New NHL EHM game first impressions

[Marc Vaughan]

Hi,

As you are hopefully aware the North American release of NHL EHM has now occurred (details at sigames.com as per usual) - I was wondering what peoples first impressions of it were ... presuming you've given it a go.

Thanks,

Marc

[Chubby]

how is the interface? I guess that's the one thing that has kept me from buying. I was a huge fan of the original because of it's simplistic UI, I feel overwhelmed when trying to get into the SI EHM (last year's and this year's).

[gstelmack]

It took me a few minutes to find the download and information on buying. And the link off the News item to the EHM page is broken. Might want to make the link to the download-and-buy option more prominent.

[sachmo71]

WARNING!!!

It may take a few minutes for the game to start after the patch! Be patient, and if all else fails, check Task Manager to ensure the exe is still running! HEART ATTACK TIME!

[HomerJSimpson]

I'm going try to have some patience and wait untill I get some feedback before patching, maybe even wait untill the next patch of the patch. It is such a time-eater that I don't want to get sucked in unless I'm sure there aren't show-stoppers left.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I just downloaded the patch. I haven't installed yet. I probably wont have time to play it until the weeked at the very earliest. I will report back once I do.

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by sachmo71

WARNING!!!

It may take a few minutes for the game to start after the patch! Be patient, and if all else fails, check Task Manager to ensure the exe is still running! HEART ATTACK TIME!

Kinda odd, it didn't do that for me when I did a fresh reinstall with the patch yesterday. Your hard drive need defragging?

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by HomerJSimpson

I'm going try to have some patience and wait untill I get some feedback before patching, maybe even wait untill the next patch of the patch. It is such a time-eater that I don't want to get sucked in unless I'm sure there aren't show-stoppers left.

Pretty quiet on the bug reporting front so far, so I think we're OK in that department. But you may want to wait for the final October update to get the improved rosters - the current ones are pre-training camp, so there'll be a ton of changes. And we're always fixing and adding things to the data in addition to the player moves.

[Flasch186]

so the digital download on the site, the try and buy one, is the new game?

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

so the digital download on the site, the try and buy one, is the new game?

The new version of the try-and-buy install won't be up until sometime tomorrow, so if you get it today you'll need to download the patch for it as well.

[Flasch186]

ill wait and get it tomorrow then...cool thanks.

[sachmo71]

Originally Posted by JeffR

Kinda odd, it didn't do that for me when I did a fresh reinstall with the patch yesterday. Your hard drive need defragging?

I didn't do a fresh install, so perhaps there is a difference there.
To add to my findings, when I tried to start the game the first time, my computer sounded the critical failure beep and the game did not launch. Task Manager told me the exe was running, but nothing was happening. I figured I should reboot, but I could not shut down. Unfortunately, I'd already stated the shutdown process, so I couldn't get into task manager to stop the exe.

Hard shut down and restart, and I started the game. Nothing.
I decided to walk away from the computer and watch the weather. By the time I got back, I saw the splash screen so all was well!

[atatange1]

I was able to upgrade,WED Sept. 28, (try and buy version) with out any problems. At least I assume it is the newest version. It has the new NHL logo and Crosby with the Penguins. I haven't started a dynasty yet so I have no idea what will happen at the six month mark.

[Easy Mac]

Just so you know Marc, the game was mentioned on the video game news radio podcast on sunday. they had a little fun with the game's name. About 20 minutes into the show I think.

[Qwikshot]

The Flyers, don't have Nitti as the backup goalie, they have a generic goalie, and that goalie's name changes every time I opt back into the roster.

[SirFozzie]

Go to unsigned prospects Qwik, you'll probably find him there

[jbmagic]

i hope i can find it in the US stores this weekend.

last year version was so hard to find in the states.

[WrongWay]

Originally Posted by jbmagic

i hope i can find it in the US stores this weekend.

last year version was so hard to find in the states.

I thought you could just download it?

I was planning on downloading/buying the new version, post patch this weekend?

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by Qwikshot

The Flyers, don't have Nitti as the backup goalie, they have a generic goalie, and that goalie's name changes every time I opt back into the roster.

Niittymaki's on their AHL affiliate's roster, just call him up. Probably one of the guys that had to be switched back to his previous team because of licensing restrictions. Most of them should be in the 'right' place in the next (and final) update.

[jbmagic]

Originally Posted by WrongWay

I thought you could just download it?

I was planning on downloading/buying the new version, post patch this weekend?

yep you can download it.


but if its going to be in the US stores, then i rather buy it from the store.

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by WrongWay

I thought you could just download it?

I was planning on downloading/buying the new version, post patch this weekend?

You can do either, but if somebody wants a boxed version it should be in North American stores this weekend.

[DaddyTorgo]

one thing i've noticed a few games into the season: make sure you have a solid #1 goaltender. I see the goalies exposed a lot more on breakaways and rebounds and the like. Currently playing with default tactics as the Bruins, havn't encountered and difficulty yet, undefeated but only 3 games into the season. hoping to have a year down by the time i go to bed.

[MizzouRah]

Have the patch installed, but my game's packed. Damn her!!

[Marc Vaughan]

In case anyone has trouble locating it in America or Canada:

IMEA = UPC in the US and this code is 010086851540

If you give this to a store then they should be able to type it into their computer systems and locate the game.

[Izulde]

I'd be interested in hearing more peoples' impressions, especially on the interface.

[condors]

can't wait to see what happens over the next 20 seasons

So far my Flyers are looking very good in the preseason.

Signed a couple young wingers to min contracts

[FrogMan]

Originally Posted by Marc Vaughan

In case anyone has trouble locating it in America or Canada:

IMEA = UPC in the US and this code is 010086851540

If you give this to a store then they should be able to type it into their computer systems and locate the game.

I was curious and punched that code in the amazon.com search box and it returned NHL EHM 2005 all right, so it seems it is working.

One odd thing Marc, they say it's not yet released and that it will be released on October 27, 2005. Maybe one of your (or SEGA's) guys could ring 'em and wake 'em up... Just saying...

FM

[TazFTW]

The listing for EHM 2005 on Gamestop.com lists the release date as 10/3/05.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Izulde

I'd be interested in hearing more peoples' impressions, especially on the interface.

As soon as I get moved in, this puppy will get a workout from me. I'm also waiting on the data patch as well.

[Izulde]

Originally Posted by MizzouRah

As soon as I get moved in, this puppy will get a workout from me. I'm also waiting on the data patch as well.

Excellent.

[Qwikshot]

Trades happen pretty fast, I couldn't get a word in when some GM would put a player on the market, he'd be traded before I could even make a bid.

[rexallllsc]

New patch is a big improvement.

[Bee]

My plan was to play it last night, but I installed the patch and saw that I couldn't continue from my old game so I decided to play a little FM2006 beta and start a new career after dinner...

Ended up not eating dinner and playing FM2006 beta until midnight...

[Galaril]

One bug that has been reported and think is one that was around before is "Most of my icing calls are not icing, but just players dumping the puck to the boards. "

This was reproted on the SI board for awhile but they haven't addressed it. I also, heard there are offsides being uncorrectly called. This one reltaes to the new rules.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Looks like the bug with the fictional name generator hasn't been addressed.

Although I appreciate all the work that must have gone into getting the rosters correct, I like to play sports sims with fictional players. With the fictional name generator borked, I'm still on the fence with this purchase.

[Galaril]

Originally Posted by Godzilla Blitz

Looks like the bug with the fictional name generator hasn't been addressed.

Although I appreciate all the work that must have gone into getting the rosters correct, I like to play sports sims with fictional players. With the fictional name generator borked, I'm still on the fence with this purchase.

What is the fictional name generator bug?

[vtbub]

Marc,

Could you clear some of your PM's? I have a question for you.

[Godzilla Blitz]

Originally Posted by Galaril

What is the fictional name generator bug?

When you play a game with fictional players, the game generates boatloads of players with identical names, far too many players with the same last name, and far too many players with the same first name. I'd say a quarter to a third of the players have someone with exactly the same name, and in lots of cases there are large groups of players with identical names. Makes it nearly impossible to keep track of who is who.

Below is a screenie to show what I mean. Taken from a game with the North American and Canadian leagues only (7 leagues?). This is only one screen, but there were over six screens with players whose last name is Adams (over 120 players in all).



Even if I look at only the NHL players, for example, I've got four guys named Bob Cudmore currently on NHL teams. And there are 15 NHL players with a last name of Franks. These are only a couple of the oodles of examples. You would expect some similarity, of course, but the amount that currently occurs is over the top.

[JeffR]

Damnit. That was worked on, and I remember checking and seeing that the frequency of repeated names was reasonable, so I don't know why in hell it's doing that now. I'll let Graeme know it's screwed up again.

[DeToxRox]

YES! SUSPENSIONS OF MORE THEN ONE GAME!!!

Hordichuk got 26 GAMES FOR SHOVING A REF!

I LOVE IT!

[atatange1]

So far so good. I've only played a couple games into the season though. And just to brag a little I was able to trade for Sidney Crosby with the Canucks. In the pre-season I was able to acquire Philly's and Buffalo's number one picks. With a couple days before the start of the season I traded them both along with Trevor Linden for Crosby.

[sachmo71]

2 number ones and Linden for Crosby?

Sheesh.

[atatange1]

A bit unrealistic, but I still thought I had pulled off some sort of coup with that deal. Then if you look at the SI site it looks like its too easy to get top prospects.

[sachmo71]

Originally Posted by atatange1

A bit unrealistic, but I still thought I had pulled off some sort of coup with that deal. Then if you look at the SI site it looks like its too easy to get top prospects.

Then bragging about it might be seen as a bit on the silly side.

[Flasch186]

is this downloadable yet? with the latest patch already in it....and the latest rosters?

[Karim]

For some reason, the player search screen has slowed down considerably. Once I click on a player, it takes several seconds (~5-10) to exit his profile.

I've also noticed that top prospects (i.e., first rounders) will sign a three-year deal for $450k/yr. They should be pushing for the rookie max.

[Marc Vaughan]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

is this downloadable yet? with the latest patch already in it....and the latest rosters?

Yes, should be ...

[HomerJSimpson]

I can't get mine to work. I had a computer crash that made me reboot my whole system, but now the trymedia thing is saying it can't find my purchase. If I send for my code, they send me a reciept showing I bought it, but it won't activate the game.

BTW, is it true you only get to use the code 5 times?! If that is correct, people need to be told before the purchase. That is stupid. I bought this game, and I should be able to reload it as many times as I want. I hate buying this online license crap.

[Flasch186]

found out my gamestop willhave it on Tues...ill buy the hardcopy. thanks though

[CHEMICAL SOLDIER]

Originally Posted by HomerJSimpson

I can't get mine to work. I had a computer crash that made me reboot my whole system, but now the trymedia thing is saying it can't find my purchase. If I send for my code, they send me a reciept showing I bought it, but it won't activate the game.

BTW, is it true you only get to use the code 5 times?! If that is correct, people need to be told before the purchase. That is stupid. I bought this game, and I should be able to reload it as many times as I want. I hate buying this online license crap.

My local EB's may have it on Tuesday. Looks like I'll be gfetting the hard copy. I really thought about getting it through DL but didnt like the online license thing.