not as bad as some people say

[sheredia]

Re: not as bad as some people say

And you are exactly the target audience for EA with these games. They figure they already have the true hockey fans, because there are no other products for them to go to. So by making a more arcade product that appeals to the masses they get more revenue. Get those people addicted to HUT and dollar signs flash.

Problem they don't understand is that the diehard hockey fans are not buying this game every year anymore because of how awful it is. The game play is the worst of any sports game, and it has been about 6-8 years where it has just been in a downward spiral.

I would say that over 60% of the people who state that they enjoy the game play in this series are quick to say that they are not hockey fans or do not follow the actual sport, or have never played hockey in their lives. Doesn't that say something about this game?

can't they just improve the simulation mode (for diehard fans) and add roster share (since they will not add classic teams)?

[Chiefaho]

Re: not as bad as some people say

can't they just improve the simulation mode (for diehard fans) and add roster share (since they will not add classic teams)?

The problem here is, there is a hell of a lot they need to "improve" gameplay wise before most hardcore hockey fans will even think about buying another installment. In fact, the game is in such a mess that it would be better for them to tear everything down and start fresh with an engine that actually fits a hockey game, rather than attempting to improve what they already have. Polish a turd...

[MizzouRah]

Re: not as bad as some people say

I've been playing a lot lately and this might sound odd, but my last 5 games I've switched the camera view to "dynamic low" and it's made the spacing on the ice seem much closer to the real thing. My guess is it's a video game 3D thing where on "overhead" (or other camera settings) the game seems like there is too much room on the ice and the game feels more open to me.

By switching to "dynamic low" the game just feels tighter to me, with tons of bouncing/redirected pucks as well as a more physical game. Shot totals have also gone down and much more in line with the real NHL.

There are drawbacks, you cannot see the whole rink and have to really make quicker breakout passes vs end to blue line passes and you can't keep switching players on D as much at the points.. BUT you can see the holes in the net much better so scoring is much more fun. Plus, I can defend the net much better and tie up players in front of the net much better. It just becomes more of a chess match to me, than constant back and forth, end to end play.

[handheldpictures]

Re: not as bad as some people say

The problem here is, there is a hell of a lot they need to "improve" gameplay wise before most hardcore hockey fans will even think about buying another installment. In fact, the game is in such a mess that it would be better for them to tear everything down and start fresh with an engine that actually fits a hockey game, rather than attempting to improve what they already have. Polish a turd...

Totally agree 100%. But here's the problem. Rammer and his crew will continue to milk HUT for as long as possible, as they give absolutely zero crap about any other mode that doesn't make money. So why even think about upgrading their absolutely pathetic game engine, when idiots are spending extra $$$ on this game believing it makes a difference, when it actually doesn't do a thing. This is simply (2018) the most pathetic sports game in history, but Ramjagsingh couldn't care less as all he cares about his is paycheck and pleasing the EA executives.
Without a doubt, it's been the most infuriating game to play since 2011, and until the totally sadistic Rammer disappears from this game, nothing will improve. He's totally destroyed what used to be a fun game, and turned it into the smelliest turd of all time, because he has absolutely zero clue what the word "fun" means.

[sheredia]

Re: not as bad as some people say

Totally agree 100%. But here's the problem. Rammer and his crew will continue to milk HUT for as long as possible, as they give absolutely zero crap about any other mode that doesn't make money. So why even think about upgrading their absolutely pathetic game engine, when idiots are spending extra $$$ on this game believing it makes a difference, when it actually doesn't do a thing. This is simply (2018) the most pathetic sports game in history, but Ramjagsingh couldn't care less as all he cares about his is paycheck and pleasing the EA executives.
Without a doubt, it's been the most infuriating game to play since 2011, and until the totally sadistic Rammer disappears from this game, nothing will improve. He's totally destroyed what used to be a fun game, and turned it into the smelliest turd of all time, because he has absolutely zero clue what the word "fun" means.

ultimate team has basically ruined sports games up to this point....it's beyond frustrating.

[Fiddy]

Re: not as bad as some people say

ultimate team has basically ruined sports games up to this point....it's beyond frustrating.

Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show is hands down the best way to do these kind of modes IMO. NHL should take some notes.

[KoryDub]

Re: not as bad as some people say

Diamond Dynasty in MLB The Show is hands down the best way to do these kind of modes IMO. NHL should take some notes.

The NHL team should be taking a lot of notes from MLB The Show.

[13whitebread]

Re: not as bad as some people say

Maybe I am too old school but I am not paying $60.00 for the game and then pay more money for hut not gonna happen but if it’s popular I guess I am in the minority. I think the game has too many modes and they need to strengthen it by adding the so called frostbite engine but then it might take another couple of years to get that sweet spot back. I basically play two ways every year I emulate the season every year with my Red Wings and then I play playoff mode with the teams that make it. Roster sharing would help tremdously. All in all I have enjoyed the series as a whole with many ups and downs along the way

[steelersd26]

Re: not as bad as some people say

Maybe I am too old school but I am not paying $60.00 for the game and then pay more money for hut not gonna happen but if it’s popular I guess I am in the minority. I think the game has too many modes and they need to strengthen it by adding the so called frostbite engine but then it might take another couple of years to get that sweet spot back. I basically play two ways every year I emulate the season every year with my Red Wings and then I play playoff mode with the teams that make it. Roster sharing would help tremdously. All in all I have enjoyed the series as a whole with many ups and downs along the way

I really don't understand the point of paying ridiculous amounts of money on HUT for a team that you won't even have in future games. It boggles my mind how anybody would spend even $1 on ultimate team modes.

[KoryDub]

Re: not as bad as some people say

I really don't understand the point of paying ridiculous amounts of money on HUT for a team that you won't even have in future games. It boggles my mind how anybody would spend even $1 on ultimate team modes.

Online gaming is "win at all costs" so it's no surprise EA is exploiting this for money with it's UT modes.

[MizzouRah]

Re: not as bad as some people say

It's funny how I can have a couple of fun games then this game goes right back to garbage.

Game 5 of the playoffs, I go up 3-2 late in the third then take a penalty late in the game when none have been called all game. I go to clear the puck and my stick breaks, CPU tape to tape pass, one timer goal, tied up. I'm not kidding 30 seconds later I get another penalty. This time I go to clear the puck again and this time the player whiffs on it and they grab the puck and score with 13 seconds left.

I don't know if it's catch up code or whatever happens, but there are definitely times when the CPU is impossible to stop, at least for me. I've also had games where my goalie makes all of these amazing saves and I can't lose the game.

Doesn't really matter to be honest, the game just doesn't have any legs for me as far as actually playing it.. I have simmed many games and enjoy the other stuff/drafting/FA/etc.. but it's about all I do anymore. I've tried and tried to tweak sliders and do have some fun and exciting games, but the game play is just so predictable and stale. Setup in my zone, tape to tape pass, pass, pass, pass, goal. My AI players all chasing the puck around leaving guys wide open, I try to switch players, but even then most of the time it's the player away from the puck.

I really don't think we are going to see any drastic changes or overhauls of this series. All I can hope for is someday another hockey game is released, we need a breath of fresh air. I do miss those days when we could look forward to both 2k and EA hockey.

[SeattleBattleCat]

Re: not as bad as some people say

It's funny how I can have a couple of fun games then this game goes right back to garbage.

Game 5 of the playoffs, I go up 3-2 late in the third then take a penalty late in the game when none have been called all game. I go to clear the puck and my stick breaks, CPU tape to tape pass, one timer goal, tied up. I'm not kidding 30 seconds later I get another penalty. This time I go to clear the puck again and this time the player whiffs on it and they grab the puck and score with 13 seconds left.

I don't know if it's catch up code or whatever happens, but there are definitely times when the CPU is impossible to stop, at least for me. I've also had games where my goalie makes all of these amazing saves and I can't lose the game.

Doesn't really matter to be honest, the game just doesn't have any legs for me as far as actually playing it.. I have simmed many games and enjoy the other stuff/drafting/FA/etc.. but it's about all I do anymore. I've tried and tried to tweak sliders and do have some fun and exciting games, but the game play is just so predictable and stale. Setup in my zone, tape to tape pass, pass, pass, pass, goal. My AI players all chasing the puck around leaving guys wide open, I try to switch players, but even then most of the time it's the player away from the puck.

I really don't think we are going to see any drastic changes or overhauls of this series. All I can hope for is someday another hockey game is released, we need a breath of fresh air. I do miss those days when we could look forward to both 2k and EA hockey.

Agreed, I have experienced pretty much everything you have described and it goes even more so like this in playoffs games.

Just like you I really like the team building aspect, the drafting, the simming etc.
I think I'm at the point where when I play a game, I can tell what kind of game the AI is going give me very early on, by the way of level of pressure, hardness or easiness to score etc.
I just about give up on sliders lol.

Having said this, I'm in for the long haul with the dynasty I've made, which I guess is the main reason I remain drawn in.



Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[MizzouRah]

Re: not as bad as some people say

Agreed, I have experienced pretty much everything you have described and it goes even more so like this in playoffs games.

Just like you I really like the team building aspect, the drafting, the simming etc.
I think I'm at the point where when I play a game, I can tell what kind of game the AI is going give me very early on, by the way of level of pressure, hardness or easiness to score etc.
I just about give up on sliders lol.

Having said this, I'm in for the long haul with the dynasty I've made, which I guess is the main reason I remain drawn in.



Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

This is EXACTLY how I feel playing. There is no dynamic game play feeling at all. Like you though, I'll continue to sim my games as I do like the roster building aspect.

I would still rather play NHL Legacy edition when it comes to actual playing the game and that's sad.

[jsquigg]

Re: not as bad as some people say

I know the games may be dated, but NHL 08 and 09 where fun in spite of their flaws and arcadey feel at times. That was when they first implemented ai learning and playing against some of the top end teams was scary, and yes, I realize this was because there were limited defensive tools, but you really had to rely on positioning. I feel like video games are harder to appreciate because in the early days fun and imagination were required because realism had its limits. Now the graphics are so good that a lot of the flaws stand out, especially when it feels like control isn't slick or the AI is dumbed down to present a challenge.

[Chiefaho]

Re: not as bad as some people say

I know the games may be dated, but NHL 08 and 09 where fun in spite of their flaws and arcadey feel at times. That was when they first implemented ai learning and playing against some of the top end teams was scary, and yes, I realize this was because there were limited defensive tools, but you really had to rely on positioning. I feel like video games are harder to appreciate because in the early days fun and imagination were required because realism had its limits. Now the graphics are so good that a lot of the flaws stand out, especially when it feels like control isn't slick or the AI is dumbed down to present a challenge.

I agree completely. In my opinion, "realism" makes most video games a lot less fun, and I don't understand people who want ultra-realism in all their games. Whenever game devs try to make something realistic, they usually end up taking a lot of the creativity and imagination that you mentioned out of the game, leaving only one or two ways to play the game. In the case of sports games, they take away a lot of that "anything can happen" feel of the sport, restricting playstyles and leaving every game you play feeling almost the same. I still play NHL 2004 from time to time and while it often does feel very video-gamey, it is still a blast to play. If I wanted to experience real hockey, I'd go to a game, watch some on TV or better yet lace up myself and go play. I'm not saying I want to play a full-on arcade hockey game, but you can have a good looking, good playing game without attempting (and failing) to make everything 100% true to life, it just hasn't been done yet. There is a fine line between arcade and realism that sports devs just can't ever seem to come close to hitting. Someday, though...someday...