NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

[mdgoalie37]

I would like ot see the puck physics improved, like the mile high pop-ups off the post and the puck flying out of play off the posts. I think there should be more rebounds and scrambles in the slot. However, having the RS be shoot and hit is an issue sometimes in these situations as you try to check someone instead of get the puck.

I would like to see the passing also addressed - not every team passes and receives passes as well as the Red Wings. Every pass shouldn't be tape to tape and also every pass shouldn't be received in stride.

[savoie2006]

Quote: Originally Posted by copecowboy

once again they continue to add features that have been in other games for years

When did you ever see "Create a Play" and 6 on 6 in a Hockey game?Remember,they didn't remove features just because.They built this game from the ground up for the 360.Sure more could have been added in 07,but it's apparent to me that the developers are trying to do it right and not just throw as much crap in as possible right away.

[tgalv]

the puck physics were better in 07. it was pretty much the same thing but the puck was much more dynamic around the net. but there were way too many garbage pinball goals and pucks trickling off the goalie into the net. so they had to throw in the exaggerated magnetic goalie forcefield effect on most pucks near the crease to fix one of the worst complaints. hopefully they can tweak it a little.

[Money99]

Quote: Originally Posted by mdgoalie37

I would like ot see the puck physics improved, like the mile high pop-ups off the post and the puck flying out of play off the posts. I think there should be more rebounds and scrambles in the slot. However, having the RS be shoot and hit is an issue sometimes in these situations as you try to check someone instead of get the puck. I would like to see the passing also addressed - not every team passes and receives passes as well as the Red Wings. Every pass shouldn't be tape to tape and also every pass shouldn't be received in stride.

BINGO!
This is one of my biggest gripes about 08. It really takes the magic away from great passers like Datsyuk, Crosby and Thornton. What's the sense in having a 99 rated passer if everyone can thread a needle in the game?

[bucs44]

Definitely like to see more puck physics...less tape to tape passes, rolling and bouncing pucks, GOOD passers different then less skilled passers. Also, more player skill differences in puck handling, shooting, dekes and hitting.
09 needs more board play, grinding and physics based hitting.

[Ridgeberg]

I read in the press release announcing Dion as the cover athlete that there will be club teams from Russia, Czech Republic and Germany. Hopefully these teams are in addition to the Finnish and Swedish teams from last year.

[Eddie1967]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa_Bonami

Was there any mention of 'dirty-ing up the gameplay a bit? NHL 08 was too clean. Real NHL hockey has scrumms, garbage in front of the net, sloppy play, fanning on shots, the puck bouncing over sticks and flipping and fluttering. Real hockey has all of this sloppiness in it....so when a perfectly executed play and goal are pulled off, it is much more appreciated There should be more aggressive board play and scraps in the corners, facials and after whistle pushing and shoving in front of the goalie. Any mention of any of this? Also better puck physics like NHL 2K8.....In NHL 2008, the puck seemed to feel magnetically parallel to the ice, it didnt flutter, carom, flip or deflect realistically

I knew there was someone out there who noticed how much nhl 08 was lacking these things that would make it a true simulation. One of the reasons this game never caught on with me. 2k was able to do a lot of what you mentioned above pretty well IMO. Outstanding post!

[savoie2006]

Hey,no one ever said NHL 08 was perfect.In fact if you have read some of the wishlists floating around,you see alot of those very things being asked for for 09.From what I read in the Gamespot First Look and the Producer Blog @EASports,it sounds as though EA is definately taking steps in the right direction.Just because it may not all be in one shot,doesn't make it not so.Truth of the matter is though that this is an NHL 08 forum so I guess you should have expected a difference of opinion regarding this and 2K8.