NHL 07 and NHL 2k7 IMPRESSIONS

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:03 am

For anyone who has tried or played 2K7 on both the Xbox and 360 is the gameplay the same or close?

It's tough justiying $60 for the 360 version if they play pretty close.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:07 am

seanmac31 wrote:If you go for the fake, you won't get the face off. But if you hold your water and guess the puck drop correctly, you'll win the face off.

I figured out last night that it all has to do with timing. You have to move the right stick earlier than you think you should have to. I won quite a few in my last game even after guessing incorrectly on the first or second fake. I now try the stick on every attempt by the ref. It's still hard, but I'm getting better. I once lost faceoffs in a game 46-1, but in my last game I think I won about 40%.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 10:12 am

I played a few more hours of NHL 07 last night, including five ranked games online, and I had a really good time. I'm now winning 50% of my faceoffs on average against the CPU, once you get a good feel for when the ref is going to drop the puck, it gets much easier. I saw a ton of penalties in my online games, inluding a few major penalties and game misconducts. Scoring was great online, I managed seven goals in one of my ranked games, and the goal variety is incredible. The framerate really isn't bothering me anymore, I guess it is something that isn't as noticeable the more you play. The game still doesn't really feel like hockey as seanmac said, but it is undeniably fun because of the skill stick and goal variety you get using it.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 11:35 am

HipE, is the CPU scoring against you now? I am playing on All-Star and actually gave up 6 goals in my last game to Calgary as Toronto (picked them to play a Dynasty until the Pens roster is updated). In another game I gave up 5, but have also had a couple games where I only gave up 1 or 2.

The bad news is that the game counted my 6-1 loss against Calgary as an OT loss so I have a point that I didn't earn.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 12:34 pm

MizzouRah wrote:
seanmac31 wrote:The more I play NHL 07, the more I wish I not only didn't buy it, but that I didn't ever play it. On the one hand, it's not a good game- I would agree with every single one of db's criticisms. The framerate is atrocious. The animations are poor. The camera angles make it hard to see the action and/or the graphical detail. The players just bunch up in the middle instead of actually playing sound positional hockey. It's just a mess. But with all that said, the stick control and the variability of the scoring makes it very difficult to play 2K7 without feeling like you're missing out on something. I keep reflexively reaching for the right thumbstick and expecting something to happen, only to find nothing worthwhile going on.

I may just trade in NHL 07 for NBA 2K7 and skip hockey altogether this year. (And in truth, hockey tends to get the short end of the stick once the soccer games come out. And with WE and a much improved FIFA on the horizon...)
Gamestop didn't have 2k7 so I rented it.. and after a few games, there's something I really like about 07 and it's the controls and gameplay. Too bad the franchise mode sucks as I'll have to drudge through it, but as good as 2k7 is (the best ice graphics).. I just can't get that gameplay feeling I get with NHL 07. SHeesh.. can't one game have everything I want?

Oh well, NHL 07 will be my game of choice this year.. the variety of goals, even some that are weak... are just so much better than 2k7 has been for me. I love the camera angle, smoothness, and franchise modes in 2k7, but I'm all about gameplay and that's where NHL 07 shines.

Am I a f'n idiot or what? Went back a few pages and read a few things and I thought I've been playing on "sim" when it's just been on custom. Excuse me if a take a line from Napoleon Dynamite - "you friggin idiot".

The gameplay takes on a whole new light on the "sim" setting. Now it feels like hockey. I wondered why the game was so fast on the "custom" level. I like using the cinemotion with replays set to "on".. I think I'll try cimemotion with commentary and replays as well to see which I like best. Now I need to play more of both games, but with this setting, 2k7 might be playable for me now. Sorry I'm a dipshit.

Anyone have any tweaks on the "sim" settings. Speed seems perfect and the CPU AI seems very good, maybe passing needs a tweak or two?

I still wish 2k7 had the controls of NHL 07.. but again, if I can tweak gameplay to a fun setting (sim really does well out of the box), the franchise mode is SO much better as is the smoothness of the game.

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 1:50 pm

BTW, anyone that loves the camera in 2k7 but wnts the camera in or out a little, you can switch to a different camera view, change the zoom, then switch back to parametric.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:23 pm

I was able to snag a rental copy of 2K7 and it's pretty much exactly as I expected. There's not a whole lot I can add that hasn't been said. It feels much more like real hockey, but at the same time scoring a goal is not nearly as satisfying as 07. It's nice to see the CPU pass the puck so much, but at times they pass up golden scoring opportunities to make a pass to the point. I also have little fear of the CPU on breakaways or odd-man rushes because they pretty much shoot it right at the goalie without any moves. This is on All-Star and sim settings. Otherwise, it seems like an outstanding game that will please many hockey fans that haven't tired of the series.

I really wish I would have played 2K7 before I played NHL because it's almost impossible for me to go back to such archaic controls. It would be like playing a racing game with buttons again or a PC golf game with a meter.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 2:34 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I was able to snag a rental copy of 2K7 and it's pretty much exactly as I expected. There's not a whole lot I can add that hasn't been said. It feels much more like real hockey, but at the same time scoring a goal is not nearly as satisfying as 07. It's nice to see the CPU pass the puck so much, but at times they pass up golden scoring opportunities to make a pass to the point. I also have little fear of the CPU on breakaways or odd-man rushes because they pretty much shoot it right at the goalie without any moves. This is on All-Star and sim settings. Otherwise, it seems like an outstanding game that will please many hockey fans that haven't tired of the series.

I really wish I would have played 2K7 before I played NHL because it's almost impossible for me to go back to such archaic controls. It would be like playing a racing game with buttons again or a PC golf game with a meter.

I wouldn't go so far as to call the 2K7 layout "archaic." I have no problems with using the face buttons to pass, to dump the puck, or to hit on defense. But there is no question that Kush needs to steal the stick control immediately. Don't even worry about putting your own spin on it- just make the damn right thumbstick control the stick and be done with it.

skinsfan · Post by **skinsfan** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 3:23 pm

JackB1 wrote:****WARNING******!!!!!!!!!!!

for those that might not know it, the ONLY version that uses the right stick for shooting is the 360 version. I got suckered by the $19.99 (Target) proce tag for the XBox version, only to find out it is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT game than the 360 version???? I knew the graphics would be different, but EVERYTHING is different. NHL07 on the PC, PS2 and XBox is nothing but NHL06 1/2.

Oh well......if NHL07 360 continues to get high praise, it may be a "system seller" for me

NHL 07 for Xbox is actually a pleasant surprise-it's alot better than 06 and plays much like 04,but with better controls.The right stick does alot for the passing game,and I even shoot with it in close.
The hit stats are wack,but the cpu counts any contact as a hit.
Check out the roster/settings file at Flyermania,which will be updated regularly.

snate · Post by **snate** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 4:55 pm

NHL 2k7 plays like an evolved version of the same game we have been playing since NHL 94. Pass, pass, one-timer. That was more than a decade ago. Can you believe it has been that long? NHL 07 has brought something new to the table and personally I am enjoying it. Have you guys that are playing NHL 07 made any settings changes?

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:12 pm

I have lowered speed, pass speed, and puck control all the way. I maxxed agression and penalties. I was going to increase shot blocking and goof with some of the shot sliders as it seemed like my games were a bit high scoring until I went to NHL.com and looked up Toronto and they scored 3.1 and gave up 3.3 and right now after 7 games I am scoring 3.1 and giving up 3.4!

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:29 pm

I disagree that 2K7 is only "pass, pass, one-timer". Come on now. This game has evolved, and there are plenty of different ways to score other than the one timer! The majority of my goals now are from wristers, slap shots, and the more frequent rebound garbage goals.

Yes, I agree 2K should take EA's right stick shooting and deke function. No question about that. But, 2K doesn't necessarily need to or should change their gameplay as it's already very solid. As much I want Madden to take some more risks and change their engine, why mess with success?

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 5:40 pm

I'm with ya Dan...I get a majority of my goals on rebounds and broken plays. After about 15 games, I think have maybe 5-10 one timers out of about 50 goals. Not exactly a one-timer fest. At least on All-Star it's not.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:36 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I'm with ya Dan...I get a majority of my goals on rebounds and broken plays. After about 15 games, I think have maybe 5-10 one timers out of about 50 goals. Not exactly a one-timer fest. At least on All-Star it's not.

It's definitely not. It's so engrained in our heads that the 2K hockey series has been known to be a one timer fest, that I've actually felt guilty doing a one timer in the game. Thus, I've been more creative with goal scoring and have seen a larger variety.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:06 pm

I get a lot of goals from rebounds, just like the NHL.

The biggest thing is franchise mode kills NHL 07's, at least for me. So much easier to do what you want to do. I do miss NHL 07's controls, I won't lie.. but NHL 2k7 does a lot more right, imo.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 7:55 pm

2k7

Sim defaults, 5 min periods seem ok, but goalies need turned down a bit as well as passing accuracy and goalie puck freeze time. Anything else you guys been messing with slider wise?

Also, do you guys like cinemotion, cinemotion+commentary, or just plain commentary? I like all 3 and find myself switching between the 3 settings.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:02 pm

I like the commentary only...that way you get the automatic replays after goals. With both cinemotion options those go away.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:07 pm

It's not that you *can't* score in other ways in the 2K series, but it is by far the most effective way to score along with the "s" move. It's much much too easy to even get a shot off on a one timer in the 2K series so it is worth trying every time down the ice and then looking for the garbage goals off the one-timer rebounds. It's just a basic problem in the game much like how easy it is for goalies to pass the puck.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:30 pm

Leebo33 wrote:It's not that you *can't* score in other ways in the 2K series, but it is by far the most effective way to score along with the "s" move.

I am telling you...it's NOT the most effective way to score. The best way is to work it around, get good shots and be sure you have guys setup in front for the rebounds. I'm not a guy that is into the whole "house rules" stuff, so I take advantage of scoring however I can. If one-timers were the best way, I'd utilize it. This year, they are not...at least on All-Star.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:49 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I like the commentary only...that way you get the automatic replays after goals. With both cinemotion options those go away.

Actually DB, you can turn "on" replays on any of the presentation options. It's in the presentation settings. For some reason, you have to go back into the settings once the game starts and reset it to "on".

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 8:58 pm

Good to know...thanks.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Sat Sep 16, 2006 9:00 pm

Having played the demo of 2k7 and purchased 07, I'm confident that EA's game was the right choice for me this year.

The bottom line is that neither game is perfect, and 2k7 is more 'polished', but there is nothing more rewarding than scoring from a good deke using EA's stick controls. I love the variety of goals and game outcomes I've seen in about 20 games...Scores on slappers, scores on one-timers, scores on breakaways, scores on deflections, scores on rebounds, scores on accidents.

I'll play NHL 07 this year for 2 reasons: 1. It's FUN, really FUN. 2. This control scheme is the future, and no time like the present to start learning it.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 12:14 am

Can you imagine if there was only one hockey game with exclusive NHL rights, whether it be NHL '07 or 2K7? A certain percentage of us would be quite disappointed. As it stands, I'm very happy the NHL rejected EA's attempt at exclusivity. Now, we all can be happy.

Regarding the pin point passing of the CPU in 2K7, I don't know necessarily what you really can do other than play on a lower level than All-Star. I'm playing on Pro, because it was becoming ridiculous how many shots the CPU was getting on goal. On Pro, it at least seems like the CPU isn't always as precise with their passes. I don't know though.....I wish they could patch this slider.

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 1:34 am

I went with EA's game and it took about three or four games for me to finally get used to the controls as in the first couple of games I kept trying to use the right trigger for speed bursts and also missed a couple of one timer shots by forgetting to use the stick.

I will most likely settle with All Star level for my franchise as that has given me the best games and Super Star level puts it too far in the AI's favor, I don't normally like messing with sliders but the cpu agressiveness looks to be the only thing that I may have to bump up. I have seen the AI do stuff like have one of their players go behind their own net with the puck and either wait for one of my players to come after him or he waits to set up a play to break out of their own zone.

Love the presentation from the way the crowd gets into it and the variety of goal horns or sirens in the different arenas. I definitely see myself playing a few seasons of this in franchise mode once opening day rosters are updated with Malkin on the Pens. I may or may not get NHL2k7 sometime down the road but for now this is the most fun I've had with a hockey game in a long time.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 2:31 am

Here's a video of a game of NHL 07 I made. The quality isn't the best but there are some pretty nice goals in there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnM6uDDgc1s