Thoughts on NHL 10
by 
The NHL franchise from EA Sports has been breaking ground over the past few years along with the FIFA franchise. For sports that are not overly popular in the US, these games have proven that quality, depth, and fun factor can result in them reaching consumers who aren’t necessarily fans or close followers.
While reviews have been glowing (currently averaging an 9.1) NHL 10 is currently up over 09 just barely as some of the reviews have actually been lower. This is a curious development because it doesn’t sound as if there is anything specifically wrong with the game, just that it isn’t a huge leap over last year. 09 was considered by many to be the best sports game of the year and it won by far the most awards for that designation.
So it seems that EA is stuck with a Catch-22 here and are being penalized because of the quality and value of the previous iteration. I just find that interesting because it goes to show why these companies add what we might consider gimmicks to market every year. NHL 10 didn’t really do that, instead concentrating primarily on improving the already highly regarded gameplay and multitude of modes. The closest thing that could be considered gimmicky in 10 is the first person fighting. Like it or not, those are the things that resonate with reviewers.
While the trend with what reviewers look for and their influence on the games could be considered disturbing, I do somewhat understand the sentiment because I found myself less interested with NHL 10 than I was going into NHL 09. The EASHL was such a resounding success and so much fun initially but even that wore off. For someone who isn’t a hockey fan I’m finding it difficult to get excited about more of the same even if there are a bunch of improvements made. I might feel differently if they had allowed for you to make custom logos and jerseys for EASHL. The move towards downloadable content boosts is also off-putting especially so because it affects the online experience.
So I’m curious for those of you out there with NHL 10, what do you think of the game so far? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
September 16, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Okay I'll ask what everyone is really thinking…when does the next Madden roster update and first patch get posted?
September 16, 2009 at 5:52 pm
The patch…whenever MS/Sony release it. Could be any time.
The roster update should be Friday. No confirmation on this yet.
September 16, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thank you Pasta. And sorry if I ruined the NHL post.
September 16, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Get out of this post
September 16, 2009 at 5:49 pm
NHL 10 has a very similar feel but they slowed the game down a bit to give it a more realistic feel. You can't fire bullet passes across the ice and have them connect every time. You can't take off one side of the rink and skate past everyone. You definitely have to use more short passes to set up goals. I have not had a chance to play online yet but I am interested to see how the differences. The board play and first person fighting are not "Season Showdown" fail but they don't add a whole lot to the game. NHL 09 was just so damn good that it is hard to "improve" it. Be A Pro mode, IMO, is unmatched by any other sports game out there. There is definitely a benefit to playing through a few seasons to get your rankings up since they transfer over to EASHL.
September 16, 2009 at 6:26 pm
It is definitely has the sports game with the most realism. Mo Diddley doesn't pay a lot of attention to reviews as they are biased in their opinion most of the time. That's why Mo Diddley started to rent games 1st and find a few diamonds in the rough. NHL is high on Mo Diddley's buy list as EA has done an exceptional job with this franchise.
Mo Diddley the give props when it's do-er!
September 16, 2009 at 6:33 pm
MO DIDDLEY LIKES DUDES
September 16, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Mo diddley is a girl.
September 16, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I loved 09 and played the hell out of it. It was probably the first NHL game I had played since the series went to 3D player models. I feel like 10 is a little more hard core and not well suited to casual fans. I like the new board play, although it's tied to the same button used to fight, so I find myself inadvertently starting fights. I get called for a lot more penalties now as well. Plus I can't seem to edit my player's personal info. It had been awhile since I had played 09 and I forgot how to do faceoffs and it's not even in the manual. Overall I feel like the new features aren't really that significant and they botched some old features, like create a player, which were perfectly fine last year.
September 16, 2009 at 11:08 am
This game is great, I’d u like hockey u should get it, btw… nice job with the oilers pic.
U are all in oil country
September 16, 2009 at 6:31 pm
City of Champions representing!!
September 16, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Its going to take some getting used to but overall I think it will be a better game than last year hands down. The EASHL is vastly improved and all of the glitch goals from last year are gone. It is a fundamentaly sound game and as close to sim as I have ever played. If i had to point out a flaw its the fact that u have to play offline modes to earn your equipment and boosts for the online portion. They should be seperate entities. Another small issue is the amount of time allowed after each whistle for post whistle scrums, that will get old real fast. Aside from that its better than last year IMO.
September 16, 2009 at 6:49 pm
game is better than last year imo
September 16, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Pasta, what is with all of the freezing in this game????? PLEASE HELP! Last night all my club members including myself froze several times when trying to get into the dressing room. Also the servers were overflowing with people and it was nearly impossible to get a regular OTP game with all members. ANY NEWS ON THIS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks.
September 16, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Ill check into it. But if they haven't released a statement, they probably won't comment.
September 16, 2009 at 11:49 am
I don’t have the game, but only because I don’t like hockey. I wish that Madden had this problem where the gameplay was so solid that there was little room for improvement. I agree in part with Pasta that “gimmicks” help sell copies and get better reviews, but ultimately for a true fan of the sport, substance is going to determine whether or not the game is good or bad. I would have to assume that real NHL fans are happy with the focus being on polishing up an already solid gameplay engine rather than adding scenseless gimmicks.
Same can be said for FIFA. I don’t like soccer, but I can appreciate the authentic nature of the gameplay and the fact that they can do it minus all the bells and whistles that EA seems to cram into their football games. If you’re a real fan of simulation gaming, the only thing you should care about should be happening between the lines. Once that is solid then you can appreciate the “gimmicks” a whole lot more.
September 16, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I'm of the same ilk. Why I can enjoy hockey and soccer, they rate lower than the other three sports for me in terms of what I generally pay attention too most (though give me Team USA, Euro or World Cup and I watch every match and I always try to watch my Capitals play). I find the two most impressive sports games, year in and year out are NHL and FIFA. I can really care very little about international club soccer (football) but you wouldn't know that if you saw how much time I put into each yearly FIFA release.
That said, the topic here is NHL 10. I picked it up yesterday for PS3 (I had 09 for the 360). I must say that I agree with Osucowboyfan. The game is less forgiving, and that is good. It definitely feels different on the ice as opposed to last year. They definitely tightened up the gameplay and thats it. As for FPS fighting, eh, my biggest complaint is that it takes some getting used to but it's not a bad thing (I'd prefer a new third-person fighting structure though if you were really wanting to pay attention to that facet). Post whistle scrums are alright with me, I always tried to cause as much mayhem during breaks in 09 anyway, just a natural thing. I wish they had more retro jerseys and a better team creator. I'm still shocked something teambuilder-esque isn't in this with the EASHL.
That said, it has to get a nod over NHL 09 but yeah, it may not warrant a purchase for the casual sports gamer or non-hockey fan who enjoyed 09.
September 16, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Theres plenty of additions they could have made aside from gameplay that wouldnt fall into the shitty gimmicks catagory. how about historic teams?
September 16, 2009 at 7:15 pm
I just find it funny that Madden is EA's cash cow but yet it's not their best sports game. Why is it that Hockey & Soccer are EA's best games?
September 16, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Because the NFL and NCAA have a ton more casual followers than NHL and soccer…therefore, more people will buy Madden and NCAA Football, even if the game is terrible.
NHL and FIFA have to be better than the others to draw in casual fans. For example, I'm not a hockey fan in any way, shape or form, but am considering purchasing NHL 10 due to the fact that it's one of the best games (sports or otherwise) out there.
Yet, how many people buy Madden or NCAA without even thinking, just because it's Madden or NCAA?
September 16, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Yea that's a good point.
September 16, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I think it's b/c soccer & hockey are basically the same game. Easy to do well.
Make both fast paced…two goals…two goalies/keepers…& low scoring=more "drama"…
September 16, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Listen man it's too easy it is easier to make a defensive game than an offensive game. I will say it again in all caps "IT IS EASIER TO MAKE A DEFENSIVE GAME RATHER THAN AN OFFENSIVE GAME" I would explain why but you should be able to figure that part out buddy duuuuuuh!
September 23, 2009 at 2:44 pm
thats just because people in canada buy nhl more, madden is DEFINETLY a better overall game but canadians go stupidly crazy for anythings hockey no matter how good or shit it is. This game is decent. The one thing they NEED to improve is the franchise or be a gm mode. But ya, from a point of view likeing football and hockey equally i can honestly say that madden is a better game.
September 16, 2009 at 7:19 pm
got the game last night so i had little time to play but i liked what i saw. the gameplay is pretty much the same as last year with a few new features like boarding and scoring on your knees. i read some reviews where they werent impressed with the be a gm mode but i myself have found it fun. theres so much you can do outside of playing a game. the trade block and trade rumors part i found interesting and fun. so all and all i would give nhl like a 9.3ish.
September 16, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Don't be surprised it EA Canada releases a "TeamBuilder" like site for next years game. It might be something they kept in their back pocket to keep the "what have you done for me lately fans" happy with future releases. The game is so good that they they are running out of things to improve gameplay wise. EA Canada really needs to take on NCAA Football. I really think they could make NCAA a biigger seller than Madden…they are that good!
September 16, 2009 at 8:29 pm
EA Tiburon would do a better job.
September 16, 2009 at 7:48 pm
I love the game so far. While they didnt add anything too dramatic, the gameplay feels so much better. The passing is a challenge at first, but once you get the hang of it, it works great. Board play works great. Its not over used at all. Passing to a teamate while in board play mode can be tricky, but I dont mind that because its not easy to do in reality. Animations seem a lot better than 09. Sounds have been improved slightly (mainly with the sound of sticks clashing). Goalies are much tougher to score on this year which is very welcomed. It makes the game seem more real. As far as modes go, Be A Pro is still great. They added a prospect game which is a neat idea. Be A GM mode im guessing was supposed to replace dynasty since season mode is only for one season. I havent played much of that yet, mainly because it didnt really catch my interest. It looks as if it can be monotinous and time consuming when i really just want to play some hockey. Season mode is great for this, but it only lasts for one season which some people may not like. If you want multiple seasons you'll have to do Be A GM mode. Playoff mode and fight for the cup are the same thing basically. Overall, this game made NHL 09 into a better game. I find the game more fun to play and very realistic.
September 16, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I honestly think this game is NHL08 v2 or NHL 09 v1. Good game, but the gameplay hasn't changed a bit.
September 16, 2009 at 7:54 pm
question??? in the season mode (offline) is there an option to set the number of games you play,like 20 or 30 or whatever?…thanks.
September 16, 2009 at 8:37 pm
i dont hav it yet, prob gettin tomorrow, but i hear ppl complaining that its annoying that it takes too long post whistle in case u want to fight or something. im pretty sure u can change this option. idk tho. i cant wait tho
September 17, 2009 at 8:02 am
It does take a long time post whistle especially if both players just want to get to next face-off without a round of checking or a fight. The time isn't necessary when the players are not moving. The timer should definitely be lowered if there is not any movement by both players for so long(an this can get very annoying).
September 16, 2009 at 11:43 pm
I got the game last night and just build my own skater guy. I am going to dig in today and see what the gameplay is like but I hear it is outstanding. The big win is EASHL which is a phenomenal concept and really replaces Dynasty mode because you are just working on your skater and that can be quick and fun. Plus get together with buddies all over the country and play. How fun. Definitely the best sports game out right now. Perhaps we start a Pastapadre club team?? Thoughts Pasta?
September 23, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Im just soo sick of games that have no real big differences but claim they are soo much better. This is PRETTY MUCH the same game as 09 with a few minor tweaks. You're pretty much paying for a roster update. I can give credit where credit is due but like i said..no real differences. 75 bucks for fighting off the whislte and boarding? i dont think so.
September 16, 2009 at 6:27 pm
NHL is a great franchise. Mo Diddley has been been banging NHL since the introduction of Barkley's Air Force Max. It is the one true sports game that requires more skill than gimmicks. Madden and both basketball titles have too many gimmicks that can reduce realism. NHL forces you to either increase your skill or suffer the consequences. There's nothing like being placed in the penalty box for a foul to make you rethink how to play the game. Simple but effective.
Mo Diddley the last person on earth to play hockey but the 1st to pick up NHL 10-er!
September 17, 2009 at 2:16 am
I haven't played 09 or 10. I became frustrated with 08 because I would play three or four games without a single penalty being called against the computer. It didn't seem as though the frequency of penalties could be changed either. Who knows, I may have been missing something, but it ruined the gameplay experience for me. Still, the graphics are awesome.
September 17, 2009 at 3:51 am
Great game (Online, tho I have not played Off) One thing tho I like that they fixed the passing but, It's like way to bad now. They are on the right track tho. I put my passing up in the 90's to still bad as hell.
September 16, 2009 at 9:07 pm
THREE THINGS… 1) Too many unsportsmanlike penalties from pressing the Y/triangle button (for pinning) 2) I miss the national anthems that NHL 08 had pregame…I know it's picky but they were awesome! 3) Why can't EA get Buffalo's alt. jersey correct??? It's not the same blue as their retro…it's dark blue!!!!!!! <completely awesome game otherwise> <SPAN class=idc-smiley itxtvisited="1"><SPAN style="BACKGROUND-POSITION: 0pt 0pt" itxtvisited="1"><SPAN itxtvisited="1">:)</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
September 16, 2009 at 9:51 pm
Why r u always so nitpicky about jerseys? Why dude, why? Maybe they are more concerned about gameplay like the rest of us. If you want every single one of your boys to have the correct apparel then why don't you just close your eyes and imagine. Or better yet why don't you take some time to develop your own game. I can't wait till when your game comes out so that I can trash it as much as you trash these games. Bobby Jones Out!
September 17, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Well it's like this young man (I'm gonna guess 19 for the record), I only play with one team. Buffalo. And every year there is something off. Last year it was center ice. Wrong logo. This year (and last year too) they managed to get every teams jersey right except for one…you guessed it, Buffalo. So get bent Mr. Jones. Get bent.
September 17, 2009 at 5:41 am
Here in Europe hockey is big so it is an important release here.
i think that people who thinks it is the same game play as 09 have difficulties understanding the game.
This is probably the case with some reviewers as well.
The game play is very much improved but you have to spend time with the game to understand it.
I got tired of 09 very quick because it lacked a lot of physic elements that 10 has.
Online works great.
Board play is an important addition.
September 17, 2009 at 5:57 am
…in continuation…
But the bad is very messy menu system.
And the worst thing for me:
Compered to Madden where you download the roster, make your adjustment and then play with you adjustments online.
In NHL you have to make your changes on lines and strategies before EVERY game.
Insane.
This is if I haven´t missed anything on how to do this!
September 17, 2009 at 6:32 am
sorry for the short posts, trying to work in between.
So:
Game play much improved.
But, people complain about Madden this and that while NHL gets 1000 awards for best sports game etc.
When there are issues in NHL that would never ever be accepted in a major sports game like Madden.
September 17, 2009 at 7:58 am
just got the game any played a little online and a little Be a GM
Gameplay – This game feels a lot like NHL 09 but with a little slower pace. The passes are not exact like they were in NHL 09 which adds an element of realism. I was glad to see that if a breakaway was broken off the opponent couldn't just dive and trip the player and knock puck away with little or no consequences. The battle for the boards will take some time to get used to. Overall, It feels like a good game with some improvement but it does feel like EA went more towards the hardcore sports gamers and got away from the more casual sports gamers.
Online Experience – In my first 4 online games, i have had 4 Penalty Shots. This will take time for people to get used to stop doing. There was also a lot of penalties called (like after the update in 09) and i have seen 2 game misconducts so that seems like it happens more. The thing that NHL 10 got wrong (in my opinion) is the after the whistle battles. Some people just stop to avoid penalties but some won't stop checking and trying to start fights. Why would star players charge at a player unprovoked and draw a 5 minute major? I understand after you get a penalty to try and offset it (good tactic) but doing it after every whistle is just annoying.
Be a GM – played with the fantasy draft which was a great add and has been missing in NHL games for a long time. It is good to be able to build my own team. I like that it would be harder to make trades if the league doe not respect you. I haven't played the mode very much (only fantasy draft, rookie draft and 1 game) but the mode looks very promising.
Just my perception on the game.
September 17, 2009 at 10:53 am
@ BigD8875
These are my thoughts exactly, the pushing and shoving after the whistle is ridiculous. I love playing online and maybe people are doing this so much because it's a new feature. Fighting is the first option I turn off when I get the NHL games, I know it's IN the gameI just don't like it in MY game.
PS3 online name: kzgreg
September 17, 2009 at 2:16 pm
I think the hitting in this game is so realistic. and the graphics are better then any other nhl game. Also this is the best Nhl game they have ever made
September 17, 2009 at 2:29 pm
yeah yeah I know the whole EA motto is 'If it's in the game, it's in the game, I get it. I really feel strongly that the fighting always has been and STILL does SUCK! Getting a team energy boost because I got into a brawl is hardly incentive to enable this feature for me. I know a lot of you disagree with that and I understand. Now if you got and instant minor for trying to start a fight after the whistle, THAT would be a different story. The pushing goes on waaaaaaaayyyy too long after the whistle.
September 17, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Wow, I couldnt disagree more about the game playing the same way… maybe it does if you dumb it down and set up the controls to purposely play like NHL 09…
A lot of people are turning off the new passing controls becasue they are too hard for them. But they REALLY add a lot to the game, especially the cycling and breakout game.
The game feels quite different. Quite better in fact. No more SUPER AI knowing exactly how to accept each loose puck without breaking momentum, WAY MORE realistic puck physics, nice/suble differences to the controls… also the BAP Goalie mode is totally revamped with new controls and fell that make it REALLY, REALLY fun.
There are tons of minor gripes though… mostly on the part of missing "polish". Truth be told, I really believe that EA screwed the Hockey Devs as far as bidget goes. You know they only get a FRACTION of what all other EA sports games get (despite all the awards) . So I dont think they had time to add the polish. (though the EASHL does have some GREAT new features and their web presence blows Madden's out of the water)
Ultimatly when I am playing my 200th or 300th game, I will be thankful that the gameplay was where they put their limited resources into instead of the "polish" but it is frustrating at times.
September 17, 2009 at 4:25 pm
I don't know what reviewers expect. It is extremely difficult to re-invent the wheel.
In regards to sports games, I am surprised at the way EA and other companies have been able to find ways to get the game fresh. I get tired of reading forums where people complain that the game "is just like last year's". No shit.
The sports genre has to be the most difficult to develop in that the game doesn't change with the exception of rosters and maybe a few rule changes. Really, the only thing that developers can do is improve on the core gameplay, much of which is subtle as in NHL 10 and NBA 2K9.
No one wants to spend $60 on a roster update but it is difficult to make a game with the same core feel fresh, especially if the game plays as well as NHL 10 and NBA 2K9 (which I feel falls under the same argument that not much has changed but excels).
Any reviewer that scored NHL 10 lower than last year is not seeing the advancements made in gameplay. The board play, the puck control and visual improvements are noticeable. Not that I am one to put too much stock in someone else's opinion but some reviews are laughable….
September 17, 2009 at 7:03 pm
First fluke goal I've seen
http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/9371119
Gotta love how he reacts after knocking it in his own net tho
September 17, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Wow, same game though, the new goalie animations causing the goalie to knock it in
http://www.easports.com/media/play/video/9371838
However, I don't see either of these goals as true faults. That kinda stuff happens in the real sport. In this particular game I won 7-2 with the Caps. That's a bit high scoring but not crazy (I've seen the Caps score 7 in person) and I just lost my previous game 2-1. I'm 6-2 for the season so far. Seems reasonable, maybe a tad easy on Pro – at least until I get a handle on the new feel. What are you guys playing on?
September 26, 2009 at 6:46 pm
can you turn off line changes in the new NHL ?