NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

[Moose24x]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

I am really hoping for EA sports to bring back the ability to edit players (which allows for the creation of missing college draft prospects), a more in depth Be A GM mode that allows you to move your team if you're in a bad market (especially with the talks of possible NHL teams in Las Vegas, Quebec, etc.) Really, just bring back the things you took away

This is obviously necessary. They need to open it up so we can change generic faces too. If the player doesn't have a scan their face should be editable. Simple.

[capnlarge]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

Here's my problem with this: I don't give a fart about EASHL. I don't play it and don't care if they work on it or even include it at all. I buy "NHL" video games because I'm a fan of the NHL and want to play with NHL teams and players (and their prospects), manage an NHL team and win the NHL's big, prestigious trophy (you know, the Stanley Cup?). EA makes the only hockey game for consoles because EA has exclusive rights to the NHL license. If that's going to be the case I need them to put all of their focus on the NHL aspects of their product, not some imaginary drop in league where everything from the uniforms to the team names to the players are made up and (and this is "the big thing") DON'T REQUIRE THE NHL LICENSE. If I'm going to buy EA's NHL game (and I am, because - again - exclusive license; they're the only game in town) than I need the focus to be on bringing the NHL to life with incredible depth and realism.

Now, all of that said, I understand full well that EASHL is massively popular and that there's a vast group of customers to whom it is a VERY important feature. However, owing to the fact that it doesn't require an NHL license, nor roster updates, nor really any of the features that are essential to making a good "NHL" game, what I REALLY want EA to do is to make it a downloadable application separate unto itself and either charge a set amount for those who only want the EASHL game (they can discount it for those who purchase the regular NHL offering as well) or charge a subscription fee for playing in the EASHL (kind of like league fees in real life - a season costs this much, what have you, etc.) and support this separate mode with micro-transactions for boosts or different gear, etc.

We all know EA loves its micro-transaction cash cows anyways so I really see this as a win for everyone involved. If you just want to play EASHL, there's your option. If you enjoy both, get both. Those of us who are hardcore about our NHL experience can now get a more dedicated (and thus hopefully deeper and overall improved) NHL game and EA has another avenue of milking their customers through purchase of the EASHL app or league fees or whatever model they might choose to adapt.

Does EA have an exclusive license? Last I heard, EA, 2K, Microsoft and Sony could all make NHL games. 2K released NHL 2k on mobile

[actionhank]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

Does EA have an exclusive license? Last I heard, EA, 2K, Microsoft and Sony could all make NHL games. 2K released NHL 2k on mobile

EA doesn't hold an exclusive NHL license (they may with some of their stadium licenses, but that's speculation at best). But, other companies are probably a bit hesitant to try and compete with a juggernaut series. If anything, maybe NHL15 showed 2K or even SCEA (The idea of an NHL game with the awesomeness of The Show makes me happy. But, there would have to be some way to have a cross-platform release) that now they have a chance to jump in and take on Goliath so to speak.

It honestly wouldn't take a lot of changes to make a strong competitive title to go up against EA, but the problem is game companies work based on how much the game can make, and splitting a demographic that's already small can be a gamble. It seems with how much it costs to make a good game, and license everything in sports game, you kind of have to dominate the market, or write the idea off.

SCEA just now got licensing for their apparel and gloves etc, which makes me think they might have been waiting for a while to negotiate what i can only imagine was a pricey deal to get those things in game.

Honestly, if some other company could get NHL licensing, and allow a more customization-friendly game that let the user decide on simulation or arcade play, and offered more in depth editing of players and equipment, I would gladly sacrifice "name brand" gear like Bauer and Nike skates. Sure, they're nice, but i would just as well have some generic skates that i can pick from 10 color options on while editing my player who has a custom face and more than 10 physical attribute features that i can edit over name-brand gear for a few years.
I just want great gameplay, nice graphics, and customization that's easy to implement and share. The rest can fall into place in due time.

[capnlarge]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

EA doesn't hold an exclusive NHL license (they may with some of their stadium licenses, but that's speculation at best). But, other companies are probably a bit hesitant to try and compete with a juggernaut series. If anything, maybe NHL15 showed 2K or even SCEA (The idea of an NHL game with the awesomeness of The Show makes me happy. But, there would have to be some way to have a cross-platform release) that now they have a chance to jump in and take on Goliath so to speak.

It honestly wouldn't take a lot of changes to make a strong competitive title to go up against EA, but the problem is game companies work based on how much the game can make, and splitting a demographic that's already small can be a gamble. It seems with how much it costs to make a good game, and license everything in sports game, you kind of have to dominate the market, or write the idea off.

SCEA just now got licensing for their apparel and gloves etc, which makes me think they might have been waiting for a while to negotiate what i can only imagine was a pricey deal to get those things in game.

Honestly, if some other company could get NHL licensing, and allow a more customization-friendly game that let the user decide on simulation or arcade play, and offered more in depth editing of players and equipment, I would gladly sacrifice "name brand" gear like Bauer and Nike skates. Sure, they're nice, but i would just as well have some generic skates that i can pick from 10 color options on while editing my player who has a custom face and more than 10 physical attribute features that i can edit over name-brand gear for a few years.
I just want great gameplay, nice graphics, and customization that's easy to implement and share. The rest can fall into place in due time.

I would definitely be first in line to buy a new NHL 2k or NHL Faceoff The Show

[Moose24x]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

Even if EA's license isn't exclusive, my overall point about EASHL stands. The game is called NHL 15. EASHL is a fantasy league that requires zero NHL licensing. They can make that a separate entity, charge some sort of price or subscription for it and put the focus in their NHL title on NHL details. In no way does the EASHL have to go away, but when people constantly refer to it as the most important game mode and the area they want EA to devote most of their attention it drives me nuts. Devote the attention to making a better NHL experience. It's an NHL game! The EASHL is a fantasy league. Let it be its own glorious separate entity.

[actionhank]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

Even if EA's license isn't exclusive, my overall point about EASHL stands. The game is called NHL 15. EASHL is a fantasy league that requires zero NHL licensing. They can make that a separate entity, charge some sort of price or subscription for it and put the focus in their NHL title on NHL details. In no way does the EASHL have to go away, but when people constantly refer to it as the most important game mode and the area they want EA to devote most of their attention it drives me nuts. Devote the attention to making a better NHL experience. It's an NHL game! The EASHL is a fantasy league. Let it be its own glorious separate entity.

I'd actually never really thought of it that way. They wouldn't even need to have authentic arenas, or equipment. I'd imagine not dealing with licensing issues would enable them to sell it as a pretty reduced cost. Though it may just be something that's easier for them to work on "in addition" to the work they do with the rest of the game.

I still think HUT will be biggest problem for everyone wanting a realistic/enjoyable experience with any other facet of the game. It's hard to argue with numbers, and HUT brings in the $70 purchase price, plus all of the money after, facebook activity, twitter shares, all of that marketing. Things like Be a GM and other modes just don't really bring the same level of income. Which is why i would love for someone else to step in and challenge EA in the hockey market. The door couldn't get much more open. Plenty of people are ready to get something better, so now it's up to EA to right the ship, or continue to have those non-HUT people stay away, or better still, for someone to sweep in with a new perspective and steal away those sales.

That said, i wonder how much copyright issue there would be. The skill-stick is pretty unique, and i would hate to imagine that you couldn't use something similar. I remember MLB2K was a worse baseball game in just about every way, except for the pitching interface, which was amazing in regards to what The Show offered. To throw certain pitches, you used unique movement of the right stick. A fastball might just be hold down then up, a change up would be up then down, a curve would require a rotation of 270 degrees, and then flicking the stick to the side. All of it was compounded with the fact that you were trying to time it, so if you rushed it, or had a tired pitcher, it all became more difficult. It was an awesome and organic way to make pitching more difficult without resorting to forcing the player to make sacrifices. You could go for the complete game with your starter, but as he got tired, the timing of the pitch meter required more effort to get it right.

Anyhow, i think that was copyrighted (similar to the "swiping" of touch screens on phones, which was absurd in the age of everything having a damn touchscreen.) and if the idea of shooting and (hopefully, if EA smarts up) playing defense and using the sticks to have dynamic movements that have higher or lower error rates based on your input along with player ratings not be something being something another company couldn't do and had to find a way to make hockey fun with just the face buttons. I don't know that i could switch back.

[Moose24x]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

I'll never switch back to face buttons. I just can't.

[capnbuh]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

I'd actually never really thought of it that way. They wouldn't even need to have authentic arenas, or equipment. I'd imagine not dealing with licensing issues would enable them to sell it as a pretty reduced cost. Though it may just be something that's easier for them to work on "in addition" to the work they do with the rest of the game.

I still think HUT will be biggest problem for everyone wanting a realistic/enjoyable experience with any other facet of the game. It's hard to argue with numbers, and HUT brings in the $70 purchase price, plus all of the money after, facebook activity, twitter shares, all of that marketing. Things like Be a GM and other modes just don't really bring the same level of income. Which is why i would love for someone else to step in and challenge EA in the hockey market. The door couldn't get much more open. Plenty of people are ready to get something better, so now it's up to EA to right the ship, or continue to have those non-HUT people stay away, or better still, for someone to sweep in with a new perspective and steal away those sales.

That said, i wonder how much copyright issue there would be. The skill-stick is pretty unique, and i would hate to imagine that you couldn't use something similar. I remember MLB2K was a worse baseball game in just about every way, except for the pitching interface, which was amazing in regards to what The Show offered. To throw certain pitches, you used unique movement of the right stick. A fastball might just be hold down then up, a change up would be up then down, a curve would require a rotation of 270 degrees, and then flicking the stick to the side. All of it was compounded with the fact that you were trying to time it, so if you rushed it, or had a tired pitcher, it all became more difficult. It was an awesome and organic way to make pitching more difficult without resorting to forcing the player to make sacrifices. You could go for the complete game with your starter, but as he got tired, the timing of the pitch meter required more effort to get it right.

Anyhow, i think that was copyrighted (similar to the "swiping" of touch screens on phones, which was absurd in the age of everything having a damn touchscreen.) and if the idea of shooting and (hopefully, if EA smarts up) playing defense and using the sticks to have dynamic movements that have higher or lower error rates based on your input along with player ratings not be something being something another company couldn't do and had to find a way to make hockey fun with just the face buttons. I don't know that i could switch back.

This assumes that EA's control scheme is perfect. There is definitely room for improvement. Maybe I just have clumsy fingers but I can't always shoot when I want to on skill stick. Also, skill stick leads to lots of accidental interference. I'm not a game designer but I'm sure another company could come up with a control scheme as good as, or better than EA's.

Personally, I liked NHL 2K8's control scheme but I know most fans and critics hated it, so I don't think that is the solution.

[DanglingPenguins]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

If we could stay away from the zamboni racing crap... That'd be great.

[actionhank]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

This assumes that EA's control scheme is perfect. There is definitely room for improvement. Maybe I just have clumsy fingers but I can't always shoot when I want to on skill stick. Also, skill stick leads to lots of accidental interference. I'm not a game designer but I'm sure another company could come up with a control scheme as good as, or better than EA's.

Personally, I liked NHL 2K8's control scheme but I know most fans and critics hated it, so I don't think that is the solution.

I think the "skill stick" is probably one of the best ways to represent control in hockey. That's definitely not to say it couldn't be improved.

Shooting can be difficult at times, but i'm not sure how much of that is the control setup, or just EA not doing much to change their system. I like the idea of just quickly tapping up to take a snap shot, or rolling right/left and up to take a wrister, and the obvious movements for the slap shot are fun.

But, it could definitely be better. Maybe holding R2/Right Trigger and then pushing the right stick to pass, and the direction and speed you move the stick with affects how accurate and quickly the make the pass. Tapping R3 and then flicking the stick could be used for elevating the puck maybe. It would be cool to have a more context based system, especially for clearing. Clearing on the PK is awful. You can take a slapper, but who knows what direction the computer will decide to fire in. Using R1 to clear seems to result in launching it into the crowd more often than not, and it's tough to just chip the puck along the boards.

Speaking of defense, imagine using the right stick to control poke checks, and stick lifts, instead of relying on frantic button pushing, with your timing, accuracy (The direction of your poke/life) and the speed you hit the stick with contributing to the chances of success or a penalty.
It would be nice to get in front of the net on D, and use the left stick (With L2 facing the puck carrier, EA, please bring that back. I'm so sick of trying to face a guy, and being completely hosed when the puck hits the goalie and i can't turn to do anything) and then with your right stick you can try to time it so you lift the stick, or even slash it down to break up a pass/shot (with the added chance of snapping the stick and getting whistled for slashing.)

I would love for EA to especially give defense a makeover.

[sabres32]

Be a GM or owner mode is the important part of the ea sports nhl series. I love being able to control a team and attempt to make them successful. I just wish it was more in depth and more challenging. Basically an ultra realistic be a GM mode would make me one happy dude. I can't believe how much be a GM is lacking in NHL 15. At least in the previous games it was some what interesting. Please EA, make the best be a GM or owner mode that a video game has ever had to offer.

[Griffey30]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

if nhl could get a madden type owner mode I would jump for joy. I would love for them to shoot for a mvp 2005 type owner mode since that was the best owner mode ever created

[kyussmanchu]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

GAMEFACE FFS!!! We've been asking for this damn feature for over a decade!!!! Make a poper Be a Player/Pro mode...

[RicoLaguno]

Re: NHL 15 Fan Survey Lists Modes EA is Considering for NHL 16

Sorry, havent read thru this entire thread, but early on I saw alot of people requesting NHL16 to add multi team user control GM Mode. I also very much want this as well so I can randomly play different games on the schedule around the league like in MLB the Show and other sports games......

Did EA mention if they would add this?


I also would love to bring back create a team and player and be able to customize my Franchise with different teams/created teams/teams from other leagues, etc if I want to.

[LaserDekes]

For the love of god.....FOCUS ON NHL HOCKEY!!!! (THAT'S THE NAME OF THE FLIPPING GAME)

Exhibition
Season
Franchise
If you want to add an international mode...... fine, that would be great.....even coach mode would be fine

Give those modes with online and offline capability and people will be happy!!!

If we want to race zambonis we can buy one of the countless driving game.....AGAIN, FOCUS ON FLIPPING HOCKEY!!!!

Allow us to edit players........just take a look at MLB The Show and the way those devs work with the community and focus on the sport and the realism.....your focus should be on nothing other than improving the on ice product and realism.....STOP WITH THE GIMMICKS

Allow us to edit players, equipment, etc.

JUST FOCUS ON HOCKEY!!!!!!!!

It's so simple......why do they make it so difficult.....90% of your customer base buys the game to play hockey and do things like franchises

That's what they did last year and everyone hated it.