NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

[cake612]

So pumped for NHL '09 too bad it's still so far off, NCAA is still more than a month away seems like it'll never come out. I'm pretty happy about be a pro mode as long as it's like Captain your Country in EURO 08 where it's the same camera as normal gameplay but you just control the one guy. It'll be interesting to see how they deal with line changes though. Being able to dump the puck will be nice although I'm still in wait and see mode with the goalies. They slowly get better each year but every problem they fix seems to create a new though less serious issue.

[Flyermania]

Quote: Originally Posted by Eddie1967

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

Maybe they should add something "non-trivial" like Cinemotion?

Based on some of your other posts, I really doubt anything EA does would get you to like 09. Hopefully VC can re-invent the 2k series for you.

[Knight165]

I might be one of the few guys who actually liked both titles last year.
After a while, I came to realize what nice steps EA had taken with NHL08. Really solid title.

I just hope they can address a few things.

First being more icing and offsides. I get maybe 1 or 2 icings a game....same for the CPU(but mostly none)

Another has already been mentioned and that's moving the check off of the stick. I think if they just switched the tie-up(A button) and the check(the stick) it would be a better configuration.

and lastly, they have to improve the CPU teammates A.I. A lot of times it's pretty lacking....especially the defense. That...is almost non-existent.

The flow of the game(other than missing the offsides and icing) is excellent.
Once you get the feel and hang of the passing with the trigger and the shooting with the stick....it's really a nice combo.

One last thing would be maybe and extra difficulty right between PRO and ALL-STAR....

M.K.
Knight165

[Pierzynski 12]

Looks sweet.

[blinkfan77]

Call me stupid but even if you miss lifting the stick and hitting someone in the face, wouldn't that be a MAX of 4 minutes?(and I'm sure blood will not be in the game)

Also, maybe they'll unveil some kind of new fighting system? I know fighting in games is kind of pointless, and I'd much rather they focus on other aspects, but I think is the year they focus a little on fighting.

[savoie2006]

Quote: Originally Posted by Eddie1967

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

It's Ok man,I know you're feelin this game already.Just the things they have mentioned so far are everything hockey fans have been drooling for.Face it,you and everyone on these boards knows EA is taking Hockey gaming to a level of realism it has NEVER seen and this is only year 3.Imagine what this game is gonna be like in two more years....

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Eddie1967

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

Pro mode is hardly trivial when compared to some things like cinemotion. We know you hate the game already without playing it, I'm sure Venom and Waz would welcome you with open arms over at 2khockey.net. You can troll to your hearts content over there and no one will care.

[Money99]

I absolutely cannot wait for the Superstar Mode in 09.
I have a feeling that's all I'll be doing with this game.

But if they add online Dynasty, where you can compete against 29 other GM's trading, drafting and signing players, I'll be even more stoked.