NHL 14 - Be a GM and GM Connected Improvements

[Moose24x]

They could at least fix the ISSUES within the mode if they're not going to ADD anything to it.

If there's issues with trade AI, contract AI, glitches during gameplay or massive problems with the sim speed, these things at least deserve to be addressed and fixed from one season to the next even if they don't plan on adding any new features.

As for adding "new" features, I understand if they don't feel the need to do much, but there are some simple things that you would think would occur to them, such as adding contract extensions during the season, or players with no-trade clauses (icon beside their name in trade screen - if you try to trade for them, you may get a message saying "so and so refused to waive for your team" - this would help keep star players like Crosby from getting traded for a couple of no-names and a pick). Either way, they should at least address things that aren't functioning as intended, as that's not an "improvement" or "new feature", that's just having the decency to not serve up a product with broken parts two years in a row. Fix the parts that turned out to be broken before you release the next product.

[Moose24x]

Quote: Originally Posted by i am the messenger

I still don't know why all sports games don't unlock everything though like in NBA 2K as far as franchises go. Allowing you to change anything you want that's happening in the dynasty one way or another is the best way to go about it.

Completely agree. Anything that has to do with OFFline should be totally unlocked and customizable. Who cares what you do with your own private rosters and franchises? This would eliminate a lot of bellyaching and also allow people to "fix" certain issues that they perceive on their own, without worrying if EA got to their specific issue each summer.

[actionhank]

Quote: Originally Posted by i am the messenger

Best way to help with the staleness and feeling you aren't immersed in the mode is to create a dynasty thread on here. Post your own storylines. Create the fantasy in your head that you want to experience when you play the game. You'd hope they'd improve the mode, but everyone may just be waiting 'til next gen gets a year or two in to get the quality gameplay they want along with a revamped mode. I still don't know why all sports games don't unlock everything though like in NBA 2K as far as franchises go. Allowing you to change anything you want that's happening in the dynasty one way or another is the best way to go about it.

I've tried that, personally. But my frustration always came from the fact that the gameplay itself felt stale.
One thing i've noticed in The Show, is that things seem to matter.
When there's a big event in the game, or a big milestone, you notice it visually, or through the commentary. I called a player up from my AAA team, to get hit first start at 2nd Base in the game. On his first at bat, he gets a nice little single to the outfield, and the announcers commented on it.
He struck out the next AB, but on his 3rd, he gets a double, and they commented again with something like "How about that, got his first hit in the majors tonight, and now, how about a second?".
It's just little details like that, crowds actually cheering and booing big events, or bad calls, and the announcers mentioning important things that make the game feel more alive. And all the teams play a bit different, forcing you to alter your strategies. It just makes you focus that much more.
A team with a lot of speed? A slow pitcher who you can take advantage of with your own fast guys? All of that plays in, and keeps the game fresh, for me.
It would be so nice to see things like that in NHL14. Bill mentioning that your player has picked up his first goal in the NHL, a cut scene of them grabbing the puck and taking it to the bench, mentioning players who are the top scoring threats (I know they mention cold streaks and point streaks, i can't remember top goal scorers in the league). There's just a lot of little things, but my main frustration has always been that i feel all the teams play the same.
Offensive teams should feel different to play than defensive teams.
If they're starting a 3rd string goalie, it would be awesome to see it mentioned, and maybe have the fans cheer louder when he makes a huge save to keep his shutout going.
EA could just do with a bunch of things to make the Be a GM mode more exciting, but, we'll see what happens on the next-gen consoles when i'm sure they will move to a new engine.
I'll definitely be grabbing the demo to see how things looks on the 20th.

[actionhank]

Quote: Originally Posted by Moose24x

Completely agree. Anything that has to do with OFFline should be totally unlocked and customizable. Who cares what you do with your own private rosters and franchises? This would eliminate a lot of bellyaching and also allow people to "fix" certain issues that they perceive on their own, without worrying if EA got to their specific issue each summer.

I would love roster sharing.
It's so difficult having to wait on EA to create a rookie, or fix trades that happen in the game.
Being able to do that in Be a GM once started would be nice too.
I wouldn't mind being able to create players, or edit rosters of the teams you've got going in Be a GM.
It's frustrating when the Trade Deadline comes, and someone makes a huge trade that you would love to add in game, but can't.