I´m a major league dick

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:02 pm

Boys:
 
 My turnabout on NHL Rivals 2004 is complete. I´m digging this game so much that I´ve started an offline mini-season with the Oilers in addition to joining Granatofan´s XSN league.
 
 So, yeah, I was a tool for shredding this game at the outset. It´s the most enjoyable online-offline hockey game I´ve played this year.
 
 NHL 2004 is a slightly better game, but it doesn´t offer online play for the Xbox. Plus some of the features in Rivals, such as the faceoff options, pinpoint passing and pivot controls, are excellent.
 
 I´m stunned to admit that ESPN NHL arguably is the worst of the four hockey games released this year for the Xbox. Man, what a fall from grace compared to last year, when NHL 2K3 was the king. Nice job, Kush.
 
 I´ve learned a good lesson with this Rivals´ affair: Always give a game a good shake before ditching it. Be patient. Play it out. Learn to appreciate any subtleties and positives the game has while evaluating whether they outweigh the negatives.
 
 And most importantly: Learn to play the game. Don´t blame your deficiencies on "bad AI." Once I took the time to learn defense in NHL Rivals, the game opened up for me like Chuck Heston parting the Red Sea.
 
 Some games are simply lousy no matter how many times you play them. FIFA 2004 comes to mind. But some games deliver wonderful rewards with patience and an open mind.
 
 That´s exactly what happened with me and Rivals, and I´m stoked.
 
 Take care,
 PK [ This message was edited by: pk500 on 01-12-2003 10:02 ]

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:09 pm

PK - Just curious, what are some of those features that you mentioned which make NHL 2004 a better offline game? Thanks buddy. BTW, we´ve all done the same thing you did with Rivals (with different games of course!). At least you did the smart thing and were patient. I can think of way too many games and consoles (!!!!) where I´ve changed my mind after selling or trading them in too quickly.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:23 pm

Steve:
 
 The offline aspects of NHL 2004 that I find superior to NHL Rivals:
 
 1. Graphics. Yep, Rivals is a disappointment graphically. Players lack definition either up-close or from distant views. Cut scenes and replays pale compared to NHL 2004. But NHL has framerate stutters, just like every EA game on the Xbox.
 
 2. Tie-up button. Every game has a pinning feature, and Rivals implements it more intuitively than any other game this year. But EA also added the tie-up button, which is quite realistic.
 
 3. Skater physics model. NHL has the most realistic skating physics model of any console hockey game I´ve ever played, and I´ve played nearly all of them for the PSX, DC, PS2 (up to 2002) and Xbox.
 
 4. Full-length power plays. Very cool feature in which power plays on minors last a full two minutes, even when using the accelerated clock.
 
 Don´t get me wrong: Rivals does some things better than NHL. But if I only wanted an offline hockey game this year, I would take NHL 2004 in a squeaker over Rivals.
 
 But Rivals is the ideal comprehensive package for me. As Hrudey has said, this game just feels right and is a ton of fun. It truly is the spiritual successor to the outstanding Fox NHL Championship 2000 for the PSX, one of the most underrated hockey games of all time.
 
 Take care,
 PK [ This message was edited by: pk500 on 01-12-2003 10:25 ]

grtwhtsk · Post by **grtwhtsk** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:31 pm

Thanks PK. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:45 pm

PK I don´t know much about hockey, but I do agree that you are a major league dick. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_wink.gif">
 
 Man, it´s been too long. I haven´t given PK a hard time in a long time. Now all is right in the world.
 
 BTW, congrats on the Bills playing well yesterday.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:50 pm

BK:
 
 The only difference between your DSP football picks this year and a bucket of s*** is the bucket. You pick games about as well as the Chargers play on the field this year. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif"> <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 Just kidding, bro. But that last-gasp Flutie TD f*cked a lot of people on the spread yesterday, including me!
 
 Dickingly yours,
 PK

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 2:58 pm

Hmm...
 
 I think I see a Gamefly rental of Rivals in my near future.

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:04 pm

PK you are a di.....wait a minute have you sent the Mike Hart tape yet? <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_wink.gif">
 
 We are tied for 3rd brother so its on!! <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_biggrin.gif"> The Bills F**ked me this week.
 
 I am going to buy Rivals today,based on your impressions. I will be on-line next tuesday. YE-HAH! Betcha you didn´t think brothers said YE-HAH <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_biggrin.gif">
 
 Peace.

GROGtheNailer · Post by **GROGtheNailer** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:14 pm

Wow, i´m blown away that some of you like the game so much, it is so basic feeling, like there is nothing substantial to it. To each their own, I don´t get it but if you guys are digging the game then more power to you.
 
 I´ve come around on NHL 2004 and actually think it´s not bad, can´t do it for Rivals.

Airdog · Post by **Airdog** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:18 pm

I´ll probably rent this over my Christmas break, finally.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:45 pm

I thought you would have learned with the whole Moto GP fiasco about a year and a half ago. LOL...

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:45 pm

Jack-diggity:
 
 Mike H tape will be in the mail today. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 Take care,
 PK

Jackdog · Post by **Jackdog** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 3:59 pm

Thanks PK. My brother Charles and I can´t wait to see this kid in action.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 4:02 pm

I´m not sold on Rivals offline yet...
 
 Love it online, but CPU scoring may be a bit of a problem offline.
 
 Granted, it is hard to get a good early read because I am using the Devils and Brodeur, but after 10 games in a Pro level season, the cpu has only managed a .97 goals/game average against me. My scoring is fine, but I´m worried about the AI.
 
 Granatofan mentioned he was seeing this a little as well, and actually edited his goalie. That worked for him, it seemed, but sheesh, gamers really shouldn´t need to take that step to get competitive games against the AI.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 4:31 pm

PK, FU!!! <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 I may need to apply to take over Marty´s job for the Chargers. I have never seen a more unprepared and undiscplined Charger team, and that´s saying something.
 
 At least under Mike Riley, they played hard, and seemed to be prepared to play.
 
 This has been a long football season. At least I still have USC reppin´ the Pac 10.

Neckthai · Post by **Neckthai** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 4:40 pm

The Eggo Strikes Back.
 
 WB Waffler

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 5:32 pm

Ah, not really, Neck. I never traded or sold Rivals. I just changed my mind on it and am glad I hung on to it.
 
 Anyone who hasn´t changed their mind about a game in their past or present may cast the first stone. Until then, grab the Windex and start cleaning the windows in your glass f*cking house. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 Take care,
 PK

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 5:34 pm

I don´t change my mind about games.
 
 I´m too stubborn to give a s***. If I don´t like it, it is highly unlikely something will ´grow´ on me.
 
 Gaming life is too short to play a game that I don´t enjoy.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 6:48 pm

I completely agree Terry...if I don´t like a game within the first hour or two of play...it´s gone. I don´t have time to ´learn´ to enjoy something...I either like it or I don´t.

GROGtheNailer · Post by **GROGtheNailer** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 6:57 pm

I usually can tell very soon if I like it or not as well...but...I have changed my mind in the past, though rarely. It happens though, sometimes it gets discounted then a few weeks/months later I seem to "get it" or play with a different perspective. Rare...but is has happened.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:28 pm

DB, Terry:
 
 You guys sound like ideal candidates to become reviewers of non-EA games for Gamepro.com or IGN.com. Play it for 60 minutes, say it sucks and then write the review. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif">
 
 Take care,
 PK [ This message was edited by: pk500 on 01-12-2003 15:29 ]

DChaps · Post by **DChaps** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:31 pm

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD>Quote:<HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><BLOCKQUOTE>
 On 2003-12-01 12:31, bkrich83 wrote:
 I may need to apply to take over Marty´s job for the Chargers. I have never seen a more unprepared and undiscplined Charger team, and that´s saying something. </BLOCKQUOTE></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>
 
 Yep, the Chargers and the Falcons are currently fighting it out for the worst team in the whole NFL. I would say we have the advantage right now though. Out of the 32 NFL teams we are the bottom of the list in 5 out of 16 major stat categories including worst record and overall defense. They are 30th or worse in 10 out of these 16 categories.
 
 If this horrible year is all because of Michael Vick´s injury, then the Falcons need to triple his salary. I am so glad I did not buy into the season ticket hype from last year. I am just as content to watch them snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the comfort of my own home.
 
 As far as making a complete turn around on a game, it really has not happened too often for me. In general I am pretty forgiving to begin with if the important elements are there, but usually if I don´t like a game after several hours play it is unlikely I will change my mind.
 
 Halo is a game that I tried to get into on 3 separate occassions. Got it with my original Xbox purchase, and sold it pretty quickly due to its high going rate on Ebay. Bought it again a couple months later when I saw it on sale. Ended up selling that one too for a slight profit. Later a friend brought it over to try to convince me otherwise, but I was still left flat.
 
 That is what is so cool about this forum and the former SR though. There are many games that I would not have even looked at, or that I did go back and give a second change to because of the great variety of opinions and detailed posts.
 
 Keep it comin´ PK, I may just end up with Rivals yet. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_smile.gif"> [ This message was edited by: DChaps on 01-12-2003 15:35 ]

TCrouch · Post by **TCrouch** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:31 pm

Piss off Paul. <IMG SRC="images/forum/icons/icon_biggrin.gif">
 
 Reviewing a game is different. I´m certainly not going to spend NON-REVIEW time playing something I don´t enjoy.
 
 Every review I wrote for OS, I played thoroughly, since it was a "job". However, if it´s not a review, I could care less about finding something that will *hopefully* grow on me. [ This message was edited by: TCrouch on 01-12-2003 15:41 ]

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 7:58 pm

Back to rivals...
 There is a stupid gameplay aspect that is fixable but is just a stupid design decision. The position invites the game to have the arcade feel to it.
 
 How many guys need to forecheck?? It seems the CPU for my team likes to put all the forwards right arond the goalie leaving a very up and down game. The defenders love to play "bump and run." Sadly this isn´t football and they just get burned often leaving end to end hockey. More realistic hockey position could have made this game better but right now it´s a very up and down game.
 
 I´m not too happy in how they handled the difficulty modes. It seems that they stole a page for EA Sports. Instead of making the CPU play smarter they are just better at hitting and too aggressive. Minor doesn´t really provide a challange and pro seems unfair in most games.
 
 Rivals is probably the best out of the bunch it hockey games in general really stink this year. As they have for many years.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Dec 01, 2003 8:53 pm

"Minor doesn´t really provide a challange and pro seems unfair in most games. "
 
 I haven´t been seeing this on Pro, Jrod. I win the majority of my games on Pro with key statistics (goals, SOG, hits, penalties, faceoffs) even or close to even (usually in my favor) nearly every game. Nothing seems forced or cheap. I have yet to smell anything fishy about the gameplay on that level...except for fights.
 
 CPU seems to have ESP when the gloves drop. Haven´t won a fight on Pro yet!