NHL 15 Thread

[Diemenz]

The majority of offside I see is when someone makes a bad hockey decision. I have a buddy who always has the CPU go offside and its because he never passes in the neutral zone. Carrying the puck from blue line to blue line when you have a player ahead of you will lead to an offside the majority of the times.

Please no flames, I'm not saying this is what you or others do I'm just pointing out what I have seen.

I noticed in 14 the CPU went down low a lot and players instead of passing would skate to the net and complain that the AI was #### because the CPU player did not go stand in coverage out front of the net. Again I'm not saying you play this way and I'm not saying the AI is amazing all I'm saying is the CPU will never read your mind it will only carry out its instructions in certain situations.

[TjRhythmic]

Originally Posted by Diemenz

The majority of offside I see is when someone makes a bad hockey decision. I have a buddy who always has the CPU go offside and its because he never passes in the neutral zone. Carrying the puck from blue line to blue line when you have a player ahead of you will lead to an offside the majority of the times.

Please no flames, I'm not saying this is what you or others do I'm just pointing out what I have seen.

I noticed in 14 the CPU went down low a lot and players instead of passing would skate to the net and complain that the AI was #### because the CPU player did not go stand in coverage out front of the net. Again I'm not saying you play this way and I'm not saying the AI is amazing all I'm saying is the CPU will never read your mind it will only carry out its instructions in certain situations.

That's just it, they improved the AI by programming it based it on team play, to improve team play. But again, because of the limitations of the previous consoles it was still robotic in that you could only vary a little bit before the cpu would get confused and then just stand around.

That was the whole point of the create a play option. You can tell your teammates what to do with how you play, though no one ever took advantage of that because it was tedious to use. And it's still easier then what the programmers have to go through. They gave you the option that if you didn't like what your teammates do, then tell them to do something else. But it's just easier to complain about the AI.

Then they added the option in 14 where you can control the breakouts. Most people had it fully aggressive and send everyone out, the cpu would adjust, and then out number you and pressure you and you'll end up turning the puck over because you instructed the cpu to blow the zone.. but again, instead of changing the strategy, they just complained some more.

Not saying the AI was perfect by any means, it's just that we had a lot more control then I think people realized. Only issue that I had was that you have to multitask all the time. It became a game of strategy, rather then getting to play hockey... Which I understand the frustration. Much rather just play then be a player coach

With 15, and the power of the new consoles each player can now individually read the play, and act accordingly. Not having played it I don't know how this will translate. Demo is out in a few days so I will find out then, but I do expect a lot of improvement.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Diemenz

The majority of offside I see is when someone makes a bad hockey decision. I have a buddy who always has the CPU go offside and its because he never passes in the neutral zone. Carrying the puck from blue line to blue line when you have a player ahead of you will lead to an offside the majority of the times.

Please no flames, I'm not saying this is what you or others do I'm just pointing out what I have seen.

I noticed in 14 the CPU went down low a lot and players instead of passing would skate to the net and complain that the AI was #### because the CPU player did not go stand in coverage out front of the net. Again I'm not saying you play this way and I'm not saying the AI is amazing all I'm saying is the CPU will never read your mind it will only carry out its instructions in certain situations.

Originally Posted by TjRhythmic

That's just it, they improved the AI by programming it based it on team play, to improve team play. But again, because of the limitations of the previous consoles it was still robotic in that you could only vary a little bit before the cpu would get confused and then just stand around.

That was the whole point of the create a play option. You can tell your teammates what to do with how you play, though no one ever took advantage of that because it was tedious to use. And it's still easier then what the programmers have to go through. They gave you the option that if you didn't like what your teammates do, then tell them to do something else. But it's just easier to complain about the AI.

Then they added the option in 14 where you can control the breakouts. Most people had it fully aggressive and send everyone out, the cpu would adjust, and then out number you and pressure you and you'll end up turning the puck over because you instructed the cpu to blow the zone.. but again, instead of changing the strategy, they just complained some more.

Not saying the AI was perfect by any means, it's just that we had a lot more control then I think people realized. Only issue that I had was that you have to multitask all the time. It became a game of strategy, rather then getting to play hockey... Which I understand the frustration. Much rather just play then be a player coach

With 15, and the power of the new consoles each player can now individually read the play, and act accordingly. Not having played it I don't know how this will translate. Demo is out in a few days so I will find out then, but I do expect a lot of improvement.

I get and agree with what y'all are sayin, and I use the custom plays for all the different puck possession scenarios, and while it's made it better, you still have two wingers breaking out on the right side, preventing you from making a pass to exit the defensive zone without turning it over or risking putting the puck over the glass, or, it limits your ability to attack the offensive zone with speed because you've got two guys over by the bench while you're at the penalty box.

I don't know, Diemenz, if you remember anything about me playing EASHL, but I like to think I play the ultimate team game. I'm a distributor, I put it in deep and go for a line change, I backtrack hard and keep my defensive assignments, and I try not to put myself out of position with a big hit or a big streak through the neutral zone.

It's next to impossible for me to get a clean breakaway, a clean 2-1 or a clean 3-2 because exiting the defensive zone and going through the neutral zone are painful experiences. Often, it's one teammates pushing the other one offside, just to make things even more maddening. Whether I'm playing conservatively or full on everyone pinch 'activate the defense', there's still so many frustrating problems with computer AI being out of position to the point of interference.

I DO like that create a play feature, though, especially because I like to cycle the puck Daymond Langkow Style.

[TjRhythmic]

That's the thing it's not perfect, but a lot of the issues is more because of the limitations of the previous consoles. And people, myself included, wanted more then what could actually be. EA tried to improve the AI, I'm certain, but it's one of those things, since the machines were pretty much capped out, it's more like shuffling chairs on the deck. You fix one thing, and it looks good, yet you have another set of problems somewhere else... It's just one of those things. I remember seeing a video somewhere, I'll try to find it, but they were talking about the vision of the players. The previous gen had a cone that was pretty much tunnel vision, so unless the cpu was looking at you it didn't know how to read what you were doing, so it followed the code. With the new consoles the cone is almost 180 degrees, so the cpu can see you all the time unless their backs are turned to you. And if your expecting the cpu to react with their back to you, then I can't help you

Everyone complained about how the game seem to have stalled the last several years, but mostly it just got maxed out. Once they tried to put in the physics stuff, well, like I mentioned before. It was like shuffling chairs. It was great in theory, just poorly executed and probably could have waited till the next gen... hindsight being 20/20 obviously.

[bubbsy]

not that i totally disagree, i do, however, feel that fifa/madden were able to acheive higher degrees of realism in the AI than NHL ever came close to.

of course, i play FAR less of those games than i did with NHL, so i could be totally out to lunch with that statement, as maybe it takes more hours of playtime to get a true understanding of the AI faults.

all i want to happen with regards to AI is when playing vs (offline or online) and i take control of one of the dmen, the CPU controlled other dman knows where to go (ie. take the man in front of the net or get in his passing lane). if the gameplay is equivalent to nhl 14 and has just this enhancement, i guess i'll be satisfied enough till next year.

[Igottago]

I just want to get my hands on the game and see how next gen the gameplay actually is. If there's enough variety and improvement in the actual gameplay, it'll go a long way to overcoming the shortages in modes. I did re-watch those top down gameplay reveals on my tv via my Xbox One, and they looked incredible. There's no doubt the graphics and presentation of the game has been significantly upgraded.

[bubbsy]

after playing madden 15 last night (and having played madden 14 for about a week prior to that), i have basically come to the conclusion that it isn't fair to expect too many game breaking changes in nhl 15. However, i am definitely getting my hopes up for 2016.

Madden 14 (ie. madden 25) was ok, but 15 feels like a substancial change in almost everything in the game to justify it as a "next gen" type football game.

[Flash Walken]

Another huge problem I had in this year's game is, when playing co-op and passing the puck, it's uncertain who will end up receiving the pass.

It used to be that if I passed the puck, the AI player who received it would automatically be me. My real life teammate could press the pass button while the pass was going from player to player and that would make him become the AI player who receives the pass.

THis way, you could really work a cycle with one guy positioning himself in front of the net able to grab pucks in the corners or behind the net while the other guy can work it around the boards or go d-d etc.

Now, sometimes when you pass it ends up being you and sometimes it ends up being the other guy, and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for it.

Really frustrating when it's been one way for 5 years and then now it's random. I don't know what the motivation for that was, but I hope it's changed for the new game.

[StrykerSteve]

No EASHL (or OTP in general), no sale. Pretty simple for me.

[Yamer]

Finally got around to looking at the gameplay vids. Looks sweet, although I don't think the wavy jerseys have quite the effect they were going for. Looks strange, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. The crowd diversity looks amazing, and the flow of the game looks outstanding. Even from watching the videos it looks like everything is live, and it was cool to see a hit take out both players while another skated into the melee and ended up on his arse.

No EASHL is troubling only for the reason that it may drive sales down, which could impact the quality of NHL 16. Otherwise I will not miss it as I have never even entered the menu of any online modes in the last handful of years.

[Righteous1]

Originally Posted by StrykerSteve

No EASHL (or OTP in general), no sale. Pretty simple for me.

Wow that's the only game mode I play. Really disappointed with this announcement

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

after playing madden 15 last night (and having played madden 14 for about a week prior to that), i have basically come to the conclusion that it isn't fair to expect too many game breaking changes in nhl 15. However, i am definitely getting my hopes up for 2016.

Madden 14 (ie. madden 25) was ok, but 15 feels like a substancial change in almost everything in the game to justify it as a "next gen" type football game.

The first installment of a series in next gen is usually not that great, especially when its a launch game since they don't have enough time with the new hardware. This is why I have held back on ea access....normally sports games don't change much but I think 14-15 and 15-16 in hockey's case will have major differences.

that being said I have NHL 15 pre-ordered

[IgiTang]

Yep, No EASHL means alot of people will not be getting 15...

Sure, EASHL is available on PS3 and 360... why not... again punishing the people who updated their systems and supported the next gen movement... pretty disgusted with EA... Alot of people are.

I think VGHL also suspended the league until 2016? I heard that somewhere...

Just such bad publicity for a sports game franchise that has been accused of ripping people off, rushing product, and never really caring about the NHL franchise as a whole... They have had over a year and half to work on the mode... or atleast put in the old EASHL until you finish development..

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by IgiTang

Yep, No EASHL means alot of people will not be getting 15...

Sure, EASHL is available on PS3 and 360... why not... again punishing the people who updated their systems and supported the next gen movement... pretty disgusted with EA... Alot of people are.

I think VGHL also suspended the league until 2016? I heard that somewhere...

Just such bad publicity for a sports game franchise that has been accused of ripping people off, rushing product, and never really caring about the NHL franchise as a whole... They have had over a year and half to work on the mode... or atleast put in the old EASHL until you finish development..

Over dramatic much? You aren't being punished, it's simply that the makers of NHL 15 didn't have EASHL working to the point they were happy with. Would you rather they put in EASHL and have it be a steaming pile of garbage? PS4/XB1 are new(er) and this is likely the first time the people working on NHL 15 have made a game for those systems.

They opted to start with a new engine and rather than just staying with status quo. So clearly not having experience with the new systems caused EASHL to be a casualty, and that is unfortunate but it wasn't deliberate.

If you aren't happy with what they are offering then don't buy the game, simple as that. To say you are being punished for being an early adopter is pretty silly.

[bubbsy]

alright... stupid question time:

I recently purchased xboxone strictly to enter the realm of next gen sports games. Naturally, was even more ecstatic when EA Access was announced, and have subscribed to the annual service.

I have never 'pre-ordered' any game, although last year when i went into to EB games to purchase nhl, the guy gave me all the codes, resulting in a bunch of free HUT stuff, which was awesome to get my team started.

Stupid question:
Can i expect to just walk into the store on launch day and get all the free credits?

Or should i pre-order? Does pre-ordering mean i have to wait for the game to ship or anything, or can i still walk into EB as soon as it opens to get the game?

What if i want to make use of EA access, and buy the game thru the EA access, do i miss out on all the free stuff? This is the option i'd like most to do.

just typing this makes me a bit ashamed of my nerdiness, but ea nhl game release is part of my annual hockey season tradition.... don't judge me.

[Hockeyguy15]

Originally Posted by bubbsy

alright... stupid question time:

I recently purchased xboxone strictly to enter the realm of next gen sports games. Naturally, was even more ecstatic when EA Access was announced, and have subscribed to the annual service.

I have never 'pre-ordered' any game, although last year when i went into to EB games to purchase nhl, the guy gave me all the codes, resulting in a bunch of free HUT stuff, which was awesome to get my team started.

Stupid question:
Can i expect to just walk into the store on launch day and get all the free credits?

Or should i pre-order? Does pre-ordering mean i have to wait for the game to ship or anything, or can i still walk into EB as soon as it opens to get the game?

just typing this makes me a bit ashamed of my nerdiness, but ea nhl game release is part of my annual hockey season tradition.... don't judge me.

You can often get the pre-order bonuses without pre-ordering, but I wouldn't expect it all the time. If there is something you really want, I would suggest pre-ordering it just to make sure you get it.

If you pre-order it in store you can walk into the store the day it releases and pick it up. If you pre-order online you usually get it on release day, but sometimes it's a day or 2 late.

[bubbsy]

anyone know how it works if i were to purchase it as a digital purchase online? how does ea access affect this, if at all?

[Fire of the Phoenix]

I have bought a hockey game every year since the first EA game in 1993. Sometimes I bought 2 when 2k was making games. I didn't buy EA from 2004-2008, but other than that I bought them all. I won't be buying this year, sick of playing the exact same game for 5 years in a row (well sick of paying for it every 12 months). All they change is the music and the menus basically. All other changes are either gimmicks or stuff they got rid of years ago and are now "new". I'm also sick of not having all the players in the game until late November even if they were added in a roster update the year before. Guys like Gaudreau and Agostino guaranteed won't be in the game to start. Just sick of it, I'll stick with 14 until they actually release a new game. Not paying $70 for an incomplete roster update.

[Yasa]

Originally Posted by bax

You can't be serious? How is that clip even remotely related to the 12 players live that they've added this year? Have you watched the game play videos?

Don't buy the game if you don't like it

The only person talking about "12 players live" is you. Flash said something to the effect of, "they've been talking about multiple player contact for years" and you said "no they haven't."

He didn't say "they've been talking about 12 players live for years", just "multiple players" and that video he posted of NHL 12 shows that they have exactly been talking about multiple player contact (not 12 player live) for years. That's it.

[bax]

Originally Posted by Yasa

The only person talking about "12 players live" is you. Flash said something to the effect of, "they've been talking about multiple player contact for years" and you said "no they haven't."



He didn't say "they've been talking about 12 players live for years", just "multiple players" and that video he posted of NHL 12 shows that they have exactly been talking about multiple player contact (not 12 player live) for years. That's it.

My point is that the video posted has zero relevance to the features that are new this year. The argument being used here is the equivalent of saying "they've been talking about the skill stick for years." Well, yeah it's part of adding realism to the game and the newer consoles are obviously allowing them to grow features and add new ones.

The physics from the past, including the video posted are not similar to the new features at all. Complaining that they are the same is just making up nonsense.