Every Game is the Same

[zanner]

I just got the game, and I loved it starting out, but now I'm wondering if every game is going to be the exact same because I'm 8 games in my GM mode with the Thrashers and I'm currently 2-2-4

It seems every game the cpu matches me goal for goal and it doesn't matter what I do. Sometimes the goals are BS, like my goalie or Defensemen don't move allowing the opposing team to score and tie me up. It's like every game right now on default Pro settings follows the same script, ending in a tie game. Overtime, tie game. And then me losing in a shootout because I can't score on those to save my life.

Case in point, I go up on Ottawa 4-0 , low and behold they come back and tie me up. San Jose, up 2-0 and they tie it up. Every other game I usually get the first goal and then they score, I can get a second and a couple of mins they'll score.

I don't know how I feel about it, perhaps it seems this way because I'm a newcomer to the new NHL series and haven't figured out how to keep a lead, but at the sametime it just seems to coincidental EVERY game I've played so far. Please tell me it's not going to be like this all the time or there's something I can do as far as sliders that will take away this catchup, tie up, overtime logic that I feel like I have.

[Broncos86]

Haven't seen that. I've had games where I just dominate. I have games where I'm horrid.

[Keirik]

Quote: Originally Posted by zanner

I just got the game, and I loved it starting out, but now I'm wondering if every game is going to be the exact same because I'm 8 games in my GM mode with the Thrashers and I'm currently 2-2-4 It seems every game the cpu matches me goal for goal and it doesn't matter what I do. Sometimes the goals are BS, like my goalie or Defensemen don't move allowing the opposing team to score and tie me up. It's like every game right now on default Pro settings follows the same script, ending in a tie game. Overtime, tie game. And then me losing in a shootout because I can't score on those to save my life. Case in point, I go up on Ottawa 4-0 , low and behold they come back and tie me up. San Jose, up 2-0 and they tie it up. Every other game I usually get the first goal and then they score, I can get a second and a couple of mins they'll score. I don't know how I feel about it, perhaps it seems this way because I'm a newcomer to the new NHL series and haven't figured out how to keep a lead, but at the sametime it just seems to coincidental EVERY game I've played so far. Please tell me it's not going to be like this all the time or there's something I can do as far as sliders that will take away this catchup, tie up, overtime logic that I feel like I have.

thats exactly what it is. In this game, it's absolutely key to constantly switch your strategy, find a nice slider set, and learn how to play with a lead in this game. With a lead you especially cannot play run and gun hockey, you have to make sure you are always on top of your own line changes, and play very fundamentally safe hockey.

[18 eighty 5]

I don't find this either.

However, if you are a new comer you may need to spend more time with the game. Like Bronco there are games where I destroy teams and others where it is much closer.

I find starting fights and winning them helps if the game is tied or I am trailing. It seems to give my team a boost.

Scoring on shootouts will just take practice and there is an option to go into practice mode to improve your skills.

On default pro mode, once you master the game you should start to dominate that level of play. I remember playing NHL 08 and having to get used to pro level and by the end of my my first 82 game season I had a record of something like 71-6-5 with most of the regulation losses occurring in the first 15 games of the season. I upped it to All Star and had to be patient all over again as I learned to compete against a more difficult cpu.

Hang in there, it really is a good game but does take time to get the hang of. Sounds like you are doing pretty well already with 4-0 and 2-0 leads. Also, learning to play defense where you have to cover for the holes in your own team mates ai blundering takes time too.

[rworth88]

That happened to me when I started out, once you get used to the gameplay ir doesnt happen, I beat some teams bad and lose bad...although I lose more often as I am the Islanders for now...

[zanner]

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping it was the case that I was just new. I haven't played with sliders yet, I wanted to get a good feel of the game and these games are currently close, just frustrating.

I haven't been doing much in way of strategy, plays, or manual line changes as of yet, but I will definitely start easing into all that because it seems that may make a big difference which is great. Or at very least, keep me from allowing a team to come back and tie everything. Cool deal, can't wait to get off work to try some more strategic moves during gameplay.

[Flyermania]

Good luck...with the AI learning, create a play feature, and various offensive and defensive strategies, I think as you get used to the game you will find that it really excels in these areas.

Have fun!

[mkharsh33]

now that i've gotten the hang of this game, i honestly believe it's THE greatest sports game i've played in my entire life... the variety and challenge is amazing...