Didn't buy
Didn't buy this year's game. Likely won't buy next year's game.. Nearly every post on here confirms everything I believed. The devs have done so poorly that the player base is moving on. The sport...
Forum Discussion
I just get bored of the player controlled skater feeling like the only one doing anything meaningful the entire time, even when passing and setting stuff up - I just wish the AI would give you more options that aren't only the most basic hockey plays, getting open for a shot or to get the puck is one thing but it's annoying they aren't getting ready to do something too (bring back custom plays). If they would try to pull defenders out of the way or get in their way, get in space to snap it back to the dman or rim it around. I feel like the AI just gets ready for an open one timer or a net front shot, wish they had more hockey IQ in all areas - when I chip it in, the AI should be ready to battle their life away to get to the puck instead of lazily chasing a loose puck.
I do predominantly play BaP and WOC because I like to control the game with just 1 player and I wish it wasnt such a headache to get the AI involved. Constantly feels like 1v5.
For playing franchise I do have times where the AI will get lose from the defender or even get lost behind the defense who is double covering my the user controlled player for a wide open shot/goal. I have seen so many different types of goals this year that I can't say I only use one option or two (like how it was in 22, 23 and 24).
I do feel and have felt for a while that the AI doesn't work as well when using player lock or in the BAP experience. It's like the aspects they changed for the AI isn't build for it. It's the same content if you live SIM games; you see flashes of good but then you see a skater randomly skate into the boards with the puck for no reason or not shoot with open chances and decide to do a random back pass (especially on breakaways). It also struggles 3 v 3 live simming cause the AI still tries to play 5 v 5.
