I'm the same way playing on Pro, struggling around .500 with the NHL club but I'm doing really well with the AHL club, there's just something that feels totally different playing with the minor league teams, it's almost like the AHL plays more like NHL 07 than 08.MizzouRah wrote:I'm with you Jack.
I started to get back into NHL 08, but on AS the game really pisses me off. I will say though, the game on PRO is not that easy for me right now.
It's weird, if I play an AHL game on PRO, it's way too easy.
I still have both games and will still have time before the roster updates come out to see which game I'll choose for my franchise. I know last year EA had a roster update which seemed to make the game play better, maybe this year will be the same?
NHL 08 Impressions
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RallyMonkey
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It's funny. I think the game plays so well on Pro with one exception that has forced me to play on All Star with slider tweaks. The CPU defense is so passive in their own zone that it makes Pro unplayable to me. I wish that weren't the case because so much of the Pro game is so positive.
In playing on both levels for a while now i have had to learn to live with either passive D on Pro or high one-timers on AS and have gone to the latter. This game is so damn close to being fantastic. So damn close....
In playing on both levels for a while now i have had to learn to live with either passive D on Pro or high one-timers on AS and have gone to the latter. This game is so damn close to being fantastic. So damn close....
I'm 2-2 on Pro w/The Lightning,so I'm struggling somewhat,but I attribute that to these 52 yr. old digits. (whats next...text games...nah..I still got rookie mode to go yet 
).
For what its worth, my last game I switched to auto aim as I cannot get the left and right to coordinate,and came out with a 7-4 win after a pair of 2-1 and 1-0 scores. For those playing at All Star,perhaps this might help...just a thought.
). For what its worth, my last game I switched to auto aim as I cannot get the left and right to coordinate,and came out with a 7-4 win after a pair of 2-1 and 1-0 scores. For those playing at All Star,perhaps this might help...just a thought.
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WillHunting
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Saucer pass comes in handy when trying to pass over defenders sticks...especially when trying to get a pass to a teammate in the slot.WillHunting wrote:I don't really understand, is there a use of saucer pass in this game? Seems like regular passing is faster and more accurate.
Also, I do not notice that the "vision control" button does anything....
XBLive Gamertag - Diablo25
PSN Name - EPDiablo25
PSN Name - EPDiablo25
That about sums it up perfectly. On Pro and the CPU on the PP, sometimes the D guy will just sit there behind the net far too long in their own end as well.RallyMonkey wrote:It's funny. I think the game plays so well on Pro with one exception that has forced me to play on All Star with slider tweaks. The CPU defense is so passive in their own zone that it makes Pro unplayable to me. I wish that weren't the case because so much of the Pro game is so positive.
In playing on both levels for a while now i have had to learn to live with either passive D on Pro or high one-timers on AS and have gone to the latter. This game is so damn close to being fantastic. So damn close....
Vision control positions your player to face the puck carrier - I hold it in all the time when on D.
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WillHunting
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I tried QBerts (from OS) sliders on Allstar last night and the game played more evenly. I won won and lost one, so there's hope. I did bump up the speed from 0 to 1 though.......0 was just too draggy. I haven't tried auto aim yet and might give that a try. I usually don't have time to aim and just fire shots when in good position.
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pk500
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Captain Mazda, one of the more active modders on the NHL PC scene, has released his first set of gameplay tweaks for NHL 08:
http://www.nhldepot.net/forums/download ... le&id=1166
Enjoy,
PK
http://www.nhldepot.net/forums/download ... le&id=1166
Enjoy,
PK
"You know why I love boxers? I love them because they face fear. And they face it alone." - Nick Charles
"First on the throttle, last on the brakes." - @MotoGP Twitter signature
XBL Gamertag: pk4425
"First on the throttle, last on the brakes." - @MotoGP Twitter signature
XBL Gamertag: pk4425
I didn't know it had an auto aim option. I will turn that on, maybe it'll help me with scoring. Thanks.snaz16 wrote:I'm 2-2 on Pro w/The Lightning,so I'm struggling somewhat,but I attribute that to these 52 yr. old digits. (whats next...text games...nah..I still got rookie mode to go yet
For what its worth, my last game I switched to auto aim as I cannot get the left and right to coordinate,and came out with a 7-4 win after a pair of 2-1 and 1-0 scores. For those playing at All Star,perhaps this might help...just a thought.
I'm pretty sure you have to enable it every time before you start a game. I don't think there is an option to switch to it in "my NHL 08" menu.Inuyasha wrote:I didn't know it had an auto aim option. I will turn that on, maybe it'll help me with scoring. Thanks.snaz16 wrote:I'm 2-2 on Pro w/The Lightning,so I'm struggling somewhat,but I attribute that to these 52 yr. old digits. (whats next...text games...nah..I still got rookie mode to go yet
For what its worth, my last game I switched to auto aim as I cannot get the left and right to coordinate,and came out with a 7-4 win after a pair of 2-1 and 1-0 scores. For those playing at All Star,perhaps this might help...just a thought.
I'm 48 games into my dynasty, so having played about 60 games of 08, I know the game pretty well.
It's a fun game, and the first time I have stuck with a hockey game in several years. That said, there are some glaring issues to fix next year that no slider can fix.
-Goalies are too good. How can there be no goalie slider? I've settled for turning up the shooting sliders, which definitely helps (my average game against the CPU has about 6-7 goals in it combined).
-CPU is very difficult to dispossess on AS. They respond too quickly to lose pucks and hold possession in the zone for way too long.
-Penalties are very convincing when called, but even with slider maxed they are a little on the low side.
-Has anyone figured out face-offs? I am still terrible at them. 2k has a much more realistic system here.
-Overly passive D. Everyone already knows this.
-Adjustable period length. 5, 10 and 20 minute choices are weak.
-Continued FREEZING. Inexcusable really.
It's a fun game, and the first time I have stuck with a hockey game in several years. That said, there are some glaring issues to fix next year that no slider can fix.
-Goalies are too good. How can there be no goalie slider? I've settled for turning up the shooting sliders, which definitely helps (my average game against the CPU has about 6-7 goals in it combined).
-CPU is very difficult to dispossess on AS. They respond too quickly to lose pucks and hold possession in the zone for way too long.
-Penalties are very convincing when called, but even with slider maxed they are a little on the low side.
-Has anyone figured out face-offs? I am still terrible at them. 2k has a much more realistic system here.
-Overly passive D. Everyone already knows this.
-Adjustable period length. 5, 10 and 20 minute choices are weak.
-Continued FREEZING. Inexcusable really.
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Jimmydeicide
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I agree with everything except point 2 i dont think its too difficult to disposses them they do seem to have a jump on you for that lose puck but i think if your fresh you can hang with them its more to do with them managing their energy better and in which the line changes overall need to be done better.Naples39 wrote:I'm 48 games into my dynasty, so having played about 60 games of 08, I know the game pretty well.
It's a fun game, and the first time I have stuck with a hockey game in several years. That said, there are some glaring issues to fix next year that no slider can fix.
-Goalies are too good. How can there be no goalie slider? I've settled for turning up the shooting sliders, which definitely helps (my average game against the CPU has about 6-7 goals in it combined).
-CPU is very difficult to dispossess on AS. They respond too quickly to lose pucks and hold possession in the zone for way too long.
-Penalties are very convincing when called, but even with slider maxed they are a little on the low side.
-Has anyone figured out face-offs? I am still terrible at them. 2k has a much more realistic system here.
-Overly passive D. Everyone already knows this.
-Adjustable period length. 5, 10 and 20 minute choices are weak.
-Continued FREEZING. Inexcusable really.
As far as face offs , have you tried winning it to the side and to one of your wingers , it works realy good this year didnt seem to last year. Thats helped me out and i think i just use the skill stick and dont aim with the left stick.
Ive only had a couple of freezes but it is very annoying especialy when your finaly winning a game.
Hopefully if were vocal on these issues they will get addressed for next year.
Superstar seems better in that your players play better zone coverage and it seems to be more neutral zone hockey on this level cause the AI gets back on D in the neutral zone quicker and forces you to dump it in. I had some games where I thought, hmmm did EA had the difficulties reversed? Don't get me wrong it's still difficult and any mistakes you make on your end will cost you. SOH seem to be on the high side but I've been switching between Pro and SS.
This game has the effect to blow you away at times. What a game tonight (PRO) vs the Rangers. I'm up 1-0 after the first period... Legacy is looking great.
Period two, they get two goals to take the lead 2-1.
Period three and they go up 4-1, both goals came on the PP. I'm on PP soon after the 4th goal and score to make it 4-2. Two goals later and the game is tied 4-4 with about 6 mins left in the game. I score again on a great pass from Brewer to Tkachuk to take the lead 5-4. The last 5 mins seemed like 20 and I held them off to win the game.
On that last goal to take the lead, I woke up the house.
Period two, they get two goals to take the lead 2-1.
Period three and they go up 4-1, both goals came on the PP. I'm on PP soon after the 4th goal and score to make it 4-2. Two goals later and the game is tied 4-4 with about 6 mins left in the game. I score again on a great pass from Brewer to Tkachuk to take the lead 5-4. The last 5 mins seemed like 20 and I held them off to win the game.
On that last goal to take the lead, I woke up the house.
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Jimmydeicide
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WillHunting
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Agreed, I still can't play defense very well (but maybe it is the team I am using, the Bruins). Really alot of fun and one of the few games that I just cannot stop playing.Jimmydeicide wrote:I just think any win is so hard earned you realy feel you played well or get a a feeling of a real acomplishment even tho im 18 -28 or something in franchise , not many games give you that feeling if you win.
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Gamertag: The Praxis
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Gamertag: The Praxis
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Guys, I can't recommend Superstar enough. I've been playing All-Star and getting sick of 54-44 shot totals (I play 10 min. periods), never being able to score, and the general pinball warp speed feel of it all, even with speed and acc. to 0.
So, following the advice of some here, and some on op sports, I went to Superstar this morning.
It's fantastic.
It actually seems a little slower, which allows me (you) to tweak to what you feel is a good hockey speed. There's more neutral zone play, more offensive zone play, and your defense plays better ... .
The stats are the proof for me. On All-Star I was regularly getting out possessed, out shot, and, of course, beat.
On Superstar, if you play a smart, realistic game (I'd like to think I do ...), you're rewarded. I played two games and had shot totals of 32-30, and 31-29. Possession time was about equal in both games. I outhit them, but I think it's a stat tracking thing with the hit stick. The CPU is much more physical than on Pro, but in a way that makes sense. The defense isn't passive, but it isn't flying around after the puck carrier. It's much more positionally sound, and anticipates your break outs much better. But on the flip side, you've got the ability to set up a little better in the zone.
Also, there's much, much less of the tape-to-tape stringing of passes you see on All-Star. If your D is in position, the CPU is much more likely to dump the puck, instead of either stick handling through two guys, or stringing a blind pass to an open man. They beat you when you're out of position. But the CPU approach seems much more realistic to me. And, I can actually draw penalties with possession. I drew four this morning with Det. That's a high for me.
I could go on ... . I'm still having a little trouble scoring, but I'm getting solid chances, and this is my first year with the series on the 360, so I'm guessing it will come in good time.
I'm using shot acc at 1, and shot power at 3. But, I may go to shot acc. at 2 or 3 and see how that affects my scoring and the CPU balance.
Otherwise, I'm using these:
Speed 0
Acc 0 (it may feel slow for some ...)
Pass speed 0 (may tweak this later ...)
Saucer 6
Puck Control 0
Interceptions 6
Aggression 6
Learning 6
And I think everything else is pretty much personal preference.
Last night I was ready to pack it in for another year of disappointing hockey gaming, but this morning I'm feeling a hell of a lot more optimistic.
So, following the advice of some here, and some on op sports, I went to Superstar this morning.
It's fantastic.
It actually seems a little slower, which allows me (you) to tweak to what you feel is a good hockey speed. There's more neutral zone play, more offensive zone play, and your defense plays better ... .
The stats are the proof for me. On All-Star I was regularly getting out possessed, out shot, and, of course, beat.
On Superstar, if you play a smart, realistic game (I'd like to think I do ...), you're rewarded. I played two games and had shot totals of 32-30, and 31-29. Possession time was about equal in both games. I outhit them, but I think it's a stat tracking thing with the hit stick. The CPU is much more physical than on Pro, but in a way that makes sense. The defense isn't passive, but it isn't flying around after the puck carrier. It's much more positionally sound, and anticipates your break outs much better. But on the flip side, you've got the ability to set up a little better in the zone.
Also, there's much, much less of the tape-to-tape stringing of passes you see on All-Star. If your D is in position, the CPU is much more likely to dump the puck, instead of either stick handling through two guys, or stringing a blind pass to an open man. They beat you when you're out of position. But the CPU approach seems much more realistic to me. And, I can actually draw penalties with possession. I drew four this morning with Det. That's a high for me.
I could go on ... . I'm still having a little trouble scoring, but I'm getting solid chances, and this is my first year with the series on the 360, so I'm guessing it will come in good time.
I'm using shot acc at 1, and shot power at 3. But, I may go to shot acc. at 2 or 3 and see how that affects my scoring and the CPU balance.
Otherwise, I'm using these:
Speed 0
Acc 0 (it may feel slow for some ...)
Pass speed 0 (may tweak this later ...)
Saucer 6
Puck Control 0
Interceptions 6
Aggression 6
Learning 6
And I think everything else is pretty much personal preference.
Last night I was ready to pack it in for another year of disappointing hockey gaming, but this morning I'm feeling a hell of a lot more optimistic.
Last edited by wabash97 on Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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pk500
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You console cats who have switched to Superstar might be on to something, as Difficult (top level) is the most balanced, realistic and fair test in the PC version of NHL 08, too.
Take care,
PK
Take care,
PK
"You know why I love boxers? I love them because they face fear. And they face it alone." - Nick Charles
"First on the throttle, last on the brakes." - @MotoGP Twitter signature
XBL Gamertag: pk4425
"First on the throttle, last on the brakes." - @MotoGP Twitter signature
XBL Gamertag: pk4425
wabash97 wrote: Also, there's much, much less of the tape-to-tape stringing of passes you
I'm using shot acc at 1, and shot power at 3. But, I may go to shot acc. at 2 or 3 and see how that affects my scoring and the CPU balance.
Otherwise, I'm using these:
Speed 0
Acc 0 (it may feel slow for some ...)
Pass speed 0 (may tweak this later ...)
Saucer 6
Puck Control 0
Interceptions 0
Aggression 6
Learning 6
And I think everything else is pretty much personal preference.
Last night I was ready to pack it in for another year of disappointing hockey gaming, but this morning I'm feeling a hell of a lot more optimistic.
Not much different than my sliders on SS. I just bumped the speed to one and player acceleration to one, pass speed is definitely less of a pin ball effect so I have it at one also, amd finally aggresion at 5. It still plays a tough game, I agree there's more neutral play. Lost 4-2 to the Wild last night with these settings.
BTW, have the shot blocking at max or you'll get a rather high % of SOG from the CPU.