NHL 10 Patch Available, Post Impressions Here

[savoie2006]

Quote: Originally Posted by DevilsEve666

The CPU AI is incredibly bad...CPU passing when they have open shots...CPU scared to cross my blue line (even on breakaway)....CPU wingers bring puck in along boards so they're easy to hit...CPU will pas 30-40 times before taking a shot on goal...I once held the CPU to 2 shots in an entire period...i really hope they fix these things in next patch

Yeah, not sure why they changed the Offensive AI from NHL 09, though it was predictable too, at least they weren't afraid to shoot the puck. Since they patching the Freezing issues, hopefully the Offensive AI issues are included in with that. The game would be at its best if that happened.

[StormJH1]

The only thing that really irritates me is the cheesy tic-tac-toe passing that the CPU AI does. It doesn't really result in a lot of unfair goals for them, but it just detracts from a lot of the other gameplay, which is generally realistic.

I popped in a copy of NHL 2k8, just for comparison's sake, and while I much prefer the EA version to the 2k version, 2k8 does some things with shot accuracy, faceoffs, and goaltending that feel more realistic than NHL 10. Sadly, the 2k game switched developers in 2k9, and that franchise has totally fallen off the wagon now. I would be surprised if EA Vancouver is even cognizant of what the other game is doing, which is too bad b/c there isn't any genuine competition anymore.

[Broncos86]

That was an irritant of mine with NHL09 and NHL10: the CPU passing. It's something that I ignore, atm, with the hope that EA is listening and takes care of the issue.

Really, the problem stems from how quickly players recover from movement and passing. I'm sure NHL players would love the ability to handle the puck and pass in the manner that players can in NHL10. Players are instantly ready to do whatever they want with the puck the moment it hits the stick.

[savoie2006]

Quote:

Sadly, the 2k game switched developers in 2k9, and that franchise has totally fallen off the wagon now. I would be surprised if EA Vancouver is even cognizant of what the other game is doing, which is too bad b/c there isn't any genuine competition anymore.

I think you're overreacting a bit. It's far from sad that 2K made VC the developer of their hockey series. Considering that VC has done two things in less than 2 years that Kush couldn't accomplish in over 4. First, make the game actually look next gen. Secondly, program the AI to behave rather realistically. Yeah, the game has it's share of faults and so does the competition, but that's expected.

It's easy to forget how bad the EA series was when it started rebuilding with NHL 07 and look where they are now. Should VC have the funds to continue the 2K Hockey games, I have no doubts they will make the same, if not more progress. NHL 2K9 was bad, I'll grant you that, but 2K10, while definately lacking overall polish, is a big step in the right direction if you ask me. Much like NHL 08 was compared to NHL 07. Sorry for the slight drailing of the thread.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

there is nothing wrong with die-hard hockey fans or fans of this series wanting improvements in fundamental areas of the game.

I sure agree Flyer.

In fact, imo, the discussion and comments about NHL '10' overall, has been pretty positive and civil. I certainly would say there hasn't been much of a backlash about how the game turned out.

My guess is, the majority of the common posters on our board, would say their pleased to very pleased, with this years game.

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

Your sympathy isn't needed...there is nothing wrong with die-hard hockey fans or fans of this series wanting improvements in fundamental areas of the game. This game is supposed to emulate the sport...watch any hockey game and you will see an infinite number of loose pucks, errant passes, and battles along the boards. It is an integral part of the NHL --- and something that just isn't in NHL 10 enough. I play video games to have fun...hockey is my favorite sport, and I want the hockey video games to emulate real hockey as much as possible. EA's game is too smooth, too accurate with the passing, too up-and-down the ice. You may be fine with that, but that doesn't mean it's OK with everyone. While the game has made some great strides, there are just as many areas (moreso in the offline game) that have regressed --- the passing was much more realistic in NHL 08 or NHL 2004 for that matter.

The problems is if they do all that they will lose a lot of casual fans of the game. People like being able to play like A.O. even with a 3rd liner. So I don't think they will go that route. I just think it is something you have to get used too.

[DevilsEve666]

Will there be another patch? i've only played nhl 09 and nhl 10 so i'm wondering how many patches will we get before they call it quits?

[matt8204]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scottdau

The problems is if they do all that they will lose a lot of casual fans of the game. People like being able to play like A.O. even with a 3rd liner. So I don't think they will go that route. I just think it is something you have to get used too.

That's the balance that developers need to strike. Fun vs. hardcore realism. The reality is that there are more casual fans than hardcore fans and they need to take that into consideration when making the game.