NHL2K7 Demo

billharris44 · Post by **billharris44** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:37 am

It's available on the marketplace now. One period in length. The new skating animations are excellent and so are the sound effects.

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 11:45 am

Animations, gameplay, and presentation are severely outdated. As much as I love the series, it's time for a change. Cinemotion is ridiculous fluff.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:07 pm

Thanks for the heads up. I know I'm definitely picking up NHL 07 but hadn't decided yet on NHL 2k7. This gives me the opportunity to decide if I'll pick it up or not. I've read a lot of impressions that say it feels pretty stale to them so we'll see if I feel the same way or not.

billharris44 · Post by **billharris44** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:11 pm

Sully, I don't get it. Those skating animations are like silk--they look real to me. What looks so outdate?

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:25 pm

billharris44 wrote:Sully, I don't get it. Those skating animations are like silk--they look real to me. What looks so outdate?

The graphics, the goaltending animations, the presentation all are outdated. I've been kind to the series in the past, but other than the new skating animations, which I do like, not much else has changed.

Over the last two years, they've given us Crease Control and Cinemtion...useless fluff. I'd rather see the time and effort put elsewhere. I've also been spoiled by the goaltending animations I saw in the NHL 07, which are nothing short of outstanding.

billharris44 · Post by **billharris44** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:26 pm

One thing I think they should have done this year was map shooting to the right analog stick. That was a significant design improvement by NHL.

Sully · Post by **Sully** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:35 pm

billharris44 wrote:One thing I think they should have done this year was map shooting to the right analog stick. That was a significant design improvement by NHL.

Probably one of the best innovations I've seen in a sports title in years. I'm sure 2k will follow suit eventually.

I know with the right slider tweaks, 2k is going to give me the most realistic game of hockey. I'm looking forward to that, but I still can't shake the feeling that the series has become stale.

FifaInspected · Post by **FifaInspected** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:56 pm

I agree with Sully on his points that it has broken no new ground technically. However, I think the game looks better than anticipated (and better than videos) and it has to be the smoothest playing sports game i've ever played. It's a silky smooth 60 fps. I also really dig the new camera angle, it give the game a much more realistic presentation.

Overall i'm happy with it, even with it's very familiar feel. The game looks good, plays good and history tells us that the gameplay should be rock solid with a little slider tinkering.

Danimal · Post by **Danimal** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 12:58 pm

I tried both demos and I am definetly going with NHL. I am not a hard core hockey fan to begin with, so as long as it resembles hockey and is fun then I am in. So far using the right stick is just an awesome feeling while playing 2K feels like the same game I played on my Xbox 3 years ago.

I'm sure when both games are release that the 2K game will probably be more realistic, but I just think I will have more fun with the other game.

FifaInspected · Post by **FifaInspected** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:09 pm

I may do something that i've never done before... Buy both.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 1:55 pm

FifaInspected wrote:I may do something that i've never done before... Buy both.

I'm taking the opposite tack: waiting a week or two to let the impressions shake out, and then decide which one to buy, if either.

The one feature I pine for that would make me buy either or both of these games sight-unseen appears to be one that will never arrive: multi-unit multiplayer online. Basically, I'd be happier with Rivals being back-compat than I would with either of the new games no matter if they both represent the best console hockey ever released.

But hey, I know that's just me, and most guys get most of their pleasure from playing seasons v. CPU, as I'm sure the devs at EA and 2K are aware, and that's why we won't see true multiplayer in sports games (unless Konami really does make it happen with this year's PS2 version of WE).

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 2:13 pm

The demo suggests that old 'Monet' reference where it looks pretty good from far away but up close this game comes up far short.

The gameplay is definitely fluid and looks better than expected during gameplay where it actually counts, but those models can be fuggly. Players bear little remeblance to the actual players they are supposed to represent, IMHO. The omission of replays in the game was unfortunate as I'd like to take a closer look at some sequences but overall it seems to play a reasonably entertaining game. However, maybe due to the speed and difficulty settings, it seems that one-timers are the most reliable way to score though I did manage a couple of nice rebound goals. I've little doubt that there will be a reasonable mixture of goal types I just don't like the up-and-down nature and tendency towards one-timers. In this way it reminds me of old-style NHL gameplay.

The Cinemotion is an odd choice to say the least. When a significant portion of the yearly change goes into presentation, you'd better be confident in the outcome. To me, playing a game with Cinemotion is something like 'Harry Potter Ice Hockey'. I admire the innovation and the attempt to try something new but I can't imagine an entire season played to an orchestral score. I understand it's an option but it's among the more touted features of the new game.

Once again I think the crowd atmosphere is underwhelming. Maybe it's a consequence of ommiting replays in general but the most prominent feature of scoring a goal is the horn. The actual crowd sounds pretty uninspiring and even the 'orchestra' seems disinterested. Overlays and the like appear to be at a minimum.

It's unfortunate that NHL 07 didn't, in fact, release a 5 vs 5 demo as astraight-up comparison would be nice. I love the look and feel of the shootout demo, but there are obviously some concerns that the gameplay won't live up to the initial expectations. I question, somewhat, the controls of the EA demo and wonder if it is a consequence of some specialized shootout controls; but it appears difficult to do certain things like walk the blueline like a defenseman or even keep the puck in the zone. Subtle movements on the stick often result in large strides and stickhandles and I wonder how the regulation game will fare in this department.

I'll most likely pick up NHL 07 before waiting for initial reviews but I hope to not be burned.

-G7

ddtrane · Post by **ddtrane** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:36 pm

Zeppo wrote:
FifaInspected wrote:I may do something that i've never done before... Buy both.

I'm taking the opposite tack: waiting a week or two to let the impressions shake out, and then decide which one to buy, if either.

The one feature I pine for that would make me buy either or both of these games sight-unseen appears to be one that will never arrive: multi-unit multiplayer online. Basically, I'd be happier with Rivals being back-compat than I would with either of the new games no matter if they both represent the best console hockey ever released.

But hey, I know that's just me, and most guys get most of their pleasure from playing seasons v. CPU, as I'm sure the devs at EA and 2K are aware, and that's why we won't see true multiplayer in sports games (unless Konami really does make it happen with this year's PS2 version of WE).

Amen, and Amen again. When will the devs realize we want true/real multiplayer in our Hockey and Soccer offerings. For it not to be offered is just another slap in the face of the consumer. I guess I'll just continued to be slapped because I want both titles.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:48 pm

After playing a few periods...I am impressed. The rest of you aren't...but I am. It's a HUGE improvement over last years game from a visual, audio (minus the stupid music when you're playing), and gameplay standpoint. Last years game felt REALLY stale because it really was the same game as the Xbox version and the two versions prior...this game has a different feel to me. The skating, the camera, the puck control...all feel different in a good way. Maybe I'm just easy to please...I don't know. But I like it so far. Sure, the visuals of 07 are better...but I would rather have the better game. We all know that we'll be able to get a more sim-like game from 2k7...I guess it all just depends if you get bored from it too easily.

I had planned to buy NHL 07 and then to rent 2k7...but now I'm not so sure. Ahhh...the beauty of demos on the Xbox Live Marketplace...it only confuses me.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 7:53 pm

I gotta agree with Db. I was really impressed and plan to buy this game at launch. It feels much fresher than years past. I just hope the commentary is improved over that past year or so.

The music doesn't bother me one bit as I've grown very tired of the hip hop and alternative music in seemingly every sports video game. I'm sure you can turn it off and most likely add your mix of music to the game anyways.

I love the new camera angle. It's makes it that much easier to set up plays and distribute the puck. The one nagging problem I've always had with the game is getting the right camera angle to work in regards to setting up plays. They were always too high if you wanted to see every one of your players including the defenseman. I had no problems passing the pack back to my defenders and working the puck around. Also, the A.I. was very aggressive in going after the player with the puck. Last mention about the camera angle and graphics. The ice IMO looks fantastic!

On defense, it seemed the A.I. was really smart about setting up a good scoring opportunity. Breakaways are handled a lot better than I can remember in a long time. It definitely doesn't feel like the same ol same ol to me at least.

While I was impressed with NHL '07 as well, it's difficult to really make a definitive opinion on a shootout demo. Honestly, the demo become rather boring to me after a few play arounds. It became tiring seeing the same animations over and over, along with the offensive player's stick going through the goalie. I love the implementation of using the right stick, and do hope the 2K series follows suit next year. I'm always a little leary of EA hockey games, because they seem to play too arcadish and too fast for me.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:23 pm

I actually enjoyed the demo more after a few games, especially after playing the NHL demo. I must be the one of the few that isn't impressed at all with the shootout demo. I agree with Dan on the camera angle.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 8:47 pm

After playing the demos, I can't wait to buy both games. I really like the 2k demo...after 5 or 6 games, I don't know that I'm going to be able to go back to using the old traditional camera angle that will probably be in EA's game. This is really the camera angle that I've been waiting on. I love how when the opponent is cycling the puck around at the perimeter down on your end of the ice, and the camera is just hovering right about your goalie. I also love the camera following behind the play on an odd man rush. What a great, and fresh (IMO) change to hockey videogames. I just don't see how anyone could think this is stale. It's definitely not the hockey game I remember from the Dreamcast and XBox days...but better.

Also really looking forward to EA's game. The camera angle will probably not be as good, but everything else seems great. I also couldn't play the demo more than a few times though...I'm going to check it out again, after I get another quick 2k game in. God bless xbox live marketplace and the free advance demos.

ddtrane · Post by **ddtrane** » Fri Sep 08, 2006 10:27 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I actually enjoyed the demo more after a few games, especially after playing the NHL demo. I must be the one of the few that isn't impressed at all with the shootout demo. I agree with Dan on the camera angle.

You and me both. I just don't get it. Its only in shootout, you can't tell how the AI acts and reacts, how can anyone after playing the demo decide if the game is for them?

After reading numerous message boards, everyone is going apesh!t over NHL 2007. All EA have to do is change a few items with a new control scheme and bam!! I've seen people breaking legs jumping off the 2K7 bandwagon to get this game simply for the fact that they're waiting for EA to produce a halfway decent pucks game.

It will still be the same arcadey piece of crap that EA sells, but with a $60 tag to go along. But I'm such a sucker, I'll find something I can trade in to get my claws on it, but I won't be getting it at launch, 2K7 will be the game I rush out get on Tuesday.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:05 am

It's baaaaaack! No, it being back is not a good thing. The old Nike swoosh money goal is back. After 2k3 I've checked for it every year. It wasn't there last year but it's back this year. I hope it's not in the retail version because I really did like what I played other than the money goal.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 12:50 am

Absolutely love the camera in the demo. I wasn't really expecting much from the 2k game but now I may end up getting both hockey games this year also.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:03 am

After playing both demos I'm content that I pre-ordered the right game.

The demo for One-Timer 2K7, oh, I mean NHL 2k7 is nowhere near as compelling as is the NHL 07 shootout.

Granted, it's just a shoot-out, but I'd rather play the shootout than the 2k7 game at this point.

This is from a guy who hasn't bought an EA Hockey game in 5-6 years.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:05 am

Played two games and here are my results. Won both games 2-0 outshooting my opponents by a grand total of 25-3. (12-2 in game one, 13-1 in game two). I'm just not feeling it. While it was posted (i think by db) that he felt NHL was too fast, this demo is LIGHT YEARS faster even without the right trigger, and with it, well forget it.

The swoosh goal has found it's way back in again, somehow, and while i do like the camera angle i just can't get past the "yup, done this before" feeling.

I'm not saying at all that this game sucks or will be better or worse than NHL, hell i haven't been on EA's side in a hockey game since the mid-90's, my point is more that between previews, vids, and the demo's, i'm feeling like i want to give EA it's shot.

I'll sum it up this way, there's a PART of me that wants to feel as though this will do for EA hockey what MVP did for EA baseball....finally set it apart.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:06 am

RallyMonkey wrote:Played two games and here are my results. Won both games 2-0 outshooting my opponents by a grand total of 25-3. (12-2 in game one, 13-1 in game two). I'm just not feeling it. While it was posted (i think by db) that he felt NHL was too fast, this demo is LIGHT YEARS faster even without the right trigger, and with it, well forget it.

The swoosh goal has found it's way back in again, somehow, and while i do like the camera angle i just can't get past the "yup, done this before" feeling.

I'm not saying at all that this game sucks or will be better or worse than NHL, hell i haven't been on EA's side in a hockey game since the mid-90's, my point is more that between previews, vids, and the demo's, i'm feeling like i want to give EA it's shot.

I'll sum it up this way, there's a PART of me that wants to feel as though this will do for EA hockey what MVP did for EA baseball....finally set it apart.

Couldn't have said it better. 2K7 has the same feel as last year. The presentation and graphics are much improved. I may end up trying the retail version but NHL07 has really caught my interest. Yes, I know its just a Shootout Demo but the right analog controls are very compelling. It's a big step and it looks to be in a very positive direction. How many times do games take these steps today? It always seems to be some minor gimic tweak that is added to give the illusion that its a totally new game. I realize developing totally new versions of a series every year is ridiculous...but so is just adding 2 new animations and making the crowd more real looking. I'm not an EA fan boy (far from it) but they seem to have turned a corner here. They are getting my $$ for NHL07. I hope I'm happy on Wednesday night.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:16 am

I'm going to check out the 2k7 demo today, but I am a bit worried that EA only gave us a shootout because the real game (5 v 5) has flaws.

I don't know, maybe they wanted to show off their new controls and goalie animations, but I am skeptical.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:28 am

MizzouRah wrote:I'm going to check out the 2k7 demo today, but I am a bit worried that EA only gave us a shootout because the real game (5 v 5) has flaws.

I don't know, maybe they wanted to show off their new controls and goalie animations, but I am skeptical.

Could be true but, SUPPOSEDLY, the final version is pretty solid. We are talking about EA though