Very Short 2K11 impressions

[Money99]

So I made my way to Westland, MI today to get some hands-on with 2K11.
First, whoever said they were handing out demo discs is a freakin' liar!!

I didn't get to play long (maybe 10-15 minutes) but from what I played I was very impressed.
My work buddy came too and we both commented on how good it looked for a Wii game. In fact, the two guys behind us said the same thing.

Again, I can't stress enough that my impressions are from a ridiculously small sample, but the game seems a lot like 2K10 but much smoother and clean.
The animations didn't take as long to complete and the shooting was far more responsive.

We used the Motion controls and I sucked at them. Still, I managed to score a beauty with Franzen, top-shelf, from a nice feed by Zetterberg.

I can't wait to try the full version and give it a real run-through, but from the very little I played, I had a lot of fun and noticed an improvement from 2K10.

EDIT: I loved it so much, I wrote it twice, haha. Sorry OS.

[RealmK]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

So I made my way to Westland, MI today to get some hands-on with 2K11.
First, whoever said they were handing out demo discs is a freakin' liar!!

I didn't get to play long (maybe 10-15 minutes) but from what I played I was very impressed.
My work buddy came too and we both commented on how good it looked for a Wii game. In fact, the two guys behind us said the same thing.

Again, I can't stress enough that my impressions are from a ridiculously small sample, but the game seems a lot like 2K10 but much smoother and clean.
The animations didn't take as long to complete and the shooting was far more responsive.

We used the Motion controls and I sucked at them. Still, I managed to score a beauty with Franzen, top-shelf, from a nice feed by Zetterberg.

I can't wait to try the full version and give it a real run-through, but from the very little I played, I had a lot of fun and noticed an improvement from 2K10.

If you liked 2K10 then I highly suggest you try 2K11.

Sounds decent Hank, I doubt you had time to play around with settings but did you get the impression that a sim game can be found there? Had 2k10 been polished and had some of the AI quirks fixed it actually would have been a pretty good game. Did you get the impression that 2k11 is at the least on the right track should they bring it back to 360/PS3 next year?

[MiNiDiTkA]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

So I made my way to Westland, MI today to get some hands-on with 2K11.
First, whoever said they were handing out demo discs is a freakin' liar!!

I didn't get to play long (maybe 10-15 minutes) but from what I played I was very impressed.
My work buddy came too and we both commented on how good it looked for a Wii game. In fact, the two guys behind us said the same thing.

Again, I can't stress enough that my impressions are from a ridiculously small sample, but the game seems a lot like 2K10 but much smoother and clean.
The animations didn't take as long to complete and the shooting was far more responsive.

We used the Motion controls and I sucked at them. Still, I managed to score a beauty with Franzen, top-shelf, from a nice feed by Zetterberg.

I can't wait to try the full version and give it a real run-through, but from the very little I played, I had a lot of fun and noticed an improvement from 2K10.

If you liked 2K10 then I highly suggest you try 2K11.

Thanks much for the impressions. I liked 2K10 so I'm sure I'll like this as well.

[Money99]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Sounds decent Hank, I doubt you had time to play around with settings but did you get the impression that a sim game can be found there? Had 2k10 been polished and had some of the AI quirks fixed it actually would have been a pretty good game. Did you get the impression that 2k11 is at the least on the right track should they bring it back to 360/PS3 next year?

I really wish I had more time to dink around with the settings and see if there are any sliders, etc. But I didn't.

And I wish I had more time with the game to dissect some of the finer points.
But what I can say is this, with 2K10, I didn't like it at all the first time I popped it into my 360. It wasn't until a few slider tweaks, and then especially the patch, that I grew to like that game.
With 2K11, I liked it instantly. It felt like 2K10 post patch, but better.
The animations seemed to be a lot smoother. You still get locked out if you're hit, but I was able to get bumped and nudged and not lose total control of my player.

I loved the goal I scored from the high slot. It hit the crossbar and in. But some may argue that the goalie was too far into his crease. Maybe. But again, it was such a small sample and even the people that were watching us play thought the goal was cool.

My biggest regret was not setting a game up for the Winter Classic. But my friend and I were in a rush and we just wanted to get into a game pronto.

Sorry I don't have more info. But Realm, I think we have similar tastes in hockey games and I think you would have fun with this game.

[ddhex27]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Thanks for the impressions. I personally found that 2k10 on the Wii controlled horribly...skating and shooting didn't seem responsive at all (awkward animations/delay/transitions). I am really hoping that they made controlling the players more responsive and smooth. Your initial impressions sound positive.

[Money99]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Thanks for the impressions. I personally found that 2k10 on the Wii controlled horribly...skating and shooting didn't seem responsive at all. I am really hoping that they made controlling the players more responsive and smooth.

I had problems shooting too, but seeing as this was the first time I've ever played a 2K hockey game using a Wii controller, I'd say it was all me.
But the times I did figure it out, I got a great shot off - as evidenced by Franzen's goal.

I'm very interested to see how this game plays with a classic controller. That's how I'll be playing it 95% of the time anyway.

[RealmK]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

I really wish I had more time to dink around with the settings and see if there are any sliders, etc. But I didn't.

And I wish I had more time with the game to dissect some of the finer points.
But what I can say is this, with 2K10, I didn't like it at all the first time I popped it into my 360. It wasn't until a few slider tweaks, and then especially the patch, that I grew to like that game.
With 2K11, I liked it instantly. It felt like 2K10 post patch, but better.
The animations seemed to be a lot smoother. You still get locked out if you're hit, but I was able to get bumped and nudged and not lose total control of my player.

I loved the goal I scored from the high slot. It hit the crossbar and in. But some may argue that the goalie was too far into his crease. Maybe. But again, it was such a small sample and even the people that were watching us play thought the goal was cool.

My biggest regret was not setting a game up for the Winter Classic. But my friend and I were in a rush and we just wanted to get into a game pronto.

Sorry I don't have more info. But Realm, I think we have similar tastes in hockey games and I think you would have fun with this game.

Right on, don't have a Wii and don't plan on getting one, but like you said, you and I are pretty similar in our wants and likes when it comes to NHL games so if it gets Hank's stamp of approval at least in feeling good right off the get go, I'll gladly take that as a positive sign. Now they just need to convice the higher ups that if they do the right thing and polish polish polish and properly market the title, it would actually sell on the NG/CG systems.

[Money99]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Right on, don't have a Wii and don't plan on getting one, but like you said, you and I are pretty similar in our wants and likes when it comes to NHL games so if it gets Hank's stamp of approval at least in feeling good right off the get go, I'll gladly take that as a positive sign. Now they just need to convice the higher ups that if they do the right thing and polish polish polish and properly market the title, it would actually sell on the NG/CG systems.

Thanks for the kind words Realm.
I actually felt the same way afterward; that if the gameplay does hold up, what a shame it couldn't be on a next-gen console and all it's HD glory.

[Steve_OS]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Nice read bro, even tho I had to read it twice :P

Check your post.

[Scottdau]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Yeah what was up with the double post in one post. Nice! Very happy to see this game is shaping up nice. I am bummed though they are not coming out for the 360. Oh well, I will check this one out. If it is really that good, maybe I can get over the graphics. I will have to put the Wii out here on my big TV instead of the one in my son's room.

[Scottdau]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

I am still hoping they are really getting their game together for the 360 or PS3. I want them to go the route of NBA in the presentation and animation department if they do, I will be very very very very happy.

[Money99]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Nice read bro, even tho I had to read it twice :P

Check your post.

LOL. My wife always said I repeat myself too much.
Thanks for the heads-up Steve!

Scott, the one good thing about this game is that if the AI/gameplay does turn out to be good, it shouldn't be hard to import it into a more refined, prettier next-gen package next year.

[Scottdau]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

LOL. My wife always said I repeat myself too much.
Thanks for the heads-up Steve!

Scott, the one good thing about this game is that if the AI/gameplay does turn out to be good, it shouldn't be hard to import it into a more refined, prettier next-gen package next year.

That is all I am looking for. I would be in hockey heaven if they do that and blow up the presentation big time like NBA. I will never leave my house.

[JimmyDeicide]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

Sounds like the goalies are the same as 2k10 by the description of the goal.
I cant go another year with them goalies sorry i hope they got some love.

[Money99]

Re: Very Short 2K11 impressions

From a 2K mod, but nice to hear this nonetheless:

Direct link - http://www.2ksports.com/forums/showp...5&postcount=27

From Forum - http://www.2ksports.com/forums/showt...=266879&page=3

Bruins, as far as your concerns about improvements from last year, I assure you there are plenty. I've been demoing the game all over, for everyone from media and retailers to fans on the RV tour, and it plays so much better than last year. That's really why we're doing this tour, so people can see for themselves how much better 2K11 will be.

The primary focus this year was making the game play more like hockey, which is why the controls are such a huge part of our marketing. I know you've heard enough about Wii MotionPlus, but there are plenty of other gameplay improvements that are worth noting. First off, the game looks amazing...unlike any other sports game I've seen on Wii. The arenas are based on the 360 assets, as are the equipment, uniforms and player models. Everything looks crisper and brighter, compared to the past couple years where the lighting felt too dark. The fact that we were able to release a pure gameplay "sizzle" trailer at E3 rather than the typical Wii trailer (with actors playing the game in a living room) should speak volumes about how good this game looks.

Gameplay wise, the skating is far more responsive than last year. You can make your players stop on a dime and change directions just like in real life. The AI is improved...defenders situate themselves in the correct positions in front of the net rather than skating around aimlessly, and forwards take smarter shots and react better to rebounds. And broken sticks and highsticking penalties have been added this year to add just another element of realism.

As far as new game modes, obviously Road to the Cup is the big new one. And I know that might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it really is fun so give it a try when you pick up the game (especially if you have some buddies to play with).

Hopefully most of you can make it to one of the tour stops to experience exactly what I'm talking about, and for those of you who can't, just keep reading the previews, reviews and user feedback from the tour. You'll be hard-pressed to find many complaints about the game.