I posted some impressions for this game over at Scoop on Sports.
Did anybody else pick this game up? I was hoping to check out some online play after I get back from Tennessee. Curious to see what others think as well.
Gretzky NHL 2005
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ScoopBrady
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Gretzky NHL 2005
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
Thanks for the impressions, I've been wondering about this game ever since I found out it included the AHL teams and players, but there's been no buzz about it at all.
Do you know if you can do a whole season/franchise with an AHL team? Even though I'm loving NHL2K5, I may have to pick this one up also, so I can play as my beloved Cleveland Barons.
Thanks again.
Do you know if you can do a whole season/franchise with an AHL team? Even though I'm loving NHL2K5, I may have to pick this one up also, so I can play as my beloved Cleveland Barons.
Thanks again.
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Rob81Lakes
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ScoopBrady
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Lex, not sure if you can play as the AHL teams. I know they mentioned the AHL license on the back cover but I didn't see any AHL teams on the team select screen. I think the AHL teams might have something to do with the franchise mode only. Not sure though.
Marino,
I answered your question in the OS thread.
I'm really liking this game so far. The only negatives I have noticed after a few games are:
There are times when your wingers are slow getting out of your zone on breakouts.
There is a triangle over the puck but I did get used to it pretty quickly.
Shot totals were in the low to mid thirties on 5-minute periods. I'm not as concerned about this thought because in most hockey games the initial shot totals are lowered when I get more play time in and learn the nuances and subtleties of playing defense.
Marino,
I answered your question in the OS thread.
I'm really liking this game so far. The only negatives I have noticed after a few games are:
There are times when your wingers are slow getting out of your zone on breakouts.
There is a triangle over the puck but I did get used to it pretty quickly.
Shot totals were in the low to mid thirties on 5-minute periods. I'm not as concerned about this thought because in most hockey games the initial shot totals are lowered when I get more play time in and learn the nuances and subtleties of playing defense.
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
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ScoopBrady
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Rob, unfortunately you can't change button mappings.
Brent, here you go:
989 Sports took 2 years off from their hockey franchise Faceoff and come out with a new hockey franchise. Can new developer Page 44 continue 989 Sports upswing? Find out in our Hands On Preview of Gretzky NHL 2005.
989 Sports has always done a decent job with their hockey franchise but has never really made it a series to remember. Their last hockey title, Faceoff 2003, had some AI issues and substandard graphics. After 2 years in development, Gretzky NHL 2005 is definitely a huge improvement in both areas.
Graphics
The first thing you will notice about Gretzky NHL 2005 are the crisp and vibrant graphics. Anybody who has seen MLB 2005 can expect the same quality graphics here. The player models fall somewhere in between ESPN 2k5 and NHL 2005. Player faces are well done and you will be able to recognize star players, that is if you still remember what they look like. The animations can be a mixed bag at times, with some oddness during skating transitions, but for the most part are well executed. The cut scenes are easily comparable to the competition and the graphical overlays are reminiscent of a Fox broadcast. There are some real nice graphical effects going on with the glass as you can see lens flares during cut scenes while the camera is moving and you can actually see player’s reflections in the glass during gameplay.
Gameplay
The biggest surprise is the jump in gameplay from Faceoff 2003. This game is much, much better on the ice than its older brother and has even surpassed EA's latest offering. There are 4 difficulty levels (Amateur, Pro, Veteran, and All Star) but to really enjoy the game you need to play on Veteran or All Star. You will also want to turn the speed of the game all the way down. Playing on Veteran with the speed turned all the way down, Gretzky NHL 2005 has a real nice flow to it. It nails the upbeat pace of hockey where you really have to make quick decisions but it doesn't feel hyper-fast or arcadey.
You are able to change offensive, defensive, power play, and penalty kill strategies on the fly using the d-pad. You can also configure which type of strategy you want to assign to each direction on the d-pad. Line changes can also be done on the fly with both offensive and defensive line changes. Of course line changes can also be set to automatic as well.
The defensive AI plays a smart game of hockey. They really cover their men or areas making it hard to set up quality scoring chances. Take to long to get an open shot off and you won't get it off. Hold on to the puck too long and you'll lose it. The game really forces you to cycle the puck to create solid scoring opportunities. Your fellow defenders play just as well when you're on defense.
The offensive AI plays a smart game of hockey too. They will cycle the puck around looking for holes in your defense and will regroup when pressured. If you make a mistake in your own end you will most likely be scored on. The offensive AI really takes advantage of mistakes you make in your own zone.
The goalies play well between the pipes. Puck movement is key to get the net minders out of position to create scoring chances. That's not to say that they can't be beat by slappers from the line or wristers from the slot. They will cover the puck when necessary and you can take control of your goalie at any time by holding the x button for 1 second.
The puck physics are not quite up to ESPN NHL 2k5 standards, but they are still quite good. The puck actually feels like there is some weight to it, something I'd like to feel in other hockey videogames. Shots will start high and sail low, shots will sail wide of the net and carom around the boards realistically, pucks will go over the glass and into the crowd, dump-ins float into the corner, and clearing attempts will fly out of the defensive zone.
Controls
The controls in Gretzky NHL 2005 are very responsive but not as deep as its competition. On offense there is a deke button (square) and there are also certain dekes assigned to the right analog stick. You can dump the puck in by pressing triangle, pass with the x button, and shoot with the circle. The type of shot depends on how you press the button. A quick tap will produce a snap shot, double tapping the button will produce a wrist shot, and holding the button will produce a slap shot. There is a shot meter that determines the power of your snapshot and there is also a target that shows you the area of the net you are aiming at. On defense you can stick check with the triangle, body check with the square button, change players with the x button, and lay down to block the shot with the L2 button. The L1 and R1 buttons control speed burst on both offense and defense and the R2 button can make you skate backwards on both offense and defense.
Closing Comments
989 Sports is actually on a roll with their last 2 sports titles (MLB 2005 and Gretzky NHL 2005). This is easily the best hockey game that 989 has ever released and it actually is looking like a shoe-in as the 2nd best hockey game released this year behind ESPN NHL 2k5. More time is needed to make that assessment but the early reports are quite favorable for this new hockey franchise.
Brent, here you go:
989 Sports took 2 years off from their hockey franchise Faceoff and come out with a new hockey franchise. Can new developer Page 44 continue 989 Sports upswing? Find out in our Hands On Preview of Gretzky NHL 2005.
989 Sports has always done a decent job with their hockey franchise but has never really made it a series to remember. Their last hockey title, Faceoff 2003, had some AI issues and substandard graphics. After 2 years in development, Gretzky NHL 2005 is definitely a huge improvement in both areas.
Graphics
The first thing you will notice about Gretzky NHL 2005 are the crisp and vibrant graphics. Anybody who has seen MLB 2005 can expect the same quality graphics here. The player models fall somewhere in between ESPN 2k5 and NHL 2005. Player faces are well done and you will be able to recognize star players, that is if you still remember what they look like. The animations can be a mixed bag at times, with some oddness during skating transitions, but for the most part are well executed. The cut scenes are easily comparable to the competition and the graphical overlays are reminiscent of a Fox broadcast. There are some real nice graphical effects going on with the glass as you can see lens flares during cut scenes while the camera is moving and you can actually see player’s reflections in the glass during gameplay.
Gameplay
The biggest surprise is the jump in gameplay from Faceoff 2003. This game is much, much better on the ice than its older brother and has even surpassed EA's latest offering. There are 4 difficulty levels (Amateur, Pro, Veteran, and All Star) but to really enjoy the game you need to play on Veteran or All Star. You will also want to turn the speed of the game all the way down. Playing on Veteran with the speed turned all the way down, Gretzky NHL 2005 has a real nice flow to it. It nails the upbeat pace of hockey where you really have to make quick decisions but it doesn't feel hyper-fast or arcadey.
You are able to change offensive, defensive, power play, and penalty kill strategies on the fly using the d-pad. You can also configure which type of strategy you want to assign to each direction on the d-pad. Line changes can also be done on the fly with both offensive and defensive line changes. Of course line changes can also be set to automatic as well.
The defensive AI plays a smart game of hockey. They really cover their men or areas making it hard to set up quality scoring chances. Take to long to get an open shot off and you won't get it off. Hold on to the puck too long and you'll lose it. The game really forces you to cycle the puck to create solid scoring opportunities. Your fellow defenders play just as well when you're on defense.
The offensive AI plays a smart game of hockey too. They will cycle the puck around looking for holes in your defense and will regroup when pressured. If you make a mistake in your own end you will most likely be scored on. The offensive AI really takes advantage of mistakes you make in your own zone.
The goalies play well between the pipes. Puck movement is key to get the net minders out of position to create scoring chances. That's not to say that they can't be beat by slappers from the line or wristers from the slot. They will cover the puck when necessary and you can take control of your goalie at any time by holding the x button for 1 second.
The puck physics are not quite up to ESPN NHL 2k5 standards, but they are still quite good. The puck actually feels like there is some weight to it, something I'd like to feel in other hockey videogames. Shots will start high and sail low, shots will sail wide of the net and carom around the boards realistically, pucks will go over the glass and into the crowd, dump-ins float into the corner, and clearing attempts will fly out of the defensive zone.
Controls
The controls in Gretzky NHL 2005 are very responsive but not as deep as its competition. On offense there is a deke button (square) and there are also certain dekes assigned to the right analog stick. You can dump the puck in by pressing triangle, pass with the x button, and shoot with the circle. The type of shot depends on how you press the button. A quick tap will produce a snap shot, double tapping the button will produce a wrist shot, and holding the button will produce a slap shot. There is a shot meter that determines the power of your snapshot and there is also a target that shows you the area of the net you are aiming at. On defense you can stick check with the triangle, body check with the square button, change players with the x button, and lay down to block the shot with the L2 button. The L1 and R1 buttons control speed burst on both offense and defense and the R2 button can make you skate backwards on both offense and defense.
Closing Comments
989 Sports is actually on a roll with their last 2 sports titles (MLB 2005 and Gretzky NHL 2005). This is easily the best hockey game that 989 has ever released and it actually is looking like a shoe-in as the 2nd best hockey game released this year behind ESPN NHL 2k5. More time is needed to make that assessment but the early reports are quite favorable for this new hockey franchise.
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
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ScoopBrady
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The AI will clear the puck while on the penalty kill. They will take an offensive approach after a turnover in your own end as well. Not sure what happens with a turnover in the neutral zone though.marino wrote:Does the AI dump the puck when on the penalty kill.I know nhl 2005 ai never did.How's the penalty calling?Did you see a variety of callls in the game you played.
And Scoop just how many games do you own?I thought I was bad by buying everything.
As far as penalties are concerned, I've seen a variety. Hooks, slashes, crosschecks, roughing, interference. It's pretty cool, if you are out of position and hit the poke check button your player will slash or hook instead of poke check. You really need to be in position to make the play or else you'll get burned. Same thing goes with the checking. If you're not in position they'll go right by you.
No comment to your last question.
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
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PadresFan104
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Atmosphere
Scoop,
How's the sound and atmosphere? Does the crowd react appropriately and get louder during sustained attacks, etc.?
Thanks!
How's the sound and atmosphere? Does the crowd react appropriately and get louder during sustained attacks, etc.?
Thanks!
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ScoopBrady
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Padres,
In general, the sound in the game is good. Emrick and Panger do a good job with the commentary. The foghorn blared when I scored in the United Center. Sound effects sounded pretty spot on. The one weakness in the audio is the crowd however. The crowd sounds subdued to what you would expect.
In general, the sound in the game is good. Emrick and Panger do a good job with the commentary. The foghorn blared when I scored in the United Center. Sound effects sounded pretty spot on. The one weakness in the audio is the crowd however. The crowd sounds subdued to what you would expect.
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
Gretzky 2005 interests me greatly (though i don't have a PS2 at the moment....Xbox and GC owner). i've always loved the camera (best in hockey, imo) and smoothness of the faceoff series. this year ESPN is a very good game but i can't get the camera where i like it completely ( i like the over the shoulder rink view but zoomed out enough to see what's going on with my wingers....basically like the Faceoff series or the original BBG NHL2K). unfortunately the zoom in 2K5 doesn't work on the rink cam. still a very good game though.
but since there are aspects of the Faceoff series i have liked in the past this game really intrigues me.
Scoop....i know you mentioned a stick check button. is their an adequate amount of hooking? how is defensive control and positioning? can you play a good fundamental defense to lower SOG and scroing chances without resorting to just checking your opponent? if the stick check is implemented well that of course would be a crucial defensive move.
also..how about board play? you mentioned dumping the puck. can you shoot the puck around the boards as well? how about puck physics around the boards? any scrums for the puck along the walls?
how is the presentation? Faceoff 2003 had a good amount of in-game pop up stats and a good TV like presentation. how does Gretzky 2005 fare?
Emrick and Panger have always sounded good in this series, imo.
yeah, EA 2005 was a huge step back for them. ESPN is a very, very good game that only falls short in the atmosphere area and from a complete persoanl opinion i don't care for the cameras (please guys...an NFL2K5 adjustable height and zoom next year!!) i use 3/4 and it's ok but not where i want it at all.
so needless to say, i am very interested in Gretzky 2005. of course i'd have to move some games to pick up a used PS2 but if the game was fun i would do so.
take care guys and thanks Scoop!
but since there are aspects of the Faceoff series i have liked in the past this game really intrigues me.
Scoop....i know you mentioned a stick check button. is their an adequate amount of hooking? how is defensive control and positioning? can you play a good fundamental defense to lower SOG and scroing chances without resorting to just checking your opponent? if the stick check is implemented well that of course would be a crucial defensive move.
also..how about board play? you mentioned dumping the puck. can you shoot the puck around the boards as well? how about puck physics around the boards? any scrums for the puck along the walls?
how is the presentation? Faceoff 2003 had a good amount of in-game pop up stats and a good TV like presentation. how does Gretzky 2005 fare?
Emrick and Panger have always sounded good in this series, imo.
yeah, EA 2005 was a huge step back for them. ESPN is a very, very good game that only falls short in the atmosphere area and from a complete persoanl opinion i don't care for the cameras (please guys...an NFL2K5 adjustable height and zoom next year!!) i use 3/4 and it's ok but not where i want it at all.
so needless to say, i am very interested in Gretzky 2005. of course i'd have to move some games to pick up a used PS2 but if the game was fun i would do so.
take care guys and thanks Scoop!
Last edited by hrudey32 on Thu Nov 11, 2004 4:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Granatofan
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ScoopBrady
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hrudey,
You'd love the Traditional Camera in Gretzky.
"Scoop....i know you mentioned a stick check button. is their an adequate amount of hooking? how is defensive control and positioning? can you play a good fundamental defense to lower SOG and scroing chances without resorting to just checking your opponent? if the stick check is implemented well that of course would be a crucial defensive move."
Defensive control and positioning is handled differently than any hockey game I've ever played. There seems to be a big focus on positioning. If you are in position to make a poke check you have a good chance of disrupting the play but if you're not in good position you will either get blown past or you will slash or hook depending on where you are in relation to the player. If you are still in front of the puck carrier but to the side you will likely get blown away. If you behind the puck carrier you will slash and hook. You don't have control over this since it is all handled with the poke check button but positioning plays a big role in determining what happens.
"also..how about board play? you mentioned dumping the puck. can you shoot the puck around the boards as well? how about puck physics around the boards? any scrums for the puck along the walls?"
I'd need to play some more but I believe that if you press the dump button you will float it into the corner and if you press up and pass at the blue line you will ring it around the boards. The puck feels like it has some weight to it so dump-ins feel pretty good. There's not as many scrums along the boards as I'd like to see but if you get a dump and chase team or play some dump and chase you will see some action along the boards. There is no way that I have found to actually pin a man against the boards though.
"how is the presentation? Faceoff 2003 had a good amount of in-game pop up stats and a good TV like presentation. how does Gretzky 2005 fare?
Emrick and Panger have always sounded good in this series, imo."
The presentation is quite good except for the subdued crowd. Everything from pop up stats and cut scenes to the commentary has been improved since Faceoff 2003.
I need more time with it to see how things pan out but my early impressions are very positive. It is easily the best hockey title 989 has put out and it is definitely better than EA's effort this year. It reminds me a lot of Rivals last year. A first year franchise that does a lot of things right that nobody really expected a lot from. It's a lot more polished than Rivals was though. Page 44 has definitely had a strong first showing.
You'd love the Traditional Camera in Gretzky.
"Scoop....i know you mentioned a stick check button. is their an adequate amount of hooking? how is defensive control and positioning? can you play a good fundamental defense to lower SOG and scroing chances without resorting to just checking your opponent? if the stick check is implemented well that of course would be a crucial defensive move."
Defensive control and positioning is handled differently than any hockey game I've ever played. There seems to be a big focus on positioning. If you are in position to make a poke check you have a good chance of disrupting the play but if you're not in good position you will either get blown past or you will slash or hook depending on where you are in relation to the player. If you are still in front of the puck carrier but to the side you will likely get blown away. If you behind the puck carrier you will slash and hook. You don't have control over this since it is all handled with the poke check button but positioning plays a big role in determining what happens.
"also..how about board play? you mentioned dumping the puck. can you shoot the puck around the boards as well? how about puck physics around the boards? any scrums for the puck along the walls?"
I'd need to play some more but I believe that if you press the dump button you will float it into the corner and if you press up and pass at the blue line you will ring it around the boards. The puck feels like it has some weight to it so dump-ins feel pretty good. There's not as many scrums along the boards as I'd like to see but if you get a dump and chase team or play some dump and chase you will see some action along the boards. There is no way that I have found to actually pin a man against the boards though.
"how is the presentation? Faceoff 2003 had a good amount of in-game pop up stats and a good TV like presentation. how does Gretzky 2005 fare?
Emrick and Panger have always sounded good in this series, imo."
The presentation is quite good except for the subdued crowd. Everything from pop up stats and cut scenes to the commentary has been improved since Faceoff 2003.
I need more time with it to see how things pan out but my early impressions are very positive. It is easily the best hockey title 989 has put out and it is definitely better than EA's effort this year. It reminds me a lot of Rivals last year. A first year franchise that does a lot of things right that nobody really expected a lot from. It's a lot more polished than Rivals was though. Page 44 has definitely had a strong first showing.
I am a patient boy.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.
My time is water down a drain.
After several more hours of playing this game my opinion has done a complete 180. This is the best, most fun hockey game I've ever played bar none. I'm glad I gave it more time instead of trading it in. I would have been sickened to not be enjoying this masterpiece like I am know. I've been waiting for this hockey game for as long as I can remember and 989 is the one to pull it off. You folks really outdid yourselves with this jewel. I tried playing with the traditional camera instead of the default and when I finally got used to this view it opened up my eyes to an awesome hockey experience. I've always been a 2K fan but that game is being traded now that I have put some time into Gretzky.Granatofan wrote:good impressions, Scoop. Thanks.
Ted
The presentation, graphics, and atmosphere are superb. This game really captures the atmosphere of the NHL better than any other game I've ever played.
What really shocked me is how great the gameplay is once you finally get the hang of things. No other game has ever nailed momentum based skating like this one. The skating engine is outstanding. It feels like skating not running.
I absolutely love the shooting mechanics as well. It feels so good when you really nut a big slapper. Gretzky captures the feel of weak and great shots better than any game I've ever played. It takes some getting used to but the shooting system is dead on IMHO.
Finally a hockey game that has a realistic hitting engine. I could talk about how great Gretzky's is for 2 pages. You have to catch a guy perfectly to send him flying, not just graze him. And this is with the big hitters. The force of a hit seems to take all the right things into account to decide the outcome like positioning, player ratings, momentum, etc. It's a thing of beauty to witness. The have like a bazillion different animations to cover all the different scenarios when two guys collide. There are stumbles, guys getting nicked but holding onto the puck, guys getting nicked harder losing the puck momentarily but regaining control, guys taking solid shots where it's a standoff, guys taking solid shots and losing the puck but not going down, and guys getting creamed. The is the way all hockey games should treat hitting. it adds so much depth and variety to a game when hitting is done properly and Gretzky nails it (no pun intended). Another great thing about the hitting in this game is the risk invloved if you miss. IF you give up an odd man rush in this game it actually makes you nervous the way it should.
How refreshing it is to play a hockey game where the stratedgies actually work. I love to dump and chase and Gretzky gets it right. Anybody who plays this way will know exactly what I mean if they give this game a chance. Anyhow it's very apparent to me that the developers of this game really got the kind of expert advice they needed in regards to the different plays and implemented them properly. Got to love that kind of dedication.
What's next? Oh yeah Goalies. I think the goalie play in this game is very good. They are tough to beat but fair and you can tell the difference between average and great goalies. I was playing with the Habs and Theodore was on a roll. Just for kicks I sat him a game and his back up got lit up for 5 goals. Impressive. Odd man rushes and breakaways are awesome in Gretzky. They are just done so well. Play it and you'll know what I'm talking about. It's killer to see aggressive goalies move out past the top of the crease to cut down an angle not just sit in goal.
Well I've gone on for awhile so I'll wrap this up. If you are a hockey freak like myself do yourself a favor and buy this puppy. Play with the traditional camera and be prepared to be awed at how smart this game plays and mimics the NHL. It's obvious that this game has been a labor of love for the developers for the past 2 years and they are big sim guys as well as huge hockey fans. The first time you see a goal waived off because someone was in the crease you'll have a grin from ear to ear. The more I play this game the more I'm noticing just how deep the gameplay actually is. I'm seeing how the player ratings have a huge impact. I'm noticing how well done the cycling can be. I'm seeing players go on hot and cold streaks as well as teams. I'm seeing big time momentum shifts in each game and through out the season. The more you play this game the more you appreciate all the hard, well thought out effort that went into making this game. It has by far the smartest AI I've seen in a sports game since the Konami Soccer series. Hopefully the hockey faithfull will give this game a chance so 989 can see the fuit of their labors. This game deserves to be a classic IMHO.
ohiost[/QUOTE]
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GROGtheNailer
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GROGtheNailer
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How are the shots on net, too many too few? Can you adjust time of periods? How is passing...too crisp? Is there a franchise mode and is it decent? Can you play a good defensive game or is it geared to offense? That new slapshot aiming sounds interesting, work well? Is there major penalties ? (Non-fighting) How are the fights? How is the PP portrayed, does it feel like one? Can you make/edit players?
yeah, i'm trying to borrow a PS2 as well, Grog. i did get to see a glimpse of it at a local store and i noticed a few things. the gamer had game on slowest setting (he said) but it still seemed too quick. i usually play ESPN on speed of 2 but this seemed quicker than that. right much quicker. the "player" camera angle was cool. the presentation and atmosphere was very nice. much better atmosphere than ESPN at initial glance. ESPN still seems sterile, imo, atmosphere wise. some very creative camera angles for cutscenes. i didn't have time to play the game myself and the player was just running and gunning everywhere so it was hard to tell much about the game. i hope to give it a shot somehow if i can borrow a PS2.
as i said though. first reaction was it was pretty fast. i know in Faceoff 2003 (which i actually sorta liked...flow, skating and cameras and presentation) you could slow it down to a perfect speed and had option of going real slow or real fast. if this was the slowest setting then it may be too quick for some sim heads.
honestly i miss NHL Champ 2000 on the PC! my bud PMack is actually going to do some 04-05 NHLC2K updates. cool!
as i said though. first reaction was it was pretty fast. i know in Faceoff 2003 (which i actually sorta liked...flow, skating and cameras and presentation) you could slow it down to a perfect speed and had option of going real slow or real fast. if this was the slowest setting then it may be too quick for some sim heads.
honestly i miss NHL Champ 2000 on the PC! my bud PMack is actually going to do some 04-05 NHLC2K updates. cool!
Shots on goal are a little high on default 5 minute periods with the last minute being real time (cant' turn real time off) but you can drop period length down to 4 minutes if you like to compensate for the last minute real time. Period lengths go from (I think) 2,4,5,10 etc. I play on default and my shot totals are usually in the 30's. You can get much higher totals if you run and gun but I play a dump and chase game and cycle.GROGtheNailer wrote:How are the shots on net, too many too few? Can you adjust time of periods? How is passing...too crisp? Is there a franchise mode and is it decent? Can you play a good defensive game or is it geared to offense? That new slapshot aiming sounds interesting, work well? Is there major penalties ? (Non-fighting) How are the fights? How is the PP portrayed, does it feel like one? Can you make/edit players?
There is a franchise mode, not a season mode. Haven't really spent time messing with franchise other than just playing the games. You don't set practices or anything. I think you just try to win games, sign some big name players, enhance your attendance, make the playoffs and try to turn a profit.
Passing is pretty crisp depending on the players ratings. Probably a little too accurate but there are passes that are poor and not tape to tape.
Defense is done really well IMO. You have a skate backwards button and correct position is the key. If you go lunging after everyone or take bad angles you'll get burned.
New slapshot sytem is awesome once you get used to it. It tkaes time to wind up to reach the optimal release point. If you let it fly early or late the shot will be weaker and less accurate. You need space to take a good slappper and that's the way it should be. Nothing feels better than hockey stopping with Alexi Kovalev to create some room, winding up, hitting your sweet spot and sending one over the shoulder of a goalie that has come out to cut down the angle. It ain't easy but when you pull it off it's very rewarding.
No major penalties that I've seen other than fighting. They will waive off goals however because of goalie interference.
Fighting is the weakest part of the game. Very simplistic and archaic.
PP is done very well. They have icon Passing in the game which works very well especially on odd man rushes and the PP.
You can create players, but I haven't found a way to edit the players in the game.
ohiost
Hrudey,hrudey32 wrote:yeah, i'm trying to borrow a PS2 as well, Grog. i did get to see a glimpse of it at a local store and i noticed a few things. the gamer had game on slowest setting (he said) but it still seemed too quick. i usually play ESPN on speed of 2 but this seemed quicker than that. right much quicker. the "player" camera angle was cool. the presentation and atmosphere was very nice. much better atmosphere than ESPN at initial glance. ESPN still seems sterile, imo, atmosphere wise. some very creative camera angles for cutscenes. i didn't have time to play the game myself and the player was just running and gunning everywhere so it was hard to tell much about the game. i hope to give it a shot somehow if i can borrow a PS2.
as i said though. first reaction was it was pretty fast. i know in Faceoff 2003 (which i actually sorta liked...flow, skating and cameras and presentation) you could slow it down to a perfect speed and had option of going real slow or real fast. if this was the slowest setting then it may be too quick for some sim heads.
honestly i miss NHL Champ 2000 on the PC! my bud PMack is actually going to do some 04-05 NHLC2K updates. cool!
Speed is quick at first but if you play with traditional camera instead of default it doesn't seem bad at all because you have a much better view of the ice and can react better.
This is the best, most fun, Hockey game, total package-wise that I've ever played.
ohiost