The NHL 2K9 Developers Are Listening

[ChaseB]

I did one of these threads for MLB 2K9, and I want to do the same for this one. The NHL 2K9 team does want to know where the series has gone wrong, how they can fix those errors, what the series does right, what you guys love about hockey video games, what you want to see in a hockey video game, and just why you love to play hockey video games.

Forwarding those ideas won't be a problem, so be specific and be honest. Your chance to get your voice heard is here.

Mods maybe hook this bad boy up with a sticky. Also, the sooner the better in terms of getting your comments/opinions/thoughts out there.

[bonannogiovanni]

Great puck physics and side broadcast angle, but those sluggish control need a major overhaul, pro stick evolution must evolve so that there's seamless interaction between passing, shooting and deking.

[RealmK]

AI that doesn't drive down the middle constantly, an actual new play by play script recorded with some actual passion/emotion, graphics that don't look last gen. Bring back the previous games franchise options as 2k9 was absolute bare bones. Those would be a good start to get me back interested in 2k hockey.

[baa7]

My major gripes which, if fixed, would inspire me to buy 2K10:

- Player models and player faces need major work.
- The new commentary needs serious improvement. It's as bad as the old commentary was.
- Options from last year were taken out, and need to be put back in the game.
- General gameplay AI needs tweaking, as it does and always will. But some of it appears flat-out broken.
- If you can program the AI so that a real and actual neutral zone game existed, this series would be gold. Because the neutral zone game simply doesn't exist in any hockey series, which is the equivalent of a video football game where all the action takes place within the two red zones. Hockey IS NOT quickly skating up the ice with the puck, and then down the ice chasing after it. And that's about all these video hockey games have been for two decades now. I want to see real and actual hockey tactics incorporated into the gameplay, which means neutral zone pressure and checking. I want to play The Show: NHL Version. If SCEA can create an amazingly realistic simulation of baseball, why can't hockey developers do the same for hockey games?

[Money99]

Pros:
- Goalies
- Puck Physics
- Differences between stars and 4th liners. This was done exceptionally well.
- Best. Fighting. Engine. Ever.

Cons:
- "Polish". Not sure how else to put it. But the game, visually, seems a bit rough around the edges. At times, it's beautiful, but in others it looks last gen. Maybe it's because I'm spoiled with the 'Mac' look of NHL09, but I'd like to see the 2K9 series tightened up in this regard.
- Controls. I liked the controls of 2K9 but I didn't like how I could only deke east and west. I want the full spectrum. Basically, copy NHL09's controls. That would work great.
- Skating. This is another mixed bag. At times the skating looks great but at other times the players look awkward or move unrealistically.
- AI. I don't want the CPU to get boosts as you move up in difficulty. I understand that sometimes it's unavoidable but I'd prefer the AI got smarter instead of turning Jordan Tootoo into Guy Lafluer.

[daflyboys]

....and I want to play NFL 2K5: the NHL version.

If they confer with some of the stable forces at 2khockey.net and not just one knucklehead, they might get a good lead on what's needed. Then, if the kiddies want arcade hockey.....put in a pre-loaded set of sliders that will make it such.

[Scottdau]

Better player models. That is the only thing I want. I like the way the game plays. It would be cool too to have the sticks not going through bodies or other sticks. It would make it a much harder game Defensive wise.

[baa7]

Quote: Originally Posted by daflyboys

....and I want to play NFL 2K5: the NHL version

That exists already. It's called NHL 2K5, and I bought it and played it for the first time about 3 months ago. Great game.

2K was rockin' in 05! Which then begs the question: What the hell happened??