First Impression of NHL 2005

[BlackArcher101]

Well, went out and bought it today. I can't really tell you how the gameplay is like since I can't play it. The menus have been totally revamped, and are strewn about everywhere. Seems a lot of functionality has been removed from the game. 2004 was packed with sliders you could use to customize the game to make it feel more realistic. There are less this year. Music isn't too good. Roster management is better though. As is line and strategy management.

Graphics are amazing. 2005 runs better than 2004 did at the same graphic settings. Now, on to why I can't play. It seems you can't change the controls to whatever you want. It won't accept the Shift or Control key at all. I have been using those keys since '98 and now I can't use em? I tried using other letter keys, but I can't get used to it. Also, if you like using the advanced controls in 2004 which required the modifier, you will have no choice but to use the P key for the modifier. It can't be changed.

So I'll be sitting here with this game until they release a patch so I can play (hopefully they do).

edit: is functionability even a word?

[Calgary Flames]

Just don't expect the gameplay to be anything but a sim/arcade combo... Because it definetely isn't a pure simulation.

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by SuperNilson@Sep 15 2004, 04:43 PM
Just don't expect the gameplay to be anything but a sim/arcade combo... Because it definetely isn't a pure simulation.

I don't expect it to be, since the Hitz guys worked on it too. I just want to have fun. Nothing will be able to sim hockey unless you have some VR glasses, and some fake skating apparatus.

[Calgary Flames]

Sorry, but I don't understand how you can't play it... I've seen people playing it fine at Cyber-NHL...

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by SuperNilson@Sep 15 2004, 04:49 PM
Sorry, but I don't understand how you can't play it... I've seen people playing it fine at Cyber-NHL...

I've been using the same controls for 6 years now. It's a habit... I have a rhythm. The way my fingers are placed over the keys is perfect for me. Doesn't work that way when I have to use the normal letter keys. There's others out there complaining about this too. It's simple programming, why remove it?

[BlackArcher101]

Yes, I use the keyboard for everything. I don't know how people can use gamepads for playing games.

Another thing I'd like to point out, is that the mouse is disabled in parts of the game/menus. Seems like EA is slowly making it a console dedicated game.

[Pagal4321]

Used the keyboard as well for alllllll games. Now have been forced to use Gamepad this year for MAdden, stupid playmaker functions. Can't wait to try NHL.

[Jiggy_12]

I'm debating whether to get this game for PC or for Gamecube. Its very tempting to get it for PC so I can get it sooner....this is quite the pickle :/

[BlackArcher101]

I would say get PC if the lack of controller changing ability isn't too big of a worry for you. PC is better anyways since you can modify the game so many different ways.

[Calgary Flames]

Don't get it for Gamecube... why would you even want to do that? No online.. Terrible controller... yuck.

[Superfraggle]

It's out already? Sweetness!!! This thread has kinda scared me, though. I am also a keyboard player and I always switch the controls back to NHL 2001 styles. Some of the new controls, like "p" are in stupid stupid spots. And I don't like it when my pass button makes me deke and get flattened!!!

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by fotze@Sep 15 2004, 06:02 PM
But who wants to play with 4 buddies drinking beers playing hockey sitting around a computer. Then dealing with the crashing issues and all that crap + the loading time. Pluss when you rent a projector from work and play on a 100 inch screen it's so much easier on a console.

That's when my buddy brings his ps2 over and the game. I'm not about to go buy a console for the first time in my life, don't see a point.

[Jiggy_12]

Originally posted by SuperNilson@Sep 15 2004, 04:00 PM
Don't get it for Gamecube... why would you even want to do that? No online.. Terrible controller... yuck.

Well i had 2004 for GC, and I loved it, I still play it in fact. the advantage of that is I can play it with 3 other buddies, where if I get the PC version I can play online, but I know my friends won't buy the game.

[La Flames Fan]

There was some guy on Cyber-NHL referencing his XBOX game controller???? Is it out on XBOX already???? I can't wat for this game!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did anyone see the screenshots a user posted, they look great!

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by La Flames Fan@Sep 15 2004, 11:42 PM
There was some guy on Cyber-NHL referencing his XBOX game controller???? Is it out on XBOX already???? I can't wat for this game!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did anyone see the screenshots a user posted, they look great!

You can use your XBOX or PS2 controller on your PC via an adapter. That's what he's talking about.

Yes, the screenshots are great, but that's really the only thing going for it.

[La Flames Fan]

You really don't like it BlackArcher????

[calculoso]

Originally posted by La Flames Fan@Sep 16 2004, 09:55 AM
You really don't like it BlackArcher????

Didn't you see? He can't change his keys, so the whole game is absolute crap!

[BlackArcher101]

Originally posted by calculoso+Sep 16 2004, 12:51 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (calculoso @ Sep 16 2004, 12:51 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-La Flames Fan@Sep 16 2004, 09:55 AM
You really don't like it BlackArcher????

Didn't you see? He can't change his keys, so the whole game is absolute crap! [/b][/quote]
I played for a few hours after that, and I have determined that it is worse than 2004.. Way too many things they removed from the game that p*ss me off.

[Jiggy_12]

Originally posted by BlackArcher101+Sep 16 2004, 12:02 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (BlackArcher101 @ Sep 16 2004, 12:02 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Didn't you see? He can't change his keys, so the whole game is absolute crap!

I played for a few hours after that, and I have determined that it is worse than 2004.. Way too many things they removed from the game that p*ss me off. [/b][/quote]
Well I did decide to buy this game for PC last night, and what a terrible choice. I basically lost 50 bucks cause I wont be playing it. I think its a combination of the game having a horrible interface, and my computer lacking the correct video card needed to play it. I'm gonna rent this one for GC, then if I like it on that I will purchase it again for GC. Too many headaches on the PC version for me.

[MrMastodonFarm]

Well, here is my first impression. Crap.

They totally messed with the interface, why can't I use my mouse to just click a guys name and cycle through the line up? This isn't a console, its PC dammit. They had it right before, why make it worse now?

The game play is okay, I was very impressed with the graphics. The controls are a little wonky, I will have to get out my game pad and fix it up. I wasn't to impressed however.

The trading is kind of goofy as well, mostly because of the interface again.