NHL2K7 Demo

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:54 am

I think releasing a Shootout Demo was the right move on EA's part, and not because it's hiding flaws in the full game.

With something as new as the right stick controls, it's a great idea to give people some time to get adjusted and discover just how cool it can be (without getting frustrated in the learning curve). There's so much going on in a full game that a lot of people would never even discover the real uses of the right-stick.

It helps that it also shows off the graphics, goalie animations, and little details as well...

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 11:57 am

We'll see on Tuesday.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 1:57 pm

I've had a chance to check out both demos and I'm pretty excited. It's getting to be a rare occurrence when there are two worthwhile games in the same sport, and now it's shaping up that there are two sports where I'll seriously consider both offerings- hockey and soccer. (Sorry, kids, FIFA:WC was terrific.)

Loved the camera angle in 2K7. I loved the fluidity of the play even more. I have to say that I really appreciate the approach that VC has taken with their 360 titles. They have really concentrated on maintaining the fluidity of motion in their titles, something that every one of EA's offerings with the exception of FIFA:WC have lacked to greater or lesser degree. The games are evolutionary, but they look great and they play better. It's funny, but the primary response I have to the 2K7 demo is to feel very excited for NBA 2K7 and very disappointed that I never got a chance to play an NFL2K6 or 2K7 on the 360.

The shootout is...okay. It looks fantastic, obviously, but the important thing is that it moves well. EA has gotten into trouble because the level of detail on their players has made the animations look stiff and unconvincing (not to mention made the framerate stutter), but it looks like they've achieved a good compromise between static detail and motion. The animations look excellent. The control scheme is interesting, but I'm waiting to see how it works during an actual game.

I'll probably wait to see what the impressions are in here before making a purchase.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:48 pm

Well.. well... after playing some of the 2k7 demo, I'm liking this game quite a bit.

Everything seems quite good as far as a "sim" would be for hockey. I don't like the goofy music, but that's about all I'm not liking about the demo. Really wish NHL 07 had some gameplay in their demo to compare the two.

Gameplay is VERY smooth and had me wanting more.

Hmm.. tough choice for sure this year. (that is if NHL 07 has good gameplay)

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 11:41 am

After spending some more time with the demo, I can't wait to play this one online. Has anyone talked about setting up a league? If so, can I get dibs on the Pens?

RustedWalleye · Post by **RustedWalleye** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 2:29 pm

I really liked the demo of 2k7, also liked the shootout for NHL 07 and I havent played EA's since I wrote a review a couple years ago for the PS2 version, which was mediocre at best.

They each had a good feel, but 2k7 was definitely set at a low skill level. Ive played on the highest level every year of 2k7 and this was no way even a second skill level.

Too early to judge just by the demo, but it definitely felt good. I got 4 goals in my 2nd game with easy one timers with the Ducks, which is where my feeling comes from with the skill level.

I like the right stick shooting in the shootout mode for EA's but I dunno about using it in a game. Hopefully this isnt a test year for it, because it does look good.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Sep 10, 2006 7:00 pm

Well after all these years of asking for a better camera angle, 2K finally listened to the fans of the series. Framerate seemed very smooth and if you pay close attention, the skating has also improved, ie when a player stops from full speed he gets some space to come to a standstill. Also while speed bursting, you can let go off the left analog and do your fancy thing, while the player keeps skating in the direction that he is heading.

I am just curious as to why limit the advanced controls in the demo, leaving me wanting and wondering what else the game could offer. Cinemotion is horrible IMO. I know what they were going for, but it just misses this time.
The goalie animations among others seem to be the same as of past years and EA has them beat hands down. Every player on the ice just feels the same, there is no difference in how they skate, shoot, or pass .

Overall, I enjoyed the demo although it didn't leave me salivating in terms of innovation like the new EA control scheme did on their demo. It just left me feeling that I have played this game before despite the skating improvement. Granted this is just a demo and a game of sliders, and when the full version comes, I will be tweaking as usual, until I find what I like. This will be a week in heaven for puck heads and I will be taking the plunge on both games.

Jimmydeicide · Post by **Jimmydeicide** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:26 am

This will be a week in heaven for puck heads and I will be taking the plunge on both games.

Agreed 10s.
2k should turn out great when we can get to the sliders. Demo was default settings, default controls (intermediate controls, auto aim, pass assist on 100%).
Probly one timers on easy, shouldnt be judged by the demo realy but hey thats 2ks doing, those in the know will know and hopefully the casual gamer heeds enough to listen and will still buy it knowing hes gonna be able to tweak it to whatever he wants out of gameplay, thats were this series kills the others , make it sim make it arcadey its all up to you.

Im not usually a framerate guy but going back to the EA shootout demo after playing 2k7, boy does it stand out for a minute or 2 then its fine .(for me).
Im thinking EA might have an unpolished gem here, hopefully the lose puck doesnt create to many quirks to hurt it for the long season ahead.
Im sure for regular play its gonna be awsome, goalies have trouble with it tho sometimes.
Gonna be fun trying to find out thats for sure.

Im getting both and it will probly be 2k for online leagues and 07 aginst mates for fun.

Now i need to get enough work done today so i can get time to enjoy these bastards.

See you on the ice.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 10:24 am

I'm really surprised people aren't making a bigger deal about the return of the swoosh goal. The take the puck from the corner in front of the net goal is still there too. At this point these are my only concerns about this game. I know the difficulty is low but I don't like seeing these goals regardless.

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 am

Yes, the "s" move is back.

And I can't stand how the D just backs up to in front of thier net with no challenge at the blue line. It's been like this since the games inception.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:21 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:I'm really surprised people aren't making a bigger deal about the return of the swoosh goal. The take the puck from the corner in front of the net goal is still there too. At this point these are my only concerns about this game. I know the difficulty is low but I don't like seeing these goals regardless.

It's not a big deal because it's a legit move/goal and part of real hockey. I've heard it called the swoosh, swoop, "S" move, whatever.... it's all the same concept (getting the goalie to commit to one post and shooting the opposite direction). That's the bread and butter of goalscores in real hockey (pretty much anything but slappers, one-timers, and rebound/muck goals). That would be like complaining if a wide open 3 point shot goes in more often than not in a NBA video game, or a QB making a high percentage of passes if he's not getting any pressure in a football game.

If the defense leaves a puck handler uncontested in the slot and approaching the goalie, he SHOULD score on a goalie deke, swoop, or whatever you want to call it. Only the very best elite goaltenders are going to be able to stop a good wrist shot when they're facing a 1 on 1 situation with a forward, just like in NHL 2k. Also, if you let a forward go from the boards and streak across the crease at full speed for an easy shot to the open side, that SHOULD go in. Most, if not all, goalies are not going to have the lateral speed to make that save if a skater is allowed to go in front of the net at full speed. If they took away that scoring method, then it would be a slapshot/1-timer/rebound fest. Without a defender disrupting the crease, the goalie should lose to the shooter more often than not if he's left alone to make a hard save. Just my opinion.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 1:33 pm

I am not too concerned about he swoosh. I know the settings were on default, probably on the easy level, but it'll be interesting to see it on the harder levels and with proper sliders. The demo gamepay seemed too fast to my liking but again not too concerned as I look forward to the tweaking part of the game.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:34 pm

I have enjoyed both the NHL2K7 and NHL07 demos but I must say the right analog controls of 07 are super. Last night I watched a tutorial video on how to fully use the right analog and I learned how to use the wrist shot....as compared to the snap shot. Its a very satisfying mechanic. Its as close as you can get to the feel of actually shooting. The good news with NHL07's control system is that its a new, legit innovation in a game....which is a rarity in games these days. The bad news is all we have seen is the shootout. Now maybe EA made an incredible jump with the gameplay in this version but history would lead me to believe otherwise. I certainly hope it plays well because the 2K engine has become a bit tiresome for me. If EA's game doesn't deliver I know that 2K, with the proper settings and speed, can at least play a solid game of hockey. I am very anxious for Wednesday evening.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:55 pm

jondiehl wrote:
ScoopBrady wrote:I'm really surprised people aren't making a bigger deal about the return of the swoosh goal. The take the puck from the corner in front of the net goal is still there too. At this point these are my only concerns about this game. I know the difficulty is low but I don't like seeing these goals regardless.
It's not a big deal because it's a legit move/goal and part of real hockey. I've heard it called the swoosh, swoop, "S" move, whatever.... it's all the same concept (getting the goalie to commit to one post and shooting the opposite direction). That's the bread and butter of goalscores in real hockey (pretty much anything but slappers, one-timers, and rebound/muck goals). That would be like complaining if a wide open 3 point shot goes in more often than not in a NBA video game, or a QB making a high percentage of passes if he's not getting any pressure in a football game.

If the defense leaves a puck handler uncontested in the slot and approaching the goalie, he SHOULD score on a goalie deke, swoop, or whatever you want to call it. Only the very best elite goaltenders are going to be able to stop a good wrist shot when they're facing a 1 on 1 situation with a forward, just like in NHL 2k. Also, if you let a forward go from the boards and streak across the crease at full speed for an easy shot to the open side, that SHOULD go in. Most, if not all, goalies are not going to have the lateral speed to make that save if a skater is allowed to go in front of the net at full speed. If they took away that scoring method, then it would be a slapshot/1-timer/rebound fest. Without a defender disrupting the crease, the goalie should lose to the shooter more often than not if he's left alone to make a hard save. Just my opinion.

I take it you never played 2k3 - 2k5 online. When all you have to do to score is speed burst up the ice and quickly move left or right and shoot that's a problem, not realistic. When you can do this because the defenders don't challenge you at the blue line it compounds the problem. If it actually felt like you got the goalie to commit to one post I wouldn't have a problem with it. If it wasn't too easy to streak across the crease from the corner I wouldn't have a problem that either. In that respect it feels as if they regressed instead of progressed. I understand the game of hockey, I just don't think it's being handled realistically. I'm really hoping it's just a case of the difficulty level the demo is set on. If not it will be a damn shame.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 2:57 pm

I have actually changed my decision after playing the 2k demo for a few days now. I'm buying 2k7 and renting 07. The fact that 07 decided not to give us a full demo is scaring me away. I reckon that this is going to be a huge disappointment for everyone that is excited about the control scheme. Sure, it's new and innovative, and it works great in the shootout...but that's not why the NHL series has been garbage in the past few years...it's the AI and the ridiculous skating and puck physics. What makes everyone think that will change will a change in the controls?

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:08 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:IThe fact that 07 decided not to give us a full demo is scaring me away. I reckon that this is going to be a huge disappointment for everyone that is excited about the control scheme.

I also think it's a HUGE red flag that a true demo was not released. However, since I haven't found a deal for 2K7 yet and Target is offering a $10 gift card for 07, I will be getting NHL07 first. That way if I have to dump it quickly for $45 then I'm only out the cost of a rental. I'm also hoping for some early impressions on Wednesday afternoon to scare me away if it is a total disaster. My expectations are fairly low though.

laurenskye · Post by **laurenskye** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:22 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:I have actually changed my decision after playing the 2k demo for a few days now. I'm buying 2k7 and renting 07. The fact that 07 decided not to give us a full demo is scaring me away. I reckon that this is going to be a huge disappointment for everyone that is excited about the control scheme. Sure, it's new and innovative, and it works great in the shootout...but that's not why the NHL series has been garbage in the past few years...it's the AI and the ridiculous skating and puck physics. What makes everyone think that will change will a change in the controls?

Puck physics looked great in the demo. They also have removed the speed burst button and it seems great just skating around on the demo. I have my fingers crossed on AI.

Back to 2K7, yes real players use a type of swoosh move, but score with that from the blue line? When the D backs up the way they do that's all you have to do to score, and it does not take an "elite goalie to do it. actually on penalty shots the goalie is victorious more than 50% so it should not take an "elite" goalie in close either.

ddtrane · Post by **ddtrane** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:24 pm

I will be checking out the PSP version and let you all know how that shakes out. The Wayne Gretzky series for the PSP has been underwhelming to say the most, and its hard to believe that Hockey hasn't been represented better for us PSP owners.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 4:57 pm

ScoopBrady wrote:I take it you never played 2k3 - 2k5 online. When all you have to do to score is speed burst up the ice and quickly move left or right and shoot that's a problem, not realistic. When you can do this because the defenders don't challenge you at the blue line it compounds the problem. If it actually felt like you got the goalie to commit to one post I wouldn't have a problem with it. If it wasn't too easy to streak across the crease from the corner I wouldn't have a problem that either. In that respect it feels as if they regressed instead of progressed. I understand the game of hockey, I just don't think it's being handled realistically. I'm really hoping it's just a case of the difficulty level the demo is set on. If not it will be a damn shame.

Quite the opposite actually. I played each of those games online, and more than anyone else I've ever met on XBL (each year/title I have done multiple full-82 game seasons in online leagues with every team represented, @ www.leaguegaming.com). All you have to do is play with "sim" settings (mainly the game speed at 1 or 2) and/or dial down the speed burst effects and you're good to go.

In playing the NHL 2k series online for literally hundreds and hundreds of games in structured leagues, I found that good defense involves NOT trying to challenge forwards at the blue line and instead skating backwards while poke checking/sweeping the stick, always keeping your defender between the goalie and puckhandler to help block shots and prevent a 1 on 1 with the goalie. Also, it helps when the game speed and speed burst keep the pace of the game at realistic/sim levels, forcing the offense to set up plays and a variety of shots instead of the back and forth fast-break arcade style that the default/ranked settings lends itself to (I've never played the game against randoms or with ranked settings... which might be part of what you're talking about. My games were always setup with custom settings against friends in my league (for exhibitions or games that counted for the league).

By playing at slower speeds, this eliminates the need for a "no swoop" rule, because if you give up your goaltender by trying to make a huge check at the blue line, you deserve to be scored on in a breakaway situation against the goalie. If it was difficult to score when the defense gives up their goalie like that, people would be screaming bloody murder that the goalies are too good and that you can't score on them even when left alone in front of the crease.

Perhaps it's too easy for you to get in front of the goalie, or to skate across in front of him, because of the quality of online player that you've been playing (or the arcadish settings you're playing with, especially if it's ranked/default). Get in a good sim league and all of those issues disappear.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:01 pm

laurenskye wrote: Back to 2K7, yes real players use a type of swoosh move, but score with that from the blue line?

Yes, I agree with that aspect with 2k. You should NOT be able to swoop from the blue line or make those floating backhand wristers to the stick side so easily (this was obviously a glaring problem with 2k6). I thought we were strictly talking about deking in the crease right in front of the goalie.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:08 pm

I played in the original SR 2K3 league and even though I was average at best I can't ever remember giving up a 'swoosh' goal except fairly close to the goalie on breakaways. I played both both Scoop and Laurenskye in that league and I never remember them scoring from the blue line (not saying you guys didn't ever do it...just never saw it online in that league in the 16 games or so I played and maybe 20 other games online against HipE, Siam, etc.). Web probably beat me the most with that move, but it was always close to the goalie.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:28 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I played in the original SR 2K3 league and even though I was average at best I can't ever remember giving up a 'swoosh' goal except fairly close to the goalie on breakaways.

The long range swoop move has only been a problem of late. It wasn't really an issue in 2k3 or 2k4.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 5:34 pm

Leebo33 wrote:I played in the original SR 2K3 league and even though I was average at best I can't ever remember giving up a 'swoosh' goal except fairly close to the goalie on breakaways. I played both both Scoop and Laurenskye in that league and I never remember them scoring from the blue line (not saying you guys didn't ever do it...just never saw it online in that league in the 16 games or so I played and maybe 20 other games online against HipE, Siam, etc.). Web probably beat me the most with that move, but it was always close to the goalie.

Yeah, I never did it because I didn't want to take advantage of what I consider a game flaw. It took the fun out of the game so I basically only used it if my opponent did and I was down as a result. That league had a rule where you couldn't use that move. I remember playing We Want the Cup and getting a 3-goal lead. He busted out the swoop goal so I did it 3 times because it pissed me off. The dude harassed me on AIM after the game. He said I didn't know how to play a sim game. I told him I was up 3-0 off legit goals before he decided to bust out the swoosh goal.

Jon, I'm well aware of how hockey is played. The swoosh goal still happened at the blue line at reduced speed. I won't play the 2k series online or off with speed higher than 2 and speed burst lowered quite a bit. My whole point is the fact that they weren't there last year and now they're back. That's regression in my book.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 6:40 pm

Leebo33 wrote: Web probably beat me the most with that move, but it was always close to the goalie.

I did? I always had a hard time pulling off the 'swoop.' I'm not saying you are wrong, but I am surprised because I could never pull it off on demand like some guys could. I certainly did use it from time to time if the opening was available, though.

The swoop and its ilk are one of the reasons the only sports games I really play seriously now are baseball games. They seem so much less open to abuseable moves than the other sports.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 7:21 pm

webdanzer wrote:I certainly did use it from time to time if the opening was available, though.

Oh, with my defense the openings were available.

I didn't consider that move cheating at all if you were on a breakaway. I just thought you were good at the game because I couldn't do it on demand even if I tried. I don't recall a rule that you couldn't do it. I probably scored using it a couple times in the league, but never tried it from the blue line or anything like that. I never would have purposely broken a league rule.