NHL 08 Impressions

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:39 am

JRod wrote:Does anyone know how to get your sliders to save to a franchise or exhibition game?

I was having the same problem but last night it seemed to be working. I just adjusted the setting in "My NHL 08" and now it saves them. Who knows, maybe it won't work today. It's annoying that i can't set the difficulty or shot aim in the main settings area, only before a game, therefor it never saves.

marino · Post by **marino** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 12:54 pm

webdanzer wrote:After playing a bunch of games where the one-timers were fine, I've seen the crazy passing and one timers in my last two games, where the CPU attempted something like 75-80% one timers. I didn't play defense any differently.

I also got KILLED both games (all-star) and could barely touch the puck.

I am feeling the same thing. I was in love with this game the first day or two, until I started playing on all -star. I can't even barely touch the puck on all-star no what sliders I use or what defensive strategy I play with. The cpu is much faster than my guys and I end up playing chase the man with the puck. By chance that I do get the puck, I am lucky to get one shot off before the cpu easily takes the puck away. I may end up keeping it for online play, but I am really disappointed with single player as of now. I will stick with 2k for single player.

I will try a bit longer for 08 single player, but I fear that the problems I am having is tied to difficulty level and no matter what I try the cpu will always be a step ahead of me.

EA claimed to fix the defense in the game, but I think it is worse than last years version. The cpu usually blasts 45-55 shots on me five minute periods.

If I do try to poke check the puck away 8 out of ten times I get a tripping penalty. Very aggrevating.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 12:59 pm

I've never really messed with defensive or offensive strategies before. Last game I finally WON! I did it by using mostly "high pressure" on defense and when I needed a goal - an all out attack.

There is promise.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 1:26 pm

MizzouRah wrote:I've never really messed with defensive or offensive strategies before. Last game I finally WON! I did it by using mostly "high pressure" on defense and when I needed a goal - an all out attack.

There is promise.

i tried those sliders that you posted from OS, MizzouRah. I agree that there is promise. Kings (me) vs. Blues. I lost 6-5. There last goal was an EN and my last goal came with 10 seconds left. the Blues had over 60 shots in the game and I had 30 something. through 2 periods it was still somewhat close. I had a 4-3 lead and they were only out shooting me by a small margin.

The 3rd period was a completely different game. They dominated the play, had tons of shots and i was taking all kinds of penalties. I'm thinking it might have something to do with the strategy the CPU is using. If they are down late in a game they probably get more aggressive and it gives them an unfair advantage. Usually when you are desperate like that you leave yourself open to odd man rushes and such. but when you can control the puck like the AI can the downside is almost non existent.

The fact that Cloutier is my goaltender probably doesn't help either. I need to edit Labarbara and put him in instead. I also should try your "high pressure" idea.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 4:50 pm

LAking wrote: i tried those sliders that you posted from OS, MizzouRah. I agree that there is promise. Kings (me) vs. Blues. I lost 6-5. There last goal was an EN and my last goal came with 10 seconds left. the Blues had over 60 shots in the game and I had 30 something. through 2 periods it was still somewhat close. I had a 4-3 lead and they were only out shooting me by a small margin.

The 3rd period was a completely different game. They dominated the play, had tons of shots and i was taking all kinds of penalties. I'm thinking it might have something to do with the strategy the CPU is using. If they are down late in a game they probably get more aggressive and it gives them an unfair advantage. Usually when you are desperate like that you leave yourself open to odd man rushes and such. but when you can control the puck like the AI can the downside is almost non existent.

The fact that Cloutier is my goaltender probably doesn't help either. I need to edit Labarbara and put him in instead. I also should try your "high pressure" idea.

Yes, games have been closer for me too.. and I'm finally scoring some goals (even on AS defaults). The window of opportunity to score is so fast in this game this year.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 5:35 pm

MizzouRah wrote: It's like every team adjusts perfectally to my offensive scheme. I'm going to try Qbert's sliders from OS.

Again, my apologies to JRod as I keep waiting for this game to "click", but everytime I start to dominate a game, the CPU plays catch up.

Time to get back to it.

Mizz......just lower the "AI Learning" slider. It's on 100% by default.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 6:44 pm

Anyone using manual line changes? If so, do you know how to view the stamina of your lines? Once you select a line it tells you how much energy they have, but by then it's a little late...

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:06 pm

Alright, I finally got the game to work on the PC (damn Vsync). It's a fun little game. Not hardcore sim-ish, but hey, it's all we got on the PC!

Question: There is a 'Deke Modifier' button, which is the right bumper. I've held it down while using the RS dekeing, and there doesn't seem to be any difference??? Am I missing something, or am i using it wrong?

Also, are dump-ins done using the RS? I find sometimes I try to dump the puck in, but it takes a shot instead. I guess because I'm too close to the net...... is there another button that does dumpins too?

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 1:09 am

MizzouRah wrote:Yes, games have been closer for me too.. and I'm finally scoring some goals (even on AS defaults). The window of opportunity to score is so fast in this game this year.

I've played a few more games and i still haven't won. I can definitely score more with these sliders but the cpu is still scoring 4 goals minimum. Again, i'm sure a lot of that has to do with "Beachball" in net, but I can still see that the AI can control play in the offensive zone for minutes at a time. I end up just chasing the puck around while they set up perfect one timers in the slot.

One of the annoying things about this game is that any player can roof a shot no matter what position they are in. A player should not be able to roof a wrister or backhander when they are a foot in front of the crease with no time to coral the puck. Every shot looks like a Joe Sakic wrister on a breakaway.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:04 am

JackB1 wrote:
MizzouRah wrote: It's like every team adjusts perfectally to my offensive scheme. I'm going to try Qbert's sliders from OS.

Again, my apologies to JRod as I keep waiting for this game to "click", but everytime I start to dominate a game, the CPU plays catch up.

Time to get back to it.
Mizz......just lower the "AI Learning" slider. It's on 100% by default.

I've been trying that as well Jack, thanks.

kicko · Post by **kicko** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:35 am

wow i have never been more confused on which game to buy, 08 or 2k. I also have considered just tweeking 07's roster and playing that another year, 07 for me after the roster(patch) was perfect.

I have been reading that 08 the cpu AI is a bit too "good" sometimes as in comeback code and the goalies are harder to score on. Plus the overtime points bug, all that has me leaning towards 2k.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:41 am

kicko wrote:wow i have never been more confused on which game to buy, 08 or 2k. I also have considered just tweeking 07's roster and playing that another year, 07 for me after the roster(patch) was perfect.

I have been reading that 08 the cpu AI is a bit too "good" sometimes as in comeback code and the goalies are harder to score on. Plus the overtime points bug, all that has me leaning towards 2k.

2k is a checkfest with no penalties and a tiny rink.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:06 am

LAking wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:Yes, games have been closer for me too.. and I'm finally scoring some goals (even on AS defaults). The window of opportunity to score is so fast in this game this year.
I've played a few more games and i still haven't won. I can definitely score more with these sliders but the cpu is still scoring 4 goals minimum. Again, i'm sure a lot of that has to do with "Beachball" in net, but I can still see that the AI can control play in the offensive zone for minutes at a time. I end up just chasing the puck around while they set up perfect one timers in the slot.

One of the annoying things about this game is that any player can roof a shot no matter what position they are in. A player should not be able to roof a wrister or backhander when they are a foot in front of the crease with no time to coral the puck. Every shot looks like a Joe Sakic wrister on a breakaway.

LA, you are right. You can shoot with a lot of force regardless of your body positioning. It seems weird that they had so much attention to the skating engine, puck physics, etc. but they forgot about this. Still, it doesn't detract too mucvh from the overall experience.

As far as the AI controlling the puck for a long stretch....DO NOT keep switching your controlled player! Take control of one of your D and try and block the passing lanes to the slot and keep the front of the goal unoccupied. Do NOT leave anyone alone in the slot..they will burn you every time. Running around chasing the puck is a sure bet recipe for disaster in this game. This game FORCES you to stay in position and cut down the passing lanes and clear the front of the net.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:09 am

JackB1 wrote:LA, you are right. You can shoot with a lot of force regardless of your body positioning. It seems weird that they had so much attention to the skating engine, puck physics, etc. but they forgot about this. Still, it doesn't detract too mucvh from the overall experience.

This for me is the single greatest thing about the WE series, as they totally nail momentum for shooting and passing. Has any hockey game ever gotten this right? Haven't tried this years 2k, but is it about the same as 08 in this regard?

kicko · Post by **kicko** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:22 am

ScoopBrady wrote:
kicko wrote:wow i have never been more confused on which game to buy, 08 or 2k. I also have considered just tweeking 07's roster and playing that another year, 07 for me after the roster(patch) was perfect.

I have been reading that 08 the cpu AI is a bit too "good" sometimes as in comeback code and the goalies are harder to score on. Plus the overtime points bug, all that has me leaning towards 2k.
2k is a checkfest with no penalties and a tiny rink.

Thanks! I guess it makes it easier, now i just have decide can i hack '07 another year or get '08.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 1:36 pm

This game definitely makes you play a semi-realistic game of hockey. I'm going to have to use EVERYTHING to win games this year. Playing good D, taking advantage of scoring chances, and using my O and D tatics intelligently.

I think I'm about ready to start a franchise up... although I am going to play a few more games of 2k8 tonight.

nyisles16 · Post by **nyisles16** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 2:16 pm

I don't know what this "OT points" bug is.. I've played several games in my franchise in OT, & both sides get the appropriate points (2 for the winner, 1 for the OT loser).. I've also seen many penalties - hick sticking, elbowing, tripping, hooking, interference - etc. This game is fun for me. As far as the AI, it may score sometimes in the third (so-called "comeback mode") - but I have had my share of goals to tie games in the third (heck- shut out the Rangwlers in my last game in my franchise).. Good game

plus - with multiplayer online, AHL teams, and "goalie" play mode, what else could you ask for??

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 2:36 pm

Playing good D is one thing but sometimes my CPU teammates go braindead when I'm holding a certain position on the ice.

On all-pro last nght, I was Colorado against the Sharks. I was in puck side attack because the Sharks were having too much time with the puck. Playing defense sometimes I would chase a player with the puck when there were down low. The other defenseman seems to play no man's land. He didn't recognize the offensive player sitting a yard away from him. Nor did he cut off the passing lane. This happens a lot.

I can play protect the net and my human teammates will play the right angle to block a shot most of the time. I think they ignore the offesive guys in the slot. One thing that is missing is the inside physical game. In hockey they would be harrassing that guy so it would be hard to get the puck. Here that guy can stand there all day. This is the same for the HUM and CPU teams.

I just wish the my CPU teammates would play better. Right now it feels that I have to do it all. And the CPU is so quick and moving the puck and reacting to passes and shoots it really feels that do it better than my team.

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 2:46 pm

JRod wrote:Playing good D is one thing but sometimes my CPU teammates go braindead when I'm holding a certain position on the ice.

On all-pro last nght, I was Colorado against the Sharks. I was in puck side attack because the Sharks were having too much time with the puck. Playing defense sometimes I would chase a player with the puck when there were down low. The other defenseman seems to play no man's land. He didn't recognize the offensive player sitting a yard away from him. Nor did he cut off the passing lane. This happens a lot.

I can play protect the net and my human teammates will play the right angle to block a shot most of the time. I think they ignore the offesive guys in the slot. One thing that is missing is the inside physical game. In hockey they would be harrassing that guy so it would be hard to get the puck. Here that guy can stand there all day. This is the same for the HUM and CPU teams.

I just wish the my CPU teammates would play better. Right now it feels that I have to do it all. And the CPU is so quick and moving the puck and reacting to passes and shoots it really feels that do it better than my team.

Exactly. Nobody muscles the guys in the slot. They can just camp there all day until they get a nice pass to one time into the net. It's just to easy for them to receive passes. The defenders should be lifting there stick and bumping them constantly. I know it's the new NHL, but you still get punished if you just hang out in front of the goaltender all day.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 4:08 pm

nyisles16 wrote:I don't know what this "OT points" bug is

See my post somewhere above for a description of what I saw. I was credited with an OTL (and a point) in a game I lost 3-1 (clearly a regulation score). I don't know why it happened and a subsequent loss was credited correctly, but it's an unfortunate bug that could influence outcomes over the course of a season. I haven't gotten *fully* into my season as I'll probably restart with the first roster update of the new season.

nyisles16 wrote:I've also seen many penalties - hick sticking, [ ...snip... ]

Hopefully this isn't a new penalty introduced as a part of the NHL's continued expansion into America's heartland or there'll be hell to pay

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:37 am

OK, that's it.

I'm never playing goalie again!

At least not when I'm that drunk.

sorry guys, that was stupid ugly. I may never play the game again after last night.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:55 am

Zeppo wrote:OK, that's it. I'm never playing goalie again!
At least not when I'm that drunk.

Well you were just about as good drunk as I'd been sober

Although I did settle down some after a horrible first period learning the ropes.

I'd definitely like to keep in rotation for goalie as I'd like to get better and it is a helluva lot of fun.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:15 am

I know it isn't as good as the next-gen console version, and I know it's not an entirely realistic game of hockey, but the PC version of NHL 08 is really growing on me because it's just plain FUN as hell.

Normally I'm an insane stickler for accuracy with hockey games since it's my favorite sport. But I realize that no company ever has reached that kind of realism level with a hockey game, and maybe it never will. So if the game is fun and has an acceptable level of realism, I'll take it.

Plus the defensive AI in NHL 08 is pretty good, other than a few forwards infrequently left alone in the slot. The skating is very fluid, and the skill stick is growing on me, even if it's neutered compared to the 360 version.

It's also refreshing as hell to see the AI miss the net with shots in a hockey game! That NEVER happened in 2K hockey unless you turned the shot accuracy slider to the lowest level.

I'm having fun, and that's all that's supposed to matter with this hobby, no?

Take care,
PK

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:31 am

pk500 wrote: I'm having fun, and that's all that's supposed to matter with this hobby, no?

Take care,
PK

Ding ding!!

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:55 am

pk500 wrote:I know it isn't as good as the next-gen console version, and I know it's not an entirely realistic game of hockey, but the PC version of NHL 08 is really growing on me because it's just plain FUN as hell.

Normally I'm an insane stickler for accuracy with hockey games since it's my favorite sport. But I realize that no company ever has reached that kind of realism level with a hockey game, and maybe it never will. So if the game is fun and has an acceptable level of realism, I'll take it.

Plus the defensive AI in NHL 08 is pretty good, other than a few forwards infrequently left alone in the slot. The skating is very fluid, and the skill stick is growing on me, even if it's neutered compared to the 360 version.

It's also refreshing as hell to see the AI miss the net with shots in a hockey game! That NEVER happened in 2K hockey unless you turned the shot accuracy slider to the lowest level.

I'm having fun, and that's all that's supposed to matter with this hobby, no?

Take care,
PK

Glad to hear you're enjoying it PK. I am loving the 360 version, but am curious what the PC version plays like? I know it was made by a totally different team, so it must be pretty different. I will try and check it out if I can get it cheap somewhere. Have you tried playing online? How is that? Me and Jared teamed up last night and played as the Oilers in your honor

Unfortunately, we lost.