NHL 15 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions (Xbox One, PS4)

[Pezell04x]

One good thing I saw is that the 1 game I played, there were two penalties. A minor penalty against the Rangers (AI) and a major penalty against me, but the major was for interference. It was a pretty lame "major" penalty.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by m_maclean24

I was able to play three games last night, I played as the Rangers each time - Hardcore Sim, Allstar. I lost my first game 1-0, won the second 1-0 in SO, and lost the final 1-0 in SO (notice I haven't scored in regulation yet). I do not bother looking for exploits to score every time down the ice, I just play hockey like I think it is supposed to be played, and hope for the best. First of all, I am not one of those guys who plays 1,000+ games in a year, I played Be a GM last year, and got through three seasons, playing all games, and also farted around with a few of the other modes, but only to the tune of >100 games I would say. I have always shied away from online modes. I found the "feel" of the game to be different. I know that some people are saying that the players still feel weightless, but I feel like there has been some work done in this department, and I certainly felt the weight of the players in their movements. As far as the checking went, I found it much more difficult to lay out the CPU opponent - In my GM mode last year, I really struggled to have realistic numbers for hits, because it as the easiest way for me to thwart any offensive threat, just run them over. In my three games, that hasn't been the case. That being said, I agree with many who have posted that the O-zone entry is a breeze again, it absolutely is - nothin has been addressed here from what I can see. As far as the skills stick goes, I LOVE the new deking. It is a much more accurate representation of the movements of an actual hockey player. The past versions of the game, with the long arm, wind-up and whip wristers were garbage, and this has been changed. I really hope they are doing some work on goalie animations for next year, they REALLY stood out to me as being terrible given the improvements to the player animations. I also think the graphics and presentation are stunning - and I didn't have a HUGE issue with the commentary, hearing someone else was refreshing, but obviously room for improvement. Also have to agree with others, in-that the AI has not really changed a tonne. I did notice some improvements, and clearly by the results of my three games, I have found it somewhat challenging, but I still see some head-scratching decisions quite frequently by AI teammates and opponents. All of that being said, there are some improvements, but bottom line, it is OBVIOUS that you are playing an EA NHL series hockey game. Some of the legacy issues continue, but I have to disagree with those claiming it is "just a port" or NHL 14 with prettier graphics. I do feel that it is much more than this. In summary, I think that the feel has changed, but it is still to be determined whether it has changed enough to allow for a less stagnant gameplay experience. I feel like it is a good effort by EA Canada, but there is still a long, long way to go to get to where thigns could and should be. I think I will make the dive and buy this one, but for those EASHL hardcore players who were so sorely disappointed, you may want to hold onto your $70 for another year to let things play out.

You saved me a lot of typing, Maclean! This pretty much sums up my thoughts and situation with the game. I´m sure I´ll enjoy another run at GM mode, and overall enjoy the game. Although I certainly do agree with you and many others that the legacy issues really need to be addressed this gen.

[hockeyyt988]

Has anyone tried playing "Always Up"? I know some guys don't like the new skill stick but it seems like "Always Up" makes it move more like current gen? Anyone else notice this?

Also, I think the gameplay chance once you change this setting. Game seems faster and CPU plays different. Maybe it's just me


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[actionhank]

Quote: Originally Posted by Pezell04x

One good thing I saw is that the 1 game I played, there were two penalties. A minor penalty against the Rangers (AI) and a major penalty against me, but the major was for interference. It was a pretty lame "major" penalty.

Auto-checking drove me insane with that stuff. Just trying to go up ice almost always resulted in a penalties, sometimes a game misconduct, just because a guy stopped skating and my player plowed through him. I had to get rid of auto-check. I really hope they do something for the variety of penalties. It's all high sticks and trips, with the occasional boarding thrown in.

[m_maclean24]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vikes1

You saved me a lot of typing, Maclean! This pretty much sums up my thoughts and situation with the game. I´m sure I´ll enjoy another run at GM mode, and overall enjoy the game. Although I certainly do agree with you and many others that the legacy issues really need to be addressed this gen.

Thanks! The only thing I forgot to mention was the puck physics, which I think are a great addition. I saw puck behaviour that I have never seen in any videogame, which really adds to the different feel.

[robla]

Played the demo on Xbox one and PS4 (all star and simulation).

gameplay:
when using classic camera and always up it feels like NHL14.. only some better collisions

stats:
passing stats seems to be slightly better due to some missed passes
penalties seem to be on/off.. one game I had a good amount of penalties, other games zero.

graphics:
both seem to be < 1080p. PS4 seems to be slightly higher res (guess 900p or even 1080p with some hefty AA) and marginally better frame rate..
on PS4 they use some disturbing DOF (depth of field) effect to add blur

[AckAttack]

Last night when I downloaded it the gameplay was very choppy. I am also mad that they included the same crap animations such as the goalie hitting his stick against the post after a period. Today I re downloaded it hoping the choppiness would go away, but it was still there.

[jes5ant]

Overall I'm loving the game. The only issue I have is with the skill stick. It's been nerfed to an alarming degree. I don't mind it too much in game as I'm not the best stick handler and score most of my goals off of shots. Where it does greatly impact play is in shootout. I feel like I'm playing with my arms tied to my side. I should have more freedom to create. I can't make any quick moves.