Thoughts on NHL 10

by pastapadre
Posted September 16th, 2009 at 10:30 am

nhl100915

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!

Tags:

kzgreg

@ 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
kzgreg

@ 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
Jack black

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
Jack black

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
kzgreg

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.
kzgreg

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Radie Radie

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Radie Radie

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

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….
http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

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….
http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/ catgrizinsider

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
http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/ catgrizinsider

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
http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/ catgrizinsider

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?
http://www.billingsgazette.com/sports/college/blogs/catgrizinsider/ catgrizinsider

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?
JOHN

can you turn off line changes in the new NHL ?
JOHN

can you turn off line changes in the new NHL ?
eric_mclellan

At first I thought this was almost the same as 09. But as I played through, being a franchise player. I really started to appreciate the emphasis they put into GM mode. I actually have a hard time not trading too much too quickly. Ive never had that problem in any sports game before. Ive always been more of a sim sort of guy. Anyways Ive logged hours and hours of time into this game, to the point my fiance takes it with her to work when she needs me to get something done when I'm off.
eric_mclellan

At first I thought this was almost the same as 09. But as I played through, being a franchise player. I really started to appreciate the emphasis they put into GM mode. I actually have a hard time not trading too much too quickly. Ive never had that problem in any sports game before. Ive always been more of a sim sort of guy. Anyways Ive logged hours and hours of time into this game, to the point my fiance takes it with her to work when she needs me to get something done when I'm off.
Prizz_79

maybe little too easy but a great game