I just hate it

Digimon117 wrote:

I hate it a little less now after the last update lol.

That is good to hear. As someone who plays online versus somewhat religiously outside of my club duties in WoC, I don't like seeing people hate the one mode that, in my opinion, is the only TRUE test of 1v1 competition.

Digimon117 wrote:

The online vs game I played last night seemed like a different game.  Of course a strong connection against someone in your region always helps the fluency and frame rate. 

Yes, a strong connection goes a long way. Online Versus (OVP) uses Peer to Peer connections, so things can be inconsistent and variable depending on the opponent and who is selected as the 'host' in this situation. I'd like to see EA introduce dedicated servers for OVP like they do with HUT for more consistency and remove the advantage that a 'host' has in P2P. 

Digimon117 wrote:

I still don't like the pressure system and I never have.  It's like handing your opponent goals based on zone time and playing keep away.

Previous iterations of the system would have me agreeing with you. However, the system has been re-tooled to put more emphasis on shots on net and interceptions. I don't know if you can actually trigger full pressure by way of only making passes (playing keep away). I think there is a requirement to take an action (shoot, hit, steal the puck) in order to achieve full pressure.

Digimon117 wrote:

 I also am slowly figuring out the new toe curl (having to press up).  It would be great if these new moves and features were explained upon playing '26 for the first time and then I wouldn't complain about it. 

OMG yes! These subtle changes to dangles we've used for years should come with some deep dives by way of Official EA video channels. I can appreciate the passion of the 'Creators Network" and the videos they sometimes release showcasing some of the new mechanics, but EA really needs to step up and put out some more official videos going into extreme detail about how their mechanics work. 

And yes, you've picked up on the subtle change to the toe curl. It appears there are even more unique dekes that can be executed when you combine Vision Control (LT) and a different direction on Left Stick (LS) before executing the motion on Right Stick (RS). It's been fun to utilize some of the new moves to work through traffic. 

Digimon117 wrote:

The deking still seems off to me...needs to be more responsive imo.  I also miss the 2nd replay on goals.   If it's a nice one I like to see that 2nd replay.

Yes I believe we were promised that we could exit out of a deke animation by executing a pass or a shot at any point, but I don't think that's the case with all dekes. Some of them still make you play out the animation before you can pass or shoot. 

As for replays, it seems the presentation team has opted for showcasing a previous defensive play or big save, followed up by the subsequent goal. It's neat and realistic, but not when this pathology of replays is used after every single goal. Some goals deserve a second look.

Digimon117 wrote:

There's less people on there thus less opponents with good strong connections (i'm plugged directy into modem via cable at 1 GB so it's not on my end). 

Personally, I haven't had issues finding opponents, but I will still play the game even if the connection is in Yellow (good). Green (Great) is always preferred, but I think the difference is negligible for those of us who have evolved while playing competitively during the NHL 99 - NHL 2004 days. 

Digimon117 wrote:

Don't people realize that Online VS is the greatest thing created known to mankind? 

Right?! 

I dipped my toe into HUT and it's just an endless grind of enabling x factors, getting boosts from lineups, Ability points.. yuk. It's all just too much. Playing against credit card teams who've maxed out all of the above, and knowing you'd need to do the same to have any hope of competing, just kills my insides and I always come home to OVP and WoC.