How EA Can Bring Fans Back to NHL's Franchise Mode

[actionhank]

Honestly, that picture in the OP is a perfect example of the problems with the game. No one seems to know what direction to face, or what to do.
There look to be 3 people looking at the puck, the guy passing it, the goalie, and the guy behind the passer, completely out of the play.

The defender closest to the net is doing nothing, not facing the puck or the play, and has his stick in the corner, where I'm sure the invisible forward is feeling the pressure. The guy it's being passed to is looking away, and doesn't even have his stick in a good place to play the puck.

The AI in general just seems to be clueless as to what they're trying to do. On powerplays, guys just randomly float around, bump into forwards, and don't pinch on the play. They don't move to get open passing lanes, they don't rush towards the net when the defense vacates to get a puck on the boards, and they provide no help at all when you're pinned with the puck. They just don't know where to be. I've still had guys stop while entering the zone on odd-man rushes, because they're going to a predetermined spot, and not to where the play is. Right-hand shooters will skate down the left side of the ice and then inexplicably turn towards the boards instead of moving sideways with their chest towards the puck and play to get a good shot off. Defenders still make completely awkward spins at the blue line with the puck, resulting in more offsides than I should see.

The players need to play differently, but more importantly, they need to know how to play hockey in the first place.

[actionhank]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

I can attest to this. Like you, I'm not a huge basketball fan. But after purchasing NBA2K12 and 13, I started watching more games, paying attention to the league and even listening to the NBA channel on XM during my commutes. The game was so good, it made a fan out of me. Baseball and hockey are still my main loves, but I would say I'm at least a casual NBA fan now. Some things I'd love to see in Franchise Mode: - wrap-up show - out of town highlights - Expansion/relocation - arena modifications - uniform alterations - even create a 3rd jersey - BaGM includes running European teams and CHL teams. - Getting FIRED as a coach and having to interview for a new job - which may also include having to work in Europe, AHL or CHL. - Full stats and stat overlays showing season and career stats for players. - 5-man celebrations - AMPED playoff atmosphere.

NHL 07 did that for me and hockey. I only really followed football when I was younger, but EA's NHL series and some well timed roommates turned it into an addiction. Now I'm watching games every night, playing fantasy hockey, and learning to play hockey in a league. EA's done well before, they just got lazy and went for the easy route with HUT making them money.

[ChubbyD]

Other than all the things that have been brought up so far, my biggest gripe is that when I'm playing offline, when I'm at home I want to see what line the visiting team is putting out there before I choose my line. This is one of the big advantages of being at home vs on the road. Why they havent done this in years is beyond me. Let the online players choose lines simultaneously, fine. Make it at least an option for the rest of us.

[northmen24]

Quote: Originally Posted by ChubbyD

Other than all the things that have been brought up so far, my biggest gripe is that when I'm playing offline, when I'm at home I want to see what line the visiting team is putting out there before I choose my line. This is one of the big advantages of being at home vs on the road. Why they havent done this in years is beyond me. Let the online players choose lines simultaneously, fine. Make it at least an option for the rest of us.

Haven't you noticed that they stopped using the "if it's in the game, it's in the game" haha this development team is a joke.

[Elite49]

They must be working on something special for this game right? Months almost over and no patch news at all. I'd love all of that plus bring back real OTP with anyone vs anyone. I want to play some 3vAI.

[Money99]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sheba2011

I can honestly say none of the above would really make me want to play franchise any more than I do now. Especially things like retired legends, if they did that I would hope you could turn it off. Nothing would ruin a franchise mode more than having too many 99 rated legends filling up free agency. Gretzky was a once in a lifetime player, meaning we should never see him again.

I read that 2K hired a guy to do all their ratings based on his personal rosters he'd share with earlier NBA2K titles:
http://ca.complex.com/sports/2015/09...are-determined

He developed a "99-system" where the best player in history at that skill was considered a 99.
Then they'd compare current players skills against that player.

So using hockey as an example, if Gretzky was the best passer ever, in order for a player in NHL16 to get a 99, he would be considered just as good as Wayne.

I really wish the EA team would do something similar.

[AdamJones113]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

I read that 2K hired a guy to do all their ratings based on his personal rosters he'd share with earlier NBA2K titles: http://ca.complex.com/sports/2015/09...are-determined He developed a "99-system" where the best player in history at that skill was considered a 99. Then they'd compare current players skills against that player. So using hockey as an example, if Gretzky was the best passer ever, in order for a player in NHL16 to get a 99, he would be considered just as good as Wayne. I really wish the EA team would do something similar.

Absolutely. You know where he was hired from? Oh, just up the forum list, the 2k roster section. Where the devs still post.

I'd love to see that system implemented.

[Felixeur]

Funny how NHL 2k10 had 90% of the features mentioned. Please NHL 2k comeback on PC and consoles...