NEW FOR 2013 SEASON
I was one game away from throwing the game (NHL 11) out the window. Then I started from a different perspective, and tried to learn what each slider actually does. This is where I am. I really think these may be the sliders for yinz that have been having the most trouble, as I was in the same miserable boat until then.
For all the people unhappy with the game at this point due to crazy AI and whatnot, give these a try. It gave me a whole new game, and I can't be happier at this point. I see games that end 1-0, and games that end 8-5. all depends on the team, and the talent put forth. I'm really amazed. Good teams are a challenge, bad teams, not so much. Although I've seen a few surprises, as well. Seeing equal shot totals, and equal TOA as well. I've been outshot, and even been dominated before. And yet, NONE feel cheap.
Yes, its Pro skill level but I think it's where it needs to be. It may be too easy for ya, but give it a few games, and you may be surprised with what you see. These aren't a one game try thing. Try them over a period of 3-5 games and see where you are.
If this manages to help at least one other person, I'll be thrilled. I like to think I've saved someone else's game experience as well.
Rules
Skill: Pro
Period Length: 8 Minutes (your preference)
Penalties: max
Post Whistle Rules : authentic
Penalty Time Scaling: 5
Fighting: max
Shot Aim: Your preference. I've seen the argument that using auto evens the playing field with the fact the the AI gets those really cheap goals yinz know about.
General
Tuner Set Version: 1.07
CPU Aid: Hardcore
Broken Stick Frequency: 2
Game Speed: 1
Attribute Effects:3
Fatigue Effect: 4/4
Fatigue Recovery:2/2
Injury Occurrence: 4/4
Puck Control: 2/0
Player Acceleration: 2/1
AI
AI Learning: 0
CPU Difficulty Adjustment:0
CPU Strategy Adjustment: 3
Human Strategy Adjustment: 3
CPU Face Off Difficulty: 4
Fight Difficulty: 4
CPU penalties: max
CPU Team Mate Penalties: 5
Passing
Pass Assist: 4
Manual Passing: OFF (just feels muddy when on)
Pass Speed: 2
Saucer Pass Speed: 3
Pass Accuracy: 2/0
Pass Reception Ease: 0/0 (should be sloppy)
Pass Interceptions: 6/6 (same reason)
Shooting
Shot Accuracy: 2/0
Shot Power: 3/3
Slap Shot Accuracy: 1/0
Slap Shot Power: 4/3
One-Timer Accuracy: 2/0 (just too good for CPU)
Checking
Hitting Assistance: 1
Aggression: 5/5
Hitting Power: 2/2
Stick Lift Effectiveness: 2/2
Poke Effectiveness: 2/1
Goalies
Goalie Passing: 2
Goalie Cover Puck Frequency: 5
Goalie Screen Effect: 2/5
Goalie Reaction Speed: 5/2
I've seen that the way you play heavily affects the sliders, and how they work. If you shoot a lot, the AI will get more aggressive. If you start hitting a lot, the AI will too. The non-mentioned 'intimidation' factor is there, but it doesn't affect things as much as people seem to think it does. I've also seen, the AI sees every mistake you make, and WILL capitalize on it. Remember smart, defensive hockey. Don't take chances in your own end. It will NEVER end well. Remember, you not only have poke check. You can stick lift, and remember L1/LB, for the stick drag. These are key. Use every control you are given. On offense, remember the LS click button. The 'speed burst/hustle' button. From what I've seen, you won't win without it. The AI uses the hell out of it.
I was one game away from throwing the game (NHL 11) out the window. Then I started from a different perspective, and tried to learn what each slider actually does. This is where I am. I really think these may be the sliders for yinz that have been having the most trouble, as I was in the same miserable boat until then.
For all the people unhappy with the game at this point due to crazy AI and whatnot, give these a try. It gave me a whole new game, and I can't be happier at this point. I see games that end 1-0, and games that end 8-5. all depends on the team, and the talent put forth. I'm really amazed. Good teams are a challenge, bad teams, not so much. Although I've seen a few surprises, as well. Seeing equal shot totals, and equal TOA as well. I've been outshot, and even been dominated before. And yet, NONE feel cheap.
Yes, its Pro skill level but I think it's where it needs to be. It may be too easy for ya, but give it a few games, and you may be surprised with what you see. These aren't a one game try thing. Try them over a period of 3-5 games and see where you are.
If this manages to help at least one other person, I'll be thrilled. I like to think I've saved someone else's game experience as well.
Rules
Skill: Pro
Period Length: 8 Minutes (your preference)
Penalties: max
Post Whistle Rules : authentic
Penalty Time Scaling: 5
Fighting: max
Shot Aim: Your preference. I've seen the argument that using auto evens the playing field with the fact the the AI gets those really cheap goals yinz know about.
General
Tuner Set Version: 1.07
CPU Aid: Hardcore
Broken Stick Frequency: 2
Game Speed: 1
Attribute Effects:3
Fatigue Effect: 4/4
Fatigue Recovery:2/2
Injury Occurrence: 4/4
Puck Control: 2/0
Player Acceleration: 2/1
AI
AI Learning: 0
CPU Difficulty Adjustment:0
CPU Strategy Adjustment: 3
Human Strategy Adjustment: 3
CPU Face Off Difficulty: 4
Fight Difficulty: 4
CPU penalties: max
CPU Team Mate Penalties: 5
Passing
Pass Assist: 4
Manual Passing: OFF (just feels muddy when on)
Pass Speed: 2
Saucer Pass Speed: 3
Pass Accuracy: 2/0
Pass Reception Ease: 0/0 (should be sloppy)
Pass Interceptions: 6/6 (same reason)
Shooting
Shot Accuracy: 2/0
Shot Power: 3/3
Slap Shot Accuracy: 1/0
Slap Shot Power: 4/3
One-Timer Accuracy: 2/0 (just too good for CPU)
Checking
Hitting Assistance: 1
Aggression: 5/5
Hitting Power: 2/2
Stick Lift Effectiveness: 2/2
Poke Effectiveness: 2/1
Goalies
Goalie Passing: 2
Goalie Cover Puck Frequency: 5
Goalie Screen Effect: 2/5
Goalie Reaction Speed: 5/2
I've seen that the way you play heavily affects the sliders, and how they work. If you shoot a lot, the AI will get more aggressive. If you start hitting a lot, the AI will too. The non-mentioned 'intimidation' factor is there, but it doesn't affect things as much as people seem to think it does. I've also seen, the AI sees every mistake you make, and WILL capitalize on it. Remember smart, defensive hockey. Don't take chances in your own end. It will NEVER end well. Remember, you not only have poke check. You can stick lift, and remember L1/LB, for the stick drag. These are key. Use every control you are given. On offense, remember the LS click button. The 'speed burst/hustle' button. From what I've seen, you won't win without it. The AI uses the hell out of it.
The SOG were in favor of the cpu 25-22, Pass pct dead even 74-73 cpu (manual passing off was an epiphany) and I had a 1:00+ minute advantage on TOA. What's even more important is the Bruins handled the Leafs like they should. To give you an example of my frustration, I started this same game last night and was down 4-0 after two periods with the Leafs scoring THREE SHG 
on all-star. I believe you are right by saying this title needs to be played on Pro offline to remove the "tilt" in the higher levels. Plenty of room to grow for increasing cpu difficulty by increasing cpu goalie reaction time, cpu shot and accuracy, and cpu difficulty but for the next handful of games I'm leaving things as is. This is one 40+ veteran sports gamer that just got an early Xmas gift. Well done 
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