Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

[BigBadAss33]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

Besides the fact that EA NHL is a copy pasted, unfinished and bug ridden scam of game with an AAA-game price tag? Probably a few. There usually are.

And don’t let the fact that there’s “positive buzz” about gameplay in here fool you — that simply means all who recognize the scam for what it is has moved on to other things and given up on EA.

I recommend you read thoroughly through the first 20 posts in EA’s own forum to get an understanding about NHL 23. The game seems to be in a worse state than usual.

As always, I wouldn’t recommend supporting EA by buying this game — not even on sale. It’s a horrible and cynical cash crab and we should burn it by fire until some other game company produces the hockey game we deserve.

YOU are 100% wrong!!!!

if you play the game correctly with the right sliders and not like online DEKEFEST garbage, this game is fantastic.

There is a catch... You have to play on certain cameras(NOT OVERHEAD or CLASSIC) and MOST important you MUST play POSITION LOCK..

Not trying to convince you.. You sound like your set in stone!

Give it a try.. It might surprise you...

[KomicJ]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

YOU are 100% wrong!!!!

if you play the game correctly with the right sliders and not like online DEKEFEST garbage, this game is fantastic.

There is a catch... You have to play on certain cameras(NOT OVERHEAD or CLASSIC) and MOST important you MUST play POSITION LOCK..

Not trying to convince you.. You sound like your set in stone!

Give it a try.. It might surprise you...

I mean no disrespect, but I don't think 'you gotta play the game a different way than what you want' really translates to a 'good game'. It's like saying to someone who feels the game isn't challenging enough that their complaints are invalid because they haven't been playing it while sitting upside-down or with their eyes closed.

[Therebelyell626]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

YOU are 100% wrong!!!!

if you play the game correctly with the right sliders and not like online DEKEFEST garbage, this game is fantastic.

There is a catch... You have to play on certain cameras(NOT OVERHEAD or CLASSIC) and MOST important you MUST play POSITION LOCK..

Not trying to convince you.. You sound like your set in stone!

Give it a try.. It might surprise you...

See, this is my problem with the people who are touting the so called “positive” aspects of this game.

“This game is great. You just have to play it in a very specific and niche way and it’s great”

We shouldn’t have to “doctor” the game outside of sliders with things such as changing the camera and playing one position to enjoy a sports game.

The truth is the gameplay isn’t terrible in this years version. But there are just so many factors that make it a chore to play and not remotely the fun I experience I had with ‘19-‘22.

[PernellKarl076]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

See, this is my problem with the people who are touting the so called “positive” aspects of this game.

“This game is great. You just have to play it in a very specific and niche way and it’s great”

We shouldn’t have to “doctor” the game outside of sliders with things such as changing the camera and playing one position to enjoy a sports game.

The truth is the gameplay isn’t terrible in this years version. But there are just so many factors that make it a chore to play and not remotely the fun I experience I had with ‘19-‘22.

It’s funny cause I’ve seen these arguments before Therebelyell, but the "very specific way" he’s talking about (and I) is playing like REAL hockey !!!

Since when, playing such a fast sport makes it OK to control ALL players ? Since when, this sport is being played from the sky ? Since when having tons of on screen effects while playing has become a thing ? Since when, you see puck shadows 4 times as big as the puck ? Since when in hockey the puck sticks like a magnet on your stick ? Games where destroying checks are a common thing ? I could go on ALL day really… But, I’ll stop…

Look at all your favourite YouTubers and that’s the way they play the game…. It became a thing in the online world at some point and now people are playing it this way…. The wrong way…

And YES you have to "doctor" the game if you don’t want to play it like that ONLINE crap they call hockey….

A disgrace and a slap to the face of REAL hockey lovers and players IMO !

[BigBadAss33]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

It’s funny cause I’ve seen these arguments before Therebelyell, but the "very specific way" he’s talking about (and I) is playing like REAL hockey !!!

Since when, playing such a fast sport makes it OK to control ALL players ? Since when, this sport is being played from the sky ? Since when having tons of on screen effects while playing has become a thing ? Since when, you see puck shadows 4 times as big as the puck ? Since when in hockey the puck sticks like a magnet on your stick ? Games where destroying checks are a common thing ? I could go on ALL day really… But, I’ll stop…

Look at all your favourite YouTubers and that’s the way they play the game…. It became a thing in the online world at some point and now people are playing it this way…. The wrong way…

And YES you have to "doctor" the game if you don’t want to play it like that ONLINE crap they call hockey….

A disgrace and a slap to the face of REAL hockey lovers and players IMO !

All facts bro!!! Dont sweat it!

These are the same guys that think because they play MODERN WARFARE, that they can play paint ball with navy seals and win all day long!!!

Too each his own.. We are happy and thats all that matters!!

[PernellKarl076]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

All facts bro!!! Dont sweat it!

These are the same guys that think because they play MODERN WARFARE, that they can play paint ball with navy seals and win all day long!!!

Too each his own.. We are happy and thats all that matters!!

I was not sweating it, lol !

I also didn’t mean no disrespect, like you say to each their own and that’s fine… If you enjoy the game "pinball from space" go ahead ! But don’t say that people "need to play a certain way" to enjoy the game….

That certain way is playing HOCKEY, lol !

[JBlaze78]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

Love how all the people that have found their niche way of making this game playable dunk on all the people that dislike the game for what it TRULY is and want to pay for a product that simulates what it says it does. In this case NHL Hockey. Must make the same three people who say the exact same things on every single thread feel great about themselves. Echo chamber living, have never understood the appeal.

The thing is the game is bugged. You have to mess with the sliders in order for it to even come close to simulating real Hockey. Kudos to those that post their findings for the enjoyment of others. Telling me I have to play at a certain camera angle with my position locked in order to fully enjoy the game is ludicrous. So you are saying I need to play Be A Pro which is a whole other pile of EA madness and untouched again this year.

They finally fixed the offer sheet bug that was also present in NHL 22.

They HAVENT fixed the created player skater glitch that was ALSO present in NHL 22.

The AI will still trade for restricted Free Agents and then not resign them the next year. Leaving good young players rotting in restricted Free agency. Even though if the trade circumstances the game will not allow us to trade for anyone that will put us over the cap the next year or allow us to trade players to another team that will result in that team being over the cap next season.

Young players having cages as 15-16 yo never transitioning to a visored helmet.

The AI, oh my god the AI. How many times a game does yours or the computers D-man circle back around failing to pass on a d-zone breakout only to be pinned on the boards? More than Jen Psaki at her daily WH press brief. 5, 10, 15 plus times a game. Well that isn't what I watch most nights when I watch a real game. Or how often does your AI opponent actually cycle the puck in normal play? Or lord forbid on a power play? It literally never does. But then I might ask how often does the AI just steam roll right to the slot no matter the traffic and try a zero chance shot? Nearly the whole game. If I want the game statistics, most importantly opponents shots, to look anywhere near normal I have to allow the opponent to shoot. Because of the above AI tactic of beeline straight to the slot on every ozone entry only to run into multiple defenders or have it poke checked away.

I use Alito's slider set with some minor adjustments. But the game limits what we can adjust with sliders and then does a poor job of explaining what each does. Not sure if anyone follows Tougie on youtube but that lack of real understanding lead to his Rosters being released last year to a lot of WTF's.

Lets face facts there have been very few improvements to Franchise since 14, graphics aside. With many notable things removed. Intros are a SHADOW of what they were, if you doubt it just go to you tube and do a quick search. Reddit is also great for it. When is the last time EA had proper faceoffs, where one or both players could be booted out? Did they ever have it or am I dreaming of the best NHL game ever 2k10. No contract changes ie NTC. No dead cap or injured reserve. Removing our ability to edit players in an OFFLINE mode, first it was player style removed in 21, then it was position. Again its an offline mode who cares if I want to change a defender into winger *cough* Blake Burns *cough* The fact height and weight are still greyed out is crazy to me. What I loved about old 2k games was the editing ability. The speed, the QOL and the amount of things I could edit was truly awesome not to mention the speed in which I could edit players. Not sure why EA and others that dunk on the idea of giving us more editing capabilities in an offline mode makes me wonder about their personal control issues. Introduction of Coaches and Line Chemistry that is all over the map while failing to have any ability for players or coaches to adapt to their surroundings. I cant tell you how many times have I started a franchise as Edmonton and the coach is only 50/50 on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. You are kidding me right? Name me a coach that wouldnt want McDavid on his team or at very least couldnt find a way to make that work. And wtf dont we have real coaches? EA that cheap? <--Rhetorical question.

Has anyone noticed that controls sticking on menus is getting worse? When loading the game I have to hit x twice just to initiate the game. Or when flipping through or scrolling through menus? Sticking and slow.

To those that are enjoying the game, truly good for you. For those that still say this game leaves a lot to be desired, you too are right and free to express that as I have above. Its not a full list, is unorganized and doesnt begin to fully express my thoughts on the game, franchise or company. I have been BUYING games since the early 90's. To say this is the best in gaming is just sad. Its clear that EA no longer employs people with a passion for the sport they are creating a game to emulate. And in some cases begs the question of whether they even watch the sport they are creating a game to emulate....

[JBlaze78]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

Love how all the people that have found their niche way of making this game playable dunk on all the people that dislike the game for what it TRULY is and want to pay for a product that simulates what it says it does. In this case NHL Hockey. Must make the same three people who say the exact same things on every single thread feel great about themselves. Echo chamber living, have never understood the appeal.

The thing is the game is bugged. You have to mess with the sliders in order for it to even come close to simulating real Hockey. Kudos to those that post their findings for the enjoyment of others. Telling me I have to play at a certain camera angle with my position locked in order to fully enjoy the game is ludicrous. So you are saying I need to play Be A Pro which is a whole other pile of EA madness and untouched again this year.

They finally fixed the offer sheet bug that was also present in NHL 22.

They HAVENT fixed the created player skater glitch that was ALSO present in NHL 22.

The AI will still trade for restricted Free Agents and then not resign them the next year. Leaving good young players rotting in restricted Free agency. Even though if the trade circumstances the game will not allow us to trade for anyone that will put us over the cap the next year or allow us to trade players to another team that will result in that team being over the cap next season.

Young players having cages as 15-16 yo never transitioning to a visored helmet.

The AI, oh my god the AI. How many times a game does yours or the computers D-man circle back around failing to pass on a d-zone breakout only to be pinned on the boards? More than Jen Psaki at her daily WH press brief. 5, 10, 15 plus times a game. Well that isn't what I watch most nights when I watch a real game. Or how often does your AI opponent actually cycle the puck in normal play? Or lord forbid on a power play? It literally never does. But then I might ask how often does the AI just steam roll right to the slot no matter the traffic and try a zero chance shot? Nearly the whole game. If I want the game statistics, most importantly opponents shots, to look anywhere near normal I have to allow the opponent to shoot. Because of the above AI tactic of beeline straight to the slot on every ozone entry only to run into multiple defenders or have it poke checked away.

I use Alito's slider set with some minor adjustments. But the game limits what we can adjust with sliders and then does a poor job of explaining what each does. Not sure if anyone follows Tougie on youtube but that lack of real understanding lead to his Rosters being released last year to a lot of WTF's.

Lets face facts there have been very few improvements to Franchise since 14, graphics aside. With many notable things removed. Intros are a SHADOW of what they were, if you doubt it just go to you tube and do a quick search. Reddit is also great for it. When is the last time EA had proper faceoffs, where one or both players could be booted out? Did they ever have it or am I dreaming of the best NHL game ever 2k10. No contract changes ie NTC. No dead cap or injured reserve. Removing our ability to edit players in an OFFLINE mode, first it was player style removed in 21, then it was position. Again its an offline mode who cares if I want to change a defender into winger *cough* Blake Burns *cough* The fact height and weight are still greyed out is crazy to me. What I loved about old 2k games was the editing ability. The speed, the QOL and the amount of things I could edit was truly awesome not to mention the speed in which I could edit players. Not sure why EA and others that dunk on the idea of giving us more editing capabilities in an offline mode makes me wonder about their personal control issues. Introduction of Coaches and Line Chemistry that is all over the map while failing to have any ability for players or coaches to adapt to their surroundings. I cant tell you how many times have I started a franchise as Edmonton and the coach is only 50/50 on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. You are kidding me right? Name me a coach that wouldnt want McDavid on his team or at very least couldnt find a way to make that work. And wtf dont we have real coaches? EA that cheap? <--Rhetorical question.

Has anyone noticed that controls sticking on menus is getting worse? When loading the game I have to hit x twice just to initiate the game. Or when flipping through or scrolling through menus? Sticking and slow.

To those that are enjoying the game, truly good for you. For those that still say this game leaves a lot to be desired, you too are right and free to express that as I have above. Its not a full list, is unorganized and doesnt begin to fully express my thoughts on the game, franchise or company. I have been BUYING games since the early 90's. To say this is the best in gaming is just sad. Its clear that EA no longer employs people with a passion for the sport they are creating a game to emulate. And in some cases begs the question of whether they even watch the sport they are creating a game to emulate....

Since I cant find the edit button... To add to the addition to the coaches fiasco for those that dont simulate the game but actually play the games. You now have to edit to team, line and pairing strategies every game as they now reset to the default coaches settings. You can no longer manually override there settings once and not worry about it again.
I have also seen that when you fire a coach mid season and hire a new coach the old coaching strategies remain the same.
Also with the latest patch, the 1-3-1 power play has been removed and your coaches will now only use shooting and umbrella.

Again I know I am leaving a lot out but think those that actually read the above will understand where I am coming from. That all said I really want a good game, but right now I dont think that is what we have.

[JBlaze78]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

Ohhh and this... If you like chip and chase hockey .... well EA either doesnt like you or doesnt know what that is...

Here is a video from a fairly popular youtuber displaying EA's prowess in AI design and Hockey Intelligence.

https:// www.youtube. com/watch?v= EjubXAGINsQ

remove the spaces above to watch (3)

anywhere from the 7 minute mark through about 9 minute mark will be evidence of just how lacking the AI is when it comes to team cohesion during chip and chase plays.

[PernellKarl076]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

JBlaze, since you just started here, not really sure if you gonna stick around ? So I don’t even know if it’s gonna be worth my time 🤔

For Franchise, I’ll take your word for it since I don’t play this mode…

As for gameplay, I could debunk every single thing you said… You clearly don’t like the game and you bringing YT guys on your rant that… I’m not gonna say it 🤫

And NO, you don’t have to play the game with either Player Lock or Action Camera…. Plenty of guys in my Slider thread that loves the gameplay on different cameras and controlling the whole team….

It’s just that Action Camera and Player Lock brings you the best hockey experience IMO…. But what do I know, I’m not a loud mouth YT creator like some of the guys you are watching…

And of course you need to customize it… The game OOTB is made for online basically and doesn’t care about simulating the sport.

I’ll say it again, and I put my credibility in play here…. NHL23 has the best gameplay of every other NHL games…. EVER…

[KomicJ]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

JBlaze, since you just started here, not really sure if you gonna stick around ? So I don’t even know if it’s gonna be worth my time ��

For Franchise, I’ll take your word for it since I don’t play this mode…

As for gameplay, I could debunk every single thing you said… You clearly don’t like the game and you bringing YT guys on your rant that… I’m not gonna say it ��

And NO, you don’t have to play the game with either Player Lock or Action Camera…. Plenty of guys in my Slider thread that loves the gameplay on different cameras and controlling the whole team….

It’s just that Action Camera and Player Lock brings you the best hockey experience IMO…. But what do I know, I’m not a loud mouth YT creator like some of the guys you are watching…

And of course you need to customize it… The game OOTB is made for online basically and doesn’t care about simulating the sport.

I’ll say it again, and I put my credibility in play here…. NHL23 has the best gameplay of every other NHL games…. EVER…

I'm gonna have to side with JBlaze on this one...and to be honest, I'm not sure why you're arguing his points, since they pretty much all apply to Franchise mode, a mode that you apparently don't even play...and that IS the subject of THIS topic.

Now that's not to say that you can't enjoy the game. You have found YOUR way to enjoy it, good for you ! I'm sincerely happy ! But for US, Franchise mode gamers (ones that simulate AND also ones that are playing the games)...this game is a HUGE step back, not only compared to NHL 22, but its predecessors. Many things got removed, others were changed for worse. Poorly planed changes broke some stuff, while other additions have been broken since day-1 only to never get fixed. It's up to a point where gamers looking for a true-sim experience, within franchise mode, can't find what they're looking for in this game, no matter how much you change the sliders, or in-game camera angle.

Team management AI is completely broken, so is the head coaching system / line chemistry. Faceoffs deployment on special teams is an issue. Scouting is still random AF. LTIR isn't a thing, neither are conditional assets in trade offers (ask anyone playing as the Habs how fun it was that their own pick was property of ARI, with NO WAY of changing it, when it was obvious that the CAR pick was the one that should've been sent to them in return of Dvorak). No All-star game, no Winter Classic. Simulated stats, for the other 31 teams, are suspect at best. Record book is broken. Contract negotiations telling you in advance if a player is gonna grow or not. Those things might not be important to you as a gamer, but they ARE to US, Franchise players.

I get that you're having fun, I really do. But you're not playing the mode being discussed here. JBlaze is right about everything he said. Most things he points out are things you ONLY experience within Franchise mode, when you're playing multiple seasons. With all due respect, there's nothing for you to debunk here, as you're not playing the mode. This mode needs to be scraped, and rebuilt from the ground up at this point.

[PernellKarl076]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

I'm gonna have to side with JBlaze on this one...and to be honest, I'm not sure why you're arguing his points, since they pretty much all apply to Franchise mode, a mode that you apparently don't even play...and that IS the subject of THIS topic.

Now that's not to say that you can't enjoy the game. You have found YOUR way to enjoy it, good for you ! I'm sincerely happy ! But for US, Franchise mode gamers (ones that simulate AND also ones that are playing the games)...this game is a HUGE step back, not only compared to NHL 22, but its predecessors. Many things got removed, others were changed for worse. Poorly planed changes broke some stuff, while other additions have been broken since day-1 only to never get fixed. It's up to a point where gamers looking for a true-sim experience, within franchise mode, can't find what they're looking for in this game, no matter how much you change the sliders, or in-game camera angle.

Team management AI is completely broken, so is the head coaching system / line chemistry. Faceoffs deployment on special teams is an issue. Scouting is still random AF. LTIR isn't a thing, neither are conditional assets in trade offers (ask anyone playing as the Habs how fun it was that their own pick was property of ARI, with NO WAY of changing it, when it was obvious that the CAR pick was the one that should've been sent to them in return of Dvorak). No All-star game, no Winter Classic. Simulated stats, for the other 31 teams, are suspect at best. Record book is broken. Contract negotiations telling you in advance if a player is gonna grow or not. Those things might not be important to you as a gamer, but they ARE to US, Franchise players.

I get that you're having fun, I really do. But you're not playing the mode being discussed here. JBlaze is right about everything he said. Most things he points out are things you ONLY experience within Franchise mode, when you're playing multiple seasons. With all due respect, there's nothing for you to debunk here, as you're not playing the mode. This mode needs to be scraped, and rebuilt from the ground up at this point.

With all due respect KomicJ, he came in with a looooong rant on everything that has already been said about Franchise over and over… I get that they screwed up and I feel for the hardcore Franchise people. I really do.

I also could go on EA's site or watch YT guys talking about all the bugs and post a loooong text about what’s wrong with the game, but that’s not really CONSTRUCTIVE…. It’s always the same old EA screwed us routine.

He also has the right to vent… Why not…

But don’t tell me he didn’t talk about gameplay, because he did, if you didn’t see it, read again…. And the reason why I said I could debunk it, is not to be a smart ***, it’s I don’t feel he actually played 23. I’ve played/tested it a TON and his gameplay complaints I don’t see them in my game.

[Barzalmode]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

So, I bought the game because it was on sale. Luckily, microsoft gave me a refund. It's funny how EA can make a game better and worse at the same time.

I had the game for about 2 days and pretty much all the negative that has been said about Franchise Mode is true. The gameplay is better, but the mess that is Franchise Mode negates all the positives and since the mode itself has been a disaster for so many years now, I'm not willing to do another year of it.

As for the guy who uses player-lock in Season Mode... I can see why that works and makes the game playable, but it's just not enough for me. I need the deep dive and EA just doesn't do that anymore.

[JBlaze78]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

JBlaze, since you just started here, not really sure if you gonna stick around ? So I don’t even know if it’s gonna be worth my time 🤔

For Franchise, I’ll take your word for it since I don’t play this mode…

As for gameplay, I could debunk every single thing you said… You clearly don’t like the game and you bringing YT guys on your rant that… I’m not gonna say it 🤫

And NO, you don’t have to play the game with either Player Lock or Action Camera…. Plenty of guys in my Slider thread that loves the gameplay on different cameras and controlling the whole team….

It’s just that Action Camera and Player Lock brings you the best hockey experience IMO…. But what do I know, I’m not a loud mouth YT creator like some of the guys you are watching…

And of course you need to customize it… The game OOTB is made for online basically and doesn’t care about simulating the sport.

I’ll say it again, and I put my credibility in play here…. NHL23 has the best gameplay of every other NHL games…. EVER…

Kind of the response I expected out of you, and your crew. Have been lurking for years and signed up a couple years ago. Make of that what you will as you have done above. Congrats.

I could get several other YT videos from the last 3 years that say similar things and are not affiliated. So your argument against that is weak as well. Pattern developing I see.

I see that you dont negate or debate me on a single bug in the game. Of which there are many, immersion breaking for most if not game breaking for others. Not sure who you are to tell anyone what is right and wrong with their opinions of a game. Like I said for those that enjoy the game fantastic, I hope you continue to do so. For those that can clearly see issues with a game they play we should be able to post about that too without someone like yourself stating nonsensical hey play my sliders bs without actually discussing what is posted. FRANCHISE MODE

As for gameplay, when you look at what is and what was, its a push for me. Its not revolutionary by any means. Truly how much different is 23 than 22? Not what they promised and have yet to deliver but actually what is IN THE GAME. You know EA's joke of a moniker or mission statement. Without sliders, and people that make them and then share them with the rest of us, this game is absolute garbage. I solely play franchise mode as BAP died in NHL 21. The in game action is decent but does NOT simulate real hockey. Which is what most of us are after right? I mean I dont like the sky-view pinball hockey either. But I also dont like nonsensical AI that does the very same thing every zone entry. Its laughable when the AI plays dump and chase. Only a little less so as a player because the AI sends one guy in forechecking along with yours so you have 2 players on your side of the RED ZONE.

Thing about gameplay for me is it includes the pregame, how much does the game build up the immersion, how often is that immersion broken because Hedman or Fox decides to circle back in their own end and cough up the puck as they are inevitably pinned on the boards. How often does the AI just streak straight to the slot, no matter the traffic or players blocking his path. How often does the AI cycle? Around the boards? Back to their Defense? Or ever on the power play? ESSENTIALLY How much does the game I am playing emulate the real thing. Without sliders, its Online hockey as you stated and unplayable. With sliders you can tailor the game to look a bit more like the sport we all love. Problem with that is its trial and error and more needs to be opened up to our personal editing as I had mentioned. Bottom line this is EA's job, why is it so hard for them to develop two sets of sliders, SIMULATION and Online. Given you know its IN THE GAME.

I mean no disrespect at all and I apologize if I have offended. I am just wanting the absolute best game we all can have. Knowing what this game was 10/15 years ago and seeing what it is now, outside the glossy graphics, it is a Soulless Husk of what it used to be. If its in the game, its half assed, meant to frustrate and guide people to HUT. Bottom line EA doesnt care about anyone who doest load up HUT and swipe their cards or worse!!!!

[JBlaze78]

Re: Any issues that make Franchise Mode Unplayable?

I'm gonna have to side with JBlaze on this one...and to be honest, I'm not sure why you're arguing his points, since they pretty much all apply to Franchise mode, a mode that you apparently don't even play...and that IS the subject of THIS topic.

Now that's not to say that you can't enjoy the game. You have found YOUR way to enjoy it, good for you ! I'm sincerely happy ! But for US, Franchise mode gamers (ones that simulate AND also ones that are playing the games)...this game is a HUGE step back, not only compared to NHL 22, but its predecessors. Many things got removed, others were changed for worse. Poorly planed changes broke some stuff, while other additions have been broken since day-1 only to never get fixed. It's up to a point where gamers looking for a true-sim experience, within franchise mode, can't find what they're looking for in this game, no matter how much you change the sliders, or in-game camera angle.

Team management AI is completely broken, so is the head coaching system / line chemistry. Faceoffs deployment on special teams is an issue. Scouting is still random AF. LTIR isn't a thing, neither are conditional assets in trade offers (ask anyone playing as the Habs how fun it was that their own pick was property of ARI, with NO WAY of changing it, when it was obvious that the CAR pick was the one that should've been sent to them in return of Dvorak). No All-star game, no Winter Classic. Simulated stats, for the other 31 teams, are suspect at best. Record book is broken. Contract negotiations telling you in advance if a player is gonna grow or not. Those things might not be important to you as a gamer, but they ARE to US, Franchise players.

I get that you're having fun, I really do. But you're not playing the mode being discussed here. JBlaze is right about everything he said. Most things he points out are things you ONLY experience within Franchise mode, when you're playing multiple seasons. With all due respect, there's nothing for you to debunk here, as you're not playing the mode. This mode needs to be scraped, and rebuilt from the ground up at this point.

Thank you for filling in the blanks for things I left out in Franchise or otherwise in the game. I feel like I could give a PHD level dissertation as to what is missing from this game, company...

How many franchise modes have you setup similar to your Habs example where you steal players from the offending team before you start up your franchise just so you can make right the egregious errors EA made once the franchise has started? I wish starting a franchise mode didnt take me half a day to setup with rosters and editing. You cant see all the players that have contracts with you until you start the mode. So you think you have added space for a Free agent on start only to find that the game has 1/2/3/4 other players not in the NHL/AHL that mysteriously find their way to your team? LOANS are the reason and this game has no way of simulating that either.

Truly all I want is the game that simulates Hockey, as I find hockey to be incredibly fun to watch, I dont think its flare for the exciting can be matched by any other sport because of the way hockey is played, on ice with a frozen rubber disk. Honestly until another competitor comes onto the market, nothing will ever change. Kind of the way monopolies tend to work, they dont change until they are forced to.