The introduction of the shoot/pass bias is certainly an advancement. I suggest that this continues with the introduction of further player tendencies. Ideally, the introduced tendencies at least consist of the following. More options can easily be added, but I feel these are the most essential.
I’ll admit that I have my gripes with the X-Factor system; it feels like an easy way out to fixing the current attribute system. While it has helped, it is far from perfect and can be improved by looking at other major title sport games. NBA 2K and Madden both have systems that I would like to see implemented. Both games have a tier system when it comes to their badges/X-Factors, which helps further separate players like Steph Curry and Josh Allen from the rest of the league. By adding a tier system, Connor McDavid’s speed will be far different from that of Nathan MacKinnon or Dylan Larkin; Alex Ovechkin’s on-timer or Adam Pelech’s shutdown ability will also be significantly more impactful to gameplay.
@johum2886 wrote:
- Cycle/shoot
- Efficient/energy
- Block shot/don’t block
- Body check/stick check
- Preferred line strategy
In my opinion, QoL fixes to these categories would make the biggest impact overall. I absolutely loathe how the AI opts to just dump the puck and start swinging their sticks wildy when they really shouldn't.
@johum2886I have to say I really like your idea and makes total sense. I would also add an extra layer here which I feel is the Achilles heel for most of sports games: Overalls are too generic. Some players that currently has let's say overall below 80, might be one of the best on their role. So for that role his overall should be 90+, but for other roles he might be really bad.
So I would add also the role based rating system as an example:
Roles for Defenders
Roles for Forwards
To use these, either we can change in tactics what role we want the player to play or you have fixed preferences what coaches want for each lines and you need to find a fit for the role. As an example, McDavid would be a fantastic fit for a Sniper, Playmaker or Dangler role, but obviously not a great for rest of the roles.
I personally would like that we could modify the roles in tactics, but also to get a good line fit. You cannot just add three 5-star Snipers on the line, that line won't work. Some you would need to change some roles to get a good fit. one 5-star Sniper, 3-star Playmaker and 4-Star Defensive Forward would work much better as it does in the real life.
Basically, every player can play any of those roles, but depending of their skill set, they might be good or bad at it. No more locked roles for players.
This obviously would need a big overhaul of the rating systems and how the chemistry works, so I know this type of thing will never be implemented. But we can always dream. Also this is just more basic version of how things work in FHM or Football Manager.
Also this list of roles and the whole idea just an example that would need to be polished. As an example defensive roles you could easily add Quarterback and Stay-At-Home Defenceman.
