NHL EHM Gold demo available now

[Marc Vaughan]

Hi,

In case anyones interested a Gold demo of the NHL EHM game is now available from sigames.com at:

http://www.sigames.com/downloads.php?type=view&id=217

This demo will allow you to play one season in the game, should you purchase the full version of the game (either via. download or on CD at retail) you can continue your demo saved game in the full version.

Hope this helps,

Marc

[SirFozzie]

Neat.

Now.. for the full game? :)

[Marc Vaughan]

Neat.

Now.. for the full game? :)

Hope is that the Gold demo will keep you snuggled up and happy until the 2nd when the full games released .... ;)

[Blackadar]

sweet

[MizzouRah]

excellent!



Todd

[Maple Leafs]

Is there a download?

[SirFozzie]

Hope is that the Gold demo will keep you snuggled up and happy until the 2nd when the full games released .... ;)


We're demanding bitches, Marc.. I thought you knew that already *laughs* :)

[wbatl1]

Will the download use the bittorrent thing again? I never got that to work. ANd again, thanks Marc, thats awesome news.

[Ksyrup]

I might have missed this from another thread, but...the July 2 date, is that just the retail release date for Europe, or will there be a download option as well?

[sachmo71]

Yummy!

[Marc Vaughan]

Download now up - details on sigames.com, we've also announced a few other bits and pieces (information on some of the European stores stocking the game (please bear in mind this isn't a full list) and other gumph).

[Ksyrup]

"The game will also be available as a digital download (for PC only) to customers from the US and Canada from that date, with full releases scheduled for those territories in September."


This answers my question.

[Bee]

Will the download use the bittorrent thing again? I never got that to work. ANd again, thanks Marc, thats awesome news.

Looks like a zip file not the bittorrent thing. Downloading now...

[Bee]

BTW, the Sega site for the game looks nice.

[Marc Vaughan]

(edited the first post as its up now)

[Marc Vaughan]

Ps. Available on 'normal' download as well as Bit Torrent

[Bee]

Got it!

See you guys in a couple weeks!

*wave*

[RPI-Fan]

If someone can post to say if a lot of the issues in the beta demo (database problems, trade issues, etc.) were fixed it woudl be greatly appreciated from those of us (well, at least me:)) stuck at work all day.

[Ksyrup]

Are we going to get an "Alright boyz here we go, eh?" thread started soon?

[Marc Vaughan]

(oh and there's a Mac version of the demo available if anyones interested in it and wasn't aware - should have mentioned that earlier really ...)

[Karim]

I actually found BitTorrent easier to use because the .zip file wasn't working for me for some reason.

[druez]

Is there sound in the PBP? I know there was sound in CM3 for crowd noise. But, I haven't heard any hits, sound, or crowd noise. Is this normal.

Having fun with the game, but the interface is pretty cumbersome.

[druez]

dola

Will I be able to take a semi pro/minor league team in north america in the full version? I would like to start down low then do well and get job offers from better minor league teams and then eventually get a job offer in the NHL. In the demo I can only coach an NHL team.

With all the above being said, I'm ready to purchase and download on the 2nd!

Marc, I really hope the next version moves it into the FM or CM4 interface and adds in 2d engine.

[rexallllsc]

Is there sound in the PBP? I know there was sound in CM3 for crowd noise. But, I haven't heard any hits, sound, or crowd noise. Is this normal.

Having fun with the game, but the interface is pretty cumbersome.

Took a while to get used to the cm3 interface, too.

[rexallllsc]

anyone: how do you name a Captain, besides letting the computer pick it?

[druez]

anyone: how do you name a Captain, besides letting the computer pick it?

Team orders under tactics screen then click on the next button.

[druez]

when looking at recaps of the game.

Is there anyway to see how effective certain units were. i.e. I want to see how often my Power Play first line was on the ice during PP. I want to see the number of shots they took and scoring chances etc...

Same thing with my PK units. I can't figure out a way to see how specific lines or units did together on the ice.

[druez]

Why are the Flyers Minor league affialite called the NJ Gulls. I thought it was the philadelphia phantoms?

[chrisj]

Why are the Flyers Minor league affialite called the NJ Gulls. I thought it was the philadelphia phantoms?

Because there are no AHL/ECHL licenses.

[rexallllsc]

Ok. I was totally apprehensive at first, as I played hockey for 16 years, and played at a decently high level before I was done...so needless to say, I love hockey...and would really notice/be bummed if things weren't done right.

However, everything looks really good so far. One of the things I really love is that this game has a solid foundation, and looks very good RIGHT NOW, while leaving a ton of potential for growth in the future.

SI Games is doing it right...I could only hope for a basketball sim from them. Holy @#$!@!

[druez]

Ok. I was totally apprehensive at first, as I played hockey for 16 years, and played at a decently high level before I was done...so needless to say, I love hockey...and would really notice/be bummed if things weren't done right.

However, everything looks really good so far. One of the things I really love is that this game has a solid foundation, and looks very good RIGHT NOW, while leaving a ton of potential for growth in the future.

SI Games is doing it right...I could only hope for a basketball sim from them. Holy @#$!@!


I have to agree with you. For a first attempt, I'm really impressed. The engine is pretty solid so far. I haven't fooled with the draft or trading yet, just playing my exhibition.

One thing on the screen you set your linups from, its pretty annoying I have to go back to the roster screen to see a listing of players attributes. I liked CM3 and CM4 where from the roster screen I could just drag the position of the player right onto their name.

[rexallllsc]

I have to agree with you. For a first attempt, I'm really impressed. The engine is pretty solid so far. I haven't fooled with the draft or trading yet, just playing my exhibition.

One thing on the screen you set your linups from, its pretty annoying I have to go back to the roster screen to see a listing of players attributes. I liked CM3 and CM4 where from the roster screen I could just drag the position of the player right onto their name.

Yeah, I miss drag-n-drop...Im sure this will be in future versions...

[SlapBone]

Ditto on the sound question.

[Hurst2112]

question....

I noticed that the file size of the previous beta version was about 330 MB. That was 1 season. I don't know what my settings for league size were. Any idea how large the file will be for the actual game?

Thanks guys, and good work.

[Hurst2112]

dola:

EVERYBODY STOP DOWNLOADING UNTIL I HAVE MINE DONE!!!

I am only getting a rate of 17kbps. At this rate, any lockout will be completed. :D

[riz]

Just to recap things:

The Gold Demo for NHL EHM is available now, both PC and Mac.

Here is the final list of the 18 playable leagues and their details:

Leagues with official licences, team logos, background photography and player pictures (all where available)

# NHL
# Czech Tipsport Extraliga

Leagues with official licenses, logos and player pictures (where available)

# Swedish Elitserien

Leagues with official licenses, team logos and background photography (where
available)

# UK Elite League
# UK British National League

Leagues with official licenses and logos.

# Norwegian Elite League
# Slovakia Elite League
# Swedish - Allsvenskan

Leagues with official licenses.

# Canada (WHL)
# Canada (OHL)
# Canada (QMJHL)
# Denmark Super Best League
# Austria Erste Banke Eishockey Liga
# French Superleague

Other playable leagues

# Russia
# 3 Finnish leagues

The gold demo is downloadable at SI Games website (http://www.sigames.com/news.php?type=view&article_id=953) and there is also a pack of faststarts available for those who want to start a game outside the NHL/UK leagues that are in by default in the gold demo.

There is also a microsite available at Sega Europe for the game: http://www.sega-europe.com/nhlehm/

As for sounds, no, not in this version. We did not have time to do proper sound system or sounds in this time, so we'll do it in the future.

I'll try to pop in to answer other questions when I have a spare minute or so tomorrow :)

And thanks for the positive comments. It is the first commercial game for me and for this team, but hopefully a start of a long running series. A big hand to the guys at Sega as well for all their work, especially our producer Andrew. Not to mention all the Head Researchers and the other volunteers who helped out with the research.

[MizzouRah]

YESS!! I'm on it tonight...


Thanks,

Todd

[sachmo71]

And a big thanks back to you too, Riz! Researching was a bit hectic at times, but overall it was an enjoyable experience! I think you are on the right path to do great things for the text sim market, and hockey in general, but I thought that when I played Eastside classic!

[SirFozzie]

Hmm.. does this mean the American Minor leagues are non-playable?

[Tekneek]

It's disappointing that the minor leagues in North America were not made playable at all. I was really hoping for that. :(

I will be awaiting the EHM dynasties when it comes out in July. I'm likely not buying until mid-August at the earliest now. If the NA minors were playable, I might have bought it before my vacation. Good luck, guys!

[korme]

Can't get the d/l page to load.. :mad:

[sachmo71]

It's disappointing that the minor leagues in North America were not made playable at all. I was really hoping for that. :(

I will be awaiting the EHM dynasties when it comes out in July. I'm likely not buying until mid-August at the earliest now. If the NA minors were playable, I might have bought it before my vacation. Good luck, guys!

You should write them and tell them not to be so stingy with their licences!

[Ksyrup]

So you're telling me the minor leagues are stingier with their licenses than the NHL?

I don't know how this game works since I've never really played CM, but is there no customization at all? In other words, couldn't you make the NA minor leagues playable, but allow the names of the leagues and teams to be changed? Or is that not possible?

[sachmo71]

So you're telling me the minor leagues are stingier with their licenses than the NHL?

I don't know how this game works since I've never really played CM, but is there no customization at all? In other words, couldn't you make the NA minor leagues playable, but allow the names of the leagues and teams to be changed? Or is that not possible?

All I know is you can play with the NHL, and not the minor American leagues. I don't know how customizable the final version will be.

[Tekneek]

You can't 'make' anything playable. You can edit their names, if you know what you are doing (or wait for an editor to be released), but you can't turn on leagues that are not playable within the game.

The leagues must have not shown any interest at all, or simply asked for much more than their league really deserves. In other words, they felt that no revenue from the deal was better than some revenue, by asking for too much. It's not like companies are routinely knocking on the doors of the AHL, ECHL, CHL, and UHL for licensing rights for their new game. I'm willing to bet that it has not happened once, before SI/Sega came along. I don't blame SI, but it still stinks.

I am definitely going to write the ECHL about it, and being a season ticket holder for one of their franchises they will hopefully feel the need to at least respond.

[Ksyrup]

But couldn't they have made the decision to make the leagues playable anyway, with different names and let us re-name them? That's all I care about. I don't care if the players are right or not.

It's disappointing, that's all, but not a deal-breaker.

[rexallllsc]

Play as one of the CHL teams (OHL, WHL, QMJHL)... :)

[Tekneek]

But couldn't they have made the decision to make the leagues playable anyway, with different names and let us re-name them? That's all I care about. I don't care if the players are right or not.

That is the confusing part to me. I suppose it is all based on "sound legal advice" provided by the numerous attorneys that were likely involved. By making them fictional, I would expect them to be playable. It must have been a tricky sort of legal issue that they had to deal with.

[korme]

wtf, i still can't access this: http://www.sigames.com/downloads.php?type=download&id=217&file=328

[Ksyrup]

That is the confusing part to me. I suppose it is all based on "sound legal advice" provided by the numerous attorneys that were likely involved. By making them fictional, I would expect them to be playable. It must have been a tricky sort of legal issue that they had to deal with.
I guess, but how is that any different than how Jim has FOF set up?

[Maple Leafs]

I don't think I'm following the AHL/ECHL issue.

Does this mean that, unlike the beta demo, no real AHL teams are in the game? What about the players/prospects on those teams?

[Qwikshot]

Question: Can you simulate the games, or do you have to play every game of the season?

[Ryan S]

I don't think I'm following the AHL/ECHL issue.

Does this mean that, unlike the beta demo, no real AHL teams are in the game? What about the players/prospects on those teams?
There are farm teams for the NHL franchises, but they are simply fake teams. I imagine it will take no time at all for someone to release a roster update which changes the name of the teams back to their real life names.

[Ryan S]

# Denmark Super Best League
:)

[Marc Vaughan]

Regarding the NHL farm teams in the final game.

There is a farm system in the game for NHL. It's a multilayered system (meaning about 4 different farm leagues) but they are all fictional. Naturally we are aiming to get licensing in the future to secure real farm leagues as well making those leagues playable.

[Dutch]

You mean, we could have the CHL and IHL drawn up? That would be pretty cool!

[Tekneek]

You mean, we could have the CHL and IHL drawn up? That would be pretty cool!

You could call them anything you want to, with the right editing expertise/tools. No matter what you call them, you can't manage those teams.

[Dutch]

Ahhh, okay.

[scooter]

Question: Can you simulate the games, or do you have to play every game of the season?

In the Beta Demo you could open up the GM options window and check a couple boxes and have your coach manage the games. It didn't work very well at the time (the coach tended to promote everyone you had under contract), but it is said to be fixed. I have not tried it yet, but give it a try and let us know how it works for you.

[Qwikshot]

In the Beta Demo you could open up the GM options window and check a couple boxes and have your coach manage the games. It didn't work very well at the time (the coach tended to promote everyone you had under contract), but it is said to be fixed. I have not tried it yet, but give it a try and let us know how it works for you.

Many thanks

[korme]

mydownload never completes fully. what is that other download option?

[Johnny93g]

I don't think I'm following the AHL/ECHL issue.

Does this mean that, unlike the beta demo, no real AHL teams are in the game? What about the players/prospects on those teams?

I just loaded it up....Our St. John's Baby Leafs are the Newfoundland Islanders....Their colours look to be red and white.....ugh....

Im not sure if this AHL thing is a deal breaker for me......I was looking forward to working my way up from Junior to the Leafs.....

There have been other aspects of this game that excite me, and some that dont excite me.....I never got through a full season on the 1st demo, so I dont know if i will be able to get into this game like the original EHM.....

At least Pierre Hedin is a defensemen know :p

[MizzouRah]

I'm reading alot of disappointments over at si.com, mainly only being a 6 month demo and interface issues. I was hoping to try out the draft and free agency.

Oh well, it's d/l now, I guess I'll get into it sometime over the weekend.

[Hurst2112]

6 month demo?!?!? Makes me say 'WTF' happened to the whole season demo.

[Simms]

This demo will allow you to play one season in the game, should you purchase the full version of the game (either via. download or on CD at retail) you can continue your demo saved game in the full version.

Where did the 6 month thing come from?

[Hurst2112]

http://community.sigames.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=21019056&f=6461934525&m=615209833

[JonInMiddleGA]

6 month demo?!?!? Makes me say 'WTF' happened to the whole season demo.
Kinda my reaction too. An 1 hour+ download for less than a season demo?
I'm starting to think I'll just wait & watch for the reviews from early buyers (which is probably the smarter thing for me to do anyway)

[Tekneek]

I'm starting to think I'll just wait & watch for the reviews from early buyers (which is probably the smarter thing for me to do anyway)

Absent any kind of early adopter discount, I always wait for the first experiences to hit the net. It helps me save money on games/programs I might have otherwise made a mistake with.

[Hurst2112]

Kinda my reaction too. An 1 hour+ download for less than a season demo?
I'm starting to think I'll just wait & watch for the reviews from early buyers (which is probably the smarter thing for me to do anyway)

...which will make me post a poll in a month:

How many of you are playing the new EHM game?

How many of you are playing the origional free version?

I tend to be the kind of person who shells out the cash right away. I will probably do the same here. Hope this makes it easy for the other end of the spectrum to decide if they want to get it or not (via reviews and dynasty postings). You gotta have guys like us forking over the cash right away. :D

[bbor]

*counting down the days*

I have no bias either way as i havent touched any of the demos that have come out.I wanna go in like a virgin.

[WSUCougar]

mydownload never completes fully.
Same here. :(

[SirFozzie]

*counting down the days*

I have no bias either way as i havent touched any of the demos that have come out.I wanna go in like a virgin.

Not a new experience for you, if what I hear is true.
:p :D

(grins, ducks and RUNNNNS!!!)

[bbor]

Not a new experience for you, if what I hear is true.
:p :D

(grins, ducks and RUNNNNS!!!)

LMAO!

[Hurst2112]

I tried to think of something to top that, but I couldn't. Excellent, funny stuff!

[SirFozzie]

Nah.. I shouldn't get all those kudos..

Fozzie's inner dilemma

Bbor: I have no bias either way as i havent touched any of the demos that have come out.I wanna go in like a virgin.

Fozzie's Bad Side: OOOO! there's an opening. Take the shot! TAKE THE SHOT!

Fozzie's Not-So-Bad Side: (I don't have a good side ;) ): No. I'm sure that others will do it.. but it's simply too easy, he left himself open for that one!

Fozzie's Bad Side: So? He said it, he bloody well deserves it!

Fozzie's N-S-B-S: I won't let you! It's like smashing a fly with a 747!

Fozzie's Bad Side Now listen, we either let fly with the cheap shot.. or one night, when the main brain's asleep. I'll take over and post the list of website's we've visited in the last twenty four hours!

Fozzie's N-S-B-S: You wouldn't dare! Er.. would you?

Fozzie's Bad Side: Wanna bet? *grins evilly*

I am such a sucker for blackmail :(

[Fidatelo]

I tried to think of something to top that, but I couldn't. Excellent, funny stuff!
You could have Fritzed the quote to say "I want to go in a virgin", that has some possibilities ;)

[Desnudo]

Are there any leagues with relegation/promotion? Like the UK's two?

[riz]

Are there any leagues with relegation/promotion? Like the UK's two?

There is promotion and relegation in the swedish leagues and also in the finnish leagues (expect for the top level, which is closed).

[Ajaxab]

I like what I'm seeing so far after playing through the first month or so of a season with Detroit. I'm still working through the adjustment from the CM interface to the EHM one, but am slowly finding my way around. It would be nice to see the number of goals a given player has scored in a season in the boxscores to get a gauge as to how well they're doing without looking it up on the stats pages (e.g. Yzerman (5) ), but it's not crucial.

I look forward to the integration of little things like logos for Canadian Jr. Teams. I can't wait to get a shot at coaching my once-beloved Brandon Wheat Kings (having used to live there) to the Memorial Cup.

Another potential problem has nothing to do with EHM. The number of games in an NHL season is ridiculous. After managing every game in CM, one could max out at about 60 or so games per season. It's almost double that with season and playoffs for the NHL. Glad Riz has a quick sim mode, but it's tough for us micromanagers used to CM.

Looks good Riz! I'm getting that one more game CM feeling again!

[Marc Vaughan]

Glad you're enjoying it - keep constructive comments coming, they'll be taken into account when we work on the nexxt version ...

[Chief Rum]

I wanna go in like a virgin.

Fumbling at the bra straps? :)

CR

[jetpunk2000]

Ok, is there any other explanation besides we had to change it from 1 year to 6 months pretty late on? By doing that you're killing a lot of potential buys IMHO. I guarantee a good portion of us look at the draft and free agency as huge parts of the game. We spend all that time on scouting and then we can't even see how it ends up.

[sachmo71]

Fumbling at the bra straps? :)

CR

Premature underpants decoration?

[sachmo71]

Ok, is there any other explanation besides we had to change it from 1 year to 6 months pretty late on? By doing that you're killing a lot of potential buys IMHO. I guarantee a good portion of us look at the draft and free agency as huge parts of the game. We spend all that time on scouting and then we can't even see how it ends up.

Maybe they are making changes to the draft/free agency model?

[jetpunk2000]

Maybe they are making changes to the draft/free agency model?

Ok, well if that's the case, then come out and say it. I don't know, it just seems like something is being left out here. It's almost .400ish, but I can't see Marc or Riz intentionally trying to cover something up so we get suckered into buying an incomplete game.

[Marc Vaughan]

Ok, is there any other explanation besides we had to change it from 1 year to 6 months pretty late on? By doing that you're killing a lot of potential buys IMHO. I guarantee a good portion of us look at the draft and free agency as huge parts of the game. We spend all that time on scouting and then we can't even see how it ends up.

Our demo's are traditionally six months in length and because this is a GM demo it follows this pattern.

The Beta demo was 12 months in length because it was a 'beta' and we wanted to ensure that as much of the games play was testable as possible.

For a "Gold" demo we protect against potential 'cracking' of the demo (ie. turning it into a full version by hacking the exe) by removing some of the update functionality within the game (ie. ability to create a new season amongst other things) this restricts the length it can play for somewhat which is unfortunate - but it does protect our games sales and is therefore required if we are to continue making games in the future.

Sorry for any inconvenience,

Marc

[riz]

Dola.

There, I got to say it :D

[sachmo71]

Ok, well if that's the case, then come out and say it. I don't know, it just seems like something is being left out here. It's almost .400ish, but I can't see Marc or Riz intentionally trying to cover something up so we get suckered into buying an incomplete game.

It's a conspiracy?

[Marc Vaughan]

Ok, well if that's the case, then come out and say it. I don't know, it just seems like something is being left out here. It's almost .400ish, but I can't see Marc or Riz intentionally trying to cover something up so we get suckered into buying an incomplete game.

LOL :D

Trust me nothings been removed - we're much too lazy to spend time removing features which are already present in the game ;)

[jetpunk2000]

Our demo's are traditionally six months in length and because this is a GM demo it follows this pattern.

The Beta demo was 12 months in length because it was a 'beta' and we wanted to ensure that as much of the games play was testable as possible.

For a "Gold" demo we protect against potential 'cracking' of the demo (ie. turning it into a full version by hacking the exe) by removing some of the update functionality within the game (ie. ability to create a new season amongst other things) this restricts the length it can play for somewhat which is unfortunate - but it does protect our games sales and is therefore required if we are to continue making games in the future.

Sorry for any inconvenience,

Marc

Not a problem. Having bought but unfortunately not been able to get into (I have a hard time following soccer for some reason :p ) Champ Man, I was pretty confident that you guys wouldn't release a game that didn't have working features that were promised, but with some of the games I've bought recently, I guess I'm a bit paranoid.

[jbmagic]

this game , can u play with random fictional players too...for example if you create a new league, new season will it create the random fictional players..


also in this game can you create custom league sizes?

and is this game multiplayer too like ootp ?

thanks

[Marc Vaughan]

this game , can u play with random fictional players too...for example if you create a new league, new season will it create the random fictional players..
Yes fictional players is an option, also if you play through several season then young players will automatically be generated into youth teams etc.

also in this game can you create custom league sizes?
Not by default in the game, however there are a number of real-world leagues in the game and if an editor becomes available then you'd be able to customise those by changing teams around etc.

and is this game multiplayer too like ootp ?
It plays multi-player via. a client-server setup where you play 'live' against friends across a LAN/Internet connection.

(there's also a hot-seat mode on a single PC if you prefer that option)

[jbmagic]

marc it sounds awesome....


for multiplayer, will it generate all the html stats for online leagues

will players be able to export there team file to the comish of there online league and the comish can import into the game and then sim similar to what ootp does?


thanks

[Samdari]

It plays multi-player via. a client-server setup where you play 'live' against friends across a LAN/Internet connection.

Marc, have you guys given thought to adopting the player export/commish import multiplayer model that OOTP and FOFC use, where there does all players do not need to be playing and connected together to play multiplayer?

[Karim]

Is it possible that future demos start in the off-season (June) including the draft and free agency and end in December? The draft and free agency are huge components for SMG players.

[Maple Leafs]

So are any of the guys who were playing the beta demo trying this one? If so, how many of the issues have been addressed, and how well?

[Karim]

I've only briefly glanced at the database for the Flames organization. Contract value and length is off for some of the players and they're still missing one coach.

[Maple Leafs]

OK, finally got the demo. Some initial thoughts:

- I'm still not seeing any teams that aren't looking for players who can help "right now". Even the Caps and Pens want veterans, not youth. That's a bad sign, but to be fair it's still the pre-seson -- maybe teams don't go into "rebuild" mode until they see how the season is going. That would make sense.

- The ability to add multiple players to a trade at the same time makes things much quicker. And the response time for trades is much better.

- Ugh. Every player is still set to the same tendencies by default. So everyone is set to prefer pass, nobody is allowed to fight, etc. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding this screen, but why have tendencies if every player in the league stays with the default? Let's hope the AI coaches tinker with the settings.

- That said, there does seem to be a decent level of fighting so far.

- Maybe I did something wrong, but the Leafs are playing their entire pre-season in Europe. Could be a feature or a bug, not sure.

- Finally, so far there's no sign of that show-stopper bug where the coach would refuse to use the GM's lines even when he was told to.

[pbot]

keep constructive comments coming, they'll be taken into account when we work on the nexxt version ...

Any way to make it so that you don't have to first select a scout and then use the pulldown again to assign a scout? Rather than open the dropdown box and then scroll to the scout you want to select and then open the dropdown box for assigning scouts and then scrolling to the one you want it would be nice if once you selected a scout it would open up a screen/page/whatever and you could then assign him a task right there.

[chrisj]

OK, finally got the demo. Some initial thoughts:
- Ugh. Every player is still set to the same tendencies by default. So everyone is set to prefer pass, nobody is allowed to fight, etc. Maybe I'm just misunderstanding this screen, but why have tendencies if every player in the league stays with the default? Let's hope the AI coaches tinker with the settings.



How do you set individual player preferences anyways?

[Maple Leafs]

How do you set individual player preferences anyways?Good question, since it's near impossible to find and I imagine most players will never see it.

Go to the lines screen (i.e. "tactics") and use the menu to select a specific line. When you see the players for each line, right-click them to get the preferences.

If I remember right, though, in the beta demo the preferences were set for the position (i.e. #3 left wing) rather than the player. I could be wrong there, but if I'm not then the feature is essentially useless.

[MizzouRah]

Good question, since it's near impossible to find and I imagine most players will never see it.

Go to the lines screen (i.e. "tactics") and use the menu to select a specific line. When you see the players for each line, right-click them to get the preferences.

If I remember right, though, in the beta demo the preferences were set for the position (i.e. #3 left wing) rather than the player. I could be wrong there, but if I'm not then the feature is essentially useless.
Is the interface this hard to find things such as this? I'm hoping when I fire it up, I'm not missing a bunch of commands becuase they are buried deep into the game.


Todd

[Marc Vaughan]

Is the interface this hard to find things such as this? I'm hoping when I fire it up, I'm not missing a bunch of commands becuase they are buried deep into the game.

Theres an awful lot of stuff packed into the game, some might seem a tad obscure to find until you've used it own and know how to do it, then it'll generally make sense (if not let us know).

The game ships with a very comprehensive manual which covers all the features and how to use them.

[MizzouRah]

Theres an awful lot of stuff packed into the game, some might seem a tad obscure to find until you've used it own and know how to do it, then it'll generally make sense (if not let us know).

The game ships with a very comprehensive manual which covers all the features and how to use them.
:)

Sorry, I almost forgot text sims are supposed to come with manuals. :D


Todd

[chrisj]

Good question, since it's near impossible to find and I imagine most players will never see it.

Go to the lines screen (i.e. "tactics") and use the menu to select a specific line. When you see the players for each line, right-click them to get the preferences.

If I remember right, though, in the beta demo the preferences were set for the position (i.e. #3 left wing) rather than the player. I could be wrong there, but if I'm not then the feature is essentially useless.

Thanks! That does seem to be hidden. :P

I'd like to hear from Riz or Marc if the computer team does change individual player preferences for their players...

[Maple Leafs]

Is the interface this hard to find things such as this? I'm hoping when I fire it up, I'm not missing a bunch of commands becuase they are buried deep into the game.Expect to have trouble the first few times you play. After you get into it, though, most things are pretty easy to get to.

[MizzouRah]

Expect to have trouble the first few times you play. After you get into it, though, most things are pretty easy to get to.
Yes, it has been a little rough getting to know the game, but heck it was that way for FOF as well. I really like the colors and overall look of the game. I can see myself spending some hours on this one tonight.


Todd

[Marc Vaughan]

I'd like to hear from Riz or Marc if the computer team does change individual player preferences for their players...
Yes they do :D

(not 100% sure if Riz retained the evolving AI that CM3 had, but its probably in there - if so then expect the AI to learn flaws in your tactics over time - Riz can confirm this if he pops by)

[Maple Leafs]

I have to say I find it strange that the rosters are up-to-date as on the end of the 2004 season, yet the game starts in September 2003. I guess there's no "right" starting point with the game coming out in the off-season, but it does seem a little odd.

[Marc Vaughan]

I have to say I find it strange that the rosters are up-to-date as on the end of the 2004 season, yet the game starts in September 2003. I guess there's no "right" starting point with the game coming out in the off-season, but it does seem a little odd.

Its a 'problem' we've always had with our games and this is our 'standard' way of dealing with it - not perfect, but it works for us ..

[riz]

I have to say I find it strange that the rosters are up-to-date as on the end of the 2004 season, yet the game starts in September 2003. I guess there's no "right" starting point with the game coming out in the off-season, but it does seem a little odd.

I would be more than happy to make the game start at the beginning of the 2004-05 season but for some odd reason, our researchers couldn't deliver us the CBA and other rules for NHL starting from that season. What's the deal with that ? ;)

Don't worry. A lot of people have asked the same but as Marc said, there will never be a right solution that will suit all people.

Yes, CPU GM's set individual orders to their skaters in their tactics but the Head Coach won't do that for your lines, thats why they are all set to default at the start as are all other tactical options. If you set the orders and choose to let the Head Coach control the games, you can tick the "Use current tactics" option to make him use your tactical settings instead of setting his own.

[Johnny93g]

hxxp://www.priomh.com/comments.php?id=33_0_1_0_C

Here's a link to a review of the gold demo....I think it takes a very fair look at the game, and I agree with just about everything it says.....I have more fun with the original....NHL EHM just doesent feel like hockey to me

[Honolulu_Blue]

hxxp://www.priomh.com/comments.php?id=33_0_1_0_C

Here's a link to a review of the gold demo....I think it takes a very fair look at the game, and I agree with just about everything it says.....I have more fun with the original....NHL EHM just doesent feel like hockey to me

Thanks for the link, Johnny. It was a solid review. A lot of the thoughts expressed in it were similar to those I had for the beta demo (haven't downloaded the gold demo). The only gripe I don't agree with is the 1-20/1-100 thing. I think saying that North Americans prefer 1-100 is an over generalization. I'm North American and I don't really care. 1-20, 1-100, whatever....

[sachmo71]

However, not including the AHL is an absolute shocker that floored me, and is the first of the things I consider to be major flaws. The AHL is *the* farm system for the NHL and it *HAS* to be licensed and included along with the NHL. There are no amount of overseas teams or leagues in the world that can make up for the lack of the AHL's presence, in my eyes. It's mind-boggling to think that SI was able to get the NHL license, but didn't push hard to get the AHL's. This is going to be a MAJOR turn-off for North American gamers, and is going to hamper NHL EHM's efforts to make a dent in the North American market.


Bah. How can you hold not being able to get a licencing agreement with a league as "flaw"? Doesn't he think they tried to get the deal done? I don't know any of the details, but considering the number of licences they do have, I have to think they tried everything they could to get the licence deal done.

I just can't hold it against the game. Call me a fanboy, but I think that's a mistake.

I read the whole thing. I'd be interested in reading a few more reviews. I don't get the feeling that this reviewer spent a whole lot of time with this game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Bah. How can you hold not being able to get a licencing agreement with a league as "flaw"? Doesn't he think they tried to get the deal done? I don't know any of the details, but considering the number of licences they do have, I have to think they tried everything they could to get the licence deal done.

I just can't hold it against the game. Call me a fanboy, but I think that's a mistake.

I agree with you, but only up to a point, because there's something from the review (I assume that's where the quote came from) I agree with too.

I don't believe they didn't "push" or "try" to get the AHL license. I believe an attempt was made but for whatever reason, it didn't work out.

But I agree with the reviewer that it's a handicap. How big a handicap I don't know, but it's there nonetheless.

I know this much -- finding out it wasn't there diminished my interest (although not as much as some other things have done).

[Blackadar]

It appeared from the review that this guy reviewed the demo. He even says that he "won't buy the full game" or something like that at the end.

And while some of his points appear to be valid (I too got the impression that it was very "CM-like" and appeared to be CM with NHL names), I can't trust the review of:

1. A demo.
2. A self-confessed EHM fanboy.

I'd like something a little more...independent.

[Maple Leafs]

It appeared from the review that this guy reviewed the demo. He even says that he "won't buy the full game" or something like that at the end.
He says pretty clearly that he's reviewing the GM demo. As I understand it, there will be no changes between the GM and the final release, other than of course unlocking it past six months.

[Godzilla Blitz]

I have four difficulties with the revrew, most of which other people have mentioned...

1. I wonder where he gets his "North Americans prefer 1-100 ratings" evidence from. He's not speaking for me, that's for sure.

2. I can understand a true, die-hard hockey fan's frustration that the AHL didn't get licensed, but it's not a big deal to me. I just don't think it will have an impact on how much fun I get out of the game.

3. It often takes effort for me to get past the first couple of months of a text-sim career. Once I get a better feel for my team, for youth I'm trying to develop, and for the stars of the league, then I start to get immersed in a game. This review doesn't (and can't, of course) comment on the long-term play, but I wonder how he would feel if he played a couple of seasons instead of just the demo.

4. Not having played the demo, I can't comment on his views on the interface, but I can say that I thought CM's interface was horrible until I had played a few hours. Once you learned that interface, the game was a joy to play, and I now think CM's interface does a great job considering the vast amount of information in the game.

[Karim]

Some thoughts:

- The 1-20 ratings have nothing to do with Europe vs. North America. Does EA Sports use 1-100? Maybe that's where it's coming from but I have no problem with the scope of the ratings. I think Oleg Saprykin should be greater than 12 in skating ;) but debate over specific ratings can easily be fixed with an editor to suit my preferences.

- The interface does take getting used to if you've never played any version of CM. Also, in certain spots I can certainly see where it is a "chore" to work with. I have a problem with allocating scouts but I certainly can work around it. I think it's a realistic expectation to have the interface work a little easier but I don't think people can expect the functionality of the freeware version just because of the amount of options that are currently implemented in the game. I'm certain improvements will be made in the future such as right-click and drag & drop functionality.

- The lack of AHL and ECHL is disappointing but not a game-breaker for me. If I was in one of those markets it would be. I'm sure SI did everything they could to get those licenses and it is surprising that it would be easier to get the NHL license than the AHL or ECHL equivalent. It may be a painstaking process but an editor that changes team and league names, if not players would help here a bit.

- I agree that SI must work on distancing EHM:FE from CM. The game really does feel like CM with hockey slapped on. While the engine is integral does it have to look and act like CM? I think the interface has a lot to do with this.

I'll still be purchasing as there isn't any other hockey management simulation on the market that has the depth offered by EHM:FE. That isn't the most ringing endorsement, I know.

[Hurst2112]

After reading the review, I did learn 1 thing...

They are giving anybody the license to write reviews nowadays. This guy is in need of some writing skills.

[Blackadar]

He says pretty clearly that he's reviewing the GM demo. As I understand it, there will be no changes between the GM and the final release, other than of course unlocking it past six months.

Yea, but that's my point. Any self-respecting reviewer doesn't review a demo. How would the reviews of FOF look if they just reviewed Jim's demo?

You may have impressions of a game based on the demo - and they may be accurate - but don't call it a review.

[Maple Leafs]

Yea, but that's my point. Any self-respecting reviewer doesn't review a demo. How would the reviews of FOF look if they just reviewed Jim's demo?I don't think it's unfair to review a GM demo if the publisher has been clear that this is the exact same code that is shipping with the final release.

[Johnny93g]

Some valid points by everyone, and also, some valid points by the reviewer....the ratings being 1-20 dont bug me.....the AHL not being does bug me alot, but I know theres nothing the company can do about it.....I wonder if we can edit it once it's out though......This guy is just giving his opionion on the GM demo, which will be the same as the final release, and he makes some very good point imo....

I admit, that it will take some time to get into this game, like all text sims I have played....the difference for me at least, is I had fun getting into other games....I did not really enjoy the 2 versions of the demo's.....

[Karim]

In all honesty, I enjoyed the heck out of the freeware version but it's simplicity finally did me in. Adding guys like Bertuzzi and Thornton to Calgary through trade while still making a profit, winning the Stanley Cup three years in a row with over 100 points every season, successfully trading to get into the top five in the draft during these years, etc.... I was looking for something with more depth and I'm sure EHM will provide it.

Don't forget, the initial version of CM had some horrid reviews and now five? versions later it is considered by many as the best sport management game available.

[Ryan S]

I would imagine the first unofficial roster patch will fix the minor league names, tidy up ratings and name the arenas.

As for EHM compared to NHL EHM, I don't know how you can compare the two.

[Maple Leafs]

EHM may have been great, but it was just too slow for me to really get into.

I have high-hopes for SI's version. I'm still stumbling around the interface, I don't like the ratings system (the whole approach, not just the 1-20 ratings), and I still worry that the trading AI is just fundamentally wrong. But depsite all of that, I think it will be a good game that has the potential to be great is SI sticks with it through a few versions.

[ohio8]

With no minor league option(AHL) how can you call up your kids in your farm system? Is there any minors or farm system to replicate the NHL? Thanks

[Maple Leafs]

With no minor league option(AHL) how can you call up your kids in your farm system? Is there any minors or farm system to replicate the NHL? Thanks
The minor leagues are in there, but the real team names are not. So the St. John's Maple Leafs become the Newfoundland Islanders, for example. Likewise, prospects who are signed by the parent club are in the game, but guys who are signed to contracts with the minor league clubs themselves are not.

Really, if you're only interested in simming the NHL the AHL/ECHL issue really won't affect you all that much once you get used to the new team names.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The minor leagues are in there, but the real team names are not. So the St. John's Maple Leafs become the Newfoundland Islanders, for example. Likewise, prospects who are signed by the parent club are in the game, but guys who are signed to contracts with the minor league clubs themselves are not.

Really, if you're only interested in simming the NHL the AHL/ECHL issue really won't affect you all that much once you get used to the new team names.

I imagine that the remainder of an AHL/ECHL roster will be filled with fictional players? If that's the case, I am fine with that.

[Maple Leafs]

I imagine that the remainder of an AHL/ECHL roster will be filled with fictional players? If that's the case, I am fine with that.Seems that way, yes.

[Blackadar]

I don't think it's unfair to review a GM demo if the publisher has been clear that this is the exact same code that is shipping with the final release.

It isn't a good review nor is it fair to even call it a review.

There's no way for the reviewer to even play 1 full season. Therefore, the review itself isn't comprehensive enough.

You could call it a first impression, perhaps.

A review - no way.

[Johnny93g]

It isn't a good review nor is it fair to even call it a review.

There's no way for the reviewer to even play 1 full season. Therefore, the review itself isn't comprehensive enough.

You could call it a first impression, perhaps.

A review - no way.

I think we're getting a little picky here.....He clearly says he's reviewing the GM Demo for NHL EHM game......So, yes, I think he did review that.......Never did he say he reviewed the game that is available to buy, but the makers of the game say the gm demo will be the game they sell, without the limitation of only playing 6 months....

[Maple Leafs]

It isn't a good review nor is it fair to even call it a review.
I think it's fair review in terms of his comments about the interface, AI, etc. These things won't change. I'd agree that it's impossible to call it a complete review without seeing the off-season.

That said, you do realize that many (even most) of the reviews you read in magazines are based on the beta versions of a release? It's pretty standard practice for the PR person to demo the beta during a press tour, often months before the final release is available. That's why you so rarely see magazines discuss major bugs -- the betas are full of bugs, and they're always told "Oh don't worry, we'll fix it in the final release".

[sachmo71]

Just give me the damn game so I can judge for myself!

*Waits patiently by mailbox*

[Blackadar]

I think it's fair review in terms of his comments about the interface, AI, etc. These things won't change. I'd agree that it's impossible to call it a complete review without seeing the off-season.

That said, you do realize that many (even most) of the reviews you read in magazines are based on the beta versions of a release? It's pretty standard practice for the PR person to demo the beta during a press tour, often months before the final release is available. That's why you so rarely see magazines discuss major bugs -- the betas are full of bugs, and they're always told "Oh don't worry, we'll fix it in the final release".

Well, um, yes, I do realize how often that happens. Less often than you think. Many times the reviewer is told "this is the gold master" and therefore mentions the bugs.

I used to get paid to write reviews for computer gaming software so I do have quite a bit of experience in that field. Most of the respectible sites and mags have rules against reviewing betas and not mentioning bugs. With that said, quite often if they can get a "scoop", they'll allow a review off a beta.

But never a demo. Which was my point all along. His assessment can't be called a review because he doesn't even have the complete game.

Now what's even worse is the under-the-table deals where review scores are inflated when they get the "scoop". This is closer to what you've mentioned above. I've never been involved in this, but I've seen evidence of it. Look at the latest flap on Driv3r, for example. I've seen too much evidence of score inflation as a reward for "scoops". And if the mag or site in question didn't get a direct reward, then it's that they're trying to blast through the game to be the first to write a reveiw. That's why I never believe the first review or two - because either it's biased (ahem, paid for) or it's not complete.

I remember my review of U9. My eds were screaming for it and the first reviews were already up and praising the game. I spent another 48 hours with the game and wrote a pretty ugly review - bugs, bugs, bugs and linear gameplay (with bad voice acting). My eds were shocked - it went against all the other reviews. But sure enough, right after mine came out, most of the other reviews followed right along that line. Not because mine blasted it, but because that was the group of reviewers who actually took the time to play the game beyond the first dungeon and realized that there was a problem behind all the eye-candy.

[Bee]

My biggest problem with the game is the fact you can't control the minor leagues. I don't care what names they go by, but I would like the opportunity to work my way up to the NHL as a coach and not just start at the NHL. I understand that there are a couple of other leagues in Europe where this might be possible or that have the regulation/promotion scheme like the English soccer leagues. While those could be very interesting, I was still really interested in doing this with the NHL and the minor leagues.

Concerning the review of the demo, I didn't read it because I can play the demo myself. I read reviews for full games to gain information about a game to help determine if I will purchase the game or not. I don't see the review of a demo providing any information that I can't gain myself by actually playing the demo.

[Marc Vaughan]

Prima's review
I personally see the review as one persons opinion of the new game, he obviously loved the shareware EHM and has found it hard to adapt to the new interface and extra features in the new game.

I fully realise that the interface might seem daunting at first, however I am confident that over time people will find it flexible and easy to use, we are also obviously listening to all feedback and will evolve this side of things over time.

With regards to leagues/licences etc. - in an ideal world we'd have managed to acquire licences for all leagues, this however wasn't possible simple as that ... we did everything we could to get licences and then decided to release.

I am hopeful that over time as the game establishes its 'credentials' we'll find this side of things easier and that future versions will have even more leagues contained with it.

While I wasn't personally involved in the games development (beyond the casual comments of 'thats cool' or 'how about doing this') I am very proud of the game and feel its a very solid and playable sim.

Hope this helps,

Marc

[rexallllsc]

I can't wait for this game.

1-20 ratings are fine...they give just enough info while still leaving some ambiguity (my ideals are 1-10, but no biggie!).

Minors league licenses would be nice, but don't factor into my decision at all, as I live in an NHL city. Maybe be tougher for those of you who actively follow AHL leagues.

Either way, this game will be a great foundation for what should be a great series.

[RPI-Fan]

The more I think about this whole thing, the more disappointed I am.

I don't care about real AHL team names - I doubt many people really will give a big fuss about that.

WHY NOT MAKES THE FAKE AHL TEAMS MANAGEABLE?????

Arghhhhhhh....

:mad:

[sovereignstar]

The more I think about this whole thing, the more disappointed I am.

I don't care about real AHL team names - I doubt many people really will give a big fuss about that.

WHY NOT MAKES THE FAKE AHL TEAMS MANAGEABLE?????

Arghhhhhhh....

:mad:
This may be a dumb question (and probably answered before), but can you manage andy of the Canadian Junior leagues? I still haven't gotten around to trying the demo out. Being able to manage an AHL team would've been nice.

[RPI-Fan]

This may be a dumb question (and probably answered before), but can you manage andy of the Canadian Junior leagues? I still haven't gotten around to trying the demo out. Being able to manage an AHL team would've been nice.

You can manage in the QMJHL, WHL, and OHL.

Unfortunately, you can't manage in AJHL, OHA, BCHL, SJHL, or any Junior-B leagues.:(

[JonInMiddleGA]

The more I think about this whole thing, the more disappointed I am.

I don't care about real AHL team names - I doubt many people really will give a big fuss about that.

WHY NOT MAKES THE FAKE AHL TEAMS MANAGEABLE?????

Arghhhhhhh....

:mad:

I have to admit, I've been scratching my head about that as well.

[henry296]

I think it would be difficult to manage an AHL Team. You would have very little flexibility to add players and the NHL team could call up and send down players at will.

Todd

[sovereignstar]

I think it would be difficult to manage an AHL Team. You would have very little flexibility to add players and the NHL team could call up and send down players at will.
Exactly. Isn't that the fun of it, though?

[RPI-Fan]

I think it would be difficult to manage an AHL Team. You would have very little flexibility to add players and the NHL team could call up and send down players at will.

Todd

If there were logistic reasons for not making the Psuedo-AHL manageable, I could live with that.

However, the ONLY thing that has been said by the EHM:FE Spokespeople is about licensing - which should in NO way have meant these leagues need to be unplayable.

[rexallllsc]

If there were logistic reasons for not making the Psuedo-AHL manageable, I could live with that.

However, the ONLY thing that has been said by the EHM:FE Spokespeople is about licensing - which should in NO way have meant these leagues need to be unplayable.

Maybe if you freak out about it a little more they'll become playable. :)

[sovereignstar]

Maybe if you freak out about it a little more they'll become playable. :)
I was sooo gonna give you the rolleyes until I noticed you added the smiley. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[sovereignstar]

You can manage in the QMJHL, WHL, and OHL.

Unfortunately, you can't manage in AJHL, OHA, BCHL, SJHL, or any Junior-B leagues.:(
Patrick O'Sullivan (and the OHL), here I come!

[rexallllsc]

I was sooo gonna give you the rolleyes until I noticed you added the smiley. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I read it after I posted and thought it could be interpreted wrong so I changed it.

Also, "I was sooo gonna give you the rolleyes..." was hilarious.

[rexallllsc]

Patrick O'Sullivan (and the OHL), here I come!

Yeah, I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of time in the CHL Leagues.

[RPI-Fan]

Maybe if you freak out about it a little more they'll become playable. :)

I get the idea, but...

If I don't whine about it, how are the EHM:FE people supposed to know they're losing a customer for this reason?

[sovereignstar]

Hmmm...

http://community.sigames.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=21019056&f=6461934525&m=614200833&r=646200833#646200833

Edit:

AND

http://community.sigames.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=21019056&f=6461934525&m=614200833&r=938202833#938202833

[sachmo71]

Everyone has their expectations, I respect that. I hope that the game is good enought to change your minds, but I see where it could be a deal breaker.

[sachmo71]

Interesting.


It doesn't matter whether you can rename them or not with the editor, because when an editor is available, you'll be able to call them whatever you want - the leagues are not playable anyway, so renaming them and the players won't change that fact.

The lower US leagues are not in the game as we couldn't come to a reasonable agreement on licensing terms with the leagues. We will attempt to get the leagues in the game in the future, but unless an agreement can be reached, the situation will not change. To keep the realism element, and the effect of farm teams, we have invented our own leagues "The All American leagues" which have completely fictional names, and the only real players in them are the players who are farmed out from the NHL, as we have the rights to them through our licensing agreement with the NHL/NHLPA.

We have still provided 18 playable leagues in 12 countries, which we are incredibly proud of. It's also SI's most licensed game ever, which we are also incredibly proud of. It's been over a year of work to get to the stage that we are in now, and whilst it's not ideal, it's still pretty damn good!

18 leagues!!! WOW!!

[rexallllsc]

I get the idea, but...

If I don't whine about it, how are the EHM:FE people supposed to know they're losing a customer for this reason?

I def. think you should give all of the feedback possible. Just seeing how the CM series has progressed in the few years I've played it, I'm certain EHM will evolve greatly.

[RPI-Fan]

I appreciate that there appears to have been legit reasons for not making the Fake-AHL playable, but I think that more could have been done to get this working.

Why not make it a fake league in Mexico or something like that?

Just seems like they failed to exhaust all reasonable resources to make this an option; as such, I'm much less interested in purchasing the game.

[sovereignstar]

I get the idea, but...

If I don't whine about it, how are the EHM:FE people supposed to know they're losing a customer for this reason?
After reading through just that one thread, I've got a good sense that they have heard plenty on this issue now. I'll be buying the game and keeping hope that by the next version of EHM the NA minor leagues will be playable.

[RPI-Fan]

I should add...

I do appreciate the EHM team at least addressing the issue to the forum; however, in short, their response simply isn't good enough for me.

It looks like, barring fantabulous reviews from this board, I'll be passing this go around (but will certainly keep my eyes out for future versions).

[scooter]

It's awfully hard to know if SI "failed to exhaust all reasonable resources to make this an option" without being an employee of SI Games. Even then, I'm sure most of their employees don't get the whole picture. Licensing agreements are not a one-day, fax-me-an-agreement-and-I'll-sign-it kind of a thing. They take time and effort to come to agreement. I'm just glad they got the NHL license. To me, that's huge. I can just imagine what people would be saying if they hadn't gotten that license!

In any case the minor leagues will not be playable. It is unfortunate that some may find this a deal-breaker, but there are plenty of other leagues (with their own unique challenges) that are playable.

[rexallllsc]

It's awfully hard to know if SI "failed to exhaust all reasonable resources to make this an option" without being an employee of SI Games. Even then, I'm sure most of their employees don't get the whole picture. Licensing agreements are not a one-day, fax-me-an-agreement-and-I'll-sign-it kind of a thing. They take time and effort to come to agreement. I'm just glad they got the NHL license. To me, that's huge. I can just imagine what people would be saying if they hadn't gotten that license!

In any case the minor leagues will not be playable. It is unfortunate that some may find this a deal-breaker, but there are plenty of other leagues (with their own unique challenges) that are playable.

Totally. To me, the NHL license was the biggest thing...everything else was secondary. If I had to rank importance (for me), it would prob. go something like this:

1. NHL
2. CHL (OHL, WHL, QMJHL)
3. NCAA
4. SEL
5. FEL

[Maple Leafs]

I could see how getting the NHL license would be easier than getting the AHL. The NHL deals with this stuff all the time. The poor guy who answered the phone at the AHL probably keeled over when he heard what they wanted.

[Marc Vaughan]

AHL licence
We did everything we could to obtain licences for as many leagues as possible - I'm hopeful we'll obtain more for the next version as the game will be more established then and hopefully that will assist us (as our 'history' on soccer sims does with that side of things).

If it makes you feel better, consider how Riz feels with not having the real Finnish league in the game .... :(

[sovereignstar]

EHM: FE, that is Eastside Hockey Manger: Free Edition, was the main perpetuator behind the very last of one of my gaming "binges".

Maybe on Friday I'll make three seperate orders. One for the fun I had in the past. One for the future to help the game grow (in features and leagues). And one for this weekend and next week, ie I plan on having a shitload of fun with the current version.

[Marc Vaughan]

I could see how getting the NHL license would be easier than getting the AHL. The NHL deals with this stuff all the time. The poor guy who answered the phone at the AHL probably keeled over when he heard what they wanted.
I don't get involved in the 'biz' side of things but I'd expect that to be fairly likely the case.

My closest experience to this side of things is when we had to get permission from individual newspapers for their names inclusions in CM - the national 'rags' were fine, they've got departments and staff for this side of things and would either say 'yea' or 'neigh' quickly ... it was the minor local papers which were run by a couple of people who were hardest to get decisions from, sometimes they simply didn't want the hassle of doing something out of the ordinary that they'd never come across before ...

[Coder]

When will the download-purchase option be available? My local computer store is overcharging the game compared to the online-prices I've seen (about £35 as compared to Amazon at £27). I'd love to get the game tomorrow, but I'm not buying it locally at that price.

[riz]

In a perfect world, we would have been able to secure all league licenses and to include all leagues and features according to everyone's wishes. In a perfect world, the interface would be some hybrid compromise that would suit all kinds of different gamers. In a perfect world, a lot would be different. But are we living in a perfect world ?

I'm not going to start with the AHL/minor league issues, I'll just stick to what we've already said about this and yes, there are legal reasons behind it all as well. We cannot go into detail about this and if that does not satisfy your hunger for information, we cannot help you further on the issue :( Making random extra playable leagues to the game would probably suit the people who build their own editors and hack the game to feature some minor league that wasn't officially in the game. The other half of the room would scream murder because there is some weird league playable in the game that isn't real and its killing the realism in the game. It's hard to please all the gamers out there, since we are a huge bunch and our preferences vary widely.

Considering nothing like this has ever been done on this scale for this sport, I'd say we and Sega have done a great job. Considering how small the team has been and the game has only been in development for two years, we've come a long way.

Are there things to improve ? Sure there are and we'll keep on working on it to bring you bigger and better versions in the future.

Are there leagues missing ? Yes and its a big bad business world out there, where leagues own their own rights and you can't just expect to get a license by snapping your fingers.

The information about the digital download option should be up at the SI website either later today or early tomorrow :D

[SirFozzie]

So riz.. you've set up a private download server for us FOFC folks right?

Otherwise I expect meltdown. ;)

(should I start the "Here we go boyz" thread NOW... or wait till tommorrow... :))

[Hurst2112]

My vote would be to storm into AHL headquarters and crap on their desks; but I don't work for SI. I would imagine that wouldn't help secure any future business agreements.

Thanks for the headsup on the digital download Riz...now I will have something to do up north, during the 4th of July weekend. That and drink of course.

Rock on!

[RPI-Fan]

The other half of the room would scream murder because there is some weird league playable in the game that isn't real and its killing the realism in the game. It's hard to please all the gamers out there, since we are a huge bunch and our preferences vary widely.

I can certaily sympathize with this viewpoint, and it's something I realize to be true.

Not saying the game is any the better or worse for not having a playable minor league; it just won't be what <b>I'm</b> looking for.

That said, if the gang here gives positive enough reviews, I still am amenable to changing my mind.

The no-AHL thing just made it go from insta-blind-purchase, to wait-and-see approach.

[Hurst2112]

Quote:

Released this Friday on PC and Mac (Dual Format CD) NHL Eastside Hockey Manager lets you take complete control of your favourite hockey franchise, with the most authentic and realistic hockey management game ever...

question...actually 2:

Does this mean that both versions of the game (PC and Mac) are on the same disc? If so, that is really cool. Will the game be able to be loaded on 2 different machines (platforms) at the same time?

2nd: Will purchasers of the digital download have the same option? If I download the PC version, can I install it and still download the Mac version and install that too?

If so, I think it's cool to get the game out there like this. At least for the initial release, it allows a broader range of people to get their hands on the product.

[riz]

Quote:

Released this Friday on PC and Mac (Dual Format CD) NHL Eastside Hockey Manager lets you take complete control of your favourite hockey franchise, with the most authentic and realistic hockey management game ever...

question...actually 2:

Does this mean that both versions of the game (PC and Mac) are on the same disc? If so, that is really cool. Will the game be able to be loaded on 2 different machines (platforms) at the same time?

2nd: Will purchasers of the digital download have the same option? If I download the PC version, can I install it and still download the Mac version and install that too?

If so, I think it's cool to get the game out there like this. At least for the initial release, it allows a broader range of people to get their hands on the product.

Yes. The CD has both PC and the MAC version on it. So it is a PC/MAC CD-ROM (as it says in the corner of the box). You can install it from the same cd to both pc and mac and play the game on both as long as you move the game cd across to the computer you are currently on. And I'm pretty sure if you have them in the same room, you should be able to play on both at the same time as well, as the game only checks for the cd at the start.

How it works with the download version, I'm not exactly sure right now. Maybe Marc can field that if he has previous experience on it ?

[Hurst2112]

Thanks for the heads up Riz.

[condors]

i may be a fanboy but i played more than my share of free version so its a mustbuy asap for me(guilt will get me), i did the same with extreme wrestling revenage

i honestly don't see how the game isn't a must get for any hockey fan but then everybody doesn't like fof and cm either (which i don't understand).

[Swaggs]

I have been playing the demo and like the "universe" feel to it. Can someone explain to me how to determine a player's potential.

I am foreign to the non-green bars world. :)

[henry296]

I have been playing the demo and like the "universe" feel to it. Can someone explain to me how to determine a player's potential.

I am foreign to the non-green bars world. :)

The only way is to scout them and listen to what they say... There is no visible potential number.

I actually like this the more and more I think about it. Typically all you know about the future is that:

1. They might be a Super Star
2. They might be a starter
3. They could be a servicable backup
4. They are likely to be a career minor leaguer.

Todd

[riz]

I have been playing the demo and like the "universe" feel to it. Can someone explain to me how to determine a player's potential.

I am foreign to the non-green bars world. :)

Open the players profile and then from the "Action" menu, select "Scout Player". This will put the player under surveillance of your available scouts (scouts who are un-assigned or are assigned to the region where the player is at currently). You'll soon get a report from the scout on how he feels about the players ability and potential. These reports are stored in the players profile for later reference. Just open the profile and click on the small arrow next to his profile picture to switch to the scouting report.

Info on the digital download option:
http://community.sigames.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=21019056&f=6461934525&m=187201743

[Maple Leafs]

I have been playing the demo and like the "universe" feel to it. Can someone explain to me how to determine a player's potential.

I am foreign to the non-green bars world. :)Apparently there is no such thing as "potential" in EHM (at least that we can actually see). The best way to go is to scout the player -- at that point you'll have access to more detailed reports about him that will include hints about his future abilities.

[sovereignstar]

Info on the digital download option:
http://community.sigames.com/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=21019056&f=6461934525&m=187201743
Excellent! Thanks for the heads up, riz. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif

[riz]

Apparently there is no such thing as "potential" in EHM (at least that we can actually see). The best way to go is to scout the player -- at that point you'll have access to more detailed reports about him that will include hints about his future abilities.

That's correct. There are no visual values to tell you an overall value to sum up the player or a value to tell his exact potential. There are however hidden values behind the scenes for the current ability level of the player and his potential ability level. As you cannot see these, you'll have to work out your own assesments by reading scout and coach reports, judging stats etc.

[jbmagic]

can you customize the league to different sizes?

can you change the rating from 1-10, 1-20, 1-100, 2-8, etc in league setting?

can you turn off ratings?

can you do online league with this game?

thanks

[RPI-Fan]

Sort of, no, don't know, not really (everybody has to be logged on to a server at the same time).

[Swaggs]

Thanks for the replies.

Does this mean that I will have to scout every amateur player available for the draft? I hope not--that would be quite overwhelming for me at this point (although it might become easier down the line). If there are limited scouting resources, this might become burdensome, along the lines of alotting time in TCY.

[Marc Vaughan]

How it works with the download version, I'm not exactly sure right now. Maybe Marc can field that if he has previous experience on it ?

The digital download version is PC only - this is simply because we haven't found a Mac equivalent to allow purchase via. digital download, if anyone who's a Mac user wants to suggest one then I'd be happy to look into it (as I'd love to have the Mac one available via. download).

[Marc Vaughan]

(for those who can't be bothered to follow the link - digi download details)


We've teamed up with Softwrap and from tomorrow, you'll be able to download a six month limited version of NHL EHM from www.sigames.com

Armed with your credit card, you can purchase the game online and your download will immediately be transformed into a full game.

This service is available to anyone and can be purchased for the following prices

UK Residents : £29.99

EU Residents (non UK) : €49.95 (this includes Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland , France ,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden)

US Residents (and all other nations) : $39.99

The download size will be around 90mb

[henry296]

Thanks for the replies.

Does this mean that I will have to scout every amateur player available for the draft? I hope not--that would be quite overwhelming for me at this point (although it might become easier down the line). If there are limited scouting resources, this might become burdensome, along the lines of alotting time in TCY.

Swaggs,

If you send your scot to Canada or another region, it will scout almost all of the draft eligible players for you. I don't have to select them one by one. You can do this throughout the season not just before the draft.

TOdd

[sachmo71]

What is a six month limited version?

[RPI-Fan]

sachmo: I think that's just saying the initial download is the 6 month-demo, and then when you enter your CC info it becomes the full version.

[sachmo71]

I see now. Comprehension helps when reading. :D

[Coder]

Hate to be the negative guy here, but us Europeans (non British) are getting the short end of the stick with the prices... 50 Euros is A LOT... not even close to 40 US$

Comparison:

1 € = 9.50 SEK
1 $ = 7.50 SEK
1 $ = 0.8 €
1 € = 1.2 $

That means that Europeans buy the game for US$60... how's that? Guess I'll have to order the game by mail and wait a few days then :(. CDON.COM sells it for €40.

[Marc Vaughan]

Hate to be the negative guy here, but us Europeans (non British) are getting the short end of the stick with the prices... 50 Euros is A LOT... not even close to 40 US$
Should be available in Sweden day of release (ie. tomorrow) at retail stores and might be cheaper that way (as it won't incur mail order).

I'm not involved in the biz decisions behind pricing but believe they're generally set to be 'around' the normal price for a game in each territory, with the Euro covering a large area I'd guess this is a harder price to set than for a smaller area like say the Uk.

Also bear in mind that the exchange rate with the American dollar is really high at the moment which is why their price appears artificially low (basically if you go to America at the moment pretty much everything will seem cheap, however when they come over to Europe everything appears extortionately priced).

It'd not anything underhand and to be honest I'm glad I don't have to get involved in those decisions :D

Have Fun,

Marc

[Marc Vaughan]

PS. Obviously prices given above were for softwrap/digi download versions only - with retailers setting their own prices these days* you may find exact in store prices vary slightly even within the same town.

*Its illegal in most countries now to actually 'set' a price as a producer for a good, retailers now decide themselves.

[Coder]

I know that the dollar is weak, and I'm also fully aware that you're not the ones setting the prices. I just wanted to voice my complaint somewhere ;-). Seriously, the €50 is extremely high no matter how you look at it.. the £29 would equal to about 380 SEK, while €50 is more like 450 SEK.. so the pricedifference is rather high even between pounds sterling and Euro... sure, $40 is like 300 SEK so I won't even compare those ;-).

[MizzouRah]

I agree that it's a must buy for the hockey fan. I haven't really played the demo all that much yet, but like Kodos I'm a seasonal sports game player. Hopefully hockey will have new life and this game will get plenty of playing time. I'm just trying to get many playing hours out of ootp before football season starts and NCAA - Madden - FOF2k4 gets the bulk of my playing time.


Todd

[sachmo71]

First dynasty!!!

:)

[Swaggs]

So... is it Friday in the U.K. yet? :)

[sabotai]

It's been Friday in England for several hours now! COME ON!! What's taking so damn long!?!?!?!

:D

[Hurst2112]

It's been Friday in England for several hours now! COME ON!! What's taking so damn long!?!?!?!

:D


I can picture Marc and Riz sleeping next to a big, old time power switch that reads "digital downloads on/digital downloads off"

Somebody forgot to set the company alarm clock.

[Marc Vaughan]

I can picture Marc and Riz sleeping next to a big, old time power switch that reads "digital downloads on/digital downloads off"
Not long now - just got to find the key to the switch ;)

[MizzouRah]

My weekends shot. :)


Todd

[The_herd]

I have the next 11 days off from work. Needless to say, I'm as giddy as a little schoolgirl.