CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

[Qb]

Give me what you've got. I spent most of my NHL10 time playing EASHL, so I have a fairly good idea of what the issues and areas for improvement are. But I've already seen a few goodies in some of the other threads.

Also, I know Vic from EASHLforum will bring the thunder here from his involvement with that community. I'm trying to be practical about what I can focus on if you're wondering why I left this one to the last minute.

Anywho, give me your ideas for improving the EASHL/OTP experience and other online game modes. A few of mine:


EASHL/OTP

1. Assuming equipment boosts return for 11, make boost slots independent of equipment (and preferably lose the silly-gear). Users unlock slots and assign them to whatever real equipment they want.

2. Make Casual & Professional leagues mean something, perhaps different settings with match-making exclusivity.

3. For lobby OTP games, have the user select the position they want to play prior to going into the match-making queue. Hopefully this could limit the number of people quitting when they don't get their favorite position.

4. Allow the user to have at least a forward/d-man build so we don't have to edit our Pro if we need to switch positions. If this isn't possible, at least make it easier to re-assign attributes -- put it all in one menu option!

Taking it one step further, maybe allow us to switch positions during a game? A bit of an off-the-wall idea here, but it would be cool if we could switch goalies mid-game or maybe have someone else move to center if the starter can't win draws against his counterpart.

5. Make Balance a skating attribute, not a defensive one. Perhaps this could help with all the midget danglers who can skate circles and can't be knocked over. I'd also like to have a long discussion about the attribute/boost system in general...


Versus

1. Ability to play hardcore/manual passing games for online versus. I know the FIFA series allows us to set controller settings and game speed for online custom matches. No reason why NHL shouldn't be the same way.

2. The online league system could use a big overhaul, although I'm not too optimistic with OTP seemingly being the priority. At the very least, we need better commissioner options for format, scheduling, stat-tracking. Ability to use custom sliders/settings would be a welcome addition.

I'm not much of a versus player since we can't play with hardcore/manual settings, so if you guys have more input here, please chime in...

[Lubey]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

Practice mode for your EASHL team.

Bump up the AI for CPU players in OTP/EASHL by one skill level (probably to All Star). I know there's the argument where you should be punished for playing with CPU teammates, but it's annoying when one of your guys passes it in your own net. It has the potential to ruin close games.

[sroz39]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

Qb, you touched on alot of the issues I have with the game and the poster above also hit the nail on the head with his Practice Mode option for your EASHL club.

Being a goalie, primarily, I would love to see them allow the blue "arrow" that you get in BAP as a goalie. Not sure why they take it out online, as it's difficult enough to play net and follow the puck. Considering they show position players where they should be with the blue position arrow, taking it away from the goalie seems unnecessarily unfair.

[SinisterAlex]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

- More "realistic" equipment unlocks. I want real equipment with attribute boosts, not these dumb "Flame" helmets and skates.

- I agree with all the points you made Qb including the position one. That would be huge to keep people from quitting before the game starts.

- Only the CAPTAIN of the OTP team or EASHL can pull the goalie. I get so frustrated when I'm the captain of the OTP team and some ****** decides to pull the goalie for no reason. Leave it to the captain, whether it's a human goalie or not.

[b3organ]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

This is my favourite subject as well. All things above are great ideas and these ideas may have some similar ones but there you go...

1) Definitely a practice mode where you can skate freely with your teammates. At least a match envinroment without opponent would be easy to make. If more detailed is possible then take offline practices to online.

2) Closed match-making also for EASHL. To start a game your team chooses player positions and off we go. And a game with an opponent with same amount (or +/-1 player) of players starts. And give a 3-0-loss for a team that quits right away. (Have heard that if you quit the game inside first minute it won't count as a loss).

3) Skill level at match-making. If possible same "level" of players should play at OTP/EASHL-games at default.

4) Line editing option for EASHL-team. Before each game after the positions have been chosen let the team captain edit pp/pk-lines so that a forward could play as a dman at pp for example. As QB said this would be a great option during a game but if not possible please let editing happen at least before game.

5) Different build at least for my goalie. Now the weight/height change when you change the data of your dman/forward.

6) Boosts system. Make it so that it doensn't relate to your outlook. To make players look more personal let all the equipment have 3 slots. You should be able to wear a VM-helmet for example without paying the price for not being able to use boosts that you've earned. So, 3 slot system is okay and you should only have to open boost by playing/paying. Please no need to open equipment slots.

7) General online/server/etc. mod for Europe. At the moment there are numerous issues (at eashl, otp, versus gaming) that ruin your otherwise great experience.

That's all for now. Not a word about glitching. I'm proud of myself.

[Fiddy]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

1) get rid of arcade boosts and equipment. just like Litty said they would for the series when NHL 07 dropped. (i would love for someone to ask this question to Litty. why did you go against what you said you would do with the series? he stated it would be gone and never come back and well here it is in nhl 10..)

2) when you earn your card attribute points, let us add them wherever. if that means starting us with even lower attributes then so be it.

3) fake cpu player names, please pull from the eashl club we on. so it looks like we playing with the guys even though they just cpu controlled.

4) more realistic equipment please.

5) as someone stated before, let me have 2 or 3 different set ups saved. depending on who is playing etc on my club. so i dont have to go back and redo my player.

[b3organ]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

2) when you earn your card attribute points, let us add them wherever. if that means starting us with even lower attributes then so be it.

I'm not quite sure what you mean but if you change your player type (grinder, sniper, etc.) from the hockey shop then your attribute points reset and you are able to add them wherever.

But as Qb said the player editing menus could be more clearer and you should be able to do all the tasks under one menu.

[Fiddy]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

I'm not quite sure what you mean but if you change your player type (grinder, sniper, etc.) from the hockey shop then your attribute points reset and you are able to add them wherever.

But as Qb said the player editing menus could be more clearer and you should be able to do all the tasks under one menu.

yes, but you get limited to what you can do, bc something costs 10 or 15 pts etc.. if i want to be able to put 80 points etc into something i should be able to. not be stopped when i only have 7 pts left. then have to adjust things so all the pts can be used. the cost of add attributes is stupid.

in nhl 09, you could add pts to whatever correct? there was no cost to add attribute points.. i maybe wrong here..

[RealmK]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

1) get rid of arcade boosts and equipment. just like Litty said they would for the series when NHL 07 dropped. (i would love for someone to ask this question to Litty. why did you go against what you said you would do with the series? he stated it would be gone and never come back and well here it is in nhl 10..)

I'm fairly convinced that decision was completely out of Litty's hands and came from above. EA is trying to make additional money via microtransactions across the entire sports line, be it a super WR for Madden for 99 cents, or a boosted stat hockey stick for NHL for examples. While I agree it blows aim that anger at Peter Moore or John Riccitiello since thats more likely where those types of calls are coming from.

[b3organ]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

2) when you earn your card attribute points, let us add them wherever. if that means starting us with even lower attributes then so be it.

Yeah, now I understood it (I believe). And it would be great and there would be differences in players if we could leave some attribute to 55 or something similar and use those points more freely.

[Fiddy]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

it would also be nice to know if all player types are the same for most part or not.

example.. i make a sniper, have his wrist shot accuracy and power at say 90.. i then make a power forward with the same set up as the above. will the sniper be better at well sniping or does the power forward do the same thing bc of the wrist shot accuracy and power?

this stuff should be in the manual. let us know what does what!!

[b3organ]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

it would also be nice to know if all player types are the same for most part or not.....

I believe the event has started but this a thing I would like to know also QB (if you check these threads from there)!

At least I do feel the difference (in playing) if you do for example a sniper and an off. defenseman with same weight/height, speed, acc. and agility value. Don't know the reason.

[kerosene31]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

I think the biggest problem in the EASHL is the player cards.

I've been on an EASHL team now for the past two games and it has been some of the most fun we've had on any video game, ever (and I started back in the Atari 2600 days). Unfortunately it has also been some of the most frustrating.

The problem isn't boosts, or players buying boosts, it is the player cards. The cards give players a massive bump in attributes, and other than the legend card, this huge boost comes from nothing other than simply playing more games than others.

Honestly, the EASHL feels more like Everquest or World of Warcraft rather than a game requiring any kind of skill.

For the past 2 years, the game has started out mostly the same for us. Early on, nobody knows the glitches, and mostly everyone has the same low attributes. However in a month or so the power gamers all have earned their veteran card (or higher) and are pretty much unstoppable. Those of us who manage a dozen games a week are simply going to get left in the dust. My team is made up of mostly people who have families and only manage to sneak in a few games after the kids are in bed. There's no way we can compete with the power gamers.

Once good players have super high agility and shooting ratings, it is pretty much game over for anyone who doesn't have their higher cards. Some will argue that I'm just not good enough, but anyone who's tried to go against someone with a superstar card with only the rookie or even pro card knows. If someone has that massive of an attribute boost there's no stopping them over an entire game. You can box them out for awhile with some really good trapping, but eventually they will make a cut you can't follow and find an open shooting lane.

Things like puck control and balance can make a player defy the laws of physics with enough points. There are 5'9" 175 lb players who can knock off a check like Chris Pronger out there, spin around three times and score a goal. That's simply not right IMHO. My EASHL team is really good about running a great 5 man defensive system. We can keep things close, but eventually the high attributes are going to win.

I'd like to see cards removed completely. I can live with the pay-for boosts. Heck, those are only small bumps compared to the cards.

The difference between a maxxed out player and a "lowbie" should be much, much less. Reward people for playing good hockey, not for just playing a lot of hockey. You have your monthly tourneys in the EASHL so people have something to continually shoot for.

I think that EA meant for the EASHL to be a group of friends playing together as a team (and that is fun) however what it turns into is a handful of "super teams" who have 8 million people so that people can simply "power level" their way to higher ratings. Then, they go off and join their "real" team. Unfortunately this is what I feel I have to do to compete.

In summary, all I want is a more level playing field. Boosts are ok. I'd rather have attributes based on how much money I spend rather than how many hours I can dedicate to playing the game.

Games like Modern Warfare 2 manage to have a complex leveling system, yet they don't put the "lowbie" at much of a disadvantage. Why can't the EASHL do something similar?

[voodoo_magic]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

I think the biggest problem in the EASHL is the player cards.

I've been on an EASHL team now for the past two games and it has been some of the most fun we've had on any video game, ever (and I started back in the Atari 2600 days). Unfortunately it has also been some of the most frustrating.

The problem isn't boosts, or players buying boosts, it is the player cards. The cards give players a massive bump in attributes, and other than the legend card, this huge boost comes from nothing other than simply playing more games than others.

Honestly, the EASHL feels more like Everquest or World of Warcraft rather than a game requiring any kind of skill.

For the past 2 years, the game has started out mostly the same for us. Early on, nobody knows the glitches, and mostly everyone has the same low attributes. However in a month or so the power gamers all have earned their veteran card (or higher) and are pretty much unstoppable. Those of us who manage a dozen games a week are simply going to get left in the dust. My team is made up of mostly people who have families and only manage to sneak in a few games after the kids are in bed. There's no way we can compete with the power gamers.

Once good players have super high agility and shooting ratings, it is pretty much game over for anyone who doesn't have their higher cards. Some will argue that I'm just not good enough, but anyone who's tried to go against someone with a superstar card with only the rookie or even pro card knows. If someone has that massive of an attribute boost there's no stopping them over an entire game. You can box them out for awhile with some really good trapping, but eventually they will make a cut you can't follow and find an open shooting lane.

Things like puck control and balance can make a player defy the laws of physics with enough points. There are 5'9" 175 lb players who can knock off a check like Chris Pronger out there, spin around three times and score a goal. That's simply not right IMHO. My EASHL team is really good about running a great 5 man defensive system. We can keep things close, but eventually the high attributes are going to win.

I'd like to see cards removed completely. I can live with the pay-for boosts. Heck, those are only small bumps compared to the cards.

The difference between a maxxed out player and a "lowbie" should be much, much less. Reward people for playing good hockey, not for just playing a lot of hockey. You have your monthly tourneys in the EASHL so people have something to continually shoot for.

I think that EA meant for the EASHL to be a group of friends playing together as a team (and that is fun) however what it turns into is a handful of "super teams" who have 8 million people so that people can simply "power level" their way to higher ratings. Then, they go off and join their "real" team. Unfortunately this is what I feel I have to do to compete.

In summary, all I want is a more level playing field. Boosts are ok. I'd rather have attributes based on how much money I spend rather than how many hours I can dedicate to playing the game.

Games like Modern Warfare 2 manage to have a complex leveling system, yet they don't put the "lowbie" at much of a disadvantage. Why can't the EASHL do something similar?

I don't completely disagree.
Second last paragraph I find kind of funny, because about half of my teammates are upset with EA because they don't have the money to buy all the boosts like others have, they want to earn them in some way.

I believe the whole system is a mess because it's all about the money EA can make and not what makes the game better.
If there were no cards or boosts you would get a level playing field where your skill at the game wins games and not having a legend card and maxed boosts.
Of course now that EA has seen people's willingness to buy clown gear to compete there is no turning back, only trying to plead with them to let us pay, but have all gear available

I doubt they will do this but having the casual league boost free would be about as good as they could do.
They want to reward people for playing their game so they need to have some kind of card system.
If they have a totally separate pro/casual league matching system that should help avoid having to play a maxed out team.

[plaidchuck]

Re: CD Event Feedback: OTP/EASHL/Leagues

Agreed for random OTP at least they should separate players by which card they have obtained... maybe have have Rookies and Pros in one pool and Veterans+ in another. You try to start playing random OTP 3-6 months after the game is realeased and you're screwed.