Would you guys mind programing Datsyuk and Zetterberg to be a little more, well, reasonable with their contract demands? For me? Please?

They most likely will be a bit more reasonable in the game :)

Wehey !! Over 1,000 replies in the EHM thread :D

Yeah and only 996 posted by me and you ;)

Come on now, Marc. There were at least 300 or so that were questions by jbmagic. I responded to a lot of those questions, so that's like 250 for me...

Stop selling your boy so short!

sweet, i can't wait for the NA patch! I've been waiting on it to start a new career, so yeah. Sept 27th it is!

lol :)

not all of them questions. Some was helping and replying to others people post in here too. :)

To get back on track. I ran across this excellent walkthrough type guide for new players to help get them started by archibalduk at EHM fan site " The Blue Line". It explains alot of hockey strategy stuff a non-hardcore hockey fan like myself can find little difficult.

link

yep

i posted this awhile back. I guess no one notice before :(

you can download it and view it on adobe reader.

It's Leafs.....and Owen Nolan is not a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs anymore.....The Leafs claimed he suffered a non-hockey injury, voiding his player option for this season.......The case is being contested by Nolan's camp....If it's determined that Nolan is allowed to enable his option, the Leafs filed the nessesary buyout papers with the NHL, and have been told his salary will not count against a cap this season

I noticed JB. I downloaded it. Thought it was pretty helpful. :)

Yeah, thanks JB. HB needs all the help he can get. He is a Wings fan afterall ;)

Some updates on the North American happenings around NHL EHM 2005:

The advert campaign is up and running. You can spot ads in the following places online currently:

http://www.nhl.com/fancentral/fungames/index.html (ad up constantly)
http://www.nhl.com/fantasy/index.html (ads in rotation here)
Gamespot - browse around some hockey games and eventually you should come across the EHM banners (ads in rotation)
IGN/Gamespy - same here (ads in rotation)

It's nice to see a text-sim get some proper ad coverage in the North American side, eh ?

We are also coming over with Duffy for a PR trip next week, to talk to local media (regular press in Canada mostly and PC mags and websites on the US side) so things are hotting up :D

riz sounds great.

i will be real happy if i find it in the US store easily.

I hope this will be downloadedable otherwise I won't hold my breath on seeing it in a
store soon.

Well, I can honestly tell you that while it may be slightly easier to find it in stores this year, it won't be shipped out to retail in great numbers. The simple fact is that North American (especially US) retailers are just not interested in stocking marginal games with no proven track record of big sales.

The game will be available on digital download, Sega are pushing for the Try&Buy version to be included on some coverdisks prolly as well. I would think that the best chances of finding it in stores would be in Canada (EB Canada) and the hockey hotbeds on the US side.

But as I've said before, the best thing you can do at the moment if you want to secure a boxed NA copy, is to preorder from Gamestop:
http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=646381

It'll help you to secure a copy and it'll help us because if enough people pre-order, that will push the numbers up and might make it possible for additional copies to be shipped to retail.

We are getting close to the update!!

what's the projected release date again?

and johnny...I know it's Leafs...im just busting your chops. :)

Projected release date is Sept 27, but don't expect it in stores right away. For those of us that have the European release, they are saying the update download will be available "around that date". I wouldn't expect it on the 27th, but maybe by the end of the month (just my guess).

I hope mt Las Vegas Wranglers are in the game.

LOL...i just gotta protect our boys....they have been attacked recently....us leaf fans, we're a sensative bunch :p

Why wouldn't they be ? Last I looked they belonged to the ECHL which is a playable league in the game :D

Awesome! I can finally bring them back from relegation into the Premier League. :D

Well, it's the 27th over in Europe, and it'll be the 27th here on the east coast US in just about two hours. I'm looking forward to the release of the North American update soon. :D :D

I would love to see this released at midnight

I would love to see this released at midnight

It's past midnight in the UK, though, and that's where SI is based. :D

I really want a hardcopy of the game but am skeptical if my local Fry's or Wal Mart will carry the game. Refer to FM 2005 release.

Fry's is supposed to be getting copies, but it may be later in the week before they show up. Dunno if Walmart will, but a lot of Walmarts seemed to get a bunch of last year's version a few weeks after the release.

Patch'll hopefully be out sometime this morning, whenever Marc Duffy has time to do it - he and Riz are on the press tour right now, and today's an ugly day, morning in Toronto, afternoon in Calgary, evening in San Francisco.

I don't know what to do... I've been rebuilding the Rangers in my latest game, it's now around Feb-2008 and we are having a fantastic season, with the following line-up:

Kariya-Crosby-Heatley
Bobby Ryan - N. Horton - Marian Hossa
Daniel Carcillo - J. Immonen - P. Bergeron
G. Murray - Super Mario - Roenick

Pronger- J. Johnson
Zhitnick-Tyutin
Boughner-Hnidy

Injured- Joe Sakic

I'm at $45 Million, and I have a self induced $50 Million cap... so I was looking forward to trying for the Cup next season, unloading alot of talent for picks\prospects in the off-season and seeing how good I'd be in 2008-09.

... But now SI has to go screw that up by releasing the patch!!! Arghhh!!! :)

Update is up!!!

Update is out!!

http://www.sigames.com/downloads.php?type=view&id=355

Well, I'll be playing this nonstop when I get home from work tonight. Part of me is interested in waiting for the data update which has more current rosters, but hell, the first thing I'm going to do is trade Colin White away anyway (I can't stand the guy), so my rosters won't match the real ones anyway. :)

Thanks for everything, riz and SI!

Will the update work with the Try and Buy demo?

There is an update for that in tha page i posted, the only thing not ready yet is the new Try and Buy demo with the patch included.

Downloaded 406.exe patch for Try and Buy. Installed the patch and I get the please register screen. I put in the serial number and email and I got purchase can not be found error. Contacted customer support. Anyone else getting this?

Found this thread on SI's forums:

hxxp://community.sigames.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6461934525/m/9662061261

Moving sucks... I'll have to get some time in with this game in about 2 weeks. :(

Can't wait to read some impressions with the new rules and cap though. :)

An update from SI:

An update on this, and I'm afraid it will be the last update for today since it's past 6pm here now.

Grant (SI) is going to contact someone at TryMedia to find out what causes this problem. Everything was done the same way as before, and we've had successful TryMedia (Try and Buy) patches before. So currently we still don't know what is wrong.

For now, Neil (SI) has removed the patch 2.1.1 (Try and Buy) file from the sigames.com download page. I apologise for any inconvenience caused, and we'll update you all as and when we have news.
Grant Appleyard
Sports Interactive

Hi All,

Many apologies about this - I've contacted Trymedia now for assistance in sorting this issue out. As soon as I can I will report back here and we will release a fix/give instructions on how to get your valid licenses keys working.
Thanks for your patience,
Grant

so the patch is free for those with the try and buy version? i thought we had to pay.

Free but not working right now.

right. i just thought i remember reading that it would cost $10 or something.

dola...if you downloaded the game, it's try and buy\European, right?

Yep

SI nixed that idea a long time ago. They love the people.

So how's the patch?

patch working yet?

Thanks, HB. My love of SI continues to grow.

Now if the would just do an American Football game.... :D

Is the simulation engine fast compared to FM or is it about the same speed? Just wondering since I want to simulate the first 4-5 years.

grrrr. is the patch working for try/buy version yet? curious cuz i don't want to mess mine up...

No, it's not working. Installing it won't mess anything up, you just won't be able to get past the order verification screen.

It's after business hours in the UK now, so they're saying not to expect anything until morning.

okay. thanks. then i'll just wait to DL it until tomorrow or whenever it's fixed. just didn't want to bother DLing it and getting my hopes up if it wasn't going to work. thanks

With all league selected, and maximum database, this game sims as fast as FM2005 with 2-3 leagues selected and minimum database, if that helps.

So, yes it is faster. :)

I'll probably just do the NHL and all US minor league systems. auto sim when Im at work and school and get immersed during the weekends. To hell with my 1500 word essay The Coyotes need me! ;)

I want to put htis on my home pc and a laptop for business trips. Do you get more than one license with the download version or do I need to get a CD?

You get 5 I believe.

I have it on my home PC but it doesnt load any longer because that PC is so messed up, it only is good for AOL.

I also have it on my laptop and it runs flawlessly.

The problem with the Try&Buy season update has now been corrected and a new revised file is available:

Read more here:
http://community.sigames.com/groupee...5/m/5302004261

Sorry for the extra delay people with this specific version.

You can download the different versions of the season update here depending on which version you already own (pc or mac, euro retail or try&buy...):

http://www.sigames.com/downloads.php?type=view&id=355

Just in case it was not already listed here, these are the major changes in the new season update:

2.1.0 = NA retail version including all the season updates
2.1.1 = the season update for euro-versions and also can be used as a patch on top of the NA retail as it includes some extra tweaks

Ok, I can't figure out how to buy the game too many confusing downloads. I guess I am too stupid but has anyone who doesn't own th egame or have the previous version on their computer got it. I thought I had the correct download I got a 406.exe file but it keeps getting an error not finding the specified file.

Now if only I could figure out what the heck I bought in the first place so I could figure out what patch I should get.

Let's see, I've got the game already & all I did was download it & then paid for an e-license back on 8/4/05, so that means I've got the "try-and-buy" euro version & need the patch labeled "Try and Buy Patch for NHL EHM 2005 (suitable ONLY for those who downloaded the European Try and Buy digital version)"?

Or was there a NA download version somewhere along the way too?

Galaril, don't feel too bad, I'm feeling about as confused as you right about now.

I know and I tried to login to their site and for some god damn reason the site is refusing my password to login which figures. I have always had a hard time registering on SI boards so I am not going to waste hours or days trying to get a new account. I guess I will wait to see if Riz or someone can clarify what the hell is the right one to download. I can't understand why there is more than two downloads. A full version NA and a patch for those that already have the first one.

Ok, from what I can tell the try and buy full version North American version 2.1.1 for new customers is not up on the SI site still, though they are claiming so.:(

I don't know what's so confusing...

There's 4 versions.

A patch for the PC release on CD.
A patch for the MAC release on CD.
A patch for the download version. (Try and Buy)
An updated full version download. (Try and Buy)

Seems pretty straightforward to me...

click on the 2nd link in riz's post, that is how i got to it

Bee,
I think you should get a job designing there web page. When you describe it , it does seem straight forward. However, the site descriptions are less descriptive IMHO.

I'm sure this is mentioned in the thread someplace, but old save games aren't compatible with the update. No surprise really with all the changes.

Umm ... is that "aren't compatible" as in "it will kill my ability to continue an old save" or as in "none of the new stuff will show up in an old save"?

as in...can't continue an old save game.

Ouch! That's bad.

Thanks Bee, wasn't sure which way to interpret that.
Well, hmm ... :(

Quick dividends from the PR campaign:

http://www.canada.com/sports/hockey/...3-bc4b792ba79c

Yeah, an unfortunate side effect of making the big changes required by the new CBA. I'm losing a 10+ year WHL-to-NHL career. :(

i
i don't think it's fair to say that's ouch. especially because i think it was basically known by everyone at the time of purchase that a patch would be coming out that would feature all these major changes, i would think most any computer-saavy person would realize it would render their savegames useless. as for me i (along with a lot of other people i think) have just fiddled until now, trying to get the hang of things. now the real playing begins!

I love this! Means I'm going to have to build St. Louis into a winning team... much different than starting with say, the Rams in FOF. :)

I'd have to disagree, at least off the top of my head, simply because I'd guesstimate that at least half or more of all patches I can recall for text sports sims in general have not been old-save killers. I'm sure somebody will get curious enough to do the math & figure that out, but that's just my working impression of it -- that it's a long way from being an absolute patch=career killer.

I knew there seemed to be a lot of people who were just basically fiddling around with the game up to this point, but I had figured that was more about wanting the salary cap, rule changes, etc. than anything to do with concerns about compatability.

Any update on the status of the latest patch?

Wasn't it supposed to come out a month ago? I'm not downloading the NA patch until the roster update comes out... so it's back to my Rangers Dynasty!

No, there was never a date set. From what I read, they had to wait until each league's season started (ECHL didn't start until around Oct. 20 I believe), then come up with the data and get approval from each league.

It sounds like the update is in the testing process, so it shouldn't be long.

I can never download the demos or updates or anything on si's site. It always just reloads the download page every minute or two, even after I've logged in.

I *really* hate that about SI's site. And when I finally *do* manage it, I can never figure out later how I did it.

Well, when you get to the actual download page, it will keep loading and reloading until you hit the link below. At least that's how it has always been for me.

That did it. Thanks. :)

Quick question but didn't want to start up a whole new thread about it ...

Is it true that if you let your coach coach the games, and you try to play in a pure GM mode that you will lose a lot more often.

I'm only about 15 games in so far, and I'm letting my coach handle the day to day while I play the role of GM and it would seem that he's just fucking lousy. And I'm pretty sure I read somewhere in this thread that if you let your coach handle things he does a shitty job ...

Is that still true or it me who just sucks?

When I played this game that is the experience I had.

So that problem was never "fixed"? Phoey. :mad:

Yeah, you can't really let the coach handle everything, but if you just pick a tactic and fast sim the game (commentary speed=very fast, highlights=key only), you get basically the same effect as having the coach handle things. That's how I won my Stanley Cup.

So there's actually a difference in results from fast-sim with hands-off versus simming without watching the pbp?

Hmm, this might explain my recent 17 game winless streak.

Well my tactics totally sucked before my most recent Kings career. Initially I used to go with all kinds of tactics wackiness, but not based around a system, but in my most Kings career, I stuck with the run and gun, and it worked. I did make slight in game changes when fast-simming, such as overloading the lines in the 3rd period, pulling the goalie in the last 2 minutes or switching lines around if a guy got a game misconduct or injury, but nothing major.

I played in pure-GM mode and this was not my experience. Eventually I won the Cup and was one of the best teams in the league.

Good to hear ...
 

That's encouraging to hear, because I have no interest in coaching every single game. I'm not that great at hockey strategy so I'd probably be worse than the computer at this point anyway.

Thanks for your input! :D

I have not seen an inordinate amount of losses as GM. I don't ever play the games and I've made the playoffs often. I always try to have a great coach, though.

The issue of losing more when leaving the coach to handle the bench duties is a bit iffy imho. There have been those who have done very well playing only in GM mode and there have also been some people who have felt that they don't do so well when playing GM only. And naturally the quality of your coach behind the bench matters as well. I've ran numerous tests in the past relating to concerns of some people, but so far I haven't been able to find any physical evidence on any of the code hindering human teams under AI coach control. Technically, when you leave the coach in charge but order him to use your set tactics, it does limit the coaches options somewhat during the game and he will not be able to make radical changes if things take a turn for worse in his opinion. Then again, if we allowed him to do that, then people would naturally complain that it is a bug that the AI coach isn't following the human set tactics :)

Riz-

just a thought i know the coach AI must go through a process playing as a GM only i have had both success and horrible failure. It would be very helpfull to be able to "get with the coach" and find out his philosphy. Do we need more team speed? Do we need some physcial hitters? etc

More "coach interaction" has been on my to-do list already for this next version, but unfortunately it has been pushed back on the list as I've had plenty of other areas to work on as well this time around. But this is still on my shortlist to tackle in the near future with some upcoming version.

You horrible, little tease. . . ;)

Well, vacation and EHM... currently I'm the worst team by far in the NHL.. but we already knew the Blues suck! :)

I just won the ohl and memorial cup not coaching the games, and despite this year supposed to be bottom half im 2nd in the whole CHL...my coach is doing great for me.

Ok, can anyone explain to me why in the OHL draft like half the players dont have 4 years left. I drafted a guy in the first round, looked like a stud(15, first year in the game), only to realize he was out of junior eligibility. Most of my other picks are 2 years or 3 years left. Whats the deal?

If they are still with their midget/bantam/junior teams, it displays their junior eligibility for their current club team (according to the eligibility limits of that particular league). Not their major junior eligibility.