Re: NHL 24

X-Factors completely negate the need for min/maxing; I wish they just updated the normal boost system or told us exactly how each X-Factor affects certain situations (I'd rather it say you get exactly a +7 accuracy boost within 5M of the net than "you're better now")

Instead of X-Factors EA should have really just added another 5-10 attributes for all players. Pretty surprised we are in NHL 23 and the attributes list have been the same for so long and are missing a lot of important components that help differentiate players from each-other. They need to break them down even further like when Madden finally broke down attributes to include short, medium and long passing accuracy along with a lot of other additions. Some players are great with accuracy near the net but are awful from medium to long ranges. Time to expand upon what exists and instead of adding gimmicky features like desperation passes and goals that almost never connect, include something that really makes a difference from player to player. 

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@rsandersr47 wrote:
@DBig15201I like that they tried to use xfactors to differentiate the abilities of some players but especially in WoC there is just NO balance. Some Xfactors are simply broken and some are near worthless. Personally I much prefer the 2K badge system but I know EA wants to use their own ideas so.. they really just need to balance the xfactors.

I would also suggest using the attribute points to differentiate the abilities of players. We have 0-99 points per stat. How many guys in the game have a 0 in a stat? Does anyone? Why shouldn't every stat have 1 guy that hits that 0 threshold? 0 should be the worst player in the game in that stat and 99 should be the best player ever in that stat.

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Yeah the X-Factors should probably be done away with.   Going back to the progressive/custom attribute system is the best way to go.   Yeah there's always gonna be "Metas" no matter what system you use.   Also, some skater archtypes are just...too nerfed to be useful.   The TWF for example is borderline useless now.   Needs slightly more offensive ability, as does the power forward.

I personally like the idea of being allowed to have literal 0/1 in a stat - Why have anything in the fight category when I play 3v3? Why would my buddy have anything dumped into faceoffs when he will literally never take a faceoff? 

We should always have the ability to reach a 99 in any stat we choose at the detrement to everything else - that's just how min/maxing works. These build types they have now just leave so much to be desired - as others have mentioned, there are clear winners and painfully clear losers/ "challenge" builds, especially for teams with few humans.

@KlariskraysNHL 

When everyone is super, no one is. We already have metas so let's go wild.

Seriously though, you can either set an overall cap or do it on a category by category basis - What I meant by 99's before was that, to my knowledge there is currently no way to hit 99 in any stat, let alone multiples (I think I can hit 98 awareness by min maxing).

In a proposed new formula you should be able to naturally attain a 99 or maybe two (maybe only attainable via x factors), but it will have a severe impact on other stats (moreso than the current setup). Make it more like '14 with some improvements rather than side steps.

I just want something different. I know I sound like a broken record at this point but I play with just 1 other friend and we're both super handicapped with current jack of all trades builds.

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@KlariskraysNHL wrote:
@TTZ_DipsyIf we could move attributes around it would be crazy. I'd have like 1 slapshot power, 1 slapshot accuracy 1 shot blocking, 1 fighting.

99 speed, 99 balance, 99 accel, high agility, 99 checking.

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I mean seriously, I'd reduce my face offs as a winger, and fighting down to 50 if it would let me put it into discipline and deking   I definitely think that you should be able to "spot reduce" within that category, and just like the original system its got a floor and ceiling.   There's ways to incorporate it if EA would just take the time to look back into it.  We already have broken Meta builds anyways, so why not let people build their own player to suit their playstyle?

I think the issue isn’t necessarily the xfactors themselves but like someone else said how they are activated/worded. The games xfactors (not the game itself) should be more simplified and understandable.

Instead of Shnipe, make it snappy, close quarters… increased power and accuracy when taking wristshots.
Instead of heatseeker, off the rush, thunderclap, seeing eye… increased power and accuracy to slapshots and shots from the point.

Last one instead of ankle breaker, shock and awe, puck on a string, its tricky…advanced ability to perform deke maneuvers and increase power and accuracy for shooting within three seconds after a deke.

These are just some examples but would make it easier to understand and implement into your style of play. They could also then be used in other situations i.e. a dman with increased slapshot can get that puck rifled around the boards on a dump in or they can use it to clear the puck on the PK. We just need to make the wording and the ability themselves more easily comprehensible.

can we remove the canon booms/laser beam sounds from x-factor shots? how silly...grow up..this is an alleged "simulation" product