Complete newbie here....

[Segagendude]

I'm thinking of picking this game up. My question-----for a person who's never played this game before, is there an easy setting till I get accustomed to the controls and whatnot? I'd hate to go 0-82 as a rookie, lol......

At the same time, I'm not crazy about scoring 9+ goals per game. I want realism, but how hard exactly is this game? What would be the easiest (yet, still somewhat realistic) level for me to start with?

Thanks for any tips......

P.s.----just browsed Youtube NHL 10 videos,and was blown away by the sound, presentation, (Gary Thorne FTW!!!!!!) and overall gameplay. If 11 comes thru with what they promise, this could be my new GOTY!!!

[SinisterAlex]

Re: Complete newbie here....

There are four difficulty settings rookie, pro, all-star, superstar. So Rookie setting would be your best bet if you've never ever played an NHL video game before. Once you start to master the controls and you can score at least 3-4 goals per period, I'd move up to the next difficulty setting.

If you find that the default settings for the difficulty settings isn't good enough, there also loads of slider options (like Madden, FIFA, etc) that can alter AI difficulty, puck settings, game speeds, penalities, goalie reactions, etc. You can find alot of really great slider sets in the NHL slider sub-forum. As for you question about how hard the game is, it depends on your skill level. I play on custom superstar sliders that make the game as close to a sim style game as possible. But if you particularly don't care about sim games, then you can still make minor adjustments to the game settings to suit your liking. Pretty much it depends on your skill level and experience with the NHL franchise.

But if I were you and I had the money, I'd wait for NHL 11. The demo is probably going to be released in the next week or so and the full game comes out September 7th. NHL 11 is defiantly worth the wait.

[TIm]

Re: Complete newbie here....

There are four difficulty settings rookie, pro, all-star, superstar. So Rookie setting would be your best bet if you've never ever played an NHL video game before. Once you start to master the controls and you can score at least 3-4 goals per period, I'd move up to the next difficulty setting.

If you find that the default settings for the difficulty settings isn't good enough, there also loads of slider options (like Madden, FIFA, etc) that can alter AI difficulty, puck settings, game speeds, penalities, goalie reactions, etc. You can find alot of really great slider sets in the NHL slider sub-forum. As for you question about how hard the game is, it depends on your skill level. I play on custom superstar sliders that make the game as close to a sim style game as possible. But if you particularly don't care about sim games, then you can still make minor adjustments to the game settings to suit your liking. Pretty much it depends on your skill level and experience with the NHL franchise.

But if I were you and I had the money, I'd wait for NHL 11. The demo is probably going to be released in the next week or so and the full game comes out September 7th. NHL 11 is defiantly worth the wait.

Good advice man!!!

I'm with you.. don't purchase NHL 10... With the demo right around the corner, You can get a taste of the game there... If you like it enough, I would probably buy NHL 11.. Because from what I can see.. It looks very good... As you play the demo, We will get more hands on gameplay impressions and videos to see if the AI improved

[Segagendude]

Re: Complete newbie here....

Oh yeah, I was thinking of buying NHL11, for sure.

I meant I watched NHL10 vids to get a taste for it, and that version looked and sounded great.

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like rookie to "get my feet wet" and see what's what. Then I'll move up.

My main goal is I'd like to create a team in Cleveland and try to get a championship. In the meantime, I'll probably just play a bunch of "play now" games with various teams, since I don't have a fave team to do a franchise with.

Thanks again, guys. And when the game's released, don't be alarmed to see all the questions I'm surely gonna have, lol....

[Vikes1]

Re: Complete newbie here....

Hey Sega....I think your really going to enjoy EA's hockey game.

I see that you really liked what you saw of videos of the game. But just wait till you get your hands on it...what a blast. And some very solid improvements are on the way for '11'. The best of which I believe will prove to be the new "Real time physic" engine. Hope you enjoy it.

[Segagendude]

Re: Complete newbie here....

Hey Sega....I think your really going to enjoy EA's hockey game.

I see that you really liked what you saw of videos of the game. But just wait till you get your hands on it...what a blast. And some very solid improvements are on the way for '11'. The best of which I believe will prove to be the new "Real time physic" engine. Hope you enjoy it.

I think so to. Actually can't wait!

[SinisterAlex]

Re: Complete newbie here....

Oh yeah, I was thinking of buying NHL11, for sure.

I meant I watched NHL10 vids to get a taste for it, and that version looked and sounded great.

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like rookie to "get my feet wet" and see what's what. Then I'll move up.

My main goal is I'd like to create a team in Cleveland and try to get a championship. In the meantime, I'll probably just play a bunch of "play now" games with various teams, since I don't have a fave team to do a franchise with.

Thanks again, guys. And when the game's released, don't be alarmed to see all the questions I'm surely gonna have, lol....

We'll all be here to answer your questions

[JezFranco]

Re: Complete newbie here....

And by the way... isn't the demo of NHL 10 still available?
Pick it up and try it for a week or so...

/J

[ch46647]

Re: Complete newbie here....

Oh yeah, I was thinking of buying NHL11, for sure.

I meant I watched NHL10 vids to get a taste for it, and that version looked and sounded great.

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like rookie to "get my feet wet" and see what's what. Then I'll move up.

My main goal is I'd like to create a team in Cleveland and try to get a championship. In the meantime, I'll probably just play a bunch of "play now" games with various teams, since I don't have a fave team to do a franchise with.

Thanks again, guys. And when the game's released, don't be alarmed to see all the questions I'm surely gonna have, lol....

Hey man, I see you on the Madden forums all the time. Let me say I have always been a huge Madden fan until the switch to the next-gen games. I am seeing some progress with Madden but once again the lack of any pass defense and the barebone franchise mode will make M11 a placeholder shortly.

With that said I picked up NHL 07 when they first went to the analog control game play and was blown away. The game over the last few years has just become unbelievable. The gameplay is fast, tight, and incredibly intuitve. It is made easy to pick up but difficult to master. Whether you are playing off-line or on-line the game is as addicting as it gets.The NHL series is by far the best sports franchise out there today IMO.

I am not hesitant to say that I believe NHL 11 will be the greatest sports game ever created (as far as the total package goes). I have played just about every sports game there is to play since the genesis days and this series is the pinnacle of sports gaming.

I play a majority of my games on-line because I enjoy the human competition and there is very little "cheesing" since the gameplay is so tight. From time to time people find some glitch goals but the NHL team is usually very quick to getting them fixed in the "tuner sets". The games on-line take about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. It literally feels like 10 minutes though because of how fast paced the action is and how much fun you have while playing. The most fun I have is bringing a friend over and playing co-op on-line. I do not play off-line franchise much but I know Vikes1 and others could give you more insight on those modes.

I have never played hockey in my life and just started following the Caps about three years ago. My firends arent very familiar with hockey and none of them wanted to play when I told them how good it was. Everyone of my friends who gave NHL 10 a shot absolutely loved the game. Many of them own it now, and others are contantly asking when NHL 11 comes out. I am so confident you will LOVE this game that I guarantee you come on these forums after buying it, as a true believer in how great this series is!!

[Segagendude]

Re: Complete newbie here....

And by the way... isn't the demo of NHL 10 still available?
Pick it up and try it for a week or so...

/J

Ok, I just played the 10 demo. One qrtr, Red Wings v. Penguins, Stanley Cup Game Seven, for those who may have forgotten.

Wow. I went thru all the drills (Dekes, shooting, etc.) and then went into the game. For some reason, I couldn't score a goal with Pitt. I pulled back on the RS(PS3 BTW), then forward for a slapshot, as per the drills, but my player just didn't shoot.

Anyway, the fast pace of the game is what got me. Too many buttons and such to remember, and the speed of the game confused me even more, lol. I don't have good hand/eye coordination, I guess...

Overall, and this is 10, I was impressed. From Gary Thorne's commentary to the sound of the crowd, to the overall graphics, it made me feel like I was watching a real game on tv.(Used broadcast cam). I can't wait to try 11's demo.

I'm gonna need alot of stuff on auto, probably. I know that takes away from the game somewhat, but man, I just couldn't keep up with the CPU.

When I play MLB The Show, I do auto field, auto baserunning, and auto throwing. All I do is pitch and hit. I'll probably have to do the same with NHL, til I get used to things....

[ch46647]

Re: Complete newbie here....

It really wont take long at all to pick up. When you get the game you can practice in a rink by yourself and just practice anything you want without having a defender there. This is how I learned to play the game.

[Vikes1]

Re: Complete newbie here....

I was in the same boat as you Sega.

Kinda lost with the controls and such. And like you...my hand/eye reflexes leave a bit to be desired. In fact...myself, I sux. But NHL is such a blast to play, and I really enjoy the GM mode. My feelings about this game would echo much of what CH said. Since playing this game 1 1/2 years ago...I haven't touched the football games. Not that the football games are that bad imo, but I just dig NHL that much.

[Segagendude]

Re: Complete newbie here....

I was in the same boat as you Sega.

Kinda lost with the controls and such. And like you...my hand/eye reflexes leave a bit to be desired. In fact...myself, I sux. But NHL is such a blast to play, and I really enjoy the GM mode. My feelings about this game would echo much of what CH said. Since playing this game 1 1/2 years ago...I haven't touched the football games. Not that the football games are that bad imo, but I just dig NHL that much.

I'm still a fan of football and the video games, don't get me wrong. BUT----

I watch NHL during the playoffs, and even though I never have a dog in the fight being from Cleveland, I get sucked into the game, atmosphere, etc. of it all. When I played the 10 demo, I was like "yeah, that's what I'm talking about!"

Can't wait to try the 11 demo.

[Gametheory71]

Re: Complete newbie here....

Ok, I just played the 10 demo. One qrtr, Red Wings v. Penguins, Stanley Cup Game Seven, for those who may have forgotten.

Wow. I went thru all the drills (Dekes, shooting, etc.) and then went into the game. For some reason, I couldn't score a goal with Pitt. I pulled back on the RS(PS3 BTW), then forward for a slapshot, as per the drills, but my player just didn't shoot.

Anyway, the fast pace of the game is what got me. Too many buttons and such to remember, and the speed of the game confused me even more, lol. I don't have good hand/eye coordination, I guess...

Overall, and this is 10, I was impressed. From Gary Thorne's commentary to the sound of the crowd, to the overall graphics, it made me feel like I was watching a real game on tv.(Used broadcast cam). I can't wait to try 11's demo.

I'm gonna need alot of stuff on auto, probably. I know that takes away from the game somewhat, but man, I just couldn't keep up with the CPU.

When I play MLB The Show, I do auto field, auto baserunning, and auto throwing. All I do is pitch and hit. I'll probably have to do the same with NHL, til I get used to things....

If you are just starting to play the game, i would suggest that you play the game on the always up camera setting. This is certainly the easier of the view points (and not to mention the only one you will use in online play), and will help you learn because you won't have to worry about switching the way you shoot.

Also, if your player isn't shooting, check your camera settings. I can't remember exactly what it is called right now, but there is some setting called camera relative or something. This effects your shot because if you have it on the wrong setting, your guy will be set up to shoot backwards. So make sure it is camera relative (i think this is the name, sorry if it isn't).

Best of luck, EA's NHL series is my favorite sports game and once you get into it you will love how much it has to offer. With that said, while you are learning the game I would avoid online play. Many people use lame tactics to score goals and if you don't know how to counter them, you should avoid it for now.

[Segagendude]

Re: Complete newbie here....

If you are just starting to play the game, i would suggest that you play the game on the always up camera setting. This is certainly the easier of the view points (and not to mention the only one you will use in online play), and will help you learn because you won't have to worry about switching the way you shoot.

Also, if your player isn't shooting, check your camera settings. I can't remember exactly what it is called right now, but there is some setting called camera relative or something. This effects your shot because if you have it on the wrong setting, your guy will be set up to shoot backwards. So make sure it is camera relative (i think this is the name, sorry if it isn't).

Best of luck, EA's NHL series is my favorite sports game and once you get into it you will love how much it has to offer. With that said, while you are learning the game I would avoid online play. Many people use lame tactics to score goals and if you don't know how to counter them, you should avoid it for now.

Good tip. I bumped the demo down to Rookie, and used the overhead camera.
I chose the Red Wings, and actually scored twice to send it to overtime, then got the game winner. I basically slapshotted from the middle, and there was a Detroit player right there to put the rebound in. I loved Thorne's excited call, as well as the fans' reaction! Presentation at its finest!

This game could be nicknamed "TNA"---Total Nonstop Action, as the game itself is fast just like real life, with limited stoppage in action. I like it alot! I actually felt a little tired afterwards, and that was just one quarter of play!!!(well, and overtime, of course)

BTW, I'm not concerned about online play; I don't play any games online. Strictly offline only for me. But thanks again for the tips.

I'm getting more and more into this NHL game, and the 11 demo drops next week. Oh man, I think I'm in love!!!