NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

[Spanky]

Quote: Originally Posted by gbx34

Am i the only one who hate "sliders" to death. I mean if you have to mess with those then game is just not good. I just don't like dealing with them.

Are you freaking kidding me? That is just plain stupid.

You expect everybody to have the same skill level?

You expect everybody to like the same kind of game play?

Sliders allow us to customize the game to our liking. Some like wide-open, high-scoring games. Some like low-scoring, tight-checking games. Some like fast passes, some like slow passes. Some like quick, accurate one-timers, some don't.

Don't give these companies any ideas. The next you know, like Madden 09, they'll remove CPU sliders.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scottdau

I second that!

Scott, as much as I'd like to see more overlays and the like next year, if you're expecting real time celebrations like 2k (why I don't know, I think 2k's goal celebrations flat out blow)I think you're going to be disappointed next year too.

At any rate I stand by my earlier observation, this is EA's version of NHL2k3, hell in some aspects its much better than NHL2k3.

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

Scott, as much as I'd like to see more overlays and the like next year, if you're expecting real time celebrations like 2k (why I don't know, I think 2k's goal celebrations flat out blow)I think you're going to be disappointed next year too. At any rate I stand by my earlier observation, this is EA's version of NHL2k3, hell in some aspects its much better than NHL2k3.

Then I will stick with the other game. When I scored a goal at the tank it was just like it was in real life. That goes a long way with me. I think next year they will go all out. I am not talking about real time. I am talking more cut screens and more celebration. That is all I want.

[onlybygrace]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

Scott, as much as I'd like to see more overlays and the like next year, if you're expecting real time celebrations like 2k (why I don't know, I think 2k's goal celebrations flat out blow)I think you're going to be disappointed next year too. At any rate I stand by my earlier observation, this is EA's version of NHL2k3, hell in some aspects its much better than NHL2k3.

Its better in many many aspects...for sure.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scottdau

Then I will stick with the other game. When I scored a goal at the tank it was just like it was in real life. That goes a long way with me. I think next year they will go all out. I am not talking about real time. I am talking more cut screens and more celebration. That is all I want.

Take the time to add custom soundtracks and use the actual real goal songs and its pretty much the same. I'll give that 2k's arena's have more differentation and thats a cool thing but its really the only thing 2k9 had over 09. I can deal with generic looking arenas for another year considering how much the actual gameplay itself has improved 10 fold.

[onlybygrace]

After about 4 or so hours with the demo...here are my impressions.
All Played On Hardcore/Pro...not BAP, although I played one game of that and found it to be much improved as well.

1. Sliders

The sliders in this game are simply astounding. The biggest question is if they will be effective, particularly the passing accuracy sliders for the CPU as tape-to-tape passings are the norm. This may be the best playing game "pre-sliders" ever released. Did you know they've customized the game to where you can play any difficulty level with any game style, including playing Hardcore with the precision passing turned off.
ALSO...maybe the best news is the Attributes Effect Slider which Redshirt confirmed to me in a thread I started on OS maximizes the effect attributes have on how each player plays...and its only about 1/2 full on the demo.

2. The Skating

Perfect??? Of course not. BUT...it is so much better that I was expecting with the players having SO MUCH more weight which has stopped them from turning on a dime...which was the most unrealistic thing about the game from the gameplay vids we'd seen until now.

3. The AI

The AI for both the CPU and the HUM team are much improved this year. This is a big deal for me since it is really the reason I didn't even play 09 more than a month.

4. Goal Variety

I've scored several different ways including point shots, which is always a good sign regarding goal variety.

5. Hardcore Passing

This one is touchy. I really like it, but the sliders will really help a lot. For instance, tic tac toe passing is almost impossible right now. Nuff said. Turning up the passing speed should vary the speed enough to put some zip on that second or third pass.

6. Awesome Moments

If you play this game in a realistic manner, it blossoms before like a rose with so many moments where I wish I could look at a replay, but alas there is none till we get the game.

7. Player Differentiation

I gotta say, Malkin is a beast in this game. I really enjoy how the scrubs are pretty impotent offensively while the skill players are able to create something outta nothing. This was crucial and should really only get better once we can max out that Attribute Effect slider. I've had one guy try to bat the puck outta mid air...and that was Crosby...seems right to me.

8. Non-Scripted Gameplay

When I have a lead, I don't ever see the CPU come at me like a swarm of bees...causing me to FEEL like I'm battling in vein.
There are many more things this game has going for it, but these are just a few of the ones I could think of off the top of my head.

Not to mention the boarding...

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

Take the time to add custom soundtracks and use the actual real goal songs and its pretty much the same. I'll give that 2k's arena's have more differentation and thats a cool thing but its really the only thing 2k9 had over 09. I can deal with generic looking arenas for another year considering how much the actual gameplay itself has improved 10 fold.

Sweet, I am glad that work for you. It doesn't quite cut it for me. But be a pro mode is fun and Dauer will be A.0. of hockey.

[Panther84]

Great demo so far but i dont understand how EA wanted to get the playoff atmosphere yet the red wings goal horn is way off. Hopefully they let us import our own custom horns this yr