NHL 09 First Look

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:36 pm

wco81 wrote:Looks like OTP ranked games are here and everyone wants to play them.

But OTP ranked means BAP mode, with fake players and the lame cameras.

You can use any of the standard cameras with BAP.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:46 pm

Not in ranked online team games. In the pause menu, the visual settings, the camera choices are high or low.

Can't select classic or ice cameras.

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:34 am

wco81 wrote:Not in ranked online team games. In the pause menu, the visual settings, the camera choices are high or low.

Can't select classic or ice cameras.

Yikes, that's odd, since you can (at last check) choose other cameras for BAP in the EASHL games and *unranked* OTP games. Why did they make ranked OTP different? Odd...

Thanks for the info.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 8:37 am

wco81 wrote:Not in ranked online team games. In the pause menu, the visual settings, the camera choices are high or low.

Can't select classic or ice cameras.

On 360? That doesn't jibe with what I've seen. I've entered many ranked BAP matches through the custom match search and in the BAP camera options all of the camera are available, except the special goalie cam.

Also, I'm pretty sure I can search for ranked games with BAP rules off. I'm not 100% sure it would work, though, because I'm also pretty sure the custom game menu allows itself to be configured to illegal settings combinations. But I do think I've played at least one ranked regular OTP game with real players.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:36 am

No not BAP specifically

Just Team Online Play modes.

When you search for sessions, one of the options is NHL Club mode.

If you turn NHL Club mode off, than it can only be unranked match and in that instance, you can get the classic and ice cameras as well as broadcast.

And you get actual NHL players.

But when you choose ranked match, you have to play NHL Club mode with fictional players.

Now, maybe this NHL Club mode or EASHL mode for team play games is not exactly the same as BAP. However, if you're in this mode, only the BAP cameras are enabled.

And this is on the PS3.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:52 am

Can we get some DSP Club action going tonite?

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:06 am

JackB1 wrote:Can we get some DSP Club action going tonite?

I think its been happening every night. I know the 3-4 nights Ive gone on I got into a few games.

RobVarak · Post by **RobVarak** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:47 am

XXXIV wrote: I think its been happening every night. I know the 3-4 nights Ive gone on I got into a few games.

Servers were FUBAR last night. Forensic and Dogma got into one game, but we spent over 30 minutes trying to get into another with no luck.

No OTP, no BAP, no quick 1v1 games...nothing.

And I'm anxious to try out the new re-spec'd Chester Burnett. All ass-kicking all the time. Defense with an elbow and a smile.

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:50 am

I wish there was a mode to super sim my time off the ice. I find BAP a little boring watching my team skate around.

Right now I'm on the 3rd line but I get to do the opening face-offs. I don't get why they did that.

I think the non-BAP offline stuff is better than before. The AI cycles the puck well and if you get into the lanes they really work the puck around. In fact, I think just the regular more is better than the BAP mode.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 11:59 am

XXXIV wrote:
JackB1 wrote:Can we get some DSP Club action going tonite?
I think its been happening every night. I know the 3-4 nights Ive gone on I got into a few games.

I didn't see any last night.

Do one of the captains need to set it up? What is the best way to get into a club game? Do you have to just wait for an invite?

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:02 pm

JRod wrote:I wish there was a mode to super sim my time off the ice. I find BAP a little boring watching my team skate around.

Right now I'm on the 3rd line but I get to do the opening face-offs. I don't get why they did that.

I think the non-BAP offline stuff is better than before. The AI cycles the puck well and if you get into the lanes they really work the puck around. In fact, I think just the regular more is better than the BAP mode.

Thats a great idea, although I kind of enjoy my time off the ice and your energy recharges in seconds, so there's a bit of startegy to picking the right time to change lines and go back. I also wish you could see a little better from the bench. but I guess they are going for realism.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:06 pm

I kind of agree with you JRod. While I very much enjoy BAP mode, I'd rather engage in an action packed three period hockey game when I'm always on the ice. The concept of BAP is fantastic, but I love this game too much to sit idly watching my teamates skate around. It seems like I generally only have a minute or two to make something happen. It almost seems as though there are only two lines, because I'm back out on the ice as soon as my fatigue level is green again. I'll continue to play BAP as it is fun, but I find myself playing back to back games of the regular play now modes.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:12 pm

sportdan30 wrote:I kind of agree with you JRod. While I very much enjoy BAP mode, I'd rather engage in an action packed three period hockey game when I'm always on the ice. The concept of BAP is fantastic, but I love this game too much to sit idly watching my teamates skate around. It seems like I generally only have a minute or two to make something happen. It almost seems as though there are only two lines, because I'm back out on the ice as soon as my fatigue level is green again. I'll continue to play BAP as it is fun, but I find myself playing back to back games of the regular play now modes.

Yeah, the luster of BAP has about worn off on me already.. I'm back to playing the full game..

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:39 pm

wco81 wrote:No not BAP specifically

Just Team Online Play modes.

When you search for sessions, one of the options is NHL Club mode.

If you turn NHL Club mode off, than it can only be unranked match and in that instance, you can get the classic and ice cameras as well as broadcast.

And you get actual NHL players.

But when you choose ranked match, you have to play NHL Club mode with fictional players.

And this is on the PS3.

WCO, that must be specific to the PS3 then. Can you search for ranked matches with settings you desire? Or are ranked OTP matches on PS3 solely 'quick match' style, where you cannot select from a list of rooms?

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:44 pm

MizzouRah wrote:
sportdan30 wrote:I kind of agree with you JRod. While I very much enjoy BAP mode, I'd rather engage in an action packed three period hockey game when I'm always on the ice. The concept of BAP is fantastic, but I love this game too much to sit idly watching my teamates skate around. It seems like I generally only have a minute or two to make something happen. It almost seems as though there are only two lines, because I'm back out on the ice as soon as my fatigue level is green again. I'll continue to play BAP as it is fun, but I find myself playing back to back games of the regular play now modes.
Yeah, the luster of BAP has about worn off on me already.. I'm back to playing the full game..

Me too...

And while I think the BAP is well-done, the immersion factor isn't there for me. Plus for some reason, the AI doesn't really work the puck that well.

There's nothing better than playing team mode and cycling a puck for a sweet goal. Or shutting down a lane forcing the CPU to kick out, and then getting the puck back. While it's difficult, it's not impossible to play defense this year. All due to the CPU taking realistic shots and offline shots.

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:19 pm

Boy, count me as a minority i guess because i love this mode. I don't see any difference to my time on the bench than the time i had to wait between AB's or time on the field in RTTS mode for MLB and i loved that as well. For me i'd rather watch my teammates play than a box score while i wait. Plus, for the me ability to change lines when i feel it is most appropriate adds a coaching aspect to being on the bench and thus keeps me engaged even when not "in the action" as i certainly don't want to make a change at an inopportune time.

I agree that the puck isn't moved around nearly as well but I think once you move up to the NHL team that may change. In addition, i've really started to use the right trigger to call for a pass and the right bumper to call for a shot a lot more and it has improved the puck movement for me.

I haven't even started my dynasty yet as BAP has occupied all of my offline time.

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:22 pm

I agree with RallyMonkey here.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:34 pm

There aren't OTP rooms so much as "sessions."

You search for OTP sessions or create one yourself, setting options like how many consoles (up to 12), ranked or unranked, NHL Club on or off, speed, etc.

There is an OTP lobby and you can chat in there. But even in the lobby, you push triangle to view the sessions. There you see which sessions are for ranked matches and which ones aren't.

Are you saying on X360, you can play ranked OTP games using actual NHL players and without the camera centered on your particular player?

BTW, another difference between ranked and unranked matches is that in ranked, you HAVE to select a player to control and you're locked into that player the whole match (which is why you have the BAP or POV camera, which follows you when you go into the penalty box).

For unranked OTP matches, you can select "Any" position before the match and then switch to any position during the game.

XXXIV · Post by **XXXIV** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:39 pm

JackB1 wrote:
XXXIV wrote:
JackB1 wrote:Can we get some DSP Club action going tonite?
I think its been happening every night. I know the 3-4 nights Ive gone on I got into a few games.
I didn't see any last night.

Do one of the captains need to set it up? What is the best way to get into a club game? Do you have to just wait for an invite?

I just go online and zeppo sends invites...No matter what game I come online to play...he sends them

You dont need a captain as any players can go in the dressing room and start a game...I think.

JackB1 · Post by **JackB1** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:52 pm

Zlax45 wrote:I agree with RallyMonkey here.

me too.

You have to make the most of your time out there on the ice and that adds to the challenge. I called for a change at the wrong time and it let to the opposition having a 2-0 and they scored. I felt like slumping in my chair and hiding on the bench

BUT I couldn't wait to get back on the ice and score a goal to make up for my mistake! Great stuff!

JRod · Post by **JRod** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 1:59 pm

We've all spent too much in the political forums.

Let me be real clear, I didn't say that BAP was bad or wasn't enjoyable. I just said I thought sitting on the bench was a tad boring.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:16 pm

JRod wrote:We've all spent too much in the political forums.

Let me be real clear, I didn't say that BAP was bad or wasn't enjoyable. I just said I thought sitting on the bench was a tad boring.

Exactly. I'll continue with my BAP career, but I moreso get the itch to play the "play now" games back to back. I have yet to start my dynasty. Has there been mention when the first roster update will be out?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:33 pm

BAP shines online. While offline doesn't give you nearly the excitement of online play, sitting on the bench and taking a quick breather is not too bad especially when you're on the ice and get to -plus because of poor defense as I experienced yesterday with my AHL team.

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:35 pm

sportdan30 wrote:
JRod wrote:We've all spent too much in the political forums.

Let me be real clear, I didn't say that BAP was bad or wasn't enjoyable. I just said I thought sitting on the bench was a tad boring.
Exactly. I'll continue with my BAP career, but I moreso get the itch to play the "play now" games back to back. I have yet to start my dynasty. Has there been mention when the first roster update will be out?

Why not just use the position lock option in BAP mode and then you play the whole game, not just when your player is on the ice. I'm loving BAP mode...already 30 games in and no sign of even being bored of it at this point....i'll be finishing my season in BAP before getting involved in anything else...plus it's something for me to do until the first official roster update is released in another month or so.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 2:58 pm

What is player lock and can it be changed once you have started your BAP career?

Thanks.