NFL Head Coach

By "play" if you mean controlling players, then no. In that respect it's pretty much like playing Madden in coaching mode -- but more complex.

*Here's a little side note. They've got VR software that supposedly enables you to talk to the QB through a real headset. Calling plays, I guess. I've read a lot of complaints about it so far, but if they ever get that working, it'll be awesome.

Correction: I just started mini-camp. Training camp is yet to come. I'm getting the hang of the playbook now. It's broken down by game situations, not formations (like Madden) -- 1st down, 2nd & short, 2nd & medium, 2nd & long, goal line, etc., and there are lists of plays for each page. You can edit your playbook and even create your own plays. In fact, you're encouraged to do so. It boosts your work ethic rating.

I discovered last night that I blew about 6 weeks of office time when I should've been using it to adjust my depth chart. Oops. It only allows you to make 2 moves at a time, and between the draft, free agency, and player improvement, my depth chart was screwed. It's getting better, though, and the team is looking better.

I'm really digging mini-camp. Being able to 'coach up' the players is a very cool feature, and I'm having a ball with it. You can pull guys aside individually, or address an entire squad -- on the field or on the sidelines. You can give constructive criticism/encouragement, give an ass-kicking, or break down what you want them to do on any given play or in general (teaching aspect -- very cool!). The neat thing is you can literally see the guys responding to what you tell them. If it helps, you see a "+" sign over their heads. If it doesn't, you see a "-" sign. Everyone reacts differently. I tried to be constructive with Smitty and he got worse. I kicked him in the butt, and he took the next rep to the house.

You know how Jake has a tendency to thrown into double and triple coverage downfield and makes us all homicidal? I pulled him aside after doing that on a play and told him to focus on the underneath routes -- and he did! He's hitting the comebacks and quick slants now and letting Smitty and Randle-El ( ) draw the DBs off on the sidelines with their speed. Henning's playbook is working a lot better.

The player ratings are improving, too. When mini-camp started, everyone but Pep was in the fair to poor category. Now most of my offense is rated "good", which is the highest category.

BTW, when I used the automated depth chart update feature, it put Wahle at LT, and his rating shot through the roof.

 

are you using the headset feature? I've heard about that.

only 2 moves? I guess they have to do that for structure purposes, but that seems a bit unrealistic. I mean, a head coach practically lives in his office. I couldn't imagine one only doing two things a day, unless Steve Spurrier is back in the NFL.

That's pretty neat. Can you talk to any player on gameday?


Sounds alright, man. Keep us posted. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth purchasing.

 

that's realisically awesome.

 

Nah. But like I said, when they get the bugs worked out of it, it'll be awesome. They even give you a coupon for a PC compatible version of the Motorola headset real coaches wear (I think it's a couple hundred bucks, though).

Two transactions per office session, but most of the time you get 2 office sessions a day, and you can adjust your schedule for more. That's what I'm trying to do now. I could've had all this crap locked in weeks before, but I didn't realize how bad my depth chart was screwed up. It kept offering to sim over to minicamp, and I allowed it to without thinking. Basically, it gives you plenty of opportunities to get done what you need to, but you have to manage your time and plan ahead. I think that's the idea the game is presenting.

I haven't played an actual game yet, but I'm certain you can (as long as
they're on the sidelines). Single player substition, I don't know about yet.

BTW, I'm playing the PC version. I don't know what differences there may be on PS2, and don't even know if there's an X Box version available.

 

In the war room during the draft, it's just you and the Scouting Director.

I looked all over for the scouting and combine notes, and couldn't find an icon anywhere. I figured maybe you have to go through every pick with the SD. First round, he made the recommendation and I agreed (LenDale White). Second round I disagreed, and for a split second I swear it looked like he shoved a binder at me out of nowhere. Suddenly the Draft Scouting report popped up on my screen, and from then on I could see it on the table. I'm not sure if that's what really happened, but it seemed that way -- like I could almost hear him say, "FINE. YOU make the pick. Hmph." That was kind of funny.

 

Regarding the speed issue: it appears that some drills are meant to be run at less than full speed. Now that I'm into the heart of minicamp, the speed has definitely picked up. :xyzthumbs

Oh, and the first patch is available for downloading. I'll see what it does.

 

That makes sense. I'm glad you can be flexible about that.

They do have an Xbox version available, but this game seems more suited for PC. At least that's the impression I get.


And that's pretty funny about the scouting director. Dealing with egos is certainly has to come with the territory, so it's cool to make that a part of the game.

 

Something else that's funny -- the game made Trgovac kind of a kiss-ass.

 

figures

What do the coordinators do? I understand that you call the plays, but can you assign playcalling duties to them? Just curious about that.

 

They sure don't do much in the offseason. But I'm told that during games, they'll make play recommendations for you, or if you're busy looking at stats or adjusting the depth chart during a game, they'll call the plays for you.

Danny Crossman just suggested for the second time that I have John Kasay take over punting duties as well.