CFB 27 Gameplay Wishlist: Restoring Defensive Viability & Improving Trench Logic
1. Defensive Impact & Logic
Currently, defense feels secondary to offensive "flashiness." While high-scoring games are part of the sport, the game should not penalize players for playing sound defense.
- The Goal: Make defensive stops feel more earned rather than accidental at times. We need improved pursuit angles and better AI awareness so that a well-called defense can actually dictate the pace of the game.
2. Offensive Line & Trench Play
There have been improvements in run blocking, but the logic still lacks the consistency needed for a simulation experience.
- Run Blocking: There is still major room for improvement in how linemen identify targets and climb to the second level and sometimes it's done too fast.
- Pass Protection: Missed assignments remain a significant issue. Linemen too often let pass rushers through untouched because of faulty logic, even when the protection should have the numbers to pick it up.
3. RB Pathfinding & Collision Logic
A persistent issue is the lack of "space awareness" between the backfield and the line.
- The Issue: Running backs constantly get "tangled up" with their own offensive linemen. This frequently happens on passing plays where the RB is physically prevented from even starting their route because they are stuck in a collision animation with a guard or tackle.
4. Online Play: Pass Interference
The lack of flags in online modes is breaking the passing game.
- The Issue: Wide receivers are being bumped and redirected off their routes far too often without a penalty.
- The Ask: Increase the frequency of pass interference calls. Physicality is good, but blatant route disruption needs to be penalized to keep the game balanced.
5. Double Mug AI Failures
While the inclusion of counters is a step in the right direction, they are inconsistent because the AI logic fails at the snap.
- The Issue: Even when using specific protection adjustments, the offensive line AI will frequently ignore a blitzer coming directly through the gap. The AI needs to be more responsive to these interior threats so the protection works as intended.
6. Audio: Commentary Mix Sliders
The immersion takes a hit because the broadcast team is often drowned out by the game environment.
- The Ask: Give us independent volume sliders for the announcing teams. Currently, Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler are mixed far too quiet; we need the ability to turn them up significantly to match the stadium atmosphere.
