Comments on v1.0.121 Public Beta Update

[cbelva]

I played a quick game for about 1 1/2 quarters and have the following comments:

1. Punts--There were 5 punts. 3 of the punts went 90 degrees off the foot of the punter straight out of bounds. The receiving team was then given the ball on their own 20 yard line 1 and 10. These three punts were all on the punting teams side of the 50 yd line. The other two appears to be ok, but their were on the other side of the 50 (receiving team side). I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

2. QBs are now scrambling. I beefed up one of my QBs and gave him a pocket passer rating of 25. He was acting like Vince Young. He was unpredictable and fun to watch. Broke several tackles to get a first down.

3. There seems to be more jerkiness to the players and screen. One time the QB dropped back to pass. He decided to scramble and the screen started jerking for about 3 seconds. I thought that the program had gone into some loop and was locked. Then it clear and the QB took off. I have also noticed this at times when the running backs hit the line of scrimmage. The running back's motion becomes jerkey as they try to get thru the line of scrimmage(ie twist and spin).

4. I have noticed a couple of times that the QBs would run forward about 3 steps before throwing the ball. On one occasion the QB took two steps back from the center and then ran foward 3 steps and threw the ball. The real problem was that the QB was pass the LOS when he threw the ball.

[David Winter]

I'll look at number 1. It's not something that came up here. Although the code with relevant changes was only done yesterday so it's possible.

I really think that number 4 is something perceived but is not actually happening. He might be right on it, but he can't throw it if over the LOS. The code for throwing the ball checks where the QB is on the field and he can't throw if over the LOS. If he's in the throwing motion, he'll pull it down and run.

[Breeze]

If he's right on the LOS that's a penalty as well (at least in American rules).

[Lucas718]

I've seen #1 & #3 in the first game I played since installing the patch. Otherwise I'd say this is a huge improvement in overall gameplay. There's a running game now. [:D] Although I think the running game might work a little too well now. The combined total of the first game was 87 runs, 22 passes. All in all, a huge leap forward and the first really enjoyable game I've played so far.

Keep up the good work.

[David Winter]

Keep in mind that as per the BETA release notes, some of the defensive plays will not work the same as they did previously. I've changed some of the logic for two commands.

From the beta release notes;
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the changes in [Key On] and [Line Up On Man] commands, some of the plays in the default play book may no longer play as designed. Updated plays are included in this update, but plays that have been created by users or testers prior to these changes may not function the same as they did previously.

If you're using custom defensive plays, you will need to go back to them and edit them so they function as you expect. As I go through the default play book I'll clean up the ones that use these commands improperly.

[David Winter]

3. There seems to be more jerkiness to the players and screen. One time the QB dropped back to pass. He decided to scramble and the screen started jerking for about 3 seconds. I thought that the program had gone into some loop and was locked. Then it clear and the QB took off. I have also noticed this at times when the running backs hit the line of scrimmage. The running back's motion becomes jerkey as they try to get thru the line of scrimmage(ie twist and spin).

This is known but doesn't look like that note was included in the release notes though. It's something I'm contining to try and resolve.

[Deltadog]

I watched one half of a cpu vs cpu game after installing the new beta patch. I used stock teams, fun n gun playbook, and American rules.

1. The offense appeared greatly improved. The QB completed a much higher percentage of their passes. (6/12 - 152 yards and 8/15 – 152 yards.)
2. The rushing game improved also. (14/37 & 19/76)
3. For the first time I saw DB knock down passes and for the first time I saw and interception. If fact there were 2 in the half.
4. Sacks were greatly reduced. (1 and 3)
5. Place kicking looks much better and kickers were more accurate. (2 pat and 1 FG)

Other observations:

1. Opening kick off carried into the endzone untouched. Instead of the receiving team getting the ball on the 20, they got it on the 40.
2. QB scrambled when the blocking broke down. On one play he did get very near the LOS before throwing, but he did not appear to be on or across the line. On one pass play, the QB could not find a receiver and ran with the ball. I have not seen this before.
3. The 3 punts were as has been previously reported. The ball went off the side of the kicker’s foot and out of bounds. The ball was then spotted at the receiving teams 20 instead of the point where the ball went out of bounds.
4. During several plays, the QB went back to pass, scrambled, then the image of the player seemed to shudder and he threw the ball. (my frame rate was between 31 – 35 the entire game)
5. On one play there was a man in motion. He came from off screen to the right and zipped across the screen as if he was superman. (ie much to fast) and when out of field of view. Then the zipped back at the same speed, except he appeared to be in from of the down lineman. The ball was snapped and the play proceeded as if nothing had happened out of the ordinary.

[Frenzy]

Here are a few more things I found beyond what was already mentioned:

1. After a simmed season the stats looked pretty good except for one thing. The longest pass for TD was anywhere from normal to 202 yards.
2. Computer vs. Computer play: The QBs scrambled too much. Both QBs had at least 15-20 rushing attempts apeice a game. My QB (PPR of 78) would drop back and with no pressure take off and run.
3. Still no injuries for simmed games. Played games produce injuries.

I'm encourage after this recent beta as it looks like things are starting to come together.

[Deltadog]

In a second cpu vs cpu game, American rules, I noted the following:

1. On two occasions the team that was trailing failed to make a first down on 3rd down right at the end of the first and third quarters. The stats screen appeared and the game continued, it was 1 - 10 for the team that should have been punting.

2. During this game the kick off went out of bounds inside the receiving teams 30. Instead of the ball being put into play where it when out or the kicking being penalized and required to kick again, the receiving team got the ball on their 40.

3. Twice the kick off went into the endzone as was not returned and instead of the game comming out to the 20, but ball was put into play on their 40.

4. Once the kick off went into the endzone and was picked up and returned to the 13 yard line. Instead of the ball being put into play at the point of the tackle, it was given to the receiving team 1 - 10 on their 40.

5. Punts that originate outside the 50 continue to slice off the kickers foot and are given to the receiving team on their 20.

6. Punts that originate inside the 50 appear to be executed and spotted correctly.

7. In this game the QB appeared to scramble too much as Frenzy observed. However, this QB team was leading and this may have been part of the logic to run out the clock.

[22sec]

After the 1st qtr of a game with the most recent patch the QBs refused to throw the ball. They would ALWAYS take off even when they appeared to have time. Not one pass was thrown by either team all game long.

[Erik Rutins]

Please note that .122 is up as of last night, which should resolve the beta shanked punt issue.

Regards,

- Erik

[Breeze]

ORIGINAL: Deltadog
2. During this game the kick off went out of bounds inside the receiving teams 30. Instead of the ball being put into play where it when out or the kicking being penalized and required to kick again, the receiving team got the ball on their 40.

This is as it should be. When a kickoff goes out of bounds, the receiving team gets it at the 40.

You are correct, however, about the end zone kicks being spotted wrong.

[Deltadog]

Guess I have not been paying attention these many yeqars. Back in the dark ages when I played the receving team got the choice.

1. At the point where the ball went out of bounds.
2. 5 yard penalty and kicked over.