where's catfish and rainbow to tell you how great this game is and that you just suck at it? figured they would've been the first to respond
So, it's ok for you to think the game is trash, but it isn't ok for anyone to say the like it?
It's fine to say you like it. I even enjoy it at times. However, there's a difference between that and then repeatedly telling people the only issue with the game is matchmaking. And doing it in such a way that the matchmaking is somehow just a small, trivial issue while everything else is perfect.
Well, I wouldn't say everything else is perfect, but come on. Game play is the best it's been in probably over 6 years. They have added tons of customization vs any other release.
Sure, MM is a disaster, that is a given, but the rest is pretty good for a new year with a new engine. Better than 15 was anyways. And I'm totally fine with poke checking in case that is what you're getting at. Once people realize defense is about containment before just stealing the puck for constant breakaways, the better off they will be.
NHL 19 has a new engine?? Did I miss something? Or are you just talking about the new skating mechanics? I like to grade things as a whole and OPs post basically looks at the larger picture than the one or two things that people are so proud about. For the most part, it's basically a $30 carbon copy sold for $70+.
Yes, the new skating and collision engine that replaced TPS.
Not trying to attack you, but it seems you are hellbent on trashing the game regardless of what people respond to you. You are entitled to hate the game all you want, but are beginning to sound pretty biased at this point.
You do know people we're hoping for en entirely new engine, right? Frostbite. Changing the skating and hitting mechanics, isn't an engine change. It just seems like they added animations and hitting points and that's about it.
I'm not biased. I'm just one of the many people who will continue to voice their concerns. Thankfully, there are many people out there like myself (like OP), who aren't afraid to voice thier opinions and call it like it is. These are legitimate gripes. Some of them are even game breaking and you're telling me I'm biased against broken things not yet fixed in a game I paid for?
And what do you think Frostbite will do for the game? Do you realize the amount of work required, and that absolutely everything will have to be redone by switching to Frostbite?
Yeah, i guess they cant build from the ground up again. 🙄
Rammer stated that switching to Frostbite, and redoing every single thing would simply not be worth it. I have to say, I completely agree. Graphics by far are not the biggest issue of this game.
There is no way in hell I am going to go through another NHL 15-16 debacle for the sake of an engine that will do little for this game. Next console would make sense as they will have to redo everything anyways.
Reading through this thread It seems many people agree that this game was an unfinished product when released.
I think everyone has a common goal: We really hope that EA can patch this game that we all paid a lot of money for to correct the online EASHL/WoC gameplay so that we can play within 5 minutes through matchmaking, in normal arena's as normal NHL teams, with announcers, with loud crowds, and with skating mechanics that are on par with the demographic's expectations. In general, we care about playing hockey and not about clothing garments found in loot boxes (You really missed the mark here EA)
Every year it seems that EA has a bunch of directors and business employees in a room deciding what should happen with this game in order to maximize profit and appeal to gamers. This business focused vision obviously isn't working. EA should invest on the gamers (customers) they already have bought in to the franchise through backend marketing. This is simply reaching out to the people who spend hundreds of hours playing NHL and performing focus groups, surveys, and investing in a beta program that targets power users. However, all of this back end data is worthless without leadership that will take action. I've lost faith in Rammer.
Someone earlier said "Oh this is just the normal whining when a new game comes out". I'd have to disagree, I've played for many years and have never posted my frustrations. I've honestly boxed up my xbox until either A) this game is patched or next year's game corrects these bad decisions. I can't imagine a team of 250 NHL developers, testers, and business folks can't correct this poor product, they have released good products in the past.
I should have clarified when I wrote the original post: I only play one game mode and that is EASHL (World of CHEL) Drop-In's. I don't play the other modes, I simply don't have the time and I'm not interested in paying money for HUT cards or loot boxes. Those modes could be working flawlessly, but I would never know.
I understand this frustration...because the drop in search when running solo is broken... Everything else is great and a lot of fun.
Last year...If friends weren’t on...I could solo drop and find a 6s no problem.
I’m sure they will figure it out though.
Everything else is not great at all. Let's pretend that the terrible new drop-in format was actually good.... There is still so much wrong with the game. Look at the issues listed in my previous post. Other people have also mentioned how sloppy the game is, lack of flow, and no space out there to create nice plays. The game is not that fun to play. I honestly believe some of you guys are payed shills for EA trying to spin the game in a positive light. Way too optimistic. We are not having any of it.
I am an OG NHL player since the original game on Genesis, and I have spent thousands of hours with EASHL. This series has been going downhill for a while and the declining sales and community are directly related to the quality (or lack thereof). The EA NHL series is poorly managed with poor decisions being made. It is a shame there is no longer any competition to keep EA in check. There has been plenty of good feedback over the years by myself and others, but very little improves and many things get worse. It is very frustrating to be a part of.
I remember when EASHL was thriving with multiple club dressing rooms, packed drop-in lobbies, dedicated EASHL forums with people talking about player builds and recruiting players, the old EA Sports World site, and all that good stuff. Now we can't even get a proper 6's game going. What a joke.
EA Should pay attention to this guy's post and his previous one. This game continues to lose it's following.
I also agree about some of these replies being paid marketers trying to manage EA's reputation. It's a shame, but sure as heck looks that way.
It would be great if we could get a developer or representative to let us know if they are going to address any of these issues via a patch, etc?
Reading through this thread It seems many people agree that this game was an unfinished product when released.
I think everyone has a common goal: We really hope that EA can patch this game that we all paid a lot of money for to correct the online EASHL/WoC gameplay so that we can play within 5 minutes through matchmaking, in normal arena's as normal NHL teams, with announcers, with loud crowds, and with skating mechanics that are on par with the demographic's expectations. In general, we care about playing hockey and not about clothing garments found in loot boxes (You really missed the mark here EA)
Every year it seems that EA has a bunch of directors and business employees in a room deciding what should happen with this game in order to maximize profit and appeal to gamers. This business focused vision obviously isn't working. EA should invest on the gamers (customers) they already have bought in to the franchise through backend marketing. This is simply reaching out to the people who spend hundreds of hours playing NHL and performing focus groups, surveys, and investing in a beta program that targets power users. However, all of this back end data is worthless without leadership that will take action. I've lost faith in Rammer.
Someone earlier said "Oh this is just the normal whining when a new game comes out". I'd have to disagree, I've played for many years and have never posted my frustrations. I've honestly boxed up my xbox until either A) this game is patched or next year's game corrects these bad decisions. I can't imagine a team of 250 NHL developers, testers, and business folks can't correct this poor product, they have released good products in the past.
I should have clarified when I wrote the original post: I only play one game mode and that is EASHL (World of CHEL) Drop-In's. I don't play the other modes, I simply don't have the time and I'm not interested in paying money for HUT cards or loot boxes. Those modes could be working flawlessly, but I would never know.
I understand this frustration...because the drop in search when running solo is broken... Everything else is great and a lot of fun.
Last year...If friends weren’t on...I could solo drop and find a 6s no problem.
I’m sure they will figure it out though.
Everything else is not great at all. Let's pretend that the terrible new drop-in format was actually good.... There is still so much wrong with the game. Look at the issues listed in my previous post. Other people have also mentioned how sloppy the game is, lack of flow, and no space out there to create nice plays. The game is not that fun to play. I honestly believe some of you guys are payed shills for EA trying to spin the game in a positive light. Way too optimistic. We are not having any of it.
I am an OG NHL player since the original game on Genesis, and I have spent thousands of hours with EASHL. This series has been going downhill for a while and the declining sales and community are directly related to the quality (or lack thereof). The EA NHL series is poorly managed with poor decisions being made. It is a shame there is no longer any competition to keep EA in check. There has been plenty of good feedback over the years by myself and others, but very little improves and many things get worse. It is very frustrating to be a part of.
I remember when EASHL was thriving with multiple club dressing rooms, packed drop-in lobbies, dedicated EASHL forums with people talking about player builds and recruiting players, the old EA Sports World site, and all that good stuff. Now we can't even get a proper 6's game going. What a joke.
EA Should pay attention to this guy's post and his previous one. This game continues to lose it's following.
I also agree about some of these replies being paid marketers trying to manage EA's reputation. It's a shame, but sure as heck looks that way.
It would be great if we could get a developer or representative to let us know if they are going to address any of these issues via a patch, etc?
Please do not imply that by liking the game you’re an EA spin doctor. That’s casting serious implications on people’s character and won’t lead to good discussion.
Let the few folks who say they enjoy the game do so without being ridiculed.
Reading through this thread It seems many people agree that this game was an unfinished product when released.
I think everyone has a common goal: We really hope that EA can patch this game that we all paid a lot of money for to correct the online EASHL/WoC gameplay so that we can play within 5 minutes through matchmaking, in normal arena's as normal NHL teams, with announcers, with loud crowds, and with skating mechanics that are on par with the demographic's expectations. In general, we care about playing hockey and not about clothing garments found in loot boxes (You really missed the mark here EA)
Every year it seems that EA has a bunch of directors and business employees in a room deciding what should happen with this game in order to maximize profit and appeal to gamers. This business focused vision obviously isn't working. EA should invest on the gamers (customers) they already have bought in to the franchise through backend marketing. This is simply reaching out to the people who spend hundreds of hours playing NHL and performing focus groups, surveys, and investing in a beta program that targets power users. However, all of this back end data is worthless without leadership that will take action. I've lost faith in Rammer.
Someone earlier said "Oh this is just the normal whining when a new game comes out". I'd have to disagree, I've played for many years and have never posted my frustrations. I've honestly boxed up my xbox until either A) this game is patched or next year's game corrects these bad decisions. I can't imagine a team of 250 NHL developers, testers, and business folks can't correct this poor product, they have released good products in the past.
I should have clarified when I wrote the original post: I only play one game mode and that is EASHL (World of CHEL) Drop-In's. I don't play the other modes, I simply don't have the time and I'm not interested in paying money for HUT cards or loot boxes. Those modes could be working flawlessly, but I would never know.
I understand this frustration...because the drop in search when running solo is broken... Everything else is great and a lot of fun.
Last year...If friends weren’t on...I could solo drop and find a 6s no problem.
I’m sure they will figure it out though.
Everything else is not great at all. Let's pretend that the terrible new drop-in format was actually good.... There is still so much wrong with the game. Look at the issues listed in my previous post. Other people have also mentioned how sloppy the game is, lack of flow, and no space out there to create nice plays. The game is not that fun to play. I honestly believe some of you guys are payed shills for EA trying to spin the game in a positive light. Way too optimistic. We are not having any of it.
I am an OG NHL player since the original game on Genesis, and I have spent thousands of hours with EASHL. This series has been going downhill for a while and the declining sales and community are directly related to the quality (or lack thereof). The EA NHL series is poorly managed with poor decisions being made. It is a shame there is no longer any competition to keep EA in check. There has been plenty of good feedback over the years by myself and others, but very little improves and many things get worse. It is very frustrating to be a part of.
I remember when EASHL was thriving with multiple club dressing rooms, packed drop-in lobbies, dedicated EASHL forums with people talking about player builds and recruiting players, the old EA Sports World site, and all that good stuff. Now we can't even get a proper 6's game going. What a joke.
EA Should pay attention to this guy's post and his previous one. This game continues to lose it's following.
I also agree about some of these replies being paid marketers trying to manage EA's reputation. It's a shame, but sure as heck looks that way.
It would be great if we could get a developer or representative to let us know if they are going to address any of these issues via a patch, etc?
I would love for this to be true. I wouldn't mind packing my wallet a bit while playing a game I enjoy
However, this absolutely is not true. Fortunately I have yet to really deal with the issues that everyone is saying they are having. I absolutely hated the game last year. I wasn't on the boards to complain, but I was sure to come on during the beta period to discuss what I thought was done well and what needed to be tweaked.
I'm actually one of the few that are upset that the gear was taken away from drop-ins. But at the same time, you will not find one thread of me complaining about this change and asking to put it back in as I think we should try to keep the community working together. I may disagree with what some people say, but I am more than willing to compromise rather than state someone is utterly wrong.... Unless you say poke checks are not working correctly, then you are wrong
Yeah, i guess they cant build from the ground up again. 🙄
Apparently they did and it took the game 4 years to get back on track.
You call this on track?
Yes, on track means going in the right direction. Yes the match making is frustrating, and yes the AI still makes a lot of the same errors they have made the last few years, but the gameplay really is the best it's been since the start of the PS4/Xbox One era...in my opinion of course. Nobody is saying this game is perfect. If they do, I would even debate with them.
Yeah, i guess they cant build from the ground up again. 🙄
Apparently they did and it took the game 4 years to get back on track.
You call this on track?
Yes, on track means going in the right direction. Yes the match making is frustrating, and yes the AI still makes a lot of the same errors they have made the last few years, but the game play really is the best it's been since the start of the PS4/Xbox One era...in my opinion of course. Nobody is saying this game is perfect. If they do, I would even debate with them.
Game is far from perfect. If you're speaking in terms of game play being skating, then yes it has improved. But the same AI issues plaguing the series for numerous years go unaddressed by EA. I played a game last night in position lock. The opposing team was skating down the middle with one of my AI players harassing him...then, suddenly, my AI player just gave up and skated away leaving a one on one situation where they scored. I can't count how many times the teammate AI just skates away from the puck. You tell EA and they ignore us each year so they can add 3's or add an outdoor stadium for 3's instead of fixing the main issues. I don't know where EA's priorities are, but they aren't on game play AI.
I still see players bunching together or players not skating to the net on Crash the Net strategy. No competition for EA in the hockey market has made EA complacent with this series. It's no longer about the heart of the game, it's about how much money they can make by sacrificing the core of the game.
We lost goal songs because EA focused on other areas instead like 3's. We don't have a power play stat anymore...it just says "4" instead of 2/4. The commentators have no idea what they are talking about (said Washington was lucky to be in the game especially stat wise, but they were leading in most stats against me and goals!) You create a player, but in the 3's stat screen, your player is just a silhouette! The list goes on, yet EA preaches authenticity and simulation.
Pretty soon, this game will just be a dice rolling board game and cost $100. You can't buy an old car, paint it, and call it new.
"Now I can get rare hockey masks and Hugo Boss underwear to wear while playing hockey on a pond, with no crowd, and no announcer, in the mountains of Afghanistan."
Most of the problems I have with the game, were self induced by EA. If there were major existing problems that weren't fixed I wouldn't have bought the game, my choice, but to take away dressing rooms and have MM issues is completely on EA. I expect glitch shots, it happens, but I don't expect problems to appear for now apparent reason and still not be corrected.
I've never seen a gaming company so absolutely out of touch with its player-base.
The actual game play, when I can find a game, is awesome. Best they've ever come up with. Unfortunately, that aspect is entirely overshadowed by the issues we're all complaining about.
I find it hard to believe they can't implement a fix to their matchmaking system coming up on 2 weeks after release.
Yeah, i guess they cant build from the ground up again. 🙄
Apparently they did and it took the game 4 years to get back on track.
You call this on track?
Yes, on track means going in the right direction. Yes the match making is frustrating, and yes the AI still makes a lot of the same errors they have made the last few years, but the game play really is the best it's been since the start of the PS4/Xbox One era...in my opinion of course. Nobody is saying this game is perfect. If they do, I would even debate with them.
Game is far from perfect. If you're speaking in terms of game play being skating, then yes it has improved. But the same AI issues plaguing the series for numerous years go unaddressed by EA. I played a game last night in position lock. The opposing team was skating down the middle with one of my AI players harassing him...then, suddenly, my AI player just gave up and skated away leaving a one on one situation where they scored. I can't count how many times the teammate AI just skates away from the puck. You tell EA and they ignore us each year so they can add 3's or add an outdoor stadium for 3's instead of fixing the main issues. I don't know where EA's priorities are, but they aren't on game play AI.
I still see players bunching together or players not skating to the net on Crash the Net strategy. No competition for EA in the hockey market has made EA complacent with this series. It's no longer about the heart of the game, it's about how much money they can make by sacrificing the core of the game.
We lost goal songs because EA focused on other areas instead like 3's. We don't have a power play stat anymore...it just says "4" instead of 2/4. The commentators have no idea what they are talking about (said Washington was lucky to be in the game especially stat wise, but they were leading in most stats against me and goals!) You create a player, but in the 3's stat screen, your player is just a silhouette! The list goes on, yet EA preaches authenticity and simulation.
Pretty soon, this game will just be a dice rolling board game and cost $100. You can't buy an old car, paint it, and call it new.
Sigh...another car analogy.... 🙄
We lost goal songs because of the budget for music. They put it towards the soundtrack instead. Trust me, I'm very upset with this one as I've been requesting the Sabres goal song for years...
As far as AI goes, I'm right with you on this. So I don't know if you were agreeing with me or thought I said something different...I don't do position lock because of what you mentioned. I'd rather be in control of all my players, but that's just my preference.
But otherwise everything you are mentioning is not affecting gameplay. Yes it affects the overall experience, but in game, other than the troubling AI, the game plays very well compared to past iterations. For this reason is why I say the game is on the right track.
I've never seen a gaming company so absolutely out of touch with its player-base.
The actual game play, when I can find a game, is awesome. Best they've ever come up with. Unfortunately, that aspect is entirely overshadowed by the issues we're all complaining about.
I find it hard to believe they can't implement a fix to their matchmaking system coming up on 2 weeks after release.
They sure do have their Hut packs in place though. ..
Yeah, i guess they cant build from the ground up again. 🙄
Apparently they did and it took the game 4 years to get back on track.
You call this on track?
Yes, on track means going in the right direction. Yes the match making is frustrating, and yes the AI still makes a lot of the same errors they have made the last few years, but the gameplay really is the best it's been since the start of the PS4/Xbox One era...in my opinion of course. Nobody is saying this game is perfect. If they do, I would even debate with them.
Honestly though. Other than the skating mechanics. What's really better? Be a Pro is a joke. With no time to do anything with the puck, what's the fun in one touching it to an AI only to have him lose the puck every time? Eashl. No need to rehash that. Franchise? It's hard to even compete at all star. I've played all star since it was an option without ever having trouble at least competing. Tripping is brutal. Yes I get that it was being spammed but I saved a clip where I was about 3 feet away from any body part and he fell and got a penalty. 3s are just a smash fest with very little hockey being played. HUT is a money grab plain and simple. Again I can't even compete this year. Drop ins even if it worked is absolutely soulless and drab. Goalie rebounds are ridiculous. I can go on and on. And before you all line up to say "learn 2 play, etc..." I've been playing the franchise for over 20 years. I know how to play. I've played competitively.
Cmon everyone let’s take a deep breath. No need to get worked up over a dang video game. Ea hears the concerns and I’m sure are working to fix them. At the end of the day we all share a passion for hockey.
Cmon everyone let’s take a deep breath. No need to get worked up over a dang video game. Ea here’s the concerns and I’m sure are working to fix them. At the end of the day we all share a passion for hockey.
I agree. But it's that passion that expects a better experience tht an A list company should provide
Cmon everyone let’s take a deep breath. No need to get worked up over a dang video game. Ea hears the concerns and I’m sure are working to fix them. At the end of the day we all share a passion for hockey.
If you have these kinds of problems on launch, and you work around the clock to fix them, letting your players know that they're concerned and trying to get it right, then we probably wouldn't be so vocal. However, on Friday, it will be two weeks since release.
Can you point me to anything from EA telling us what's going on and when we might see any kind of a fix?
Replies
I know what the dig is, but the point is, I want his opinion. Don't need Powerpoint or a bajillion links. Just an opinion specific to this series.
Rammer stated that switching to Frostbite, and redoing every single thing would simply not be worth it. I have to say, I completely agree. Graphics by far are not the biggest issue of this game.
There is no way in hell I am going to go through another NHL 15-16 debacle for the sake of an engine that will do little for this game. Next console would make sense as they will have to redo everything anyways.
EA Should pay attention to this guy's post and his previous one. This game continues to lose it's following.
I also agree about some of these replies being paid marketers trying to manage EA's reputation. It's a shame, but sure as heck looks that way.
It would be great if we could get a developer or representative to let us know if they are going to address any of these issues via a patch, etc?
Please do not imply that by liking the game you’re an EA spin doctor. That’s casting serious implications on people’s character and won’t lead to good discussion.
Let the few folks who say they enjoy the game do so without being ridiculed.
You call this on track?
I would love for this to be true. I wouldn't mind packing my wallet a bit while playing a game I enjoy
However, this absolutely is not true. Fortunately I have yet to really deal with the issues that everyone is saying they are having. I absolutely hated the game last year. I wasn't on the boards to complain, but I was sure to come on during the beta period to discuss what I thought was done well and what needed to be tweaked.
I'm actually one of the few that are upset that the gear was taken away from drop-ins. But at the same time, you will not find one thread of me complaining about this change and asking to put it back in as I think we should try to keep the community working together. I may disagree with what some people say, but I am more than willing to compromise rather than state someone is utterly wrong.... Unless you say poke checks are not working correctly, then you are wrong
Yes, on track means going in the right direction. Yes the match making is frustrating, and yes the AI still makes a lot of the same errors they have made the last few years, but the gameplay really is the best it's been since the start of the PS4/Xbox One era...in my opinion of course. Nobody is saying this game is perfect. If they do, I would even debate with them.
If the game didnt have the matchmaking problem it has then it absolutely would be. There would be a lot less complaining too.
Game is far from perfect. If you're speaking in terms of game play being skating, then yes it has improved. But the same AI issues plaguing the series for numerous years go unaddressed by EA. I played a game last night in position lock. The opposing team was skating down the middle with one of my AI players harassing him...then, suddenly, my AI player just gave up and skated away leaving a one on one situation where they scored. I can't count how many times the teammate AI just skates away from the puck. You tell EA and they ignore us each year so they can add 3's or add an outdoor stadium for 3's instead of fixing the main issues. I don't know where EA's priorities are, but they aren't on game play AI.
I still see players bunching together or players not skating to the net on Crash the Net strategy. No competition for EA in the hockey market has made EA complacent with this series. It's no longer about the heart of the game, it's about how much money they can make by sacrificing the core of the game.
We lost goal songs because EA focused on other areas instead like 3's. We don't have a power play stat anymore...it just says "4" instead of 2/4. The commentators have no idea what they are talking about (said Washington was lucky to be in the game especially stat wise, but they were leading in most stats against me and goals!) You create a player, but in the 3's stat screen, your player is just a silhouette! The list goes on, yet EA preaches authenticity and simulation.
Pretty soon, this game will just be a dice rolling board game and cost $100. You can't buy an old car, paint it, and call it new.
LMAOO GR8 REVIEW
The actual game play, when I can find a game, is awesome. Best they've ever come up with. Unfortunately, that aspect is entirely overshadowed by the issues we're all complaining about.
I find it hard to believe they can't implement a fix to their matchmaking system coming up on 2 weeks after release.
Sigh...another car analogy.... 🙄
We lost goal songs because of the budget for music. They put it towards the soundtrack instead. Trust me, I'm very upset with this one as I've been requesting the Sabres goal song for years...
As far as AI goes, I'm right with you on this. So I don't know if you were agreeing with me or thought I said something different...I don't do position lock because of what you mentioned. I'd rather be in control of all my players, but that's just my preference.
But otherwise everything you are mentioning is not affecting gameplay. Yes it affects the overall experience, but in game, other than the troubling AI, the game plays very well compared to past iterations. For this reason is why I say the game is on the right track.
They sure do have their Hut packs in place though. ..
Not true. I've tried all the modes and have been unimpressed.
Honestly though. Other than the skating mechanics. What's really better? Be a Pro is a joke. With no time to do anything with the puck, what's the fun in one touching it to an AI only to have him lose the puck every time? Eashl. No need to rehash that. Franchise? It's hard to even compete at all star. I've played all star since it was an option without ever having trouble at least competing. Tripping is brutal. Yes I get that it was being spammed but I saved a clip where I was about 3 feet away from any body part and he fell and got a penalty. 3s are just a smash fest with very little hockey being played. HUT is a money grab plain and simple. Again I can't even compete this year. Drop ins even if it worked is absolutely soulless and drab. Goalie rebounds are ridiculous. I can go on and on. And before you all line up to say "learn 2 play, etc..." I've been playing the franchise for over 20 years. I know how to play. I've played competitively.
I’ve played all the modes and I really enjoy my favourites more than ever before...
Your take on the game isn’t the same for everyone. Doesn’t mean others are lying.
Where did I say you were lying? It's my my 100 dollar opinion that I paid for.
I agree. But it's that passion that expects a better experience tht an A list company should provide
If you have these kinds of problems on launch, and you work around the clock to fix them, letting your players know that they're concerned and trying to get it right, then we probably wouldn't be so vocal. However, on Friday, it will be two weeks since release.
Can you point me to anything from EA telling us what's going on and when we might see any kind of a fix?