NHL 07 and NHL 2k7 IMPRESSIONS

LAking · Post by **LAking** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 8:06 pm

kevinpars wrote:Honestly, I was fine with online help, but I think that having to spend days figuring out how features work is just silly. I think that 20 pages for most sports games would do it - but the 8 pages that EA has been giving us - with half of it being eplilepsy warnings and non game related info is just too little.

They should consider including in game manuals in pdf format on the dics that can just be read off a pc. Or if not that than an in game manual. THat way they can avoid printing costs and such. But who am i kidding, this will never happen with EA.

Wilk5280 · Post by **Wilk5280** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 8:18 pm

the heck with putting it in pdf on the disc. Just have it on the website for crying out loud.

2K used to do that and I thought it was awesome.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:19 pm

Well, there is definately a learning curve with this game. I keep hitting the "NHL2K" buttons

I have only played one game and I won 6-3. Beat Colombus with the Flyers. The frame rates in the game aren't great...not horrible, but not great. Graphically its very nice. I can't really comment on gameplay because I have only played one game but nothing really glaring jumped out. On default settings the game is a bit too fast so I'm gonna slow that down. My quick take on the game is that 2K7 is probably gonna be better than it. The right analog controls are very cool, the goalie animations are superb and it plays a nice game of hockey but 2K7's gameplay is tough to beat. I love playing defense in the NHL2K games...skating backwards and sweeping my stick. You can do that in 07 but its not as smooth. I look at it this way, if there were no right analog controls in NHL 07 it wouldn't match up very well against NHL2K7. Keep in mind I have only played the 2K7 demo but I know the final version's tweakability and online features will beat NHL 07. Again, this is only after one game of NHL07.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:24 pm

I grabbed 2k7 for the 360 for the XBox (and 07 for the psp) and am just about to fire it up. Quick question for you guys with the 360 '07...are there any new gameplay camera angles? Thanks in advance.

rubba19 · Post by **rubba19** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:40 pm

I'm not seeing any frame rates for NHL 07 PC....yet.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:58 pm

It takes about 2 or 3 games to "get" NHL 07 IMO. In the first game you are going to hate the jerkiness, you'll have trouble skating, it will appear as though the AI is not doing much but shooting because you can't defend, and your brain cannot be programmed to pass with RT. However, after slowing the game down to the lowest setting and even knocking down player acceleration down a notch, it is VERY fun IMO.

This is an impressions thread, so keep in mind this is only after 4 games:

- playing offense and scoring is much more fun to me than I've ever experienced in a hockey game. LOVE the stick. You almost have to forget everything you learned from 2K. I still haven't scored on a one-timer but I've scored a few other ways...slapper from the point, top shelf from the slot, a few garbage goals, etc.
- The CPU AI is not that good on offense but...did I mention offense is AWESOME!!! Seriously though, at least the CPU scores on breakaways! They don't work the puck around enough, but I have seen them do it. At least I *fear* the CPU when they get chances.
- lots of shots and passes offline by both teams
- I'm already cursing the fact that I can't change period lengths in 1 minute increments.
- not seeing many penalties and I think I have it maxxed.
- All-Star seems good for me now
- puck physics are pretty good.
- I actually had to increase hitting power...in a EA game...WTF? LOL
- So far it seems like I can really tell the difference between skilled players and average joes.
- atmosphere and sound is pretty good.
- actual in-game shootout seems smoother than the demo

OK, I need to play another game

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:28 pm

Leebo33 wrote:It takes about 2 or 3 games to "get" NHL 07 IMO. In the first game you are going to hate the jerkiness, you'll have trouble skating, it will appear as though the AI is not doing much but shooting because you can't defend, and your brain cannot be programmed to pass with RT. However, after slowing the game down to the lowest setting and even knocking down player acceleration down a notch, it is VERY fun IMO.

This is an impressions thread, so keep in mind this is only after 4 games:

- playing offense and scoring is much more fun to me than I've ever experienced in a hockey game. LOVE the stick. You almost have to forget everything you learned from 2K. I still haven't scored on a one-timer but I've scored a few other ways...slapper from the point, top shelf from the slot, a few garbage goals, etc.
- The CPU AI is not that good on offense but...did I mention offense is AWESOME!!! Seriously though, at least the CPU scores on breakaways! They don't work the puck around enough, but I have seen them do it. At least I *fear* the CPU when they get chances.
- lots of shots and passes offline by both teams
- I'm already cursing the fact that I can't change period lengths in 1 minute increments.
- not seeing many penalties and I think I have it maxxed.
- All-Star seems good for me now
- puck physics are pretty good.
- I actually had to increase hitting power...in a EA game...WTF? LOL
- So far it seems like I can really tell the difference between skilled players and average joes.
- atmosphere and sound is pretty good.
- actual in-game shootout seems smoother than the demo

OK, I need to play another game

I've been playing on AS, I also turned down the speed a few notches as well as up the aggression and I'm loving the gameplay thus far. I agree that it takes more than 4-5 games to really "get" this game.

I've had games with little penalties and then I played the Blackhawks (Blues) and had a TON of penalties called.

MizzouRah · Post by **MizzouRah** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:30 pm

GTHobbes wrote:I grabbed 2k7 for the 360 for the XBox (and 07 for the psp) and am just about to fire it up. Quick question for you guys with the 360 '07...are there any new gameplay camera angles? Thanks in advance.

Can't remember all of them and I didn't play 06, but there's the default, ICE, then classic, broadcast, and I think action. I like the ICE view the best myself.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:31 pm

Well, I picked up 2K7 after a little hesitation. I figured I might as well stick with the ol' stand by. I traded FNR3 and Burnout 3 in and only paid $10 for 2K7. Seeing that I hadn't played either of those games in over a month, I figured it was a pretty good deal.

On to the game. It's what you'd expect from 2K hockey. It plays extremely smooth, and with the new camera angle it's a joy being able to set up plays along with cycling the puck around the offensive zone. Right off the bat though, sliders do need tweaking. Passing is pretty much spot on, as are shots on goal. Also, the ref almost immediately stops play as soon as the goalie gets the puck in his possession. Other than that, sim on All-Star plays wonderfully.

Atmosphere and presentation needs a little work, but that's to be expected from this series. There's a brief but informative in between period highlight show. I played with commentary on, but I think I'll try playing a game or two with the cinematic music just for a different effect.

It's still early, but I'm quite happy with my purchase. It's great to know that there are two above average hockey games out on the market for us to choose from.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:35 pm

Dan, did you notice in 2k's options screen that there is a slider setting called "sim"? They also have one for arcade, custom, etc. You might want to start from the sim setting and go from there. After just one game (I'm starting up game 2 now), I'm really liking it a lot. It's a beautiful thing to watch the cpu cycling the puck around out near the goaline on settings right out of the box. I'm positive I'll be able to make a few tweaks and find settings that are perfect for me. Anyone who likes 2k hockey should enjoy this one, I think.

Gotta love the NHL and the lack of exclusive licenses...sounds like we've got 2 quality hockey games to enjoy this year. And the Pens are finally going to be good again...bonus!

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:46 pm

Yep, I did notice that you can set the game to "sim". That's exactly what I did. However, I still think the passing percentage was too high for both teams. We each were around the mid 80s in passing and that was on All-Star.

The speed on "sim" is just about perfect. In fact, the speed burst doesn't seem to really come in to play. At least to me, I don't feel as though I can exploit the game when playing against the CPU.

I do agree that surely we'll be able to find an excellent set of sliders.

I can't express enough how much I enjoy this new camera angle. It gives the game a fresh feeling, but above all it really is enjoyable to pass the puck around and try and set up the perfect goal.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:54 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Since we are still discussing purchasing the game and haven't got to impressions yet, I'd like to let you guys know that Target is a good option to purchase NHL 07 for 360 as they will give you a $10 gift card. I picked my copy up there at lunch today. That takes the sting out of the purchase if it sucks because you could sell it for $45 and just be out the cost of a rental.

Hopefully, a couple of you hockey nuts will get a chance to play it before I open it around 6-7PM. I went against my better judgment in purchasing an EA hockey game.

I went to pick the game up at Target tonight and they didn't offer me a gift card. I specifically asked about the $10 gift card, and the guy pulled out the weekly ad and there was no mention of it inside Did anybody else have this problem?

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 10:55 pm

Agree with everything...especially the camera angle. I hope all sports games try something like this in the future, but it seems to especially work well with hockey. I bet basketball and football could be done well, too.

Zlax45 · Post by **Zlax45** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:01 pm

Any current gen impressions?

DivotMaker · Post by **DivotMaker** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:08 pm

LAking wrote:
They should consider including in game manuals in pdf format on the dics that can just be read off a pc. Or if not that than an in game manual. THat way they can avoid printing costs and such. But who am i kidding, this will never happen with EA.

They used to do this with the PC versions but there was so little interest and so few downloads (available on EA.com) they discontinued it for lack of interest.

rubba19 · Post by **rubba19** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:12 pm

HipE wrote:
Leebo33 wrote:Since we are still discussing purchasing the game and haven't got to impressions yet, I'd like to let you guys know that Target is a good option to purchase NHL 07 for 360 as they will give you a $10 gift card. I picked my copy up there at lunch today. That takes the sting out of the purchase if it sucks because you could sell it for $45 and just be out the cost of a rental.

Hopefully, a couple of you hockey nuts will get a chance to play it before I open it around 6-7PM. I went against my better judgment in purchasing an EA hockey game.
I went to pick the game up at Target tonight and they didn't offer me a gift card. I specifically asked about the $10 gift card, and the guy pulled out the weekly ad and there was no mention of it inside Did anybody else have this problem?

Not in the flyer here, but that is clearly stated on the sale tag inside the glass.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:26 pm

Not sure if this link works, but when I go to Target.com and type in my zip under weekly ad, it shows it there too. It's definetly in the ad here and came up when the clerk scanned the game.

http://weeklyad.target.com/target/listi ... 2094497657

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:29 pm

A couple things concern me with 2K7. First, the ref stops play much too quickly. There are times I don't want a face-off, but play is stopped before I can pass it to one of my players. Is there a slider for this?

Also, if you're playing on default All-Star, check out the CPU sliders. They're so completely different than the Human sliders. What's troubling is that the passing accuracy sliders along with a couple others are set way low, yet the CPU passes extremely well. I'm just wondering whether or not the sliders have any effect. Anyone with any input or suggestions?

That's all for now. Time for bed.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:31 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Not sure if this link works, but when I go to Target.com and type in my zip under weekly ad, it shows it there too. It's definetly in the ad here and came up when the clerk scanned the game.

http://weeklyad.target.com/target/listi ... 2094497657

Thanks for the link, I guess it must not be a national sale. It definitely isn't in the print ad here, and doesn't show up online either with my zip code. This same thing happened here with NCAA, where I wasn't able to get a gift card that everyone else was

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:37 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Not sure if this link works, but when I go to Target.com and type in my zip under weekly ad, it shows it there too. It's definetly in the ad here and came up when the clerk scanned the game.

http://weeklyad.target.com/target/listi ... 2094497657

I picked up NHL07 (Xbox) for $19.99 and they threw in a $10 gift card. So the game basically costs me $9.99, the funny thing was I was all set to buy the 360 version. But that deal was too good to pass up.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 12:00 am

I like the crowd in NHL 07 and the post game highlights.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:13 am

From the PSP NHL 07 to the 360 2K7, it robbed me of a few goals as I had men wide open yet I forgot that I was using the advanced controls here.

Based on a two game exhibition, I'll say the same things I mentioned in the demo. I like the skating engine, it seems smoother and the game just flows while the player animations are great. Visually the faces are still hard to differentiate with some key players, and the coaches look very generic. Cinemotion still doesn't do it for me, it fact it just plain cheesy to me.

I played on PRO, the speed of the gameplay was still a bit high, even though I had lowered it couple of notches and I also liked how the shots paned out. I was using manual aim and I missed a few close encounters as the puck ricotched the post a few times. I still wished there was a difference in skating when you're controlling A. Ovechkin trying to score a goal than say T. Bertuzzi, yet it seems the same. Just being picky maybe.

Although the rosters are still somehow not updated even after I downloaded them , it's good to see that 2K has them there in comparison to the original Xbox, which took awhile.

One thing, there is no neutral zone defense at all from what I observed even on the hardest difficulty and the CPU AI seemed to flow at will at times. So breakaways are always there if you are not quick enough. They also scored on me only through one timers, so I'd like to see a more variety of scoring. Another gripe I have is, where are the replays? After scoring a couple of beauty ones, you would want to review those moments, yet the game goes back to the center ice faceoff . But it's been only 2 games, a lot of sliding to do ahead and for those people that follow HNIC, B.Cole and H. Neale are back in the booth doing a fine job.

Now for those that own the EA game, I will be also be waiting for more impressions as the PC version is calling my wallet at only $30. If there's one thing that EA got my attention this year, is definitely their competitive pricing, with the 360 being the only exception.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 2:24 am

+The most innovative part of the game this year is the awesome camera angle.

-Wished the ice wasn't as foggy at times.

kevinpars · Post by **kevinpars** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:13 am

I think even using the sim setting in NHL 2K7 that the passing is way too easy. If I am not mistaken it was set at 100 even in sim settings. Also, there is a setting to keep the play stoppages down - the sim default is "0" for whatever it is called "Goalie Freezes" or something like that. Although I like a quick whistle to get some faceoffs in the offensive zone. I think i will turn that up a bit so that every shot does not end with a faceoff.

I like the presentation in the game and I like the variety. I soured on the game last year but this year seems a lot better to me. Similar enough to pick up and play but different enough to enjoy. Also, in 3 games i have only seen 1 onetimer by the AI and one by me. Most goals come from traffic around the net and goalie screens. There is a great animation for your player changing a shot with a deflection off his stick.

I also like the way the team and crowd revs up a little more for rivalry games. And from what I have heard, this feature changes over time so that you can develop new rivals based on the way your franchise goes.

Anyway, so far so good. Needs a little tuning to get the # of shots down but making the passing less accurate and turning the game speed down a pinch may take care of that.

Badgun · Post by **Badgun** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:33 am

I tried NHL 07 last night and while I liked how the game looked, sounded, and played, I can't stand the shot stick. I guess I'm just a buttons guy and I just want the standard A is the pass button and X is the shot button.

I think the main reason I don't like the shot stick is so many times when I came down to take a shot, my guy was pointed away from the goal so the shot went in the direction he was skating.

I'll be taking this one back today and picking up NHL 2K7 instead.