NHL Developer Insights: NHL 2K10 Improved AI

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

I don't think the game will be bad persay. I just question the amount of turn around from 2k9-2k10 and just how polished things will be given sports titles are generally about a 10 month cycle.

I agree, but I think they can only go up from there. So I have faith in them. But I liked last years game. The graphics were my bigger problem. This year they seemed to fix that part. So I am happy.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scottdau

I agree, but I think they can only go up from there. So I have faith in them. But I liked last years game. The graphics were my bigger problem. This year they seemed to fix that part. So I am happy.

For sure, the game can't get much worse than 2k9 was for the majority of us. I do hope for 2k11 they get a writer to listen to an actual hockey broadcast or two and rewrite the terrible commentary though.

[slickdtc]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

For sure, the game can't get much worse than 2k9 was for the majority of us. I do hope for 2k11 they get a writer to listen to an actual hockey broadcast or two and rewrite the terrible commentary though.

Maybe that's just it. Could it be that this year they're focusing on getting the gameplay, which we can pretty much all agree is #1 on the priorities list, completely set, then next year and beyond, they start making the game a bit more sexy.

Who knows though. They're saying they've improved in pretty much every area that they needed (nice game introductions, all the gameplay improvements, better graphics overall).

[TIm]

Quote: Originally Posted by slickdtc

Maybe that's just it. Could it be that this year they're focusing on getting the gameplay, which we can pretty much all agree is #1 on the priorities list, completely set, then next year and beyond, they start making the game a bit more sexy. Who knows though. They're saying they've improved in pretty much every area that they needed (nice game introductions, all the gameplay improvements, better graphics overall).

I agree with this... I want better AI and gameplay before anything else...If they could get that game with higher levels or a good sliderset, I am o.k with a bland hockey game... well not bland but you know what I mean... IMO 2k5 football was going for a all around game..Game was FAR from perfect but I had a good feeling about that game and they had a good base to work out of.. Then they could've tackled the AI and gameplay or was on their way to anyways.. With Hockey or anygame though, I think gameplay and AI should be first on anyones list.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by slickdtc

Maybe that's just it. Could it be that this year they're focusing on getting the gameplay, which we can pretty much all agree is #1 on the priorities list, completely set, then next year and beyond, they start making the game a bit more sexy. Who knows though. They're saying they've improved in pretty much every area that they needed (nice game introductions, all the gameplay improvements, better graphics overall).

Indeed, I hope that ends up being the case. Like I said, I can deal with another year of bad commentary if the gameplay is finally back on track. Its similar to where I think NHL10 is at, they spent alot of time getting the rest of the gameplay there, board play, goalies, passing etc. So next year they can focus on blowing out the presentation. It very well could be that 2k was able to do that this year. If nothing else, their arena's alone blow EA's out of the water.

[Eddie1967]

Quote: Originally Posted by slickdtc

I don't think RealmK is a troll at all. I've seen him at 2khockey.net and around here so I know he loves his hockey and his NHL video games. And though he seems to take a negative approach (not completely unwarranted, either) to many things, the dude can be flat out right and he won't sugarcoat anything. I know the guy just wants the series (check that: NHL games) to be the best they can be. Meanwhile, Eddie is a guy who'll defend NHL 2k to the death. The dude loves the game and he might not be as hardcore as other users, he's allowed to be in love with the series if he wants. As long as people post constructive criticisms or intelligent positives, then we shouldn't have a problem. We should never "not like" a user or throw out insults just because we disagree with them. I know me and Baa7 aren't on the same page regarding puck size in NHL 2k10, but I also know that I agree with a ton of what Baa7 posts. We had a disagreement, I never took it personal, and now we're back to talking about NHL 2k. As it should be. That's why I hate the ignore feature. If I had taken that disagreement personal and put him on ignore, I would've missed out on all his other great opinions. I think we have a pretty solid little base here. I like it that it's just a couple of guys with a few randoms thrown in from time to time. This is quite rare for as big as OS is. Let's just keep it intelligent and hope for the best for this series and for NHL video games in general in the future.

Great post. I agree with all have a right to gripe or praise these video games. I love these forums.

[Eddie1967]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

Scott, I don't know how long you've played hockey games or what forums you frequent, but EA was torn a new one all of the time up until NHL 07. It was ugly and ten times worse than any negative criticism that 2k receives. And you know what? It was well deserved. IMO EA has made some fantastic strides with their game since they went next-gen, so their critics have been silenced to some degree. Is their game perfect? Far from it. Look at the uproar NHL 09 received before the two patches that dropped for it. I can tell you from playing NHL 10 that it is improved in many areas...but still far from a perfect hockey game. I've seen Realm post over at 2khockey for years...the guy has no loyalty to any brand --- he is loyal to the better game. He's played both and has some great feedback, both good and bad. I know you and Eddie have issues with the negative feedback at times, but I've received several emails from Ben Bishop over the years over at 2khockey.net thanking me for my feedback, comments, and comparisons to other hockey games. As long as it's presented in a mature fashion, they really do appreciate it as it helps them improve their game.

Hey whatever helps improve the game is fine with me. I don't have a problem with criticism (anymore). I like a lot of games that people criticize but sometimes it just seems over the top in the 2k forums but I have learned to accept that. I'm happy that there are possibly 2 great games of hockey being released this year. If the negative feedback helped that then fine, keep it coming. Anything to make both games the best they can be.

[Scottdau]

We are like a family now. Don't you feel all the love! It is a Kodak moment!