NHL 07 and NHL 2k7 IMPRESSIONS

[dbdynsty25]

That's a frickin' joke! I'm glad I didn't take time to read the entire article

I actually thought it was a pretty good summary of NHL07 for those that haven't played the game. I certainly wouldn't have called him loony or a jackass. Under negatives, I would have added shot-happy CPU and poor cameras.

Yeah, and missing animations, choppy framerates, rocket shots and sketchy neutral zone AI from your own players. There is A LOT wrong with 07.

[dbdynsty25]

On the topic of the skating engine, how has it been changed?

The skating model has always been my biggest beef with the 2k series, as I hate how the players feel like they have absolutely no momentum. They can go from 0-60 in a split second, and turn at ludicrously sharp angles at top speed. Has that aspect been changed?

It's pretty much impossible to do any of that anymore. The acceleration clearly favors the guys who have the higher skating ratings because when your offensive guy and a defensement are both breaking on the puck, whomever is rated higher will get there first. It is really well done. You have to really pay attention to how you are skating on defense because if you lose momentum, the forwards will go right by you. Basically they have done a damn good job...that's why I completely disagree with almost everything that yahoo said in that comparison when it comes to the AI and gameplay on the ice. NHL is so incomplete it's not even funny. 2k7 feels like a seasoned veteran that has been polished for the past few years.

[HipE]

I haven't really played the 2K series since 2K4, but I think the skating in the 2K7 demo is pretty much perfect. Is the L trigger controlled backwards skating something new that has been added this year? It's awesome watching your defenseman skate backwards while turning and holding the puck, it looks very fluid and lifelike.

[Naples39]

On the topic of the skating engine, how has it been changed?

The skating model has always been my biggest beef with the 2k series, as I hate how the players feel like they have absolutely no momentum. They can go from 0-60 in a split second, and turn at ludicrously sharp angles at top speed. Has that aspect been changed?

It's pretty much impossible to do any of that anymore. The acceleration clearly favors the guys who have the higher skating ratings because when your offensive guy and a defensement are both breaking on the puck, whomever is rated higher will get there first. It is really well done. You have to really pay attention to how you are skating on defense because if you lose momentum, the forwards will go right by you. Basically they have done a damn good job...that's why I completely disagree with almost everything that yahoo said in that comparison when it comes to the AI and gameplay on the ice. NHL is so incomplete it's not even funny. 2k7 feels like a seasoned veteran that has been polished for the past few years.

Cool. Thanks for the response.

[Leebo33]

I haven't really played the 2K series since 2K4

Oh, I didn't know that! 2K7 would probably be a good choice for you then. It's improved a *lot* since then and it won't seem as stale to you as it does to many of the rest of us.

[Wilk5280]

Hey guys, I would like to thank you all for the great discussions and impressions regarding these two games.

Just the mere fact that there are differing opinions shows that at the very least EA Sports is catching up and attempting to put out a good hockey game.

I think though, based on what I've been reading here that I'll be going with NHL 2K7 over EA Sports offering. I'm an online guy and it just seems that the online play and options are superior in 2K Sports offering.

Thanks again to everyone for yet another great impressions thread here at DSP!

[DivotMaker]

Yeah, and missing animations, choppy framerates, rocket shots and sketchy neutral zone AI from your own players. There is A LOT wrong with 07.

I have not played NHL 2K7 so I can't comment on the framerate/animation issue other than to say it is noticeable at times, but not to a point of distraction.

However, I have yet to see "rocket shots" in any of the 25+ games I have played so far.

While you are entitled to your opinion about there being "ALOT wrong with 07", I can't say I am finding all that much wrong with it. The fact that it is the first NHL game in YEARS that both challenges me and keeps me on the edge of my seat until the final horn sounds is good enough for me at this point. I may give 2K7 a rental just to see what I am missing or not missing.

[10spro]

There's no framerate issue at all with 2K7, not in my game anyways. The game just flows, by quoting new skating engine, I mean players stop on a dime, without sliding, you can see the player make a sharp turn and the momentum of the player carries onto the direction he's looking at, etc. Not that you have to be a skater to notice these minor adjustments, but 2K's engine reflects the art of skating very well.

Kudos to EA's stick control, if we combine the player movement with EA's innovative stick and mixed it with 2K's gameplay, we are that much closer to the Hockey game we all dream of.

[DivotMaker]

There's no framerate issue at all with 2K7, not in my game anyways.

If you are responding to me, I was referring to NHL 07's framerate/animation issues that db commented on. I referred to NHL 2K7 because I have not played the final version with which to compare framerate/animation.

[10spro]

There's no framerate issue at all with 2K7, not in my game anyways.

If you are responding to me, I was referring to NHL 07's framerate/animation issues that db commented on. I referred to NHL 2K7 because I have not played the final version with which to compare framerate/animation.

Nope, just commenting in general for those that are on the fence, that 2K7 doesn't have any framerate/animation issues.

[DivotMaker]

There's no framerate issue at all with 2K7, not in my game anyways.

If you are responding to me, I was referring to NHL 07's framerate/animation issues that db commented on. I referred to NHL 2K7 because I have not played the final version with which to compare framerate/animation.

Nope, just commenting in general for those that are on the fence, that 2K7 doesn't have any framerate/animation issues.

Ok, thanks for clarifying.

[Naples39]

There's no framerate issue at all with 2K7, not in my game anyways. The game just flows, by quoting new skating engine, I mean players stop on a dime, without sliding, you can see the player make a sharp turn and the momentum of the player carries onto the direction he's looking at, etc. Not that you have to be a skater to notice these minor adjustments, but 2K's engine reflects the art of skating very well.

Kudos to EA's stick control, if we combine the player movement with EA's innovative stick and mixed it with 2K's gameplay, we are that much closer to the Hockey game we all dream of.

As long as the puck carrier can't make perfect 90-degree turns at top speed, the skating engine is improved in my book.

[dbdynsty25]

Yeah, and missing animations, choppy framerates, rocket shots and sketchy neutral zone AI from your own players. There is A LOT wrong with 07.

I have not played NHL 2K7 so I can't comment on the framerate/animation issue other than to say it is noticeable at times, but not to a point of distraction.

Well that is precisely my point. If you play both side by side, which I have been doing for the past couple days...there is a significant difference in framerate at all times (like EA is at 15-20 and 2k is at 30-60). After playing 2k for a while you realize that EA has ramped up the speed of the shots for whatever reason...so much so that like 2004 (which was the last EA brand hockey game I've liked) the puck would just shoot back into your own zone. This could be remedied slightly if you had an ice friction slider like 2k has, but it doesn't, so you're stuck with what they've decided to give you. Try the full version of 2k and then get back to me...you owe it to yourself to have the full picture, not just half of it. If you still like 07, then great...I'm sure there are a lot of people who will ultimately be satisfied with it. I am not (obviously).

[seanmac31]

The more I play NHL 07, the more I wish I not only didn't buy it, but that I didn't ever play it. On the one hand, it's not a good game- I would agree with every single one of db's criticisms. The framerate is atrocious. The animations are poor. The camera angles make it hard to see the action and/or the graphical detail. The players just bunch up in the middle instead of actually playing sound positional hockey. It's just a mess. But with all that said, the stick control and the variability of the scoring makes it very difficult to play 2K7 without feeling like you're missing out on something. I keep reflexively reaching for the right thumbstick and expecting something to happen, only to find nothing worthwhile going on.

I may just trade in NHL 07 for NBA 2K7 and skip hockey altogether this year. (And in truth, hockey tends to get the short end of the stick once the soccer games come out. And with WE and a much improved FIFA on the horizon...)

[Leebo33]

DB, according to your NHL 07 profile, you haven't scored or won a game on anything but Pro. You owe it yourself to at least try the game at a higher difficulty.

[webdanzer]

The more I play NHL 07, the more I wish I not only didn't buy it, but that I didn't ever play it. On the one hand, it's not a good game- I would agree with every single one of db's criticisms. The framerate is atrocious. The animations are poor. The camera angles make it hard to see the action and/or the graphical detail. The players just bunch up in the middle instead of actually playing sound positional hockey. It's just a mess. But with all that said, the stick control and the variability of the scoring makes it very difficult to play 2K7 without feeling like you're missing out on something. I keep reflexively reaching for the right thumbstick and expecting something to happen, only to find nothing worthwhile going on.

It's funny, having not yet played either game (yet having rental copies of both in my hands as of this evening) this is almost exactly how I thought I would feel based on all the impressions I have read so far....although I have already noticed that 'something missing' from the 2k series before even playing 07. I think like many others this year I will be biased by *wanting* the EA game to be good, and *wanting* that bit of fresh air, but I won't lie to myself (I hope) after time spent with both titles.

[JackB1]

On a side note........I have a new copy of NHL07 (XBox version) for sale.
PM me if interested.

[GameSeven]

Well, I just played a pair of games against the CPU on SS level and lost 4-2 and was trailing 3-1 before I quit to go find an online match.

Shots are slightly high (43-39 in the completed game, 10 minute periods) and I can't help but feel I'd be happier with a period length incremental by single minutes.

Online games against randoms have been fun, IMHO. I just played a fellow Devil fan and took the Rangers despite myself and trailed 2-0 in the second before rallying to tie. After my opponent went ahead in the third I pulled the goalie with about a minute left and mounted about 3 good scoring chances before he buried the final empty netter. The goal variety was incredible with 5 hole dekes, top shelf wristers, rebounds and a beautiful 1-2 pass on a two on one break that left Marty well out to dry.

I can honestly say that I see some of the things people criticize with respect to player positioning and framerate, especially the mixed bag online, but all in all the gameplay is just out and out fun for me and that's what counts. I will also say that 2k7 undoubtedly gives you better control on defense, but not as much as to make 07 unplayable.

This is coming from someone who last month brought 2k6 (and Madden and GRAW ) and a projector on vacation and had nightly tournaments with my brother-in-laws so I am no EA shill. If I pick up 2K7 it will be for the online leagues but I am having enough fun with 07 to tide me over.

-G7

[pk500]

I haven't really played the 2K series since 2K4, but I think the skating in the 2K7 demo is pretty much perfect. Is the L trigger controlled backwards skating something new that has been added this year? It's awesome watching your defenseman skate backwards while turning and holding the puck, it looks very fluid and lifelike.

Hip:

Nope, that was in the Xbox version of NHL 2K6. It was very, very cool.

Take care,
PK

[dbdynsty25]

DB, according to your NHL 07 profile, you haven't scored or won a game on anything but Pro. You owe it yourself to at least try the game at a higher difficulty.

But why? Most of my complaints are technology and design issues...not level of difficulty or AI issues. The issue I have in the neutral zone and the ridiculously hard shots do not change with the difficulty...I've bumped it up, only to check those issues because I was curious and neither played out any different. The rest of my gripes are with the engine itself so nothing changes when the skill level is bumped.

[MizzouRah]

The more I play NHL 07, the more I wish I not only didn't buy it, but that I didn't ever play it. On the one hand, it's not a good game- I would agree with every single one of db's criticisms. The framerate is atrocious. The animations are poor. The camera angles make it hard to see the action and/or the graphical detail. The players just bunch up in the middle instead of actually playing sound positional hockey. It's just a mess. But with all that said, the stick control and the variability of the scoring makes it very difficult to play 2K7 without feeling like you're missing out on something. I keep reflexively reaching for the right thumbstick and expecting something to happen, only to find nothing worthwhile going on.

I may just trade in NHL 07 for NBA 2K7 and skip hockey altogether this year. (And in truth, hockey tends to get the short end of the stick once the soccer games come out. And with WE and a much improved FIFA on the horizon...)

Gamestop didn't have 2k7 so I rented it.. and after a few games, there's something I really like about 07 and it's the controls and gameplay. Too bad the franchise mode sucks as I'll have to drudge through it, but as good as 2k7 is (the best ice graphics).. I just can't get that gameplay feeling I get with NHL 07. SHeesh.. can't one game have everything I want?

Oh well, NHL 07 will be my game of choice this year.. the variety of goals, even some that are weak... are just so much better than 2k7 has been for me. I love the camera angle, smoothness, and franchise modes in 2k7, but I'm all about gameplay and that's where NHL 07 shines.

[LAking]

Got 07 last night and played a handfull of games. I must say i'm unimpressed so far. The choppy animations really hurt the gameplay. It makes it hard to just get a player to go where you want sometimes. Simple easy passes can sometimes be horribly frustrating. I would often try to pass back to a defensmen at the point and it would more often than not completely miss the target and slide out to the nuetral zone thus ending the offensive pressure i was trying so hard to maintain. WHat's so frustrating is that the Dman doesn't even attempt to move to where the puck is traveling.

I often forget that i can deke with the skill stick. The controls take a lot of getting used to. Faceoffs are also WAY too hard. I have theories on how to win them but it's hard to confirm if i am correct. I'm guessing you have to push down the on the stick before the ref even lets go of the puck and you also have to hold the stick down until you win (or more likely lose) the faceoff. Camera angles generally suck. That's one area where 2k7 really shines.

I was thinking i'm ready to trade 07 for 2k7 on gametz.com but after reading more impressions on 2k7 at 2khockey.net i think i'm just gonna keep 07 and maybe trade it for another game later on down the road. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me, if not, oh well, i'll just be able to trade for something else like nba 2k7. Pretty much everything i've grown sick of in the 2k series remains from what i have read. I just know i'll get fed up with it in a matter of time. EVen though hockey is by far my favorite sport neither of these games has me itching to fire up the 360. NCAA 07 on the other hand is, and football is easily my least favorite sport of the big north american four.

[hrudey32]

Well, i am still very much behind the times these days and still have the regular XBox...though i am eyeing a 360 for sure. Just not sure i can warrant a purchase considering i don't get to play that much.

So the 100 page tirades of ol' Hrudey32 on hockey games are no more unfortunately but i will chime in briefly.

With that being said, the 2K series, though fundamentally sound and full of nice defensive control options, has become very stale to me. If i had a 360 my initial purchase would have been NHL07 just for that breath of fresh air. but since i don't i picked up 2K7 on regular XBox.

Got a few games in tonite. The parametric camera helps alot but i wish you could zoom it in a bit. Again, i like that over the shoulder feel of the original NHL2K on Dreamcast and Rivals too for that matter. Speaking of the original NHL2K, the parametric cam borrows alot from the original NHL2K Dreamcast cam which is a good thing but it is zoomed a bit too far off for me. But the new cam helps the game alot.

But not enough....the game just seems tired and not much fun too me. I like realism but the 2K series has just got boring to me. The lack of atmosphere and "been there, done that" routine of the gameplay has just wore out its welcome to me. Maybe the 360 version is much better. Don't know but if i ever land a 360 i'll check both of them out but EA's at leasts looks different which at this point i'll take.

Wish there was a Rivals 2!

Anyone care to chime in on if there are major differences between the XBox and 360 version of 2K?

Thnx fella....i don't get to post much....busy, busy...see my band thread below....but i still love my hockey and motocross!!

[10spro]

The best part of the new camera angle on 2K7 is during any key faceoff in the opponent's end. The camera somehow just shifts brilliantly above the faceoff area to the right, just above the action. Ditto if the faceoff is on the left side. All I can think of at that time especially in a PP, is to win the faceoff and pass it to my point man in order to blast it past the keeper or if I am lucky enough have tipped over.

[seanmac31]

For those who are wondering, I think I've figured out the NHL 07 faceoff thing. Basically, the ref fakes dropping the puck somewhere between one and three times. If you go for the fake, you won't get the face off. But if you hold your water and guess the puck drop correctly, you'll win the face off.