Muthead

Back to Switching to next gen for '24... what new mechanics/differences do I need to practice?

Single thread,
Ducati0307

I've been dabbling with M23 on Current Gen to see if I'm going to make the switch from Old Gen for M24. @nicksr84 is spot on... but here are some more thoughts:

These might as well be two different games - you can get used to the menu system in a few days (although I think it's clunkier on Current Gen). But your user movement is noticeably slower or "sluggish" which makes defense much harder. It's impossible to bait good players into bad throws and you really can't cover multiple routes with your user. You pretty much have to pick a route to defend but if they throw away from your user, it's almost impossible to react in time to lurk the pass (whereas on Old Gen this was part of the fun).

Conversely, offense is MUCH easier on Current Gen. Contrary to @nicksr84... I find that 1 play beaters work pretty well on Current Gen (much better than Old Gen) because the CPU controlled DBs don't react as quickly... (they are psychic on Old Gen). For example... dual seam streaks will beat Cover 3 on Current Gen... but that window is much tighter on Old Gen to the point that you almost can't throw them for fear of a tipped ball that turns into an interception.

Be prepared to face the meta defenses you've probably heard about (Spinner, DB Fire2, Mike Blitz 0) that don't work as well on Old Gen. You'll see a lot of those... so have multiple man beaters in your arsenal with multiple man beating routes on each play... because guys who have been running these schemes all year know where they are vulnerable and will take away your primary option with their user. I could not run some formations against DB Fire 2 (like Gun Empty Y Saint) because the blitzing DBs go right around both Tackles. You can ID and shift your line to take away one but the other comes in screaming and if you're a pocket passer like me, you just can't get the ball off deep... so you are forced to dink and dunk and that's not my playstyle.

I saw far less toters on Current Gen... not because running is more difficult... but because passing is pretty easy. I didn't face anyone running Goal Line offense every play (but this actually is a thing on Old Gen).

Enjoy being able to kick punts and FGs again! Basically if you can get the ball past the 50 yard line, you (or your opponent) have locked up an automatic 3 points. As annoying as these blocks are on old gen... they at least add more drama to the games.

As of right now I am completely torn on which way to go for M24. I completely hate the "casualization" of the gameplay on Current Gen. But I'm afraid there will be some game breaking bug or exploit on Old Gen and EA just won't fix it. Hell... they might actually sabotage the game on Old Gen to force people to finally make the switch.