NHL 23 TECH TEST REDCHAMP
NHL23 Tech Test Feedback PS5 & PS4
This is in regards to eashl as that's the mode I dedicated my time to in this test and the previous beta. I really enjoyed the test and am excited for 23 but Here are some of my pros/*.
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1st thing- Goalies are underperforming it didn't matter what my shot power or accuracy was with 0 boosts I was able to pick corners with extreme ease.
2- backhands are strong that's a good feeling but you can score every time by going forhand backhand it's going to be a super exploited glitch
3- all previous glitches exist including the drag past the goalie shot that became 100% goals in penalty shots
4- change up enforcer defensemen and enforcer to have different attributes outside of there max size and weight as there really isn't any reason to play those classes over Powerforward except for very under utilized x factors. Truculence remains king on Pwf and it had better stats then ENF/END. Perhaps the solution is to make truculence gold only available to enforcer classes so that it isn't a clear cut decision to pick pwf over enf
5- overpowered x factors still stand as one timer and Truculence and Elite Edges. They all have a drastic change to the game with them equipped (note I'm a 1timer player in 22 and Truculence on D
In 23 I use all 3 of 1t Truculence and elite edges so I can safely say it's very strong.) perhaps a higher requirement to access things like elite edges maybe move agility to 87 from 82 and accel to 87 similar to how unstoppable force has a requirement of 87 balance now after changes (previous was 75 balance)
6- The pool of x factors is bad on some classes it leaves a very obvious choice where if you don't pick it your missing out on the clear best option. Most have 2 good perks and the rest is just there.
As a personal take I'd just like if shnipe gold existed for Sniper
7- Pokechecking/stickchecking in general
underperforms even at high stats and perks to assist in said abilities, starting on stick lifts the position for them is almost fair but some cases your in perfect position only for your guy to chop what should be a simple stick lift. Even with gold Yoink to test at its maximum.
The polechecking slowdown while i think its great that people aren't skating with there stick out 100% of the time i feel the slowdown is too harsh to where you nearly lose all your speed I feel like you shouldn't decelerate to the extent it is. however I do think a missed poke should punish the defenders but you take away part of the defensive stick abilities of getting in position then clicking in r3 as a accurate poke. perhaps only a 40% speed reduction from what it currently is? it's a great step in the right direction but could have a bit more leniency
PROS
1- Player Builds The extra attribute points are fantastic overall I'm thrilled that the classes like 2way forward and grinder and OFD are far more viable this next coming year in 23 being able to have 93 speed as a max for those classes really helps keep pace while retaining defensive abilities.
2- Passing
Passing is a slight improvement from 22 but a welcome one while I am comfortable with NHL22s Passing I openly enjoy the buff so that my teammates and players I encounter perform better and not just throw the puck to the boards.
3-Skating
This year's skating is the best it's felt for a long time, gameplay feels alot smoother and I'm thankful for that
4- Perk adjustments
It felt like some perks had some changes from NHL22 most noticeablely seemed to be shock and awe for me it was a immediate threat and reward to use that ability now I don't know if the ability itself is just that much better or if the goalies are that much worse that the ability felt very strong. I would like to see more love for some niche abilities too pull away from the meta of Elite edges, Truculence and One Timer (Noticeably to me big tipper silver was removed from the perk pool)
5- Stat requirements
Some abilities have very low entry points which i think is good in being versatile however I feel like the strongest abilities should have some sacrifice to them, While truculence and Unstoppable force had requirements changed which is the positive in this scenario. I think some should be higher. simply put one timer and shooting abilities.
6- Central Server
The new Server is fantastic no more am I playing games at 80 ping on West coast and when I do get bad ping games they feel alot smoother and within control as opposed to nhl22. The best ping I've had was 6ms and It's great for the game to have a smoother experience for everyone.
7- Zegras and Relentless (last ditch effort)
the relentless dive has to be one of my favorite editions and animations I've spent hours perfecting scenarios on how to use it and hit effective shots with it. I think it's a oversight that crease crasher as a x factor doesn't contribute to a rebound relentless shot whereas Close quarters will light up. it would be nice if we knew what stat attributes effected the abilities effectiveness. Overall a very balanced and fair ability at this current time.
The Zegras pass as somebody who doesn't excel at Michigan's I found this ability hard to do stationary but while moving very easy this is most likely to my own ability but ive also had a expert at Michigan's and zegras passes perform them on a efd with 65 hands and while it is just Flipping the puck over the net maybe it should have a higher requirement as to not have it be a easy goal every time it's over the net.
As well hitting A Zegras Pass into Relentless Dive is fantastic and super fun to incorporate those things together into the game and I look forward to attempting plays of the month with the relentless.
8- Tipping
Tipping Feels good again. it didn't feel like I needed big tipper or 95 hand eye to be effective at tips, I was rewarded for good positioning and preparation on shots and that felt good to not have Tipping being effective exclusive to one Class.
9- Crossplay
Cross play seemed seemless while I was under the impression it would playing PS players against Xbox players and they couldn't be on the same team only against eachother that wasn't the case during this test and I can only be hopeful in the future that we can effectively do this in eashl clubs. it came as a suprise but was very well enjoyed to be able to find games quicker and play with everyone and Imn my opinion nhl will find its most success when it is seamless for everyone to play without hiccups or restraints on people grouping up. I never really noticed Any difference between lobbies of mixed Xbox and Ps players vs strictly PS players so that's great that it was so smooth.
SUMMARY
NHL23 TECH TEST
Some people could say it feels like a tuner upgrade and while the changes aren't as drastic as previous years it's improved upon its previous foundation and that's Key, it has improved.
It's a overall smoother feeling game with a bunch of new animations that help the game meet realism on stumbles and falls as well as goalies making great saves that aren't exclusive to a small pool of Animations that Said Goalies underperform on some of the most basic of shots and can hope that this is adjusted in the future. I'm Happy with Improvements that have been made and understand that the crew won't be issuing any big patches regarding nhl23 and have since gone forward to preparing NHL 24 I hope that the game isn't abandoned and some adjustments can be made if deemed to exploitable.
That's my take on the technical test I appreciate the opportunity to partake in the test
sincerely Redchamp PS5
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