NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Qb · 09-01-2009, 09:21 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Played a little more of the demo last night after taking a break for a few days. A few observations:

1. I'm not a fan of some of the awkward pass receiving animations (behind the back, one-handed, etc), most of which seem to be more frequently used by the CPU. I think the flow of the game would be much better served if these were incomplete passes. It's particularly unsettling to see one of these animations morph immediately into a shot attempt. Of course, decreasing pass accuracy may help with this, but we won't know until we can fiddle.

2. There isn't a separate human/CPU pass speed slider, so if we want to increase human pass speed for manual passing, we'll have to increase the CPU pass speed in turn. Maybe this is something Redshirt & Co could address with the server-side tuning set...

I think it's worth noting that it looks like we can play with hardcore assistance settings -- including zero pass assist -- while turning off manual passing (charging up power). It seems like a lot of people are writing off hardcore for normal due to the delay to power-up a pass. That's only a small part of the settings and it appears we'll be able to simply turn off manual pass power while keeping everything else with no assist if so desired.

I'd like to stick with full manual passing for the creativity and realism, but at this point I'm worried that it will give the CPU too much of an advantage. It will be interesting to see how we can modify the gameplay, particularly on the AI side of things, with the sliders.

3. One final point -- I'm not very good at this point and I'm looking forward to playing the likes of the Islanders, Thrashers, and Avalanche.

**jb12780** · 09-01-2009, 11:48 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Anyone else gettin this the first day it comes out??

**Gagnon39** · 09-01-2009, 12:03 PM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by jb12780

Anyone else gettin this the first day it comes out??

Uh, yeah.

**adayinthelife** · 09-01-2009, 12:21 PM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by onlybygrace

I am having a great time with this game. The more realistic you play, the better the game is. I love that.

That's truly the part I enjoy most about the demo. It just feels like the game has been really, really fine tuned for realistic play. I rarely score on any videogame-esque plays, it's the ones that I set up like actual hockey plays that seem to get me points which is something I haven't really experienced in a game yet.

Originally posted by jb12780

Anyone else gettin this the first day it comes out??

I'd say 90% of the people you see in this thread are

.

**mkharsh33** · 09-01-2009, 12:53 PM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by jb12780

Anyone else gettin this the first day it comes out??

yeah...i've already pre-ordered it directly through EA because I received an email that gave me 25% (i'm pretty sure) off 1 item for my birthday, so i went ahead and purchased it. don't know if i'll receive it on opening day, but if not that's okay because i'll be reading the stuff here on the slider tweaks that many (QB!!!) will be providing...

**Vikes1** · 09-01-2009, 06:47 PM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by jb12780

Anyone else gettin this the first day it comes out??

I've had my copy pre-paid for, for about a month.

As of this year, NHL '10' is my only must have sports game.

**DarkFudge** · 09-01-2009, 10:44 PM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

People, maybe Im in the minority here but, I am a bit underwhelmed at the improvements made in NHL 10. I just got done playing the demo a few times now over and over and cant help but to think that certain additions were not implemented as well as I expected them to be:

-The new puck physics are almost identical to last year....the puck doesnt flutter or flip or carom realistically especially when deflecting off of things. And when it does, it seems almost unnaturally forced to appear as if improvements were made. EA seen how NHL 2K9 set the bar for realistic puck physics, I dont know why they couldnt meet or exceed their efforts last year.

- The new board play seems more like an addon module then a seamless infusion into the gameplay. And where is all the riding and checking up into the boards and roughhousing. I was expecting to see improved ragdoll effects of bodies colliding and interacting with each other on checks and hits into the boards. I just see 2 players suction into each other and free the puck up whenever this new board play is enacted. maybe thats the problem...it feels enacted rather than just part of the gameplay

-The after the whistle scrummages are simplistic acts of robotic 3 stooges scenes with players artificially 'CLUNKing' and 'POWing' each other rather than having fluid shoves and pushes. They seemed added on and canned just for effect. It should flow more realistically. It looks a bit corny.....Most real life scrummages occur when a player gets too close to a Goalie after a whistle, then the team rallies around to protect him...I dont see this (yet?).

-Face Off battles still are overly simplistic, lack a fight and struggle to gain possession and fall far short of the realism that NHL 2K9 implemented last year.

-the 1st person Fighting sequence....CORNY! These seperate perspective gameplay mini games detract from the flow of the game and should have been left back in the days of the Super Nintendo Punch Out in the late 80s. Give us a realistic fighting engine that plays out in the same camera angle as the game your playing...again similar to the way NHL 2K9 incorporated it. Just make the fight engine realistic.

-Even the new additional Goalie animations almost seemed canned and lacked fluidity and feel as tho they were modules added on rather than occuring appropriately in response to the action. At least some of them do. They are inferior to the goalie animations and reactions of NHL 2K8 which had the best of any hockey game to date.

Im sorry if this sounds negative but I really feel a bit let down that the gameplay feels almost identical to last year with the feeling of added gameplay modules rather than a more refined overall gameplay experience that built upon last years engine.

The positive thing is that the gameplay last year was good....I just was hoping that NHL 10 would show me more....at this point the demo didnt deliver as much as I expected.

**onlybygrace** · 09-01-2009, 11:23 PM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Care to find any other threads you'd like to post this in as well???Lets go for 3, hell make it an even 4. :wink:

**IBYCFOTA** · 09-02-2009, 01:28 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

One thing that's frustrating in BFTC mode (on all star) is that when I try to cycle I have to make sure there are no defenders in the passing lane whatsoever or it will get deflected / intercepted. Realistic right? Sure, except that the computer can endlessly cycle and make passes tape to tape even when it looks like my players should be able to get a stick on a pass or two and break it up.

And I still would like an explanation as to why the pass button is randomly rendered useless when the computer is nearby pressuring me. I've played the demo on both consoles and the same problem persists on each, so there is no way this can be just a problem I'm having. Any idea what the problem might be Redshirt, or is it done intentionally for some reason? I imagine this will be very frustrating if it happens during online play.

**NYwRiter94** · 09-02-2009, 01:48 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by DarkFudge

-The new puck physics are almost identical to last year....the puck doesnt flutter or flip or carom realistically especially when deflecting off of things. And when it does, it seems almost unnaturally forced to appear as if improvements were made. EA seen how NHL 2K9 set the bar for realistic puck physics, I dont know why they couldnt meet or exceed their efforts last year.

You really feel they are the same? I play the game and I get bounces I never had in NHL 09.

Originally posted by DarkFudge

- The new board play seems more like an addon module then a seamless infusion into the gameplay. And where is all the riding and checking up into the boards and roughhousing. I was expecting to see improved ragdoll effects of bodies colliding and interacting with each other on checks and hits into the boards. I just see 2 players suction into each other and free the puck up whenever this new board play is enacted. maybe thats the problem...it feels enacted rather than just part of the gameplay

I really don't feel that it's added on. You can instantly enter and leave it, it doesn't change any camera angle and it looks like a normal part of the game.

Originally posted by DarkFudge

-The after the whistle scrummages are simplistic acts of robotic 3 stooges scenes with players artificially 'CLUNKing' and 'POWing' each other rather than having fluid shoves and pushes. They seemed added on and canned just for effect. It should flow more realistically. It looks a bit corny.....Most real life scrummages occur when a player gets too close to a Goalie after a whistle, then the team rallies around to protect him...I dont see this (yet?).

I agree with this. This part wasn't done very well.

Originally posted by DarkFudge

-Face Off battles still are overly simplistic, lack a fight and struggle to gain possession and fall far short of the realism that NHL 2K9 implemented last year.

Yeah, I guess.

Originally posted by DarkFudge

-the 1st person Fighting sequence....CORNY! These seperate perspective gameplay mini games detract from the flow of the game and should have been left back in the days of the Super Nintendo Punch Out in the late 80s. Give us a realistic fighting engine that plays out in the same camera angle as the game your playing...again similar to the way NHL 2K9 incorporated it. Just make the fight engine realistic.

NHL 2K9's fighting was realistic? Two punch options, no block option, and you're wrong, it did change the camera angle.

Originally posted by DarkFudge

-Even the new additional Goalie animations almost seemed canned and lacked fluidity and feel as tho they were modules added on rather than occuring appropriately in response to the action. At least some of them do. They are inferior to the goalie animations and reactions of NHL 2K8 which had the best of any hockey game to date.

I haven't noticed any cann-iness in the animations.

**RealmK** · 09-02-2009, 02:06 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by NYwRiter94

You really feel they are the same? I play the game and I get bounces I never had in NHL 09.

I really don't feel that it's added on. You can instantly enter and leave it, it doesn't change any camera angle and it looks like a normal part of the game.

I agree with this. This part wasn't done very well.

Yeah, I guess.

NHL 2K9's fighting was realistic? Two punch options, no block option, and you're wrong, it did change the camera angle.

I haven't noticed any cann-iness in the animations.

Agreed on all points. Honestly I really LIKE fighting in 10, and I can deal with the removal of other players/refs on the ice for framerate reasons. You can block, jostle for advantage, pull the opposing fighter forward to sneak a shot in. It actually resembles real NHL fighting and if people gave it half a chance rather than just say "its stupid its a gimmick" they might see that.

Not sure what Fudge means with his boardplay comment, its not like its a mini game, or pulls you out of the game, its fluid, it works wonders on the forecheck and adds a huge real life element that was missing from the game.

I've seen a few people talk of the supposidly "forced" or "pseudo" puck physics as well, which almost comes off to me as people refuse to let go of the stigma that gameplay in an EA Sports game has to be scripted. I've seen all sorts of bounces that turn into goals just on the demo that would have never remotely been chances let alone scores last year. Perhaps the puck could roll on edge more and those people would be happy I don't know, but to say the puck physics aren't an improvement over last year is flat out wrong.

One last thing, I really don't understand the whole "the game isn't like I expected it would be" With all the info, media, raw footage, inteviews etc etc we've gotten since E3 what did you guys expect? Seperate Human/Cpu sliders and more of them. The gameplay itself is improved big time, the'res improvements to BAP and EASHL, and dynasty mode has been rebuilt from the ground up. What more did you want really? Bout the only thing missing is 2k style arena's and more presentation options. I think I can deal another year with all the improvements that actually did make it in this year.

**onlybygrace** · 09-02-2009, 02:33 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by RealmK

Agreed on all points. Honestly I really LIKE fighting in 10, and I can deal with the removal of other players/refs on the ice for framerate reasons. You can block, jostle for advantage, pull the opposing fighter forward to sneak a shot in. It actually resembles real NHL fighting and if people gave it half a chance rather than just say "its stupid its a gimmick" they might see that.

Not sure what Fudge means with his boardplay comment, its not like its a mini game, or pulls you out of the game, its fluid, it works wonders on the forecheck and adds a huge real life element that was missing from the game.

I've seen a few people talk of the supposidly "forced" or "pseudo" puck physics as well, which almost comes off to me as people refuse to let go of the stigma that gameplay in an EA Sports game has to be scripted. I've seen all sorts of bounces that turn into goals just on the demo that would have never remotely been chances let alone scores last year. Perhaps the puck could roll on edge more and those people would be happy I don't know, but to say the puck physics aren't an improvement over last year is flat out wrong.

One last thing, I really don't understand the whole "the game isn't like I expected it would be" With all the info, media, raw footage, inteviews etc etc we've gotten since E3 what did you guys expect? Seperate Human/Cpu sliders and more of them. The gameplay itself is improved big time, the'res improvements to BAP and EASHL, and dynasty mode has been rebuilt from the ground up. What more did you want really? Bout the only thing missing is 2k style arena's and more presentation options. I think I can deal another year with all the improvements that actually did make it in this year.

Agreed...

Those who say this game is no different than 09 are absolute fools, IMO. I traded in 09 after a month...HATED it. NHL 10 may be the best game I've ever played.

Bad puck physics...pft...yeah ok.

**dorismary** · 09-02-2009, 02:45 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Ok ,
I played the demo maybe 50 times and really like the gameplay and IMO it plays a great game of realistic hockey just like watching a real game.
I love how players play like themselves and im even liking the new passing .
I dont agree with a few who complained about cpu tic tac toe passing as I have been able to break up many plays with good smart defense .
I really see myself playing this game right out of the box with very little sliders adjustment .
My only real disappointment is still the fighting

and thought it would have been better implemented especially with all the PR EA gave it .
Well for the first time since 2k3 I see myself playing real and Video game hockey well into June !
Thanks for getting it right EA , gameplay first and then like MLB the show add on all the extras and little touches for years to come !

**RealmK** · 09-02-2009, 02:56 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by dorismary

Ok ,
I played the demo maybe 50 times and really like the gameplay and IMO it plays a great game of realistic hockey just like watching a real game.
I love how players play like themselves and im even liking the new passing .
I dont agree with a few who complained about cpu tic tac toe passing as I have been able to break up many plays with good smart defense .
I really see myself playing this game right out of the box with very little sliders adjustment .
My only real disappointment is still the fighting

and thought it would have been better implemented especially with all the PR EA gave it .
Well for the first time since 2k3 I see myself playing real and Video game hockey well into June !
Thanks for getting it right EA , gameplay first and then like MLB the show add on all the extras and little touches for years to come !

Agree, cept I actually like the fighting. I don't think I'll be making alot of slider tweaks either. Lowering cpu passing accuracy, bumping the fatigue effect while lowering fatigue recovery and maxing the attribute effect slider and maybe a tweak to tenders but I want to see how the retail plays out of the box first before messing with tender sliders too much. Like I said upon first playing the demo, the gameplay itself feels alot like 2k3's and I still feel that way, except without 2k3's super goalies.

**dorismary** · 09-02-2009, 04:49 AM

Re: NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

Originally posted by RealmK

Agree, cept I actually like the fighting. I don't think I'll be making alot of slider tweaks either. Lowering cpu passing accuracy, bumping the fatigue effect while lowering fatigue recovery and maxing the attribute effect slider and maybe a tweak to tenders but I want to see how the retail plays out of the box first before messing with tender sliders too much. Like I said upon first playing the demo, the gameplay itself feels alot like 2k3's and I still feel that way, except without 2k3's super goalies.

To be fair I really havent given the fighting alot of effort as it turned me off pretty quickly but ill study up and try some more .
Dont mean to gush but if the final plays like the demo I will be very

.
It just looks and play so much like the Real NHL did you notice the difference in players
Pretty cool huh ?

NHL 10 Demo Available, Post Impressions Here (360 & PS3)

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