NHL 2K10: First Look (Gamespot)

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

Speaking of those tried the first set you sent me. Thought they were awful, AI dmen doing spin a ramas and driving into the offensive zone themselves. I'll try the second set tonight though.

Yeah the second is better.

[Eddie1967]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

Have you played a 2k hockey game? Do you watch real hockey? Do you understand what positional play is? The AI on any level above pro gets speed boosts to compensate a challenge. (This isn't new either, its been there since 2k4 at least) Get a breakaway with a speedy foward like Phil Kessel be prepaired to get chased down by a slow Dman like Hal Gill. As for features that were in 2k8 and prior games that are now missing? How about a dedicated board pin button? Yeah thats right, 2k9's board play is pretty much like NHL09's board play. How about line chemestry? Yep thats gone too. Its amazing to me that you jump all over certain people posting flaws in NHL2k, claiming 2k to be perfect, when those same people are very quick to point out the flaws with EA's game as well. Its really strange that you won't even acknowledge any of the bugs in 2k's title at all. Its like you put your fingers in your ears and hum la la la I can't hear you! Just really odd man. Honestly makes one wonder if you have some sort of agenda.

la la la, lol, that's a good one. Of course 2k has bugs, it's not perfect it just represents the game of hockey better than EA for me. It feels more organic while EA feels scripted. 2K's franchise mode is a disgrace with a game killing bug every year it seems. I never used the board pin button but I still see board play done pretty well in 2k9. I didn't miss the line chemistry option this year, If it's back for 2k10 great, if not well..... The A.I. could always stand to see some improvements but I don't see the speed boosts by the cpu. 2k9 was the best hockey game I have ever played. People will take that to mean that I'm saying it was perfect but that's not it, it is just better than any other hockey game I have played bugs and all. VC did a wonderful job of improving this game in such a short time, meaning one development cycle and I can only see it getting better. What people see in EA besides pretty graphics, I will never understand but hey to each his own.

[Eddie1967]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I'm hard pressed to call 2k9 anything close to sim either. The AI "D" leaves so much to be desired...it has a "hit first" philosophy and consistently goes for the hit and is out of position. This leaves the human player constantly trying to make up for his CPU-controlled teammates. Offensively the CPU likes to try to skate into the middle of the zone and shoot rather than pass or try and set up any offense. And the CPU still has issues in the shootout, something that has been in this series since 2k6 -- despite being "built from the ground up" with 2k9. Much like EA, 2k has never been close to being a true simulation of the sport of hockey either.

The cpu controlled teammates could use an upgrade in the A.I. department. I disagree about the cpu always skating up the middle and shooting, yes it happens but it also cycles the puck and looks for opportunities to score. 2K9 definitely has flaws but it is much more realistic to me, maybe it's the little things, but to me it just feels more like the NHL. EA feels a bit arcade to me. I hope they both improve because I have no problem spending money on two games of the same sport.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Eddie1967

la la la, lol, that's a good one. Of course 2k has bugs, it's not perfect it just represents the game of hockey better than EA for me. It feels more organic while EA feels scripted. 2K's franchise mode is a disgrace with a game killing bug every year it seems. I never used the board pin button but I still see board play done pretty well in 2k9. I didn't miss the line chemistry option this year, If it's back for 2k10 great, if not well..... The A.I. could always stand to see some improvements but I don't see the speed boosts by the cpu. 2k9 was the best hockey game I have ever played. People will take that to mean that I'm saying it was perfect but that's not it, it is just better than any other hockey game I have played bugs and all. VC did a wonderful job of improving this game in such a short time, meaning one development cycle and I can only see it getting better. What people see in EA besides pretty graphics, I will never understand but hey to each his own.

The ai is completely anemic and your response is it could stand for some improvements? Were you not one of the guys bashing NHL09 for its lack of board play but when someone points out how its now pretty much the same without a dedicated pin button it doesn't matter? Do you play above pro level? How anyone couldn't see AI players regardless of their speed rating, buzzing all over like its nothing? NHL2k9 was announced via press release as being in development a good 4-5 months before NHL2k8 even shipped, the shortened dev cycle excuse I really question if there even was that much of a shortened dev cycle at all.

I've said it before I'll say it again, puck physics, goalie animations, some decent checking animations, and face offs don't make a complete package. 2k9 does do some things very well, its hardly the greatest sim game ever that you make it out to be to me thats still reserved for NHL2k3. On the other hand neither is NHL09, but to say that all NHL09 is is pretty graphics is pretty laughable.

[dorismary]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

The ai is completely anemic and your response is it could stand for some improvements? Were you not one of the guys bashing NHL09 for its lack of board play but when someone points out how its now pretty much the same without a dedicated pin button it doesn't matter? Do you play above pro level? How anyone couldn't see AI players regardless of their speed rating, buzzing all over like its nothing? NHL2k9 was announced via press release as being in development a good 4-5 months before NHL2k8 even shipped, the shortened dev cycle excuse I really question if there even was that much of a shortened dev cycle at all. I've said it before I'll say it again, puck physics, goalie animations, some decent checking animations, and face offs don't make a complete package. 2k9 does do some things very well, its hardly the greatest sim game ever that you make it out to be to me thats still reserved for NHL2k3. On the other hand neither is NHL09, but to say that all NHL09 is is pretty graphics is pretty laughable.

Although neither was a classic and i agree with you about 2k3 .
I think Eddie 1967 is correct about NHL 09 was mostly about pretty graphics and with little replay value offline and a lackluster Dy Nasty mode.
Best looking sports game ever ! but substance was lacking IMO.
Was 2k9 any better ? not really but it showed promise and a direction it was gonna be going good or bad .
Well heres to possibly having 2 great games this year !

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by dorismary

I think Eddie 1967 is correct about NHL 09 was mostly about pretty graphics and with little replay value offline and a lackluster Dy Nasty mode. Best looking sports game ever ! but substance was lacking IMO.

Couldn't agree more. EA puts out one-dimensional games with limited editing and gameplay options, and their NHL series is the worst of the bunch as far as that goes. Nice to look at, smooth controls, but ultimately a very shallow gaming experience.

[dorismary]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Couldn't agree more. EA puts out one-dimensional games with limited editing and gameplay options, and their NHL series is the worst of the bunch as far as that goes. Nice to look at, smooth controls, but ultimately a very shallow gaming experience.

Well thats do to them focusing mainly with online eashl which is fine but what about offline ,0 replay value ?.
IMO they did everything backwards but maybe this year ,seems better on paper so far?.
I really dont want gimmics either or promoting functions like boardwork , fighting or a playoff mode like it was just invented that should have been in the game 3 years ago .
Well back on topic I hope we get some real screens and vids too.

[kai123]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Couldn't agree more. EA puts out one-dimensional games with limited editing and gameplay options, and their NHL series is the worst of the bunch as far as that goes. Nice to look at, smooth controls, but ultimately a very shallow gaming experience.

Yeah i second what the both of you say. Ea games especially the NBA live and FIFA Series are 1-D. It's a good thing 2k is showing vast improvements because this will force EA to improve more and more. I can't wait to play both games.