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

[Smirkin Dirk]

Quote: Originally Posted by StoneColdSwede

I started off on the default camera angle and it felt like I was playing NHL 10 all over again. Once I changed to True Broadcast it was like a whole new game for me. Not changing back.

Same.

It's just a matter of adjusting the controller muscle memory to the side on view.

[Gerg04]

After trying "true broadcast" last night and not really liking it, I have given "broadcast" try this morning.

This is the way this game is meant to be played. While "always up" is the most comfortable and nostalgic way, this game needs to be played on some sort of "broadcast" camera angle.

With the new puck physics and the way the cpu defends (All-star / hardcore) it really changes the feel of the game. And definitely for the better. Past iterations of the series didn't benefit the way 15' does on broadcast (IMO) because everything was tape to tape all the time.

Shots and scoring chances come at a premium and are very rewarding. Passing is harder, hitting is harder, but staying in position on D seems easier. Plus there'll be a learning curve at first. At least for myself.

All in all I went to bed pretty disappointed last night after a few games. This morning it's like new life has been breathed into this game!

[Qb]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gerg04

After trying "true broadcast" last night and not really liking it, I have given "broadcast" try this morning. This is the way this game is meant to be played. While "always up" is the most comfortable and nostalgic way, this game needs to be played on some sort of "broadcast" camera angle.

I used the side-scrolling broadcast camera for years offline and it does give a better view of the action. It's easier to see plays develop, find your D at the point, etc. Once you adjust to the controls, the biggest drawback is not having as good a look at shooting lanes/angles compared to going up with a lower camera.

I got away from it when my offline play dwindled and my time was mostly spent in EASHL. OTP controls are locked to always up; obviously that doesn't mesh with a side view. Redshirt looked into it, but unfortunately it couldn't be changed. So I settled back into up & down with some custom cameras.

I briefly tried true broadcast on the demo and it sure looks good. I find it hard to play, but with OTP on the shelf for now, maybe it's time to give the side views another go.

[Simple Mathematics]

I am having a blast with the demo. If we can't edit players this year I will be heart broken. With the Revamped rosters and a good slider set this game will be amazing.

[Gerg04]

Quote: Originally Posted by Qb

I used the side-scrolling broadcast camera for years offline and it does give a better view of the action. It's easier to see plays develop, find your D at the point, etc. Once you adjust to the controls, the biggest drawback is not having as good a look at shooting lanes/angles compared to going up with a lower camera. I got away from it when my offline play dwindled and my time was mostly spent in EASHL. OTP controls are locked to always up; obviously that doesn't mesh with a side view. Redshirt looked into it, but unfortunately it couldn't be changed. So I settled back into up & down with some custom cameras. I briefly tried true broadcast on the demo and it sure looks good. I find it hard to play, but with OTP on the shelf for now, maybe it's time to give the side views another go.

Yea true broadcast looks great but has some weird zoom angles that make things difficult. And you're right about the shooting lanes being a little tougher to see.

Oddly enough I have to leave the controls on "always up" as opposed to "camera relative". Muscle memory is en grained in my head to the point where any other way is just impossible for me.

[Södy]

The only way I can play Broadcast cameras is with the hybrid controls, so button shooting. And that is a drawback aswell. I stay with classic and always up.

[gopher_guy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Madwolf

Impressions: Presentation: Good - The presentation on the game so far is pretty amazing. The views from outside the stadium, to the announcers pre-game. All really stunning work, and it really helps pull off the feel of the game. I will be skipping those details a lot once the game is in full swing, but I love the work they put into it. I really think Eddie and Doc breath new life into the commentary in the game. It was weird at first not hearing Gary and Bill, but I adjusted very quickly. The NBC presentation is also very well done. Bad - The sometimes get quite behind a play. The calls also don't always match up well to the intensity or importance or the lack of either in the game. This is a bit forgivable though since at the end of the day it's still a video game, and they had to pre-record all of these sound bites. Graphics: Good - The game is visually stunning. It's the best game I've played on my PS4 so far. The arenas are really polished, and the fans look fantastic. The crowd definitely feels more real than in any other sports game I've played so far. It puts Madden to shame. I really love the way the ice looks. During a replay I forgot I was looking at a video game for a second. Bad - The sweaters look amazing, but the way they flutter is a bit much. They feel like they need some more weight to them. As others have said, they give off a tissue paper vibe. The faces look amazing, but some of the face scans don't look exactly like the players. Probably has to do with the shape of the faces. There is still some clipping that goes on, especially with the goalie and the net and the refs. Sound: Good - The game sounds fantastic. I love hearing the skates on the ice. The stadium music, and goal sounds make you really feel like you're watching the game on TV. Gameplay: Good - The game definitely feels different from past-gen on the sticks. The players feel a lot more weighty, and have better momentum to their movements. The puck behaves more normally, and getting those rebound goals is so satisfying. It's really night and day from NHL 14. This makes scoring goals a lot more life like as well. There are some crazy things that happen that result in goals by forcing the goalie out of position. Really fun and it feels realistic. The players collisions are both good and bad, but mostly good. Watching guys trip and get mixed up is pretty fun, and adds to the game. The computer is definitely smarter with the puck. They spread it out and keep it away from you better. They're a lot better with this when they pull their goalie too. I caught myself chasing the puck in order to have a shot at the empty net, not realizing that this was no longer NHL 14, and that they wouldn't give it up nearly as easy. You really have to be careful with your passes this year. They're a lot less likely to go through skates, sticks, and legs than in past-gen. Sending it at someones skates is a sure fire way to lose the puck. Bad - Some of the problems from past gen are still around. The AI just doesn't seem all their at times despite many of the improvements. You'll make a hit, or get hit, and have a team mate next to you who won't go after the puck, or you'll make a hit, and switch guys on accident and your last controlled player closest to the puck will seem completely oblivious to where the puck is. The AI still stacks up at the blue line, and they don't dump it in when they should. I would like to see this logic reworked a lot. The board play seemed a lot harder to engage so far. I've played quite a few games, and the suction being reduced is a good thing, but it also seems really hard to engage at times. I really hope board play is reworked next year. Final verdict: Overall I'm very excited for the game. It's made a lot of very good strides towards a promising future. NHL 15 isn't perfect by any means, but it's a great building block for the future.

Good post.

I think your point about the jerseys is good. I noticed the same thing. I get what they're trying to do, but sometimes it looks like the jerseys have the same weight/thickness of a kleenex. Would like to see the fluttering toned back a bit.

[Sparkles]

I got a chance to play the demo last night at my friends house and I must say, it was amazing. This morning I played nhl 14 and it sucked haha. I miss 15!!!! Can't wait for my purchase of the xbox one