Let's Talk: NHL21 Wishlist (World of CHEL-specific)
August 12, 2020 8:49PM
edited August 2020
Some of these are pretty common laments, some are my own, some I have shamelessly stolen from others:
- Enable PS/Xbox Crossplay
- Improve matchmaking
- Anti-griefing measures please
- Fix the way CR is calculated. Reward or punish based on individual effort first, then to a lesser degree, team effort/game result
- A more interesting progression system
- Make DSS more useful
- Go back to indoor arenas, actual hockey uniforms for 3 v 3 and 6 v 6 drop-ins
- Bring back skate blade length, stick length/flex
- Bring back club practice mode
- Custom clothing and outdoor arenas restricted to "arcade modes" only
- Make 3s Eliminator end-game highlight reel skippable
- more dynamic crowd reactions
- Make scoreboard size/position customizable
- More intelligent camera modes
- Allow wingers and dmen to choose alternate face off positions instead of letting the strategy choose for them
- More build slots
- More traits and specialties
- Hockey Bags -> Open All. Please god.
- Better system for seeing what you have unlocked and the option to apply something right on the spot
- Gut the menu system and start over
- Team/room leader can choose classes of AI fill-in players in both drop-ins and club
- Player controlled extra attacker when human goalie is pulled
Dad. Gamer. Rocker. Geek.
Post edited by EA_Blueberry on
6
Howdy, Stranger!
Replies
*I love your picture of the lion! 🤤
You know the whole idea of 'drop in'
[Edited to lowercase; please don’t post in all caps]
The puck shouldn't be able to be contacted if the stick passes through a limb or object first. If you're seeing instances where this is happening, please try to get some video so we can pass it on to the dev team for investigation. Thanks!
Last week we talked about Face-offs with some great feedback and ideas on improving them. If you want to join the discussion on that, check it out here.
If you had Club Practice in the game, would you make it any different with today's next gen tech? Let's Talk World of Chel Wishlist items.
2. Higher overalls for our builds. Right now most builds are in the 75-78 overall range, and it very much feels that way. Most builds suck at shooting, the only defensive builds that have good skating are puck moving d-man and offensive d-man. Also most builds can't use most of the dekes in the game. Having higher overalls could really increase the skill ceiling for this game. We don't need 90+ overall guys, but something in the 83-86 range would be huge. Though the main areas of improvement that would be appreciated are shooting and skating, and to a lesser extent dekes (I'm saying this as a defenseman).
3. Traits/perks that don't take away from stats. It seems ridiculous that will the current system of low overall builds every trait/perk takes away from stats, especially when it comes to shooting since most builds have low shooting stats and half of the traits take away from shooting.
4. PLEASE give us back the option to use the small scoreboard in the top corner. It's less intrusive, it has all the information you need in a much smaller space so it's easier and quicker to find out important information, it doesn't block the view behind the net (there are times where you can't see the puck with certain camera angles), I find that most of the time I'm looking up the ice (as a D-man) anyway so having to look down is an unneeded distraction, etc.
5. Let people rejoin games in progress if they lag out/disconnect. It's crazy that it's 2020 and this isn't a feature, something that it is in just about every other online multiplayer game. Obviously they can't rejoin while the play is active, but let them step on the ice again after a whistle.
6. Give us server options when searching for club games and doing club challenges. It could just be simple like having all the options listed and we can check which ones we want (IE. West and Central, or only East, or Any, or best option based on who's in the lobby).
7. Show us what the ping actually is in the ready-up screen after you've matched with a team. Right now it just says "Good", "Fair", or "Bad", but good can be anything from 1-100. 70+ ping is not "good". Also with the current system you wont know if it's a West, Central, or East server since it can be anything from 1-100 ping.
8. When a human goalie is pulled, let them control the 6th skater that steps on the ice. I know this was a feature in a beta in the past and was removed due to stat errors, but having a computer skater step on the ice isn't much of an advantage. Getting another human skater would actually give a huge benefit to teams that pull the goalie late in the game or when there's a delayed penalty.
9. Replace CR with a more common ranking system like bronze, silver, gold, platinum, diamond, etc. And give rewards based on your ranking at the end of each couple of months. IE. Bronze/Silver/Gold/etc stick one season, skates another season, visor another season, player intro/goal celebration another season, maybe add a player card/icon system like in call of duty. Right now the current CR system doesn't mean anything to most players. There's no long-term incentive to play club games against random people.
10. Matchmaking games based on average skill in the lobby, not club rank. I can't count how many times my lobby of 1100+ CR people match up against people in the 400-600 range. As you can guess it is always a pretty lopsided affair that isn't enjoyable for anyone.
11. I'd appreciate some crazier hair styles and facial hair options, as well as color options.
12. Let us use our EASHL skater in a free skate to try out our build. This used to be a feature in last gen, and right now the only way to test a build is to join a drop-in game and then leave half way through the 1st period.
Also, maybe kicking centers out of the faceoff dot if they try too early like three times.
Work on the poke checking/tripping relationship. Tripping should really only be happening once you've allowed the player to pass you and try to poke them from behind. Stick on stick/puck should be the result in most situations.
Have LT function as a turn and stop for the puck carrier. Watching the "good" players play this game right now is really an embarrassment to hockey, it looks so awful and exploitive. Nobody in hockey glides over the blue line backwards because it makes them invulnerable. If they want to cross the line and then stop with their back turned to open up space that's fine, but no more of this gliding backwards through defenders please.
Either enable crossplay or open up matchmaking wider between divisions ... Takes way too long to match up.
Additionally, I would love if they could figure out a better system for the camera for playing D. Having to toggle looking up the ice and back all the time is so tedious.
> 1. Fully customizable player builds. Give us complete control over our attributes. If we want a big d-man that can skate well and hit while sacrificing other areas, let us.
>
> 2. Higher overalls for our builds. Right now most builds are in the 75-78 overall range, and it very much feels that way. Most builds suck at shooting, the only defensive builds that have good skating are puck moving d-man and offensive d-man. Also most builds can't use most of the dekes in the game. Having higher overalls could really increase the skill ceiling for this game. We don't need 90+ overall guys, but something in the 83-86 range would be huge. Though the main areas of improvement that would be appreciated are shooting and skating, and to a lesser extent dekes (I'm saying this as a defenseman).
>
> 3. Traits/perks that don't take away from stats. It seems ridiculous that will the current system of low overall builds every trait/perk takes away from stats, especially when it comes to shooting since most builds have low shooting stats and half of the traits take away from shooting.
>
> 4. PLEASE give us back the option to use the small scoreboard in the top corner. It's less intrusive, it has all the information you need in a much smaller space so it's easier and quicker to find out important information, it doesn't block the view behind the net (there are times where you can't see the puck with certain camera angles), I find that most of the time I'm looking up the ice (as a D-man) anyway so having to look down is an unneeded distraction, etc.
>
> 5. Let people rejoin games in progress if they lag out/disconnect. It's crazy that it's 2020 and this isn't a feature, something that it is in just about every other online multiplayer game. Obviously they can't rejoin while the play is active, but let them step on the ice again after a whistle.
> 6. Give us server options when searching for club games and doing club challenges. It could just be simple like having all the options listed and we can check which ones we want (IE. West and Central, or only East, or Any, or best option based on who's in the lobby).
>
> 7. Show us what the ping actually is in the ready-up screen after you've matched with a team. Right now it just says "Good", "Fair", or "Bad", but good can be anything from 1-100. 70+ ping is not "good". Also with the current system you wont know if it's a West, Central, or East server since it can be anything from 1-100 ping.
>
> 8. When a human goalie is pulled, let them control the 6th skater that steps on the ice. I know this was a feature in a beta in the past and was removed due to stat errors, but having a computer skater step on the ice isn't much of an advantage. Getting another human skater would actually give a huge benefit to teams that pull the goalie late in the game or when there's a delayed penalty.
>
> 9. Replace CR with a more common ranking system like bronze, silver, gold, platinum, diamond, etc. And give rewards based on your ranking at the end of each couple of months. IE. Bronze/Silver/Gold/etc stick one season, skates another season, visor another season, player intro/goal celebration another season, maybe add a player card/icon system like in call of duty. Right now the current CR system doesn't mean anything to most players. There's no long-term incentive to play club games against random people.
>
> 10. Matchmaking games based on average skill in the lobby, not club rank. I can't count how many times my lobby of 1100+ CR people match up against people in the 400-600 range. As you can guess it is always a pretty lopsided affair that isn't enjoyable for anyone.
>
> 11. I'd appreciate some crazier hair styles and facial hair options, as well as color options.
>
> 12. Let us use our EASHL skater in a free skate to try out our build. This used to be a feature in last gen, and right now the only way to test a build is to join a drop-in game and then leave half way through the 1st period.
1) Yes this...most defenceman in the league now need to be able to hit and skate... why we can't have both is beyond ridiculous. I'm a proponent of keeping the traits, PLUS 25 points we can apply anywhere, as long as they dont go to the stat that has the trait.
2)Absolutely
3)YES. That is completely outlandish that they "take away" from other attributes
4)Meh, I'm indifferent to that tbh
5)Yes please, I completely agree. This should have been a thing years ago
6)meh
7)Ok, wouldnt mind this
8)I'm sure people wouldnt mind this actually
9)CR is a useless thing that isnt a solid indicator of player skill...Drop ins can make or break your score. So yes another style of system is needed
10)Meh
11)no, just doesnt matter to me, JMHO
12)I miss this.
Now my own
1) Add back curve, flex, and skate radii mini bonuses
2) Custom logo uploads, more jersey templates, more classic logos...where did the mid 90's St louis socks go? or the Thrashers logo? Mighty Duck logo? The mid 90's Allstar/Dallas Jersey templates
3) Might seem small and insignificant, but through your BaP and off ice interactions...you can reach out to potential free agents to help draw them to your team. Have the relationships you make play into team chemistry...
Everyone else has already covered most of what I would say
Also, if playing solo/offline, there is no reason for us to not be able to drop the gloves and fight whenever we want. Online, okay, no, it would drag games out. But especially with how infuriating this game can be, you CANNOT tell me when I’m allowed and not allowed to fight, it makes zero sense, and to my point, if you wanna be a moron and keep fighting all game, boxing players, and taking ages...that should be the players choice. 14 was a great example of how a fight every now and then could really help, but too often would leave your lines empty and tired. Now the only times I get prompts to fight are extremely rare, and most times it’s the other team picking a fight with my goalie. My GOALIE. Just let solo/offline players do what they want with the game.
One of the biggest things that makes me love playing NHL is control. Knowing even if I don’t have control of the game, I will be able to regain it if I play well. NHL 20 is the least in control I’ve felt. The challenges are off the wall, semipro teams play like all star and back again. Some games my team can’t hit. Some games I swap to the “incorrect” player every time I try to defend. And what is this nonsense where I can’t control my farthest up forward when the puck goes back into enemy territory? Why is there such a delay? You need to give players back more control. More control over how we play, what happens when we play. Me and a close friend have agreed that the moment it feels like the game itself is deciding outcomes of games, not the way we play, we shut the game off and don’t touch it for a week because it just simply is. not. fun playing a game that has it’s way with you constantly. Take me on a date first, EA.
I want fighting, I want challenges and difficulty settings that actually make sense. And I want control over how I play. No more semipro teams that outplay the All Star team. Make this game make sense again. I have played far too many games that are 100% rigged against the player. I could score 10 goals and it won’t matter. There’s absolutely no need for this. If someone wants to play on the easiest difficulty and win every single game, let them. 14 did, and this series hasn’t even come close to the greatness that 14 had since.
Just make the AI fair. Reasonable. Sure we’re gonna lose some games, but at least make it actually be our faults if we do. That’s how we learn from mistakes. I don’t need to play my heart out only to lose simply because I’ve won the previous 3 games. That’s complete **** and you know it.
One last thing; this is a video game. We don’t need nor want realism. The more I’ve seen this company push for “realistic” features, the worse the game has gotten. We love hockey, and we want to have fun in the environment we love. A good hockey video game tops a good hockey simulator every time. I don’t want the Forza or Gran Turismo version of NHL. I want a modern day version of NHL 94.
Enough said.
Zone is allows you to see far more. Must use auto zoom with it
>
> Just make the AI fair. Reasonable. Sure we’re gonna lose some games, but at least make it actually be our faults if we do. That’s how we learn from mistakes. I don’t need to play my heart out only to lose simply because I’ve won the previous 3 games. That’s complete ❤️❤️❤️❤️ and you know it.
>
> One last thing; this is a video game. We don’t need nor want realism. The more I’ve seen this company push for “realistic” features, the worse the game has gotten. We love hockey, and we want to have fun in the environment we love. A good hockey video game tops a good hockey simulator every time. I don’t want the Forza or Gran Turismo version of NHL. I want a modern day version of NHL 94.
>
> Enough said.
First point there, I 100% agree with. Absolutely. Lose that nonsense
Second point is just...well, hogwash. We want realism. This game needs it. Less arcadey nonsense. I dont want a game where someone just has to ballerina to the slot and go high glove to score9/10 times. That's a high percentage scoring area yes...but high by realistic standard at 37% or so percent(the NHL average(courtesy of thepointhockey.com and their article on shot optimization)...that shot drops probably 70% of the time in EASHL, even when defended. This has been this way for years. I want grit and grind it out games. The games where you hold your breath on a goal mouth scramble and feel relieved after a hard win.
Doing away with the negative aspects of the traits is a must. Basically, keep the traits, but give us 25 attribute points to assign where we want to(the caveat being we cannot assign them to already trait increased attributes)
I also hope you've gone back to custom attributes with no cards. Just give us the attributes from release and let us Unlock boost packs over the first 10 ranks or So.
Custom music?
They need to allow us to make and create jerseys for Eashl offline save them then use them . Having remake jersey all the time kind blows.
Bring back attributes.
Allow us to save our team strategies so I dont need to set it every game .
From the OP, highlighted the ones we really really need. Also would like to see:
1. Deeper face customization system like in Madden and FIFA.
2. Give everyone Legend 3 (2000? XP) and let us choose where to put the attributes. Can’t earn more. Best of both worlds
3. Cannot play with a full team of invites in drop in. You have to play with at least one AI or random person. I’m tired of people who think drop in is club and play their whole roster and “seal bash” to earn CR.
@EA_Blueberry