Nhl 2006?

[Skyceman]

Here's the settings I'm currently using:

Game speed:0
Puck control:0
Speed burst:3
Fatigue rcvr:2
Acceleration:4
Agression:7
Poke effec:7
Pass assist:0
Pass Spd:2
Saucer Spd:2
Pass Interc:7
AI Pass:5
Goalie psng:5
Shot accy:0
Ai dump freq:6
Shot blck:7
Hook effect:7
Goalie cover puck frequency:6

I get decent results now on 5min periods. If you play exh games you can actually crank the goalie rating for your side to max and atleast stop some of the cheap goals the cpu scores but playing a season I haven't been able to locate these bars.

The real problem with the game, at its core, is that certain abilities are so rigged up for super-play that it makes it almost impossible to adjust the gameplay much.

I tried a test to see what would happen to the gameplay if I filled my roster up with players who's passing rating was below 70. The result? I was still connecting on low % percentage passes with guys who had no business making passes like that in real life. That leads me to believe that the abilities being edited aren't going to help this game - atleast with the passing so far. Speed is still the meat and potatoes to success while size and other aspects are still not as important as they should be like they are in a real NHL game.

I'll continue to tweak where I can but I'm finding myself hitting some real barriers in the gameplay now which is too bad because I saw alot of potential this year.

[simonarea]

where r all the ROOKIES????????????

geeeeeeeeeeee

[fredr123]

I must be the only person on here playing the Gamecube version (pauses for all the snickering to die down). It drives me insane that you can only configure the pass, slap shot, wrist shot and deke buttons. Using that stupid Z button on the top right makes things stupidly difficult. And the rosters are lame too. Nashville and Detroit are 88 out of the box? Okay...

Since updating online is no option, does anyone have any info or links to sites that have up to date rosters including all the stats for the rookies? I'd like to add Dion and Crosby (and possibly others) but don't know what kind of ratings they should have...

[fredr123]

And is it supposed to be this hard to win a faceoff? Not sure about on the other systems but I'll consistently go entire games without winning a faceoff. I don't know if it's problems with my timing or what. I hit the big A button at what would, in other EA games, be about the time but rarely do I get the puck. In fact, most of the time pressing the A button results in me switching control of players and I end up getting the LW or something instead of the puck.

Are the menus this lame on the PS2 or Xbox too? They're so slow and unresponsive on GC...

[Inferno]

Originally posted by simonarea@Sep 11 2005, 05:10 AM
where r all the ROOKIES????????????

geeeeeeeeeeee

As stated on the second page they cant until they've played one game in the NHL.

[La Flames Fan]

I went out and got my copy yesterday and am truly impressed by the game. Sure there are glitches with defensive AI, but all in all, if you tweak the settings it's not bad at all!

I bought the PC version for only 19.99US at Fry's, (score), and here are some thoughts:

-I like the presentation, it's starting to look like a TV broadcast now.
-The commentary is much better than the last version, Simpson isn't nearly as annoying.
-The computer actually takes shots.
-The skating feels like the person, Simon is HUGE and he skates like it too.
-Kobasew blocked a shot in the ankle and I watched him limp to the bench while I was still playing
-Goals are realistic, if you don't use the deke option. I just don't use it and the computer doesn't use it really either.
-Goalie save animation and player animation are really good. Unlike 2K5 where it looked like they were making impossible shots on strange angles, it looks as though their shots are very realistic.
-I really really like the highlights they do during intermission and at the end of the game. I find myself watching in awe.
-Smaller players don't hit well, but players like Regehr and Simon are bruisers, but nothing the hitfest of last year.
-I find the game much more challenging this year which is GREAT!

Cons:
-Maybe a little too much offense, but with tweaking it can be almost perfect.
-The rosters are a little weak, but for PC users there is a site called NHLDEPOT.NET, which now has a roster update as of yesterday. It's not the greatest, but they'll get better.
-Player celebrations are a little annoying. Reinprecht scored and he was doing the Hulk Hogan put his hand to his ear thing....Most are okay, but some are a little excessive.
-The deke button is generally ridiculous, but if you don't use it, you don't even know its there. The computer didn't use it much in my experience.
-No cap, but that would take a lot of last minute programming, so you can't blame them really.
-Navigation through menus is a little strange, sometimes the mouse works sometimes it doesn't, sometimes the return key works sometimes it doesn't, sometimes my controller pad works navigating sometimes it doesn't....Not a big issue but...


The pros outweigh the cons in my mind and the game seems pretty realistic to me. I am enjoying it amazingly!

For PC people you can get the roster under the download section at NHL Depot

4/5 Stars

[Papa Gino]

Originally posted by fredr123@Sep 11 2005, 06:40 AM
I must be the only person on here playing the Gamecube version (pauses for all the snickering to die down).

Trade in the gamecube man! I traded in my gamecube and all 15 of my games two days ago, receieved a Playstation 2, two controllers, and two memory cards and a copy of NHL 06 plus, I still left with quite a hefty store credit at Electronics Boutique.

I have noticed the graphics are sharper, the game is easier to play with the buttons all the same size and same distance apart etc not scattered all over the controller like Gamecube.

Do it, and you wont regret it.

[Flames_Gimp]

Originally posted by Otto-matic@Sep 10 2005, 11:21 PM
We should start a CP nhl 2006 leauge.

i'm down for some games....

[SoulOfTheFlame]

It the Game getting a bit Easy for anyone else?

I'm playing on difficult and am usually beating my oppponents by 3-4 goals... The only settings I have played with are fatigue and passing. Right now I'm 12-5-0-1.

Weirdly enough... Byron Ritchie has 8 goals in 18 games. Is he excellent for anyone else? I give the guy like 5 shifts a game and he lights it up.

Going to have to do some serious experimenting with the settings to try and make the game harder... or maybe stop playing with the flames

[Otto-matic]

Originally posted by SoulOfTheFlame@Sep 11 2005, 08:15 PM
It the Game getting a bit Easy for anyone else?

I'm playing on difficult and am usually beating my oppponents by 3-4 goals... The only settings I have played with are fatigue and passing. Right now I'm 12-5-0-1.

Weirdly enough... Byron Ritchie has 8 goals in 18 games. Is he excellent for anyone else? I give the guy like 5 shifts a game and he lights it up.

Going to have to do some serious experimenting with the settings to try and make the game harder... or maybe stop playing with the flames

Im getting killed so far.

2-14-0-5

I gotta pick it up.
Stupid OT and Kipper letting the odd goal in.

Ferrence is my best player so far with 6 goals. Iggy is comming up with 5 and Amonte with 3. But the rest are just getting 1 or 2 goals.

[Dang]

Originally posted by SoulOfTheFlame@Sep 11 2005, 08:15 PM
It the Game getting a bit Easy for anyone else?

I'm playing on difficult and am usually beating my oppponents by 3-4 goals... The only settings I have played with are fatigue and passing. Right now I'm 12-5-0-1.

Weirdly enough... Byron Ritchie has 8 goals in 18 games. Is he excellent for anyone else? I give the guy like 5 shifts a game and he lights it up.

Going to have to do some serious experimenting with the settings to try and make the game harder... or maybe stop playing with the flames

I'm finding this game really easy too. I'm also playing on difficult and I've tried many settings adjustments but I'm always beating the computer by 3-6 goals.

I find that the problem is that their two defense will keep backing up all the way till I'm really close to the net. Then I just push the puck left and right a bit, then pass to the adjacent player (with the puck going behind the two defensemen) and score a one-timer. This is with maxed out pass interceptions.

Hopefully someone knows of settings that makes the defense a little more difficult.

[SoulOfTheFlame]

Originally posted by Otto-matic+Sep 11 2005, 07:32 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Otto-matic @ Sep 11 2005, 07:32 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-SoulOfTheFlame@Sep 11 2005, 08:15 PM
It the Game getting a bit Easy for anyone else?

I'm playing on difficult and am usually beating my oppponents by 3-4 goals... The only settings I have played with are fatigue and passing. Right now I'm 12-5-0-1.

Weirdly enough... Byron Ritchie has 8 goals in 18 games. Is he excellent for anyone else? I give the guy like 5 shifts a game and he lights it up.

Going to have to do some serious experimenting with the settings to try and make the game harder... or maybe stop playing with the flames

Im getting killed so far.

2-14-0-5

I gotta pick it up.
Stupid OT and Kipper letting the odd goal in.

Ferrence is my best player so far with 6 goals. Iggy is comming up with 5 and Amonte with 3. But the rest are just getting 1 or 2 goals. [/b][/quote]
Hrmm...

Maybe your lines are the problem?

I have langkow between amonte and iggy

Daymond has 18 goals in 18 games. Iggy has 14, Amonte with 10. My 2nd line is Rhino, lombo, and Kobasew. 3rd is Simon Yelle and Dono. 4th Ritchie Nilson and McCarty. Pretty balanced attack.. I get good production from all lines.

[Inferno]

Originally posted by Dang@Sep 11 2005, 10:13 PM
I'm finding this game really easy too. I'm also playing on difficult and I've tried many settings adjustments but I'm always beating the computer by 3-6 goals.

I find that the problem is that their two defense will keep backing up all the way till I'm really close to the net. Then I just push the puck left and right a bit, then pass to the adjacent player (with the puck going behind the two defensemen) and score a one-timer. This is with maxed out pass interceptions.

Hopefully someone knows of settings that makes the defense a little more difficult.

Do you have game speed and pass speed all the way down?

[InTheSlot]

With my created/custom team I am now 11-7-0-0. After tweaking the settings a bit, I haven't had a game with 6 goals yet. I think my last 2 since changing the settings were 5-3 and 5-2. A little better than 8-8, but still fairly high.

[Dedly]

Originally posted by fredr123@Sep 11 2005, 08:34 AM
And is it supposed to be this hard to win a faceoff? Not sure about on the other systems but I'll consistently go entire games without winning a faceoff. I don't know if it's problems with my timing or what.

I don't think I saw anyone else answer this yet. I had the same thing at first... but you kind of have to hold down A for faceoffs. It's not just a tap of A. There's still a lot of timing, but I've gone from 0% faceoff percentage to over 50% so I'm improving.

[Inferno]

Just when I thought I didnt have to worry about Fraser being in this game he shows up. I lost 7-5 to the Wings. They got 12 PPs(6 in the first period) and I got 2.

[DJRice]

Still way too many rebound goals. When is EA ever gonna get it, hard shots doesnt mean goalies kick out 50ft rebounds everytime. Never ever have I seen once where the goalie controls his rebound or able to stop it for say, and sweep it to the corner. Now, that would be cool! Why didnt EA focus on each goalies pros/cons...obviously do you see Broduer giving up 40 rebounds a game like Kidd? lol. come on EA. Have the goalies who play butterfly, play butterfly in the game, make it noticable. Make goalies who challenge, play the puck more, or poke check, do it in te game! And why isnt there goalie interference?

Where are the glove saves? Kicksaves into the crowd? Blocker saves? Stops between the legs? MAN, EA HAS GOT TO PUT THESE IN! Right now, the goalies only save with rebounds kicking out. And its so unrealistic!

Also, no screening goalies on the PP - havent found a way. No way to get the goalies off their game. Adding this, would make the game so much more realistic.
My goalie flops too much, even from the A.I. behind my net, and gives them easy tap ins grr.

This game cant be considered a SIM until EA gets the goalies right. I really stress on this. They need to pay attention to detail here.
Because half of the goals scored in 06, dont even happen in real life lol...like scoring from centre ice? Dump in puck going over the head of goalie? lol this isnt baseball EA. Or the lamest one in the bag, the puck goes right into the net from the faceoff draw LOL.

[Dang]

Originally posted by Inferno@Sep 11 2005, 09:49 PM
Do you have game speed and pass speed all the way down?

I've tried it with game speed and pass speed all the way down too.

What I do is move into the zone without boosting, while deking the puck back and forth, and as soon as the defensemen stops backing up, I proceed to go forward until the puck is behind him. I then pass behind both defensemen to my adjacent forward for a one timer that goes in 25% of the time.

[Inferno]

Originally posted by DJRice@Sep 12 2005, 07:32 AM
Still way too many rebound goals. When is EA ever gonna get it, hard shots doesnt mean goalies kick out 50ft rebounds everytime. Never ever have I seen once where the goalie controls his rebound or able to stop it for say, and sweep it to the corner. Now, that would be cool! Why didnt EA focus on each goalies pros/cons...obviously do you see Broduer giving up 40 rebounds a game like Kidd? lol. come on EA. Have the goalies who play butterfly, play butterfly in the game, make it noticable. Make goalies who challenge, play the puck more, or poke check, do it in te game! And why isnt there goalie interference?

Where are the glove saves? Kicksaves into the crowd? Blocker saves? Stops between the legs? MAN, EA HAS GOT TO PUT THESE IN! Right now, the goalies only save with rebounds kicking out. And its so unrealistic!

Also, no screening goalies on the PP - havent found a way. No way to get the goalies off their game. Adding this, would make the game so much more realistic.
My goalie flops too much, even from the A.I. behind my net, and gives them easy tap ins grr.

This game cant be considered a SIM until EA gets the goalies right. I really stress on this. They need to pay attention to detail here.
Because half of the goals scored in 06, dont even happen in real life lol...like scoring from centre ice? Dump in puck going over the head of goalie? lol this isnt baseball EA. Or the lamest one in the bag, the puck goes right into the net from the faceoff draw LOL.

I've seen plenty of glove and blocker saves in the games I've played and I dont seem to be having the goalie rebound problem you seem to be having. While they're giving up alot of rebounds they're controlling alot too.

[DJRice]

^ really? Ok, I have seen blocker and glove, kick saves, but their 50 foot rebounds!

Only twice, has a shot been deflected into the stands.

Whats up with ringing one off the post, and it comes right back to the shooter at 78mph - how realistic is that?

Ive been playing on difficult (always do), and Im 8-4-0-1. Decent. I outshoot the A.I, at a 2 to 1 or even 3 to 1 ratio, and yet they manage to score goals from centre ice? Gimme a break. Stuff like this, takes my interest ouf of the game....and quickly!