Human/AI Goalie Animation problems...Teach hockey basics

[catcatch22]

The goalies in the game need huge upgrades next year in order from them to be compitent in net.

1. Goalie needs to be able to use his stick without having to go into the poke check animation. Should be allowed to use his stick at all times.

2. You are only given 2 manual save options in the game. There needs to be an option like 2k hockey had where you can do a rising glove from the butterfly or stand up style and also have a stand up style kick save with the motioning of the right stick.

Other items for revision next year.

This game does not teach people how to play hockey. There needs to be more visual cues for people to learn how to play the game properly. Especially defensively and in many cases offensively.

First off on defense.

1. If I pick a team that plays Tight point defense then my teammates should get visual cues as to who to man mark on for their time in the zone. Obviously circumstances change throughout the possesion of the other team and you will have to switch up but the main concept of who to mark and when should be shown in an instructional video in the game or at least in Be A Pro mode during a dynasty season. Have the coaches hold "Practices" detailing you how to play Tight Point, Collapse and Staggered defense correctly. You can also have the players initial man mark responsibility be highlited with a small circle under their skates (2k basketball does this).

2. Allow a team captain of a OTP club to upload his created plays to the team club. And have everyone hit their spot on offense and see the created play in motion to follow and learn some ideas of what to do in games offensively to improve their positioning and building team play quickly. I ask of this, cause as of right now we have no in game forum "practices" where you can teach teammates who want to learn how to position themselves correctly and what to do in important spots and situations. A club ice practice option would help immensely. This is imperative next year in NHL10.

3. Hook/Tie up button needs to be more prominant next year. Make the fight button the back button or something.

[metallidevils]

Both AI and human controlled goalies need a huge overall in NHL 10, and I hope this is the main focus of the team. I think a goalie mode that is actually really fun and engaging could be a huge selling point. Neither EA nor 2K have come close yet.

[tyler289]

I think if EA makes goaltenders a main point for NHL10 (at it could be, considering how the NHL series has developed on next-gen), it will be a great game. There needs to be hundreds of new goaltender animations, especially with the stick.

I like the uploading plays idea.

And yes, the hook button needs to become a tie/up kind of button or something.

[akula89]

agreed. Goaltending should be a #1 priority for NHL 10. having realistic goalie behaviors/AI, animations would add so much to the game. the goal of the developers has to be to provide an "organic" feel to the gameplay. every game should feel different, and having realistic goalies would go a long way.

after that, faceoffs and board play are two other areas needing major improvement (see 2k series for ideas here!)