NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

[Eddie1967]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

[ohyeahbaby123]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

You again...

How do you know they didn't change board play and line changes? Have you played it yet? How about you wait for some more info before you go out and already say it's "just a rental."

[cake612]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

So pumped for NHL '09 too bad it's still so far off, NCAA is still more than a month away seems like it'll never come out. I'm pretty happy about be a pro mode as long as it's like Captain your Country in EURO 08 where it's the same camera as normal gameplay but you just control the one guy. It'll be interesting to see how they deal with line changes though. Being able to dump the puck will be nice although I'm still in wait and see mode with the goalies. They slowly get better each year but every problem they fix seems to create a new though less serious issue.

[Flyermania]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

Maybe they should add something "non-trivial" like Cinemotion?

Based on some of your other posts, I really doubt anything EA does would get you to like 09. Hopefully VC can re-invent the 2k series for you.

[Knight165]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

I might be one of the few guys who actually liked both titles last year.
After a while, I came to realize what nice steps EA had taken with NHL08. Really solid title.

I just hope they can address a few things.

First being more icing and offsides. I get maybe 1 or 2 icings a game....same for the CPU(but mostly none)

Another has already been mentioned and that's moving the check off of the stick. I think if they just switched the tie-up(A button) and the check(the stick) it would be a better configuration.

and lastly, they have to improve the CPU teammates A.I. A lot of times it's pretty lacking....especially the defense. That...is almost non-existent.

The flow of the game(other than missing the offsides and icing) is excellent.
Once you get the feel and hang of the passing with the trigger and the shooting with the stick....it's really a nice combo.

One last thing would be maybe and extra difficulty right between PRO and ALL-STAR....

M.K.
Knight165

[Pierzynski 12]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Looks sweet.

[blinkfan77]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Call me stupid but even if you miss lifting the stick and hitting someone in the face, wouldn't that be a MAX of 4 minutes?(and I'm sure blood will not be in the game)

Also, maybe they'll unveil some kind of new fighting system? I know fighting in games is kind of pointless, and I'd much rather they focus on other aspects, but I think is the year they focus a little on fighting.

[savoie2006]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

It's Ok man,I know you're feelin this game already.Just the things they have mentioned so far are everything hockey fans have been drooling for.Face it,you and everyone on these boards knows EA is taking Hockey gaming to a level of realism it has NEVER seen and this is only year 3.Imagine what this game is gonna be like in two more years....

[RealmK]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

Figures EA would add something trivial like be a pro mode and not address line changes board play and other critical areas of hockey that should be in the game already. Last year was a disappointment IMO and this year looks like it might be another rental to see any so called improvements for myself.

Pro mode is hardly trivial when compared to some things like cinemotion. We know you hate the game already without playing it, I'm sure Venom and Waz would welcome you with open arms over at 2khockey.net. You can troll to your hearts content over there and no one will care.

[Money99]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

I absolutely cannot wait for the Superstar Mode in 09.
I have a feeling that's all I'll be doing with this game.

But if they add online Dynasty, where you can compete against 29 other GM's trading, drafting and signing players, I'll be even more stoked.

[Jgainsey]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

An online dynasty would be awesome. Especially after the lackluster online league features last year. What would be even better is if you could have an online dynasty and be able to do the six on six team play as well. Granted, you'd need like 180 guys to complete a whole league but having the option to do it would be incredible.

I really hope that they focus alot on board play. When you watch a game of hockey on tv or live and then play a game of NHL 08 this has to stand out as one of the most unrealistic aspects of NHL 08. Just think about it... you've got one of the major factors in the game of hockey that is almost non-existant in NHL 08. Maybe alot of casual hockey fans don't care about board play but for me it's like not being able to deke or not being able to take a one timer.

[copecowboy]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

once again they continue to add features that have been in other games for years

[Vince]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

An online dynasty would be awesome. Especially after the lackluster online league features last year. What would be even better is if you could have an online dynasty and be able to do the six on six team play as well. Granted, you'd need like 180 guys to complete a whole league but having the option to do it would be incredible.

I really hope that they focus alot on board play. When you watch a game of hockey on tv or live and then play a game of NHL 08 this has to stand out as one of the most unrealistic aspects of NHL 08. Just think about it... you've got one of the major factors in the game of hockey that is almost non-existant in NHL 08. Maybe alot of casual hockey fans don't care about board play but for me it's like not being able to deke or not being able to take a one timer.

Agreed. Playoffs = all about board play and chip and chase.

[Trick_]

Re: NHL 09 First Look: GameSpot

i'm so excited about this. i intentionally did not follow until after the 08 season (sort of not wanting to get my hopes up) but i can't help it. haven't been this excited for a sports game in years...i always get madden and ncaa on release as its tradition now but i'm stoked about nhl. i will be able to do the sweden 94 deke in perfection. maybe the unveiled feature will be the create a goalie helmet...that would be sweet. 6 on 6 is going to be crazy. and i already know i'm gonna create at least 3 pros...goalie, enforcer and sniper. Enforcer is my dream job, get paid to try and take people out.

Board work i'm sure will be addressed because its a major part of hockey...fights could use improvement but i could care less. I just hope they added where you could check people into the bench...i miss that.

[Lisa_Bonami]

Was there any mention of 'dirty-ing up the gameplay a bit? NHL 08 was too clean. Real NHL hockey has scrumms, garbage in front of the net, sloppy play, fanning on shots, the puck bouncing over sticks and flipping and fluttering. Real hockey has all of this sloppiness in it....so when a perfectly executed play and goal are pulled off, it is much more appreciated


There should be more aggressive board play and scraps in the corners, facials and after whistle pushing and shoving in front of the goalie.

Any mention of any of this?

Also better puck physics like NHL 2K8.....In NHL 2008, the puck seemed to feel magnetically parallel to the ice, it didnt flutter, carom, flip or deflect realistically