After 30+ years, with this franchise, I've had enough.
You know, with NHL '94, '04 and '14 being three of the most solid iterations of this series, I assumed that '24 would follow suit. But nope, and despite its early life cycle, it'll never even remotely come close to any of the above mentioned iconic hockey video games.
Now, and personally, as I've been with this series since NHLPA '93, for the SNES, I've not only played many of the years of this series on various consoles, but many consoles have come and gone. And out of those consoles, this series has been atrocious on both the PS4, and now the PS5. It does not matter what engine is being used, or what's removed and then later implemented as "new", or how many gimmicks are added, or how much hype and advertising gets media attention, and so on, this game, regardless of the development, production, testing phases(s), budget, etc., has completely lost touch with its player/gamer base.
Okay, so, it's not actually the game's fault. But anyone who knows how this game gets to the store shelf or digital download, are completely aware of who's to blame for the absolute lacklustre and comedic relief of a "hockey video game".
And in continuing to point out the many flaws of this atrocity, this game is way overpriced for a half-arsed effort and an undoubted mockery of an iconic sport:
1. Unexpected dressing room error
2. Game configuration error
3. Flashing shapes during gameplay
4. Reconfigured player controls
5. Reconfigured goalie controls
6. Missing controls
7. WOC store
8. Slow menus
9. WOC/EASHL matchmaking, and so on.
I sometimes read that "community feedback" results in changes. Well, that's not necessarily true here, at EA Sports. In fact, what's currently wrong with the game is the fact, as I've mentioned earlier, there's definitely a sense of gamer base loss. Meaning, there's so much stuff that's been implemented into this game, and a majority of it being unnecessary, that it comes off as mind over matter: we (at EA Sports) don't mind, because you (consumer/gamer) don't matter.
Goalie tethering = stupid
Changing the hitting = stupid
Removing controls = stupid
WOC store/hockey bags = stupid
Outdoor rinks w/generic jerseys and hoodies = stupid
Current EASHL "lobby" = stupid
Costumes, gear, clothing, etc., that aren't hockey related = stupid
X-Factor = stupid
Most of the above has been going on for several years, with no real improvement. And then, for some reason, there's even more frustrating and nonsensical "additions" that make this game even more ridiculous and embarrassing. Who in the blue hell is asking for this crap? And why is a small minority dictating how this game should be?
I, for one, have made a mistake in pre-ordering this game. And after roughly 15 hours into it, it's absolutely on me for not only missing an opportunity to be part of the Beta, but also for being slightly impatient from taking advantage of the 10-hour trial. At least then, I probably wouldn't have subjected myself to purchasing what's becoming an all to familiar theme, with EA Sports NHL series: EA Sports. A half-arsed game.
CapeBretonIslndr out.
