NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

[Qb]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

I like the new defensive controls and Be a Pro should be a nice diversion from franchise play. Here's hoping that they improve the online leagues (player stat tracking!?) and various AI issues that need to be improved, notably neutral zone play & positioning. If 6-on-6 plays well, we need to get some good games through OS. I had fun playing 3-on-3 with my friend and randoms and I can't imagine the chaos that would ensue with every skater (not to mention goalies) being human controlled. Can't wait!!!

[Seahawk76]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

The Be A Pro mode in FIFA 08 wasn't a career mode like this will be. This is more like Captain Your Country in UEFA 2008 and RTTS in The Show. I like modes like this that allow you to build up a player through his career although I'm not sure how much I'll like sitting on the bench between shifts, though.

The online 6 on 6 should be awesome.

[mdgoalie37]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

A few things I'd like to see:

- The have the Winter Classic be part of the schedule, outside, with weather effects.

- I'm generally not one for mini games, but I'd like to see an outdoor shinny game on a smaller rink, maybe 2 on 2 or 3 on 3, plus a goalie. This would be fun online as well.

- The ability to play any game, ala Madden and NCAA.

And a few issues to fix:

- Collision detection / clipping. Way too many times I've seen a CPU players stick or skate go right through one of my players stick or leg. And the puck too. Playing D is tough enough, please give me credit when I am actually positioned correctly.

- Line Changes. Besides separate changes for the forwards and D, have them actually come off the ice correctly. I will dump a puck in and call a change and the guys just don't come off.

[voodoo_magic]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

Can't wait to play be a pro mode, love rtts in mlb the show but like Seahawk said if I'm a 4th liner and only play 7 min it's going to take longer to get through the ahl games then I would like.

Hope getting the stick in the passing lanes doesn't cause tripping penalties like 08 does.

And the massive feature is probably separate sliders for human/cpu...lol

[MizzouRah]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

[drool]NHL09[/drool]

[Lubey]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

Hopefully they add a way for your player to adjust his body so the defense can't lift their stick. It'd be annoying if the offensive player was just helpless to it.

[Flyermania]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

Game looks and sounds great...looks like defensive controls and presentation got some serious attention --- which is a good thing.

[phillyfan23]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

you just have to love this dev team. What they added this year is what most of the customers asked for. A be a pro mode, and enhanced defensive controls.

I can't wait to do the superstar mode with a created james van riemsdyk.....last year's #2 selection by the flyers

so much potential...

[RealmK]

Re: NHL09 First Look on Gamespot

Game looks and sounds great...looks like defensive controls and presentation got some serious attention --- which is a good thing.

Agreed. how many years did we beg Kush for lifting of sticks on defense? My only concern from the short trailer is goalies appear unchanged. I do hope they at least got a little bit of attention reguarding desperation type of saves since 08 didn't have enough. I also hope the telestration replays with commentary breaking things down makes its way over from Madden 09. I'm excited to try be a pro mode as well.

[LP]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

I want to see board play. There is just so much of it in the NHL and it was non existent in 08.

[blinkfan77]

I highly doubt Chara makes the cover over Phaneuf (who was the main focus to the intro of the first trailer). First off, he's a Bruin, and that would just be too good to be true for me, and second, Phaneuf is a rising star, and is the top young Defensemen in the league, not to mention just a flat out top d-man in the league overall. However, Chara still deserves it. He should be the Norris winner this year, with a slight advantage over Lidstrom because of the playing time he missed.

[Vince]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Gameplay wise, I just want them to make it harder to get into the opponents defensive zone. As it is, I can go up and down with ease and makes utilizing dump and chase useless.

As we saw in the Cup Final, the Wings absolutely shut down Crosby and Malkin from free wheeling into the zone and they were relegated to being dump and chase guys.

[Dalsanto0026]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Be A Pro mode sounds like a great feature. Better defensive controls as well.

I can't wait for this game.

[RaychelSnr]

NHL 08 was my favorite sports game last year, I cannot believe how much I played it. If 09 can tighten things up and such, which looks to be the case, I might be giving it a lot of time in my console as well.

[kayto]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

I hope they add ranked online team play....plzzzz.