NHL 10 Community Day: Hands-on impressions Q & A

[Money99]

Thanks Flyermania! This is some great info:

1. How are the puck physics? Are they more robust or organic? In 09 it still felt like it was on rails and predetermined.
2. Was the CPU still able to make tape-to-tape passes regardless of who was dishing or receiving them?
3. Is there more of a neutral zone presence? Or is it still easy to gain the blue line?
4. Did you notice different styles of play between teams?
5. Was there a more noticeable difference between playing as a scorer compared to a checker?

Thanks again!

[Flyermania]

Quote: Originally Posted by ohyeahbaby123

1. How does the Hardcore style of play differ from say the normal style of play?

It definitely has more of a sim-style feel to it. It probably plays the most true-to-life version of hockey that I have played. Is it perfect? No. But it's on the right track.

Quote: Originally Posted by ohyeahbaby123

2. How are the puck physics different this year?

I thought they were more lively and felt more organic than 09.

[Flyermania]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lubey

In one of the other impression articles, someone mentioned how the post whistle scrums were small, often including only two players. Did you ever see a big scrum in front of the net or anything? If I was looking forward to those types of things will I be disappointed? (I guess it could still happen in EASHL).

If you keep hitting the button to initiate some post-whistle contact, you can see all 5 players per team going after each other. But it's on an individual basis and never one big scrum. To be honest I was pretty happy to see post-whistle stuff at first, but after a while it got old -- it needed some more work IMO.

[tyler289]

How is the crowd? Is the "color-outs" really legit, or just so-so? Do they all stand up after/during big plays, like right after a goal?

I guess you can't comment on AI stuff, like if your teammates still just stand around in the offensive zone...

[Bolts_26]

When you say the post whistle action got old, what do you mean by it?

[Flyermania]

Quote: Originally Posted by onlybygrace

So with the crowds...during normal play and stoppages...does the crowd sort of just chill (like it should) only to sort of jump around after big hits, fights and the like with the biggest reaction (going nuts) being reserved for goals?

The crowd is interective during the appropriate time from what I recall. You will see them stand & pound the glass if someone is pinned on the boards.

Quote: Originally Posted by onlybygrace

Tell us what you can about the post whistle stuff, please.

See my earlier description...it was cool at first, but for me it got old quick. It's nice to see it in the game, but IMO it still needs some work.

Quote: Originally Posted by onlybygrace

And finally, maybe the most important to me... Do your CPU teammates actually move around in the offensive zone this season looking for openings instead of just sitting there watching in one place? This is the reason I quickly tired of NHL 09...it seemed like the only way my teams forwards would do anything in the offensive zone would be if I created a play that made them do something.

I did feel the teammate AI was improved from 09. That said, it's not perfect but it is improved.

Quote: Originally Posted by onlybygrace

What is the difference between intimidation tactics and post-whistle play???

Post-whistle scrums are obviously stuff that is initiated and happens after the whistle. 3rd and 4th lines play more of a role this year as physical play, but hits, etc can affect how the opposition plays. If you are checking the crap out of the CPU, they may make a pass early to avoid a hit...a pass that is then off-target or intercepted. Your style of play can impact how the other team reacts.

[Flyermania]

Quote: Originally Posted by tyler289

How is the crowd? Is the "color-outs" really legit, or just so-so? Do they all stand up after/during big plays, like right after a goal? I guess you can't comment on AI stuff, like if your teammates still just stand around in the offensive zone...

See some of my earlier comments...crowd is definitely improved & more interactive at the appropriate times. Playoffs do bring about "color-outs", towel waving, etc.

Teammate AI is better than it was in 09, but still not where I would like it to be.

[tyler289]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

See some of my earlier comments...crowd is definitely improved & more interactive at the appropriate times. Playoffs do bring about "color-outs", towel waving, etc. Teammate AI is better than it was in 09, but still not where I would like it to be.

Thanks. Really excited for the game.