If This is Be a Pro, Send Me Back To Juniors

[6194life]

I play realistic minutes in my dynasty, when I started on my third line, I was averaging 11-14 minutes a game, since I apparently had PP and PK time.

I love the mode, but I don't like the idea of being handed the key to the organization off the bat. I'm rated highest on my team, even higher that T.J Hensick, Chris Stewart, Davey Jones and a few others.

Next year, they should have you rated properly, and have a "depth chart" in terms of callups. Any of those listed above should be called before me, unless I'm tearing it up.

[copecowboy]

Its like maddens superstar mode, only without all the features and depth.

[dave731]

I've had a lot of fun with the offline BAP mode. I find myself playing it more than I do any other game right now. I'd probably play EASHL online if I could convince several friends to buy NHL 09 but that's hard to do when they are all over other games right now. My teammates are all pretty smart most of the time. There is the occasional "what the heck are you doing" moments but for the most part it's passable as hockey. I disagree with 3 of the 4 points in the article.

1. I don't call for line changes at all so I'm not the ones with the reigns. Just because you can do it doesn't mean you should. I get a better sense of being part of a team this way as opposed to being the coach barking out line changes.

2. My teammates have bailed me out in several games so I can't say they are useless. They are good for hitting me with passes at opportune times as well.

3. I like watching my teammates from the bench and will find myself yelling at the TV for my teammates to clear the zone or to make the center pass. It's fun and gives me a break from the action to grab another beer while action is still going on.

[morieeel]

Love BAP. There is an option to play as another player while your sitting on the bench. I rather like the cool down period, and yea I see my teammates score quite often.

[original6]

I haven't had problems with teammate scoring until lately. We've had 3 shutout losses in a row. WTF? Talk about a slump!! I'm hoping this is truly just a mini-slump and not a trend in the gameplay.

My biggest pet peeve with BAP is how stupid your teammates are with passing the puck to you when you are surrounded by opponents. It seems whenever I pass the puck to the point, they immediately pass it back to me, which too often results in a turnover and a criticism by my coach. In contrast, it seems as though you do get rewarded for breaking up passes, poking pucks away, and blocking shots, which is great.

Overall, it's been a pretty positive experience, in comparison to dynasty play. I haven't experienced the unexplained "one bad game and you're demoted" situation yet. I did recently get bumped down to the 2nd line, but I haven't scored any points for 3 consecutive games. As I am the team's "best" offensive player, it stands to reason that I get demoted if I'm not pulling my weight.

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by original6

which too often results in a turnover and a criticism by my coach.

And rightly so. Wayne Gretzky never had a problem -- he just turned on the jets and skated circles around everyone. What's your excuse?

[tgalv]

i think it's a fun alternative, but i'd rather just play dynasty. it's kind of tough to play every game with 11 other cpu players (or 12 if you're on the bench) and not get bored eventually. the online BAP is really fun though and takes up 90% of my time .

[original6]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

And rightly so. Wayne Gretzky never had a problem -- he just turned on the jets and skated circles around everyone. What's your excuse?

My excuse is that I'm a 6'1", 195 lb., slow-moving power forward. That, and I'm not expecting the puck back immediately or when I'm being blanketed by 2 defenders.

Ah well, at least I can make up for it with my mad defensive skills.