NHL 08 Impressions

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:46 am

I have decided over the years that seeking proper shot totals in a hockey game is the akin to finding gold at the end of a rainbow- impossible!

For whatever reason, hockey games just can't GET it.

If you watch a real hockey game, notice how much time is spent wheeling around with the puck, how many missed passes there are, and how much board play there is that slows everyting down.

I have yet to play a game that shows equal amounts of all that and still have realistic goal totals.

At this point of my life, I'll take good goal totals mixed with "ballpark" shot totals (30-40ish).....

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 11:54 am

I'm playing on the Difficult level with five-minute periods in NHL 08 for the PC, and I'm getting around 50-55 shots on goal per game with around four to six combined goals per game.

NHL 08 for the PC is the first hockey game I've played that has approached reality in that department.

Take care,
PK

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:33 pm

pk500 wrote:I'm playing on the Difficult level with five-minute periods in NHL 08 for the PC, and I'm getting around 50-55 shots on goal per game with around four to six combined goals per game.

NHL 08 for the PC is the first hockey game I've played that has approached reality in that department.

Take care,
PK

It's easy to get those on 5 min periods. 10 is more realistic though, so I can live with inflated sog.

NHL 2k8 is much better in that department with 8 min periods and much, much better board play.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:35 pm

MizzouRah wrote:It's easy to get those on 5 min periods. 10 is more realistic though, so I can live with inflated sog.

I'm curious: How are 10-minute periods more realistic if you're getting 80 combined shots on goal but only four or five goals per game? The goalies must have ridiculously high goals-against averages.

Take care,
PK

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:45 pm

45-35 in shots? Are you sure you weren't playing March Madness 08 instead of NHL 08?

Those shot totals are much higher than what you'll see in an average NHL game.

I agree with Gangrel that perfectly accurate shot totals are near impossible, as well as with Mizzou that an 8 minute period in NHL would be perfect.

However, to say between 35 and 40 shots per game is WAY out of the realm of reality is not true. Thus far we have team SOG averages like:

Toronto: 31
Detroit: 33
Ottawa: 34
Carolina: 34
NYR: 34

among many others above 30

Now of course you also have a slew of teams in the high 20's so while 45 is certainly high, a game with between 30-40 shots a side is not all that wacky really.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 1:40 pm

pk500 wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:It's easy to get those on 5 min periods. 10 is more realistic though, so I can live with inflated sog.
I'm curious: How are 10-minute periods more realistic if you're getting 80 combined shots on goal but only four or five goals per game? The goalies must have ridiculously high goals-against averages.

Take care,
PK

You would only get 2-4 goals per game on 5 min periods, plus PP's would be too quick.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 3:15 pm

MizzouRah wrote:
pk500 wrote:
MizzouRah wrote:It's easy to get those on 5 min periods. 10 is more realistic though, so I can live with inflated sog.
I'm curious: How are 10-minute periods more realistic if you're getting 80 combined shots on goal but only four or five goals per game? The goalies must have ridiculously high goals-against averages.

Take care,
PK
You would only get 2-4 goals per game on 5 min periods, plus PP's would be too quick.

The clock slows down when you have the puck in the offensive zone for PPs when playing on 5 minute periods, so I think PP length works very well. My biggest complaint is that you simply don't see enough PPs.

Gangrel · Post by **Gangrel** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 3:55 pm

I like 10 minutes just because I don't feel "rushed". If i'm down a goal going into the 3rd, that extra 5 minutes can be a lifesaver!

With 10 mins, on difficult, I'm probably averageing 70-80 shots combined (closer to 80, with a few higher then 80) and combined goals of around 6 or 7.

My last game was a 5-4 loss to the Wild, and I've had a few games with higher scores, but also some 2-1, 3-2 games.

The save percentages during games I play are a bit higher then reality, but that's made up for the horrible sim stats, at least on the PC version.....

Sudz · Post by **Sudz** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 4:57 pm

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:47 pm

I think I've finally made it to the point of moving up to AS. I'm just going to keep playing as I await the roster update.

The scores are close on PRO, but I can out shoot the CPU 2 or 3 to 1. I am also getting much better at scoring goals.

I just think this year has a VERY STEEP learning curve and the more I play, the better I get.

kicko · Post by **kicko** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:05 am

anyone interested in online pc play? PM me

I'm usually around after 10pm est

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:57 am

JackB1 wrote:
RallyMonkey wrote:Jack,

Initially i agreed with you, but even the speed at 1 makes the game too up and down and increases shots out of the range i was hoping for. Give the zeros a shot for a few games, i think you'll get used to it.

Also, you really need to max penalties to get realistic numbers there. In terms of the poke check, the game requires you to poke check only when appropriate (i.e., puck not players skates are within reach). Once you learn how best to get in position to do this you won't see many penalties off of the poke (although inevitably i end up with one every game or two for making a poor decision).

As far as the shot sliders at 2, it has resulted in great scores thus far. 4-3 me, 4-2 them, 2-1 me, 5-4 them.

I would say try these for a few games and tweak based on your comfort level, but i'm curious as to how these go for you.
OK Rally, I tried your sliders exactly as is. First game was great. I actually won 2-0. Speed was a little slow, but I got used to it and it does make it easier to play defense. The AI beat me in shots....45-35, hits, faceoffs were even. Looking forward to trying some more. Looks good so far!

Tried a few more games with these and I am sorry to say I still cannot score and the results have been the same as the prior games on SS.
After winning 2-0, I lost 3-1, 5-0, 4-2, 3-1. I get outshot about 3 to 2 every game and am getting frustrated again. There are many plays where I SHOULD score and don't, like a pass accross to a player standing all alone in the crease and the shot goes right into the goalie. I think it's very hard to "aim" properly in this game, but I hate resorting to "auto aim". I don't think I nave EVER scored more than 3 goals on AS after about 25 games. I might have to try creating some plays and using those on offense. Supposidly, using created plays is a neccesary thing on levels above PRO.

Naples39 · Post by **Naples39** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 1:19 pm

JackB1 wrote:Tried a few more games with these and I am sorry to say I still cannot score and the results have been the same as the prior games on SS.
After winning 2-0, I lost 3-1, 5-0, 4-2, 3-1. I get outshot about 3 to 2 every game and am getting frustrated again. There are many plays where I SHOULD score and don't, like a pass accross to a player standing all alone in the crease and the shot goes right into the goalie. I think it's very hard to "aim" properly in this game, but I hate resorting to "auto aim". I don't think I nave EVER scored more than 3 goals on AS after about 25 games. I might have to try creating some plays and using those on offense. Supposidly, using created plays is a neccesary thing on levels above PRO.

It's not necessarily an auto-aim thing, as sometimes if you try a quick onetimer to a player's backhand or something he will be unable to get the puck up, even if you are aiming up. It's about time hockey games starting modeling realistic aspects like that, though the system could definitely use some more work.

As far as created plays, I have never touched them, and my record is above 500 on SS/AS.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:11 pm

I'll tell you what...when you have a game where everything clicks, like I just did, there are few gaming experiences as rewarding. I just won 4-2 in AS and the best part was I scored 3 goals in the 1st period (a first) and then just protected the lead thr rest of the way. I did lower the AI learning to halfway...not sure if that had anything to do with it, but I am learning to pass it around more and look for the open man cutting between the faceoff circles more. I am also going to work on creating some plays, which should help even more.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 10:36 am

I played two games last night vs my AHL affiliate.

On AS level I lost 5-4 in a shootout in OT.

On Pro level I lost 5-3 in regulation.

The only big difference I noticed is I outshot them on Pro. (shruggs shoulders)

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 12:39 pm

Let me tell you guys something.....if you haven't created some plays and used them in games, you are missing out big time on the depth of this game. It changes your offense completely...especially on the power play. Just the movement it creates opens up more lanes and scoring chances. It has made a HUGE difference in my offense. I would say it added 1-2 more goals per game and was the difference from losing all the time 1-3, 1-2, to scores like 3-1, 4-2. I am back to loving this game!!!

Go create some plays!!! Take my word for it.... you'll be glad you did.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:03 pm

JackB1 wrote:Let me tell you guys something.....if you haven't created some plays and used them in games, you are missing out big time on the depth of this game. It changes your offense completely...especially on the power play. Just the movement it creates opens up more lanes and scoring chances. It has made a HUGE difference in my offense. I would say it added 1-2 more goals per game and was the difference from losing all the time 1-3, 1-2, to scores like 3-1, 4-2. I am back to loving this game!!!

Go create some plays!!! Take my word for it.... you'll be glad you did.

Help me create some plays. I don't know what I am doing and no idea how to make a good play at all as my hockey knowledge is next to nothing.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:16 pm

JackB1 wrote: Go create some plays!!! Take my word for it.... you'll be glad you did.

Good discovery, will try some tonight.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:31 pm

WillHunting wrote: Help me create some plays. I don't know what I am doing and no idea how to make a good play at all as my hockey knowledge is next to nothing.

It's easier than you think. Check out this thread over at OS
http://forums.operationsports.com/vBull ... p?t=222612

Just do some simple ones to start and go from there. If you make a play where the players "cycle" around in a circle, you can run the play over and over as much as you like.

WillHunting · Post by **WillHunting** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 1:46 pm

JackB1 wrote:
WillHunting wrote: Help me create some plays. I don't know what I am doing and no idea how to make a good play at all as my hockey knowledge is next to nothing.
It's easier than you think. Check out this thread over at OS
http://forums.operationsports.com/vBull ... p?t=222612

Just do some simple ones to start and go from there. If you make a play where the players "cycle" around in a circle, you can run the play over and over as much as you like.

Thanks, I'll check it out!

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:14 am

Wel, after more extended play this week, I have come to some conclusions about this game:

-The Goalies continue to frustrate the heck out of me! I cannot play AS or SS anymore because of this.

-I have tried all combinations of sliders and I found great sliders to keep the AI pretty much in check (with AS or SS) and can usually hold them under 3 goals, but I average between 0-2 goals every game and that gets old after a while. Especially when you set up a great play where you know you should score and somehow the goalie makes the save.

-A great way to forget the solo play frustrations is to play a bunch of online games. This game is hockey heaven when you play online versus an opponent who plays the game the way it was meant to be played. I have even had good luck with randoms lately.

-For solo play I am sticking with Pro or alternating Pro/AS/Pro/AS etc.
I have been having pretty even games on PRO and although i usually dominate the time of possesion and faceoffs, all the other stats are very even. I started having fun again going back to PRO and I may just stay there for good.

-I tried some more NHL2K but still have more fun with 08 on PRO + online games. Playing with the right/left bumpers gives me hand cramps and miss the larger rinks of 08.

-anyway I have finally found out how best to utilize this game. Lots of online games and PRO vs the AI.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 12:14 pm

I like PRO too, but I out shoot the CPU big time and that is dampening my enjoyment somewhat.

I REALLY HOPE the roster update allows a better game on AS.

I'm taking NHL 2k8 back - it has some really great things about it I like, but it's still not as fun as NHL 08.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 1:41 pm

MizzouRah wrote:I like PRO too, but I out shoot the CPU big time and that is dampening my enjoyment somewhat.

I REALLY HOPE the roster update allows a better game on AS.

I'm taking NHL 2k8 back - it has some really great things about it I like, but it's still not as fun as NHL 08.

When is the next roster update coming out? If they could just tone down the goalies a bit on AS it would be great. I would love to see the "PRO" goalie AI for ALLSTAR. That would be perfect.

Seriously, Mizz...just play more online games. I'll play ya whenever I'm on. All those AS issues go away when playing a human. That's why I want to get a dedicated league going. The game plays great vs human opponents.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:32 pm

JackB1 wrote: When is the next roster update coming out? If they could just tone down the goalies a bit on AS it would be great. I would love to see the "PRO" goalie AI for ALLSTAR. That would be perfect.

Seriously, Mizz...just play more online games. I'll play ya whenever I'm on. All those AS issues go away when playing a human. That's why I want to get a dedicated league going. The game plays great vs human opponents.

Very soon from what I've read. EA has said they really want to get the first update correct.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 4:23 pm

The lack of a rosters update and whatever they may do with the game is the only thing holding me off from starting a franchise.