EA Sports has released the full list of details on what the upcoming patch for NHL 10 will include. The game has faced some scattered criticism over freezes, online performance, Be a GM mode, and the downloadable content boosts but has largely been well received otherwise. The patch is expected to release by November 5th though there is no guarantee as it ultimately is dependent on the certification process. Continue on for the full list and leave your thoughts in the comments.

• Fixed the exploit to slap-shot a 5-hole goal from below the face-off circle.

• Increased speed of passes with Manual passing on.

• Reduced the ability to boardplay players who are far away from you.

• Tuning of trade logic.

• Added the ability for a user to apply boost slots to authentic helmets.

• Fixed the bug that would make a player sometimes exit pass blocking (L1/LT) when they got close to their goalie.

• Fixed the bug that would prevent offline Be a Pro player from getting ice-time in some situations.

• Fixed a crash that could happen on delayed penalty shots.

• Improved logic for how fighting affects teamplay scores in Be a Pro.

• Prevent L1/LT from allowing players to bypass stumble animations.

• Improvements to goalies to reduce 5-hole goals in some contexts.

• Tuned thresholds for injuries from hard shots.

• Added the ability to escape a prefight circle by pressing L2/LB.

• Fixed the bug that made it possible to “shoot” a puck slowly out of the one-handed animation such that nobody could pick it up.

• Improved goalie aggressiveness when poking the puck on cross-crease passes.

• Improved the ability of defensemen are able to do puck pickups behind them to help defend cross-crease passes.

• Reduced the ability to stuff the puck through the goalie by running into him without shooting (most common on wraparounds and reaching puck pickups).

• Reduced accidental interference in front of net.

• Fixed the offline Be a Pro line-change bug where the player is stuck at the bench.

• Prevent slap passes from being deflected at large angles.

• Fixed the bug where the goalie does not react to a shot if he’s banging his stick on the ice to signal the end of a penalty.

• Fixed the bug that makes flip dumps to the middle of the offensive zone go over the glass frequently.

• Fixed the bug that makes CPU center win draws to the the same side all of the time.

• Fixed the bug in the stat tracking of passing.

• Prevent accidental saucer passes after receiving the puck while trying to poke check (because both actions are on R1/RT).

• Tuning to reduce occurrence of tripping penalties when the player being tripped is stationary or moving slowly.

• Tuning to game logic to make it a little easier to stay up on the NHL team during 4-game trial in BAP.

• Many other changes to improve our ability to refine the gameplay tuning with via tuner sets.

NHL 10 came off a year where pretty much everything worked properly at and following launch, even with the introduction of the EASHL. That has not been the case this year. Initially it was the freezing issues with the game. They may have alleviated some that were being seen after a server fix however they remain a problem for some. Now though, and seemingly more widespread, the EA Forums are littered with threads and I have received numerous accounts directly relating to severe lag online.

The NHL series is especially popular due to its online modes and performance. Having lag become a major detriment to the enjoyment being had online is something that almost certainly will be addressed and hopefully that will be done immediately. To this point there has been no statement from EA regarding the lag that so many are experiencing.

Both NHL 10 and NHL 2K10 released yesterday and reports have been coming in of freezing issues with both. Various forums have posts from users who are having their games crash. For NHL 10 problems seem to be occurring in random places within games as well as during menu navigation or while in lobbies. NHL 2K10 sees the freeze happen primarily on face-offs when the ref does not drop the puck and users have yet to be able to narrow down the possible circumstances that could be causing it.

How widespread these issues may be is very difficult to assess. For both games the reports represent a small percentage of users within the forums. There has yet to be any sort of rush of people who normally don’t visit the forums as they seek out an answer to a freezing problem they are experiencing. That may be an indication that the problems are happening only sparingly and as with most games there are usually initial hiccups for a handful of people that relate to the hardware instead. Still for anyone who encounters a freeze it would be very frustrating and if it happens frequently would render the game essentially useless.

EA Sports has not directly stated that it was responsible for the issues, but they have noted that the online servers were overloaded on the first day due to higher than expected demand and have been fixed. Given that the freezes were being seen in different areas of the game having the connection fail could potentially explain that. So if you had freezes yesterday and everything is fine today post about it in the comments. 2K Sports has not made any statement about addressing the freezing problems their consumers are having. I will update this posting as soon as any new details are made available.

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!

After several EA Sports releases with demos that either did not do a good job of displaying improvements or being tied into preorders in some manner comes a reversal of sorts with NHL 10. The demo is available to everyone (no preorder requirements) and is now up for the 360 and will be out for the PS3 next Thursday. Not only does the demo offer extended stretches of play but it also has unique scenarios and two different modes of play. Skill level, game style, and camera angles are adjustable. Somehow it comes in at only 765.36 MB despite all the content it offers.

To begin with there is a quick player creation followed by an interactive tutorial. You can get a feel for new features such as the fighting and board play along with basic shooting, skating, and defensive skills.

One portion of the demo allows you to jump into the 3rd period of Game 7 of the Finals in “Battle for the Cup” mode. What happens the first time is you are dropped into it with the Penguins up 2-0 over the Red Wings. Sidney Crosby has been injured and you have to decide whether to play him (at decreased capacity) or sit him. What really makes this unique is that after this first occasion, every time you play the demo it supersims to Game 7 so the injuries, stats, and scores are different providing a new experience each time.

You can also try out the beginnings of “Be a Pro” mode in the 3rd period of the Prospects Game. You can be any player type and try to perform well enough to be drafted by an NHL team.

Hopefully this is a sign of what EA can do with demos going forward rather than providing the abbreviated quarters method that has become so stale and frustrating. This is a really impressive sampling of what the game has to offer and shows supreme confidence in the quality of NHL 10.

There has been a lot of discussion recently over the pre-order bonuses that EA along with Gamestop have been offering. For NCAA Football 10 it was an additional 13 Teambuilder slots, while Fight Night Round 4 and Madden 10 offered early or extended demos. With the release of NHL 10 approaching the bonus for that game has been revealed.

Reserve NHL 10 and get the in-game Kane-Bauer boost Pack. Patrick Kane’s Authentic Bauer Gloves, Skates and Stick. Plus a 9 point boost for your be a pro or EASHL Player. Available online or in-store while supplies last.

While something along these lines is preferred to the demo situations because it is more of a bonus than it is penalizing those who don’t go out of their way to purchase at Gamestop, it isn’t a perfect situation either. I’m not thrilled to see that people will be getting a free boost to their EASHL players while everyone else will be at a disadvantage online through no doing of their own. This actually looks like something that will be available via paid downloadable content amongst other options. Given the level of cheating that has gone on in EASHL it is somewhat disconcerting to think that now they may be promoting DLC cheats that can be used in the mode.

Of course the most ironic thing is with the used game market cutting into profits, Gamestop is the main culprit of pushing used copies. So in turn EA has been attempting to undercut that by making new copies more appealing using one time codes included with the game and charging for those features if not purchasing new. The two sides are at odds with each other in that regard yet they are in bed together with this pre-order business. EA benefits by assuring the initial rush is all new copies while Gamestop gets people in their stores that may have bought the games elsewhere.

The official soundtracks for NBA Live 10 and NHL 10 have also been revealed.  While they are no where near as influential as Madden there is still a great deal of interest from artists looking for added exposure. I’m far less familiar with the artists on these soundtracks and the one for Live seems light on songs so maybe more will ended up being added before release. Continue on to check out the soundtracks for both games and leave your thoughts in the comments.

NBA Live 10
Afrika Bambaataa – Zulu! (We Don’t Stop Yawl)
B.o.B. – Champion
De La Soul – La La La
Dead Prez – Still Bigga Than
Grand Puba – Get It
Laza – Crank It Up
Matt & Kim – Daylight
Mick Boogie – Class Of Our Own
Mickey Factz and B.o.B. – Mind Got Blown
Murs – We Ballin’
Xzibit – Fanatic
Zion I – Go Hard

NHL 10
Alexisonfire – Young Cardinals
Cancer Bats – Deathsmarch
CKY – Hellions On Parade
Disco Ensemble – Golden Years
Drangonforce – Heroes Of Our Time
Earl Greyhound – Oye Vaya
Green Day – Know Your Enemy
Metalkpretty – Wake Up! Wake Up!
Ministry & Co-Conspirators – Keys To The City (Blackhawks Theme)
MxPx – Kids In America
Nickelback – Burn It To The Ground
Papa Roach – Into The Light
Priestess – Raccoon Eyes
Rancid – The Bravest Kids
Scorpions – Rock You Like A Hurricane
Thousand Foot Krutch – Fire It Up

Thanks to the product listing from Gamestop we have new info on NHL 10. Until now most of what has been relayed has been about the physicality and fighting enhancements. However this features list provides details on specific modes such as a new GM mode and Playoff mode with improvement to playoff atmosphere.

New Battle for the Cup Mode: Experience the intensity of NHL playoff hockey. Play through injuries, intimidate rivals, and match lines as storylines carry across the entire series.

Build a Stanley Cup Champion: All-new GM mode lets you scout amateurs, put players on the trading block, hire staff, and earn experience points to become a legendary GM.

Battle on the Boards: Shield the puck with your body, kick-pass it to teammates, or pin your opponent against the boards with an all-new board play engine.

All-New First-Person Fighting: Change the momentum by trading blows with an NHL enforcer. Tug an opponent’s jersey to gain an advantage—before or after the whistle.

Become the Ultimate Pro: Improve your draft status by dominating the prospects game, then use new coaching tips, improved teammate AI, and detailed position instructions as you build the ultimate career.

Capture Multiple Championships: The coveted EA SPORTS Hockey League Cup is always up for grabs as new seasons start on a monthly basis online.

New Intimidation Tactics: Fore-check defenders, pressure the puck, and finish checks to force your opponent into mistakes, as players fatigue, bobble passes, and avoid collisions under threat of physical pressure.

All-New Post-Whistle Action: The action never stops! Antagonize opposing players, finish checks, retaliate for late shots on goal, draw penalties, and pick fights—all after the referee blows the whistle!

Jon Robinson of ESPN has posted up his “Five Things to Know” article for NHL 10 which focuses on physicality. The new fighting system is discussed at length including how they now are first-person, how the fights impact the games, how they are presented, team toughness levels, and penalties for hitting after the whistle. Check out the article in full here.

“Once you drop the gloves, the camera switches to a third-person view and you’ll see your player drop his gloves, then the camera goes to a first-person view for the fight. Then during the fight, we tried to stay authentic, so you’re not bobbing and weaving away from the guy. You grab him and you’re always connected to the guy. That’s what’s cool about hockey fights, there’s nowhere to run, nowhere to hide as both guys are grabbing onto the other guy’s jersey and holding on tight.”

Team Pastapadre’s main goal in the EASHL was to beat the crap out of the opposition after the whistle. Looks like we’ll have to adjust strategy in NHL 10.

Blend Games has confirmed that NHL 10 will not be released on either the PC or PS2. According to EA this is due to the current struggling economy and also the issues that continue to present themselves with the PC (which led to the cancellation of most other EA Sports titles last year).

When Blend Games contacted EA Canada, a spokesperson confirmed the news. “We will not be developing NHL 10 for PC and PS2 this year due to the current economic climate and the continuing decline in the sports PC market. We are going to focus on making the best possible NHL experience for the PS3 and Xbox 360.”

EA isn’t commenting on the plans for the PC in regards to the other titles yet, though Peter Moore has stated before that the ones cancelled last year would be back this year. My feeling has been they would return not as ports but as something more along the lines of the advertising and microtransaction based PC offerings they’ve had success with overseas. This news isn’t necessarily a sign that the plans for those games to return has been scrapped (this could just be the year off for NHL that the others already had) but until EA officially confirms them there will continue to be a great deal of uncertainty and anticipation surrounding their future. PC gamers can at least take some solace in that it appears 2K Sports will continue releasing their titles on the PC.