here’s a breakdown of the provided text, focusing on the key points about the football game:
Overall Impression:
the game has made notable “quality of life” improvements, particularly in the Dynasty mode.
However, many of these improvements are “under the hood” and don’t fundamentally change the core gameplay loop.
The reviewer enjoys the game but wishes there was more to do beyond recruiting, coach progression, and playing games.
Key Improvements Mentioned:
Recruiting:
bringing in local players costs fewer recruiting hours.
Team needs are now pinned to the top of the recruiting menu for easy access. Players have “dealbreakers” which can lead to more players in the Transfer Portal.
Player progression between seasons (and weight gain) is tied to the school’s training facilities.
Training facilities can now be leveled up manually.
These changes make recruiting harder at less prestigious schools (like UConn and Boise State), which the reviewer sees as a positive. On-the-Field Tweaks:
Defender AI for Interceptions: Defenders no longer have “eyes in the back of their heads” and must see the ball to intercept it. This makes interceptions more realistic.
Swatting the Ball: Defenders can still swat the ball down if they don’t have a clear path to an interception. This gives a strategic reason to swat instead of always going for the pick. Dynamic Subs: Players can be swapped on the field (not just on the playcall screen), though there’s a one-play delay for the substitution to take effect. The reviewer calls this a “godsend.”
custom Zones for Defenders: This is the defensive equivalent of custom route stems for offense. It allows players to set defensive zone locations in real-time, which the reviewer enjoys for its strategic depth.
Areas for Improvement/Criticism:
“more of the Same”: While improved, Dynasty mode is still largely the same core experience. If you didn’t like it before, you likely won’t be converted.
Lack of New Activities: Beyond recruiting, coach progression, and playing games, there isn’t much else to do in Dynasty mode.
Immediate Substitutions: The one-play delay for dynamic subs is noted,with the reviewer hoping for immediate substitutions in the future.
In Summary:
The game offers a more polished and realistic experience,especially on the field and in the nuances of Dynasty mode. However, it doesn’t introduce entirely new gameplay mechanics or activities, meaning its appeal will largely depend on how much players already enjoy the core elements of the game.
