[BL8001]

One of the issues with the user being fouled in sports games is the nature of the user vs cpu interaction.

We have all been programmed through playing these games to AVOID the cpu.

Anybody with half a brain would realize if I "run away" from the cpu they can't take the ball or puck from me.

But it's the opposite in this NHL game. You have to allow contact with the CPU but allow it in the correct way for a penalty to be called.

For example. if you have come down the left wing and come to a stop and the CPU comes out to you, if you turn away but don't immediately skate away from them they will keep on you from the back and if you just protect while they try to come through you they will slash and hook you at times.

The key is to draw them towards you but not allow them to get a full head of steam. It's a too delicate balance because as was posted above, the CPU is way too eager to check you over playing solid D. If they put out a gameplay tuner that made the CPU choose check 20% of the time instead of 85% of the time that would tone it down and open it up for more cpu penalties.

Particularly if the extra 65% probability was carved into stick lift and poke check behavior.