I Think I'm Heading Back to 08

[clarkerots]

I don't know. I have the latest patch and although its improved some areas greatly I still feel there are some basic gameplay issues that 08 got spot on and 09 doesn't. I use QB's sliders for All-Star and I like the flow of the game but the two areas that I can't get over are CPU shots and AI defensive play. The CPU doesn't score from anywhere but they hit the net from anywhere. The last game I played was 0-0 after one period, but the CPU had 23 shots. They don't seem to set up or look for the high percentage play, and they never miss the net. However, nothing is bothering me more than watching the CPU on the PP take a guy and weave his way through my defensemen and score off a deke. This bothers me the most because my defensemen basically let the puck carrier through. Its terrible. They don't move! I've also noticed D-men have a rebound come close to them and they "look" like they're going to get the puck and clear it, only to have them stop and back into position (almost like a bad aggresive animation that wasn't programmed properly) thereby leaving a loose puck, with no one in site, that is eventually grabbed by the CPU. Those are two tough points of gameplay for me to ignore, especially when I know that 08 had nothing close to that. Anyone noticed any of these things? Have they found a way around it? Any feedback?

[Battlestar]

I went back to NHL 08 in late Dec. and have been having a blast in my season. Something about 09 just bugs me I can't put my finger on it. 08 just IMO plays better.

[mdgoalie37]

Quote: Originally Posted by clarkerots

I don't know. I have the latest patch and although its improved some areas greatly I still feel there are some basic gameplay issues that 08 got spot on and 09 doesn't. I use QB's sliders for All-Star and I like the flow of the game but the two areas that I can't get over are CPU shots and AI defensive play. The CPU doesn't score from anywhere but they hit the net from anywhere. The last game I played was 0-0 after one period, but the CPU had 23 shots. They don't seem to set up or look for the high percentage play, and they never miss the net. However, nothing is bothering me more than watching the CPU on the PP take a guy and weave his way through my defensemen and score off a deke. This bothers me the most because my defensemen basically let the puck carrier through. Its terrible. They don't move! I've also noticed D-men have a rebound come close to them and they "look" like they're going to get the puck and clear it, only to have them stop and back into position (almost like a bad aggresive animation that wasn't programmed properly) thereby leaving a loose puck, with no one in site, that is eventually grabbed by the CPU. Those are two tough points of gameplay for me to ignore, especially when I know that 08 had nothing close to that. Anyone noticed any of these things? Have they found a way around it? Any feedback?

Hmm, I'm not noticing these issues. I rarely, if ever give up 20 shots in a period ( I play 8 min), I usually see between 5-15 shots in a period. I also notice them missing the net quite often, same as me. I have shot accuracy and power both at 3, I believe. I play on All-Star. I play with the Flyers so I have a good team.

I try to block shots, putting my guys between the shooter and the net. I also try to play good defense in general by not rushing at guys all the time. I notice that I get in trouble the most when I chase the opponent around the defensive zone, just like real hockey.

I think your CPU teamates play a little better since the patch, I see them looking for someone to check. When on D I use the pokecheck a ton, trying to disrupt the forward with the puck. Again, I try to not be all that aggressive. I recently told a friend of mine that likes NHL 09 but isn't really a hockey guy that you aren't really defending the puck or the net, but you defend areas of the ice. Defend the slot area and the posts, that is where the CPU is most dangerous (pretty much works in real hockey too).

I have Biron with a 1.80 GAA, best in the league for regular starters. Nittymaki's is quite a bit higher, over 3.00.

[matt8204]

Quote: Originally Posted by Battlestar

I went back to NHL 08 in late Dec. and have been having a blast in my season. Something about 09 just bugs me I can't put my finger on it. 08 just IMO plays better.

I hear what you're saying. '08 has a subtly different feel to it that I preferred slightly (controls still feel a bit stiff this year compared to '08) but the most recent patch for '09 has made me a believer again. I'm happy with what EA has done.

[jsquigg]

Practice, practice, practice, etc. I have made slow but steady improvements against the cpu. I also use qb's sliders, and agree with the poster who said you have to defend areas of the ice as opposed to chasing in your own defensive zone. I have given up 20 plus in a period, too, but I've gotten much better by playing less aggressively in my own end. This game can be frustrating as hell, but there is something addictive that brings me back. I can't quit until I've conquered it! In other words, I'll be playing forever.

[colly77]

Quote: Originally Posted by clarkerots

I don't know. I have the latest patch and although its improved some areas greatly I still feel there are some basic gameplay issues that 08 got spot on and 09 doesn't. I use QB's sliders for All-Star and I like the flow of the game but the two areas that I can't get over are CPU shots and AI defensive play. The CPU doesn't score from anywhere but they hit the net from anywhere. The last game I played was 0-0 after one period, but the CPU had 23 shots. They don't seem to set up or look for the high percentage play, and they never miss the net. However, nothing is bothering me more than watching the CPU on the PP take a guy and weave his way through my defensemen and score off a deke. This bothers me the most because my defensemen basically let the puck carrier through. Its terrible. They don't move! I've also noticed D-men have a rebound come close to them and they "look" like they're going to get the puck and clear it, only to have them stop and back into position (almost like a bad aggresive animation that wasn't programmed properly) thereby leaving a loose puck, with no one in site, that is eventually grabbed by the CPU. Those are two tough points of gameplay for me to ignore, especially when I know that 08 had nothing close to that. Anyone noticed any of these things? Have they found a way around it? Any feedback?

sorry to hear. i for one have found this yrs title to be a significant upgrade from 08. personal preference i guess.

[PaddyOReilly]

I somewhat agree with you, I like the new penalties but could kill my AI players at times. However rather than fail to move, I notice that they move up to the CPU and then retreat without any poke, check etc. whereas pre-patch they would have hit them. I don't want the hitting back but the CPU does the same but comes away with the puck as if it was playing Sensible Soccer.

My main problem though is that I'm stuck between difficulties; Pro is easy (but all goalies are sieves) and All-Star is hard (game play good, scoring tough). I can make Pro harder and get good games but the CPU is less aggressive and therefore injuries can be non-existent. All-Star the injuries are more abundant (I saw my first ever injured by puck last night - although not on my team) but I was continually beat by Phoenix.