometimes I can't skip through scenes or it gets stuck and I have to press start and back out.

If I had to give it a ranking right now I'd go with an 8/10.

Where are you coaching? I’ve felt the recruiting is too easy personally coaching at Syracuse. I think I ended up with the #16 class in the country and probably like 10 of my guys were “gems” too so in actuality the class should be ranked even higher.

I noticed a few players wouldn’t allow me to schedule visits, but once I offered them a scholarship, it worked. Not sure if it’s supposed to be that way but worked for me.

My first season I had like 15 guys transfer but the second season it was only 3 and I persuaded all of them to return.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jschligs]

Where are you coaching? I’ve felt the recruiting is too easy personally coaching at Syracuse. I think I ended up with the #16 class in the country and probably like 10 of my guys were “gems” too so in actuality the class should be ranked even higher.

I noticed a few players wouldn’t allow me to schedule visits, but once I offered them a scholarship, it worked. Not sure if it’s supposed to be that way but worked for me.

My first season I had like 15 guys transfer but the second season it was only 3 and I persuaded all of them to return.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I chose UL-Monroe. Being Louisiana I felt recruiting was a bit easier than other potential schools. And because of the glitch where I couldn't schedule visits with a few guys I ended up with the 34th recruiting class. Eventually I was able to get most to visit. And once the offseason came I ended up signing like 10 transfers in the portal (3/4 stars) and only lost 2 (swayed a 3rd to stay). Recruiting seems very easy, everything seemed pretty easy. I ended up 11-3 and my QB had 4800 yards, 45 TDs. RB dominated too. I feel there is a good deal missing from Dynasty still (easily seeing Heisman candidates stats, pressing Y to see a teams schedule and stats, in-game game-breaks) but nothing that is going to ruin the game for me.

It's been refreshing to have a new CFB game with the players and the key features I loved. The gameplay is great too. I stand by my 8/10 and going to keep plugging along even more when Team Builder comes out.

I did have my first "oh **** yea" in-game moment. Took a late lead with 19 seconds left up 1 vs App State. They returned the kickoff to go up 6. For whatever reason my first play with 9 seconds left they played a normal cover 2 with press coverage, my deep threat WR was wide open deep for the game winning score. That said, no way in hell would any team not be in prevent in that situation.

[ReasonablySober]

Stayed up until almost 2am playing last night, and spent a good portion of today playing.

The game is great, but definitely has that feel of a game that just came out and needs a little refinement. The simming is a bit off, as I see upsets constantly in my Dynasty. There is also a bug that won't allow me to schedule a recruit to visit. Says he needs to be down to his top 5 but he's already there. Kind of hurts because I'm getting slaughtered in recruiting right now, even the 1 and 2 stars I don't end up getting. I don't love the recruiting skill tree either. Basically just prioritizes skill positions off the bat. I'm also being penalized for never having to punt (my P wants to transfer) and my 2nd strings are showing that they want out too. We'll see how the off season goes. Oddly enough, it seems UL-Monroe players didn't opt in?

I find offense to be ridiculously easy. Scoring 45 a game against supposedly top ranked teams, huge plays left and right. Defense is insanely hard, tackling guys in the open field is nearly impossible for me. I find other teams getting 80 yard plays on me frequently too. Even on running plays where I make a swim move the wrong direction and the RB gets to the second level, then I whiff on a tackle. Maybe some more time will help, but Madden almost pulled you in to the offensive player and started the animation, this one does the exact opposite. The throw and kick mechanics aren't my favorite either, but again, give me more time. RPO buttons are a mess as well.

The Wear and Tear needs serious adjustment as well, my RB is in shambles 7 weeks in and I try my best to sub him out and he's averaging 16 touches a game.

A few other graphical bugs, players doing weird things, etc. But nothing major. Menu's feel snappy, although some animations on clicks make me think I need to hold it when I don't. Gameplay is fun, fast, but still needs a touch up or two. They also used a few of the same voice lines too from 14 just re-recorded. And sometimes I can't skip through scenes or it gets stuck and I have to press start and back out.

If I had to give it a ranking right now I'd go with an 8/10.

Where are you coaching? I’ve felt the recruiting is too easy personally coaching at Syracuse. I think I ended up with the #16 class in the country and probably like 10 of my guys were “gems” too so in actuality the class should be ranked even higher.

I noticed a few players wouldn’t allow me to schedule visits, but once I offered them a scholarship, it worked. Not sure if it’s supposed to be that way but worked for me.

My first season I had like 15 guys transfer but the second season it was only 3 and I persuaded all of them to return.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Since team builder wasn't an option on launch and I only had ten hours I opted to play with Wisconsin. I ended up with the #7 overall class in my National Title winning season. I mostly stuck with recruits that were initially interested from the outset, and added a handful of four star after I ended up winning it all.

The second season I decided to try a new strategy of just adding every five star recruit from the start, provided I wasn't locked out. By mid-season my list was down to fewer than 18 recruits with only a couple commits and with all my weekly points allocated I wasn't able to add any more. Then my ten hour trial ran out. I'll see on Friday if the strategy ends up working. I think I was the first choice for at least 15 recruits, all four and five stars.

As for the other mode I played, I thought Road to Glory was up and down. I initially tried my hand as the lowest rated possible QB at Northwestern. I abandoned that when I started having to do position battles where the mini games were straight up impossible. I really hated them for the quarterback.

I started over with a lowest rated runningback at Army. At RB, only one of the position battle drills is impossible and I was able to move up the depth chart to 3rd after a handful of games on the sideline.

That said, earning XP to increase my skills seemed to go extremely slow. Even after winning a position battle and doing a season's worth of practicing I didn't have enough skill points to increase anything.

[machu46]

Stayed up until almost 2am playing last night, and spent a good portion of today playing.

The game is great, but definitely has that feel of a game that just came out and needs a little refinement. The simming is a bit off, as I see upsets constantly in my Dynasty. There is also a bug that won't allow me to schedule a recruit to visit. Says he needs to be down to his top 5 but he's already there. Kind of hurts because I'm getting slaughtered in recruiting right now, even the 1 and 2 stars I don't end up getting. I don't love the recruiting skill tree either. Basically just prioritizes skill positions off the bat. I'm also being penalized for never having to punt (my P wants to transfer) and my 2nd strings are showing that they want out too. We'll see how the off season goes. Oddly enough, it seems UL-Monroe players didn't opt in?

I find offense to be ridiculously easy. Scoring 45 a game against supposedly top ranked teams, huge plays left and right. Defense is insanely hard, tackling guys in the open field is nearly impossible for me. I find other teams getting 80 yard plays on me frequently too. Even on running plays where I make a swim move the wrong direction and the RB gets to the second level, then I whiff on a tackle. Maybe some more time will help, but Madden almost pulled you in to the offensive player and started the animation, this one does the exact opposite. The throw and kick mechanics aren't my favorite either, but again, give me more time. RPO buttons are a mess as well.

The Wear and Tear needs serious adjustment as well, my RB is in shambles 7 weeks in and I try my best to sub him out and he's averaging 16 touches a game.

A few other graphical bugs, players doing weird things, etc. But nothing major. Menu's feel snappy, although some animations on clicks make me think I need to hold it when I don't. Gameplay is fun, fast, but still needs a touch up or two. They also used a few of the same voice lines too from 14 just re-recorded. And sometimes I can't skip through scenes or it gets stuck and I have to press start and back out.

If I had to give it a ranking right now I'd go with an 8/10.

Where are you coaching? I’ve felt the recruiting is too easy personally coaching at Syracuse. I think I ended up with the #16 class in the country and probably like 10 of my guys were “gems” too so in actuality the class should be ranked even higher.

I noticed a few players wouldn’t allow me to schedule visits, but once I offered them a scholarship, it worked. Not sure if it’s supposed to be that way but worked for me.

My first season I had like 15 guys transfer but the second season it was only 3 and I persuaded all of them to return.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Since team builder wasn't an option on launch and I only had ten hours I opted to play with Wisconsin. I ended up with the #7 overall class in my National Title winning season. I mostly stuck with recruits that were initially interested from the outset, and added a handful of four star after I ended up winning it all.

The second season I decided to try a new strategy of just adding every five star recruit from the start, provided I wasn't locked out. By mid-season my list was down to fewer than 18 recruits with only a couple commits and with all my weekly points allocated I wasn't able to add any more. Then my ten hour trial ran out. I'll see on Friday if the strategy ends up working. I think I was the first choice for at least 15 recruits, all four and five stars.

As for the other mode I played, I thought Road to Glory was up and down. I initially tried my hand as the lowest rated possible QB at Northwestern. I abandoned that when I started having to do position battles where the mini games were straight up impossible. I really hated them for the quarterback.

I started over with a lowest rated runningback at Army. At RB, only one of the position battle drills is impossible and I was able to move up the depth chart to 3rd after a handful of games on the sideline.

That said, earning XP to increase my skills seemed to go extremely slow. Even after winning a position battle and doing a season's worth of practicing I didn't have enough skill points to increase anything.

I did the exact same thing with the Northwestern underdog QB. The scramble drill is seemingly impossible but the option attack and pocket presence ones were very easy for me personally so I won all the position battles. NW is atrocious though lol; 75 overall in my 2nd season. Struggling to win any games, including the FCS teams I face.

I’m also messing around with a CB at Troy where I could start right away.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk