CPU initiated fights

[[Icy]]

I remember in old versions, that the CPU would sometimes try pick up fights against your players, that you could accept or ignore, but I have not seen it in 11 so far and i don't remember to have seen it in nhl10 or nhl09 either.

In offline BAP, there are only fights if you initiate them with your player, then the player you have just face washed fights you. But neither your team mates or the opponents try to pick up fights by themselves, so you are the only goon on the ice. It would be nice to see other players picking up fights and to defend you if you are the star etc.

In offline franchise it's the same, you can initiate fights with your controlled players, but the opponents never try to fight you nor do it either your team members when you are not controlling them.

Why is that? it hurts a lot the realism factor if you can pickup fights when you want to raise your team momentum, but the CPU never does it against you.

[JaFFiTh]

I agree 100%. It is frustrating when I have to do it every time. It would be nice not having to worry about trying to initiate a fight and have them start something for a change. We could just go the rest of the season without a fight.. I think EA needs to fix that. Also the players who DOESN'T fight SHOULDN'T fight period! What's the point of the fight thing on Edit Player, even when it's on never, they still fight. Frustrating when I try and fight, next thing u know it's some one like Saku Koivu (fought him once and I lost with an enforcer ).

[Azamien]

I see the AI try to initiate fights (you can tell because they use the same animations human players do... face washing or the fist poke) but you don't get an option to accept the fight or not. The only way to do it is to then initiate the fight yourself after the AI tries, but usually either they lock you into a machine-gun check or the post-whistle time runs out before you can manage to do it.

So, yeah, something they need to fix.

[tofubrain2]

I was thinking this last time I played... It's been a while since the cpu has wanted to scrap and i miss it.

[Vikes1]

I agree it would be more realistic if the AI instigated dropping the mitts more than it currently does...if ever.

Another thing too...on All-Star level anyway, with the fight difficulty slider maxed...I nearly always win the fight. Even if my player should be no match for the AI player.

[actionhank]

I think it's a nice feature that could add a bit to the feeling of being in the game.
If they change it so it's easier to crash the net and try to hit home pucks (with the current animation, my players end up taking swipes at the puck, then the animation/momentum carry them behind the net).
I think it would be nice to have your players come flying in, stop, and swat at the puck at the same time. Then allow the defenders to do all the shoving and tying up they can do in real life. Maybe even have some sort of feature that has the defenders try and help the goalie cover the puck, or back up the goalie with their sticks to ensure they can't just push the puck over the line.
But then if they added to the after-whistle play, having players shoving the forwards away from the goalie, maybe having a few guys getting in each other's faces, that would really add to the immersion in the game.
Even having AI teams who are down, or even your own team, show frustration when losing, or if the team isn't doing well. Any little bit of emotion is a plus.
EA has come a long way, in my opinion with making NHL more like the real thing.
I think at this point they are just a few good ideas away from having the perfect game.

[dm3k]

CPU instigated fights are in. I've had one in my offline BaP between CPU players. You take over for your teammate. But it's a rarity I agree.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by actionhank

EA has come a long way, in my opinion with making NHL more like the real thing. I think at this point they are just a few good ideas away from having the perfect game.

I agree Actionhank.

I think EA Canada has done a fine job at this point in trying to capture the essences of the sport. Maybe when the three year plan to fully add in the physic engine is complete, NHL may really be something special.