DYNASTY and BE A PRO mode in NHL 09
By Metalpuck | September 26, 2008
My hockey off-season is over. With that being said i have been checking all my favorite NHL teams websites daily, logged onto NHL.COM daily, and am now posting a new article on hockey gaming. Yes this means i have officially ended my off-season and am now fully immersed back into the world of hockey.
I am also very happy to announce i have played my first two days of NHL 09 courtesy of the great guys at EA SPORTS. (Thanks Marcus!) I played about 3 games in Dynasty mode and have played 8 games in the all-new BE A PRO mode. Let’s go into detail:
DYNASTY mode is the usual same stuff. Pick a team, go through an 82 game season, get the Cup. But EA SPORTS has reinvented itself once again this year by not only adding more skill to the SKILL STICK but adding that dimension to defensive side as well. You can now control the level and amount of movement on your poke checks. In other words you can now do a standard poke check or do a sweeping motion with your stick. On top of that you can now also do stick lifts (a first in hockey gaming period). I found out that tapping the “Y” button to do a stick lift will also instigate a fight so beware. One minute you could be getting position in the front of the net, the next minute you could be dropping your gloves! This adds a bit of realism to both mimicking real gameplay but at the same time mimicking tempers. Very cool stuff indeed. But of course if i’m mentioning all this new cool stuff that could only mean one thing when it comes to realism from the wizards at EA SPORTS: The AI is better. Yep it’s not only harder to pull off those fancy moves you were doing in 08 but its harder doing normal stuff too! Let’s say i’m skating towards the net with a defender in front of me and one of my teammates has the puck to the left of me. That defender in front of me will check me, which will not only knock me down but will prevent a possible pass connection and possible shot on net.
The second day i finally had time to attack the all-new BE A PRO mode. When you first start up NHL 09, it immediately goes into a short create-a-player mode where you essentially create your own persona. This will give you your own profile but will also kickstart your BE A PRO journey. When you eventually start up BE A PRO, you’re taken to a much more in-depth edit player mode where you do the usual cool stuff like choose the curve of your hockey stick. After you have customized your NHL 09-self you pick your team and jump right into the 3rd line for your team’s AHL affiliate. For example, let’s say you chose the Philadelphia Flyers as your team, you will start on the 3rd line of their Philadelphia Phantoms organization. From there you take an in-depth look at your coach’s expectations, your level for each category and any other necessary info you need before you play your first game. One of my favorite aspects of this mode is how many stats are kept track of. There is a stat for every thing and anything. Hits, shots on goal, you name it! And of course your basic stats are shown to you during a game once in while which is very cool (stat overlays was a very sought-after feature). Like i described earlier, your player begins on the third line which means during a game you play in shifts just like real the real thing. When you’re not on the ice, you’re given an overlay of your performance up to that point. You’re told what you’re doing right, what you’re doing wrong, and what grade you have for the 3 major categories (Team Play, Position Score, and Stats). I can’t put a price on how invaulable this mode is for NHL 09. I’m 12 games in and i can’t remember having this much fun in a sports game. I find myself not only mad at myself this time around but now actually apologizing to my teammates in my head. That’s insane. I actually laugh at myself that’s how funny it is. The EA hockey crew deserves major, huge props for developing this mode and the fact that those crazy guys try and perfect everything, scares me a little hahaha. After every game you are given a full stat sheet on how your performance was and what you need to get to the next level. You are also given full feedback from your coach and any analysis or achievement you have unlocked. This mode is amazing and it has to be played to believe.
Like i said i’m only 12 games in but that’s my review thus far and i can only see this mode getting better as i play more. The realism speaks for itself as ive described and i cant wait to get out of work and play some more. Thanks for reading!
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Passionate gaming
By Metalpuck | July 25, 2008
So here i am, fresh out a Starbucks shop, thinking about NHL 09 (YES AGAIN!) One thing popped into my mind after reading Producer David Littman’s latest blog entry. With every release, producers always tend to say “its got more features than last year and is probably going to be the most realistic game ever!”. Now those are not quotes from David but a generalization on game producers in general. But press and online gaming magazines always tend to nitpick at a game and say “oh its not realistic enough” or “they could have done this better” or my favorite “they could have had a perfect game if…”. Those sentences always make me laugh because i don’t think we appreciate the time and effort producers put into a game and then successfully improve on those year after year! I have been playing NHL games from EA for years now, dating back to my first which was NHL 94. After all those years spent on the franchise i can say i have never seen a series, like NHL from EA, where it improves every year on almost every component of the sport.
A few months ago i was fortunate enough to be one of the leaders in the sports gaming industry and attend EA SPORTS’ COMMUNITY DAY for NHL 09. I was once again amazed at how passionate David spoke of not only the NHL franchise but the sport itself. When David speaks people pay close attention because he’s very detailed in the work he does and he’s extremely passionate about being as accurate on something as possible. And the best part is David’s work is 100% dedicated to the NHL franchise. hahaha In all seriousness though, David’s team listened to every idea and thought we had on the game and when he presented us with features on the upcoming release it was as if he took all our thoughts from last years release and attended to those, and many more, for this years release. We also were given the amazing opportunity to not only speak to David again but speak to a majority of his team and get insight on their thought processes and of course, give them our feedback. This is my favorite part when i attend these events. This not only gives us a sense of being part of the creative development team but truly immerses us into the development process. That in itself is one hell of a feeling!!
It was after i got back from this latest trip that i realized how hard this team works. Even if they don’t get everything perfect, you know what, that’s why there will be an NHL 10 and NHL 11, etc. And with every release i get goosebumps seeing or hearing what aspect of the game is added or improved on. This is why we buy or should buy games like NHL 09. Sure i’m a gamer who complains when something is promised but doesn’t work well or isn’t produced. But i like to say i appreciate a hell of a lot more than i complain. Maybe i’m biased because ive been to these events, have spoken to producers, and write about the franchise. But then again if you knew what i knew and learned what i have learned, $100 bucks says you buy NHL 09 on the first day its released….
Thanks for reading. Laterz
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David Littman - Producer Blog July 24th
By Metalpuck | July 25, 2008
Awesome read folks so pay attention!
“Hey guys, David Littman here, Just wanted to say hi and sneak a couple of features out to everyone.
This is the most realistic game of hockey I have ever played in a video game. Obviously you guys will have to judge it for yourselves (and talk amongst yourselves about how we say that every year), but there are so many moments that just feel like hockey. We have balanced offense vs. defense to a point where there are some games where you will get lots of great scoring chances, and there are some games where you will only get a few. It all depends upon how you play.
More than ever you have to change up your style. Some CPU (and user) teams will play more of a trap style where you will have to dump and chase just to get the puck over the blueline. It is not a game of “take the puck down the wing all the time and gain the zone every time”. You will also notice CPU defenseman are much more aggressive in front of the net, especially on the two higher skill levels. Even on Pro (default skill level) you won’t always feel like you are on a power play like last year.
The other realistic part of the game is that for the first time I can remember, it is tough to get the puck out of your own zone. With the more aggressive CPU AI and the new forecheck strategies you can actually forecheck and cause turnovers. CPU players block passing lanes and sweep their sticks (which users can do also) to block and intercept passes that also make it tougher to leave your defensive zone. You can create your own breakout strategies to counter this, or like real NHL defensemen use the net as an obstacle, make smarter passes and when in doubt…dump it out. When an opposing team goes into a 3-2 style forecheck (3 forwards attacking the puck) which the CPU teams will do when they are down a goal with a few minutes left, dump the puck out (so you won’t complain about catch-up AI).
Here are some other bits of info:
1. The default defensive control setting is:
Right stick is checking
Right bumper (R1 on PS3) is poke
Holding down the right bumper/R1 is an auto poke sweep
Holding down the right bumper/R1 and using the right stick is manual poke sweep
You can switch (basically reverse of above) to a different defensive control setting:
Right stick is defaulted to poke and sweep
Hold right bumper/R1 plus right stick to check
With the choice of control you can default to the set up you will use most. Some users check a lot, and some poke a lot. Checking is NOT easier this year (as I joked with Brian on a recent podcast). It is actually harder, and that is why Brian could not throw a check. 
We got rid of the hip checks and the big warping checks. Basically checking is similar to when you have the puck. Your left stick is your skates and skating direction, while the right stick is your upper body. Last year the right stick controlled your direction when hitting, so it just did not feel right. This also makes clearing the front of the net easier. Your defensemen can stand still and just use their upper bodies to clear the slot, while they still stay in position.
2. Loose pucks and one on one battles
This is the first video hockey game where I have seen users with the puck slow down on odd man rushes to see what plays develop and to see if they can bait the D-man into being overly aggressive. It is the first hockey video game I have seen where players bump and battle as they try and get loose pucks (there are way more loose pucks this year with our much improved puck physics and bounces, and blocked passing lanes).
3. Passing
Passing is not always tape to tape like last year. Although if you have a clear passing lane and you are facing the receiver, most passes will be great passes. We tried to put error on passing (based on passing attributes), and believe me, it is frustrating (there is a bit, but probably not as much as the realism junkies want). We did put more of a penalty on passes behind your back, and there is a huge penalty when trying to pass out of the one handed protect puck.
4. You can set period times by intervals of one (from 4 minute periods to 20 minute periods).
5. Demo - Yes we are doing one, and we are looking at giving you a small taste of Be a Pro, and a harder skill level. Before you guys ask though, we will have regular gameplay in the demo as well. So, Be a Pro and regular gameplay will be playable!”
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The Online Section of my article (finally!!!)
By Metalpuck | July 23, 2008
Producer David Littman said one word before going into his online segment: Innovation. He then jumped right in to tell us that we will now be able to create our virtual self. We will be able to join a team of 6 on 6, for example, and go through the gaming as a group. Think of this as a guild in World of Warcraft kiddies. With this mode a deeper performance tracker is included along with the ability to scout other players or be scouted yourself if you are looking to leave your group and join another. With all the options in this mode you literally are the star everywhere you go. The best way to describe this is create-a-player on steroids. Everything you’ve ever wanted to do online you can and be recognized for every move! When this was presented to us I looked around the room and could actually feel our heads about to explode. As if the type of customization wasn’t enough, your very own profile will be completely customizable. Think custom soundtracks, custom screenshots during menu layovers, custom everything! Again my key phrase for this is “mode on steroids”.
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NHL 09’s EA SPORTS Hockey League is Here!
By Metalpuck | July 23, 2008
EA SPORTS Hockey League–Jump into the EA SPORTS Hockey League and become part of the first console sports MMO. Take your created player online and join a team with friends, or scout for players. Featuring 6 vs. 6 online team play, the ability to level up your player, tournament brackets, and awards at the end of every season - you can become the first great name in videogame hockey.
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Why i left Sportsgamer….
By Metalpuck | July 18, 2008
Okay boys and girls. Here’s the lowdown. If you want something more detailed than this let me know.
When i began writing for Sportsgamer it was for a little website that was then called DMHN. With my passion for writing and large amounts of posting valid material and insight on the forums, i quickly moved up eventually filling in for Drew Evans, who at the time was the EA representative and a major player for the community. From then on things were awesome. I was posting articles left and right and getting a lot of respect for them from my peers. I even began attending EA’s Community events where they were like a dream come true every time i went.
Then things got crazy so to speak when SG was bought by Gamespot. My privileges as a writer were taken away and my forum access was now limited. To top it off, those who i used to be in close contact with were now almost impossible to get a hold of. With so much pressure coming from different angles in the industry, something had to give. After a brief, much needed reunion with some members of the community, things began to teeter off once again. This time the damage was irreparable.
So as of now i have officially sent an email to SG declaring my resignation. This will be my new home for all my articles and reports on EA NHL gaming. If you have any other questions or comments please email me at metalpuck@onetimergoal.com.
Thank you and stay tuned!
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Regarding the embargo date….
By Metalpuck | July 18, 2008
Contrary to the rumors i’ve been hearing….the embargo date to unleash all of NHL 09’s missing info has not been released. I will let you all know. Thanks!
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NHL 09: Community Day Impressions
By Metalpuck | July 16, 2008
Here’s my article from that i posted on SG. I’ll be updating it here from now on:
Once again, the best hockey gaming writers from the best sports gaming communities assembled for the annual EA Sports Community Day, this time for NHL 09, EA’s follow-up to last year’s sports game of the year, NHL 08. Producer David Littman was once again at the helm along with an enthusiastic crew eager to not only build on the success of last year’s game, but also shatter new barriers in the process. This has been David’s inspiration for quite some time, and when David talks, we, as EA’s top supporters, not only listen but get a dramatic rush as well.
Once the team landed, caught up, and dropped anchor in our respective rooms, we made our way to EA Studios and went to work. We all gathered in a large conference room and were greeted very quickly by an excited David Littman. Without wasting time, David began by saying there were four key objectives constantly on the minds of the development team: gameplay, online play, approachability, and globalization. David maintained that each objective could have been done better and the envelope for each could’ve been pushed further. (Did I mention NHL 08 won sports game of the year last year?)
It didn’t take long for David and Sean Ramjagsingh, one of the head developers on NHL 09, to jump into the meat and potatoes of this year’s game. Sean took the reins of a forward and started messing around with the new controls and skills. There are now more deke maneuvers, as well as new player-differential physics. Physics is one of the more important features coming into this year’s release–after all, a defenseman shouldn’t be able to pull off a 360-degree deke on a dime. After showing us tons of new flash as well as the key differential system, they gave us a taste of a defenseman’s abilities for this year. Before arriving in Canada I talked about the abilities of a defenseman and what should change or be improved, but nothing could have prepared me for what I saw.
New Defenseman Controls
You will now be able to cross-check while standing straight up, as well as shove like my boy Dion Phaneuf. Let’s say a forward is right in front of your goalie and is pushing around for position. You’re now able to toss some cross-checks and/or get really violent and shove the guy straight to the ice. It’s so beautiful, you have to see it for yourself. These maneuvers also apply to tussling along the boards, so prepare to get creative, boys and girls! You’ll also be able to turn your poke check into 180 degrees or 360 degrees, adding even more realism to defensemen. For even more weapons on defense, you can now perform stick lifts! This marks the first time in sports gaming history where you will be able to pull off this amazingly useful move that is used repeatedly in real-life hockey.
“Endorphin” Engine
Piling up the innovation, David introduced the “Endorphin” engine, which controls the player’s awareness of getting or taking a hit. Again, this comes as close to 100 percent realism as possible. For example, a player will now brace for impact along the boards by turning around to a hit instead of facing the boards, which will almost always result in a very serious hit. Of course, with this new engine installed, the number of punishing hits has risen. You’ll see players barrel over, get hit from behind, get to back their feet slower than usual, you name it. Keyword for you in this case would be “bone-crunching.”
Moving on from gameplay, David went into the Performance Tracker mode. This year, players will be rated on position stats, meaning tracker scores will be tallied depending on how a player plays during the game. For example, expect a low player score if he takes bad penalties or slacks off on a lot of plays. If you play an awesome quarterback role as a defenseman on the power play, expect that player to have excellent ratings. Sixty different areas will be tracked. So when you take control of that particular play, beware…the camera is watching you.
Be a Pro
Players like you and me have sought after those three little words for years. In NHL 09, David and team have made it a reality. Amid the clapping and cheers, David went into it full blast. In Superstar mode, players will start in the AHL on the third line and from there work their way up to the NHL. A third-person camera follows you the whole time, including your time on the bench waiting for the next line change. Before every shift, feedback is displayed from the previous shift, giving you perfect information on the fly. An energy bar will help you time your changes.
Of course, taking control of an individual has its own set of responsibilities. You have to be careful of how you act out on the ice. If you’re a defenseman, don’t shoot too much, and don’t take a puck from your end and charge right up to the goalie to get a goal. To keep up with your performance tracker and thus get more playing time, obey the defenseman laws. To help you in this matter, the mode offers guides on the ice. If you’re a defenseman, arrows will appear on the ice telling you where you should be on each play so that you’re in the right position every time, thus improving your stats and getting you to a higher level. The same rules apply to a forward. You have to practice when to shoot, pass, or even forecheck. Continuously play bad and expect a bus ticket back to the minors. Adding to this amazing mode is the hockey card aspect. Each player is assigned a hockey card that will display stats, behaviors, and even feedback reviews on your player. It’s definitely going to be a science, and this is easily one of the most exciting modes I’ve ever heard of in sports gaming.
*ONLINE EMBARGO* (to be discussed later)
The next day we were taken to the home of the Vancouver Canucks, where we got a full tour, watched a full practice session, and were then treated to a playoff-like atmosphere when the Canucks hosted the Edmonton Oilers! The game was hot, even though the Canucks lost.
I want to thank everyone at GM Place for all of their hospitality and for a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. A very large thank you goes out to the entire EA Sports team, especially Marcus Stephenson. None of this would be possible without you guys, and I thank you.
That wraps up my article, boys and girls. I’ll open up the forum for questions on anything I covered, so expect tons of answers, people. Take care!
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Pics from the EA Community day??
By Metalpuck | July 16, 2008
I know you’ve been looking for them too. Well here they are in all their glory thanks to my friends, Jake Reardon and Chris Paladino at XBOX.
http://flickr.com/photos/gamerscore/sets/72157604353247875/
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The Return
By Metalpuck | July 15, 2008
Well the Blue Line is back and running. I switched servers and for some stupid reason deleted all my crap from the old site which is why you see a new one before you. I still have those old articles laying around somewhere but right now i’m at work so don’t have access to those files at the moment. Some good stuff coming soon along with my future plans for this website (Especially one tidbit that should make the hockey gaming world definitely take notice!) More later kids as i’m still trying to piece stuff together like come up with a look for this place.
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