I played the demo and I don't have NHL 10, so I don't know how similar or different it is.
The camera view is awesome for "Be a Pro", but not as lively for the regular game modes. Like I've said before, I don't like the stagnant 2-Dimensional camera modes. They're boring. I'll be doing the "Be a Pro" a lot and may just learn to love it.
I like how the opposing defense isn't afraid to challenge and plays relatively smarter than other hockey games I've played.
The faceoffs are impossible to win. Looks like that'll take some time to perfect.
I had trouble with the shooting motions, but that'll probably take time to learn. You have to aim with the left stick and do some rotational motion with the right stick. Just pressing R3 and aiming with the left stick would have been easier.
The camera for be a pro has been like that for several years now, at least the last time I played it...09 maybe? I like it, for that mode. In a game I need to be all the players, I prefer an above view. To each their own. I don't think I ever saw that view offered as an alternate in other modes, only when they make you be one player.
The AI was significantly improved this year. They added anticipation AI that gives them the ability to anticipate what will happen next. Giving them that important first step for breakouts, etc. The defense seems to be more aggressive at times. Still testing all the AI, but in previous years they had a horrible scenario where you could have 2-1 or 2-0 and the other man across the ice would cut across to your side completely ruining any chance for a good one timer. So far, I haven't seen anything dumb like that.
Faceoffs are about timing. Take the faceoff tutorial the game has, it will teach you the caveats to body position and how to grip the stick. Then you gotta get the timing down.
The only gripe I have about the aiming/shooting, and I have had for years, is that you aim with the same joystick you skate with. In the end, doesn't end up being a huge deal, but you are kind of inclined to shoot a wrister in some what the same direction as your player is skating. Just never really made sense to me.
On that note, rosters have always been notoriously wrong. Especially before regular season. I had Modano early on this year already and then he was replaced with Conner. I don't remember if they updated again or not, I really could care less at times since a lot of players on the game at that level are interchangeable.
The biggest thing I noticed this year, probably came with the new physics engine, is that lower rated players have a higher chance of losing the puck when trying to stick handle. My 3rd and 4th liners are losing the puck like crazy on breakouts and stick handling. Guess it's my turn to adjust.
When a new version comes out, I play the CPU a few times on All Star, then I head to online. The CPU is WAY too easy to line up. You won't be able to do the same online, not to everyone anyways. I think you get the most dynamic opponent in an online match versus playing a stupid computer that will never learn or think the way a human does. The only thing, well two things, that drives me crazy about the hitting is that 1) hip checks are the be-all-end-all and players act like a freight train hit them even if its a love tap, and 2) they always make the Wings weak. I rarely get the kind of charity hits other teams get the benefit. I'm not complaining, I can win games with 2 hits, just saying...
EDIT: Oh yes, I forgot goalie interactions. Some people online just want to fight constantly with goalies, that seems to be toning down now that the game has been out longer. However, I have had some stupid goals where the play is interference, the goalie obviously gets run over, and they let it go. It slides right under him as someone suggested earlier in this thread. I have seen a few goals called back and even some penalties resulting, so they do call it both ways. I'd almost rather try my odds at running over a goalie, who cares about a 5-4, shorties are easy in this game anyways. Which sucks, because I hate 'glitches' like that.
Sorry for the essay, but what I was really trying to say was....anybody wanna play on 360?
Edited by rrasco, 26 September 2011 - 07:02 PM.
