This is the year..

[Rei]

This is the year EA will be my first choice for an NHL game.

I hope some of your remember last year how 2k and visual concepts released a bunch of videos of the new goaltending and player animations, and how not one of those new animations were in the game itself. I'd call that false advertisement. I hope you remember how the game freezes during franchise mode unless you go through all the teams rosters and make sure there are at least 3 people scratched and also injuries have to be turned off. I hope you remember we didnt get a demo for weeks after the game came out.

I've been a 2k fan since NHL 2k on the dreamcast, always looking at EA hockey as the lesser product. But after too many years of disapointments and delays and glitches and 60 dollars for games that you cant even play... I'm done.

If anyone else feels this way please say what's on your mind, or you can flame me for not being a 2k fanboy anymore.

It's already July and about the only thing i've heard about 2k9 is that Rick Nash is on the cover. EA has a couple interviews, new gameplay footage, pictures, and a trailer. Unless 2k comes up with something huge and innovative for 2k9 i'm not going to think twice about getting 09.

[gosharks]

Even though 2K and EA will probably "polish" theire screenshots, I will most likely get both games. Might as well give it a try.

[Savoie06]

I'm not suprised at all.In fact I suspect there will be alot more jumping ship before it's all said and done.Though they may not come out and admit it as you bravely have.I think there will be alot of "closet" NHL 09 players this year.All I have to say,is play the game you like better or enjoy more.Who it's from doesn't matter.

[gosharks]

EA has better graphics, 2K is rebuilding their game from the ground-up. Which one will be better? EA wants to get more money, that's all they care about. 2K wants to learn ways to improve their game. They already started that by handing the production over to VC. Maybe 2K will come out with a better game than you think.

Who agrees with me?

[Rei]

EA has better graphics, 2K is rebuilding their game from the ground-up. Which one will be better? EA wants to get more money, that's all they care about. 2K wants to learn ways to improve their game. They already started that by handing the production over to VC. Maybe 2K will come out with a better game than you think.

Who agrees with me?

2k8 was supposed to have rebuilt goaltending and animations from the ground up and it was in my opinion the same game i've been playing for years. I dont buy into the whole WE'RE REBUILDING EVERYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP ploy. Once again just another lie from 2k that i'm sure will be obvious when 2k9 comes out.

[gosharks]

I think that's exactly what's going to happen in 2K9.

[b-Dub]

They say that they are building a brand new experience from the ground up. I take that to mean that they aren't rebuilding everything, like you say, Rei. I do agree with you that it won't be everything, and by them saying they are building a new experience, they aren't lying. We don't know what they are rebuilding from the ground up yet, but I would wager that it's only one or two things, like maybe a gameplay/skating engine that works on gameplay mechanics or something like that. One year's time isn't enough time to rebuild everything.

After playing 2K7 and 2K8, I can see an improvement in the goaltending and in the goalie animations. Though some animations for them do look awkward. They also redid the animations for the other players as well, they have more moves than 2K7. I just felt that Kush needed to make things more refined (as Kush has always needed to do with all their games). Hopefully VC will be able to bring some much needed refinement and polish to NHL this year.

[Rei]

Another problem i came across with player animations was the option to tuck in a jersey. When i heard 2k8 was finally adding players who tuck their jerseys i was ecstatic. The only problem with the tuck though was it didnt even show up during a game. For example: I had the jersey tuck option turned on for Max Afinogenov but when i got into a game his jersey was completely untucked like it's always been. But during a replay cutscene his jersey was tucked in.

Stupid little glitches like that are things that make a game feel.. incomplete i guess is the right word. I'd actually like to see 2k take it's time and not try to rush a games release to compete with EA.

So many little things like this makes me want to not play 2k hockey anymore.

[Savoie06]

EA has better graphics, 2K is rebuilding their game from the ground-up. Which one will be better? EA wants to get more money, that's all they care about. 2K wants to learn ways to improve their game. They already started that by handing the production over to VC. Maybe 2K will come out with a better game than you think.

Who agrees with me?Sharks,you tried making the same ridiculous comment over at EASports.I will tell you the same thing here as I did there.Of course EA is in it for the money,so is 2K silly.2K would make more money if they followed in EA's footsteps some.START LISTENING TO ITS CUSTOMERS!!Take a good hard look at NHL 08 and NHL 09 and you will see alot of things added that EA customers have been begging for.From the AHL to Be A Pro to 6 v. 6 online play.Things hockey fans have been wanting in their game and as of this year,are gonna have it.Yeah,we don't know what 2K has in store for us with 2K9,which is another problem.2K's marketing dept. is the worst.The only info at all about 2K9 is it will be on the Wii and Nash is the Cover Athlete.They have to get info out and now if they really expect people to buy this instead of 09.Take last years demo for example.By the time it was released nobody cared.This has to change if VC want 2K9 to be a success.People don't buy what they don't know about,so the only option is to turn to the competition who is already lightyears ahead.

[joker07]

stupid 2k : online connection , glitches and bugs , any animations , any cutscenes ... , more : hitting , breaks ... BUT its still much better than EA arcade sharpnest play ! .... I dont need better graphics or EA CRYTEK-65 ENGINE on the ICE . I want only good hockey game without laggy ,realy hockey ... I think this year will very different for players ARCADES or SIMULATIONS ! I will buy both games because I dont know who will made NHL 2k10....maybe CAPCOM or ROCKSTAR....

[sleepytercel]

Well, with Visual Concepts handling development, it'll be interesting how 2K9 will turn out. VC has a great track record and their games do provide better polish than Kush could ever dream of. I wouldn't expect everything to be rosey hues, but I do expect that this year will see a layer of polish that has lacked since Kush has been in development.

[macpuck]

I know a lot of optimistic gamers have made numerous suggestions for additional features that might make NHL2K9 more flashy and intricate but I'd settle for a significant reduction in glitches and on-line connection issues. I'm more interested in a more responsive skate/shoot engine, regularly updated rosters and at least a slight upgrade in graphics.
I wish 2K would realize that it is close to having a pretty good product and that the dependability/reliability factor is what requires attention. What 2k needs to do most is polish, refine and correct, rather than to start over or add a lot of glitzy new features that may just cloud the fundamental gameplay issues even more. Every time you add a new feature, you increase the possiblity for more problems. Get the basics right; then worry about growth.
Everyone seems to be complaining that there hasn't been a solid, consistent, glitch-free NHL game for a long time. The answer isn't more and more fatures. I don't really care whose jerseys are tucked in ... I'm a lot more worried about being able to finish games without constant freeze-ups.

[gosharks]

Savoie06, I know EA does listen to their customers, but 2K is trying to make a better game. Where EA is just taking complaints from their customers, barely adding them in, and making a lot of money.

[MapleLeaf16]

It's funny, I've actually gone the other way. I've completly given up on EA and become a full fledged 2K fan. I've found myself constantly choosing 2K over EA for the last 3 years. This will be the first year that It'll just be grabbing one hockey game, 2K9!

[Savoie06]

Savoie06, I know EA does listen to their customers, but 2K is trying to make a better game. Where EA is just taking complaints from their customers, barely adding them in, and making a lot of money.
You say this based on what?What the Mods are telling you?Heck,Bishop hasn't even said anything regarding "how much better" 2K9 is going to be.The only one that gives me any HOPE for 2K9 at this point is "We Want The Cup",who has been asking for certain aspects regarding the atmosphere.Until I see physical evidence of VC's efforts,I will continue to doubt.2K should take some complaints from customers and add them into their game AT ALL.Then they could make money too,enough said.

[gosharks]

Who is "We Want the Cup," anyway?

[Savoie06]

Someone from VC.

[kcxiv]

2k8 was supposed to have rebuilt goaltending and animations from the ground up and it was in my opinion the same game i've been playing for years. I dont buy into the whole WE'RE REBUILDING EVERYTHING FROM THE GROUND UP ploy. Once again just another lie from 2k that i'm sure will be obvious when 2k9 comes out.
Didnt 2k LA develop that game though?

[sleepytercel]

Didnt 2k LA develop that game though?

Yep, they sure did. In fact, the games that people complain most about when it comes to 2K, are the ones developed by Kush Games/2K LA. When you think glitchy and unstable, you think MLB and NHL! This team has toiled the brand for years, and while they actually have very innovated ideas, they just do not know how to polish their work. I want to see VC stray away from adding features and changing gameplay, to balancing the engine and just making it stable. MLB has excellent mechanics that were actually implimented fairly well, but the lack of polish in the engine really deters what could be a great baseball game. I would like VC to tone down the hitting in NHL and just make the game feel a lot more like hockey. Imagine going through a franchise without it potentially locking up. It's sad that we must look forward to this, but I think many people unestimate what a new developer can do for a game. At least VC has a good track record, as Kush never had. I wouldn't expect everything to be rosey hues and fixed, since realistically, there will be a lot of new hands on the game, and that can cause some problems, but I do believe it will display a lot more hope for the franchise. VC is an excellent development company with a history of proven gems.

[Flawed_redemption93]

Don't you guys ever rent anything before you waste $60, you don't get much from a demo.

[Rei]

Well i dont know how your blockbuster works but it takes about 2 months for mine to get a game after its release and i'm not into gamefly and i also dont trust reviews so there you have it.

[GhostRider]

EA has better graphics, 2K is rebuilding their game from the ground-up. Which one will be better? EA wants to get more money, that's all they care about. 2K wants to learn ways to improve their game. They already started that by handing the production over to VC. Maybe 2K will come out with a better game than you think.

Who agrees with me?


Considering Visual Concepts track record with Football and Hoops, I believe that this is going to be the year that sees 2k Sports achieve true greatness!

[GhostRider]

It's funny, I've actually gone the other way. I've completly given up on EA and become a full fledged 2K fan. I've found myself constantly choosing 2K over EA for the last 3 years. This will be the first year that It'll just be grabbing one hockey game, 2K9!

You have chosen well!......Another soul has been saved

[Gongshow]

Im getting them both probably. nhl 09 has first come on top last year and will continue to get better this year, although i still have fun with this game too.

[joker07]

NHL08 was easy game for dumber players , NHL 09 will better game for small childrens ... NHL 2k8 ITS STIILL BEST OF HOCKEY GAMES FOR HARDCORE PLAYERS ! NHL 2k9 will best of 2k hockey productions or total easy piece of s*** :rotfl:

Im Hardcore player you try beat me :cool:

[Rei]

NHL08 was easy game for dumber players , NHL 09 will better game for small childrens ... NHL 2k8 ITS STIILL BEST OF HOCKEY GAMES FOR HARDCORE PLAYERS ! NHL 2k9 will best of 2k hockey productions or total easy piece of s*** :rotfl:

Im Hardcore player you try beat me :cool:

Can we refrain from anymore fanboy posts please?

[HockeyFan18]

EA's online is still behind 2k in terms of online content and until they catch up, I see no reason to buy EA's game as I only play on-line and EA's is still ****.

[Cee_Nasty_00]

Considering Visual Concepts track record with Football and Hoops, I believe that this is going to be the year that sees 2k Sports achieve true greatness!

Eh Basketball still has it's good amount of dumb glitches, with freezing being the worst imo, it has happened since 2k6 the game just freezes online when accessing joined leagues,if you check a player card in a game lobby/lg lobby your game will freeze instantly, also what about when you foul out with a player and your game freezes wth... when a match with an opponent is loading it also freezes there too! hum mhm... .. In street game, before checking the ball your opponent grabs his other dude and places him right in the trajectory of the ball so it results in a steal(something like that)and a glitch many use & abuse in the street game.

Football I don't really know but some kind of drop glitch seems to still be in the game.

True greatness.. not quite, but very promising for 2k10 or may I say 2010 ;).

[RoadDoggFL]

EA's online is still behind 2k in terms of online content and until they catch up, I see no reason to buy EA's game as I only play on-line and EA's is still ****.
If you want compelling online content, 09 has you covered. Now if they could just make the game fun for me to play...

[Savoie06]

NHL08 was easy game for dumber players , NHL 09 will better game for small childrens ... NHL 2k8 ITS STIILL BEST OF HOCKEY GAMES FOR HARDCORE PLAYERS ! NHL 2k9 will best of 2k hockey productions or total easy piece of s*** :rotfl:

Im Hardcore player you try beat me :cool:And you buy both :rolleyes:

[joker07]

Yes I will buy both because other hockey games doesnt exists ...

[Savoie06]

Funny to me that you talk so much crap about NHL 08/09,yet you still buy them.I think you're in the closet EA lover.That's Ok,I won't tell anyone...

[face76]

This is most likely the last 2k Hockey game. So I will buy this again like I did last year. I hate the fact that EA will basically have all the control over the video gaming sports arena.

[joker07]

This is most likely the last 2k Hockey game. So I will buy this again like I did last year. I hate the fact that EA will basically have all the control over the video gaming sports arena.

Thanks for your money 2k has better games than EA !

[MapleLeaf16]

This is most likely the last 2k Hockey game. So I will buy this again like I did last year. I hate the fact that EA will basically have all the control over the video gaming sports arena.

That would be horrible. I have faith that 2K will come back this year like a ball of fire. 2K9 will kick ***!

[Savoie06]

This is most likely the last 2k Hockey game. So I will buy this again like I did last year. I hate the fact that EA will basically have all the control over the video gaming sports arena.The only way this could happen is if EA ups their offer.Remeber it's only a tender offer,NOT a hostile takeover.Take Two Shareholders have to give up their share at EA's asking price in order for EA to end up owning them at this point.I honestly would rather see a merger with UBISOFT,so all factions can stay operative,but Ubisoft doesn't have the kind of money EA does,so I'm not counting on that.

[Joker_Rules93]

Funny to me that you talk so much crap about NHL 08/09,yet you still buy them.I think you're in the closet EA lover.That's Ok,I won't tell anyone...

Your very rude! And your an EA fanboy. This is a 2k forum. Stop trolling it! You know what? I am going to spam and post over 200 messages left and right up and down all over the EA forum. That's what your doing except your not as blunt as I would be about it.

[joker07]

I dont understand S06 , he is on the 2k forum and still watching EA products ? But this is still only 2k forum for 2k games and 2k fans club . I like this place because I must not hear about EA ...

[Savoie06]

Your very rude! And your an EA fanboy. This is a 2k forum. Stop trolling it! You know what? I am going to spam and post over 200 messages left and right up and down all over the EA forum. That's what your doing except your not as blunt as I would be about it.
Go back and read what the Original Poster wrote.I'm simply posting in a thread that concerns EA and happens to be in a 2K forum.Don't like the thread don't feel so inclined to read it.You probably didn't read the original post though,just my posts,which most are just busting Joker 75's chops.The guy who pretends to hate EA so much so he'll fit in with the 2K crowd.Me personally,yeah I've enjoyed EA's game more for the last 6 Months,but I have put in my share of time with 2K8.In fact I loved it,until I realized there was no making up for the faulty AI and poor atmosphere.That said,I'm intrigued to see what 2K9 has improved on.I'm sure Atmosphere is one them since one of the VC guys was asking for info on Atmosphere related features.I'm NOT a fanboy and I won't PRETEND like Joker75 does,then turn around and still buy the product.Oh,that's right,I forgot,he's hardcore though...:rolleyes:

[Rei]

I dont understand S06 , he is on the 2k forum and still watching EA products ? But this is still only 2k forum for 2k games and 2k fans club . I like this place because I must not hear about EA ...

Talking about EA in a 2k sports forum is not taboo. They're the competition for 2k yes, that doesnt mean you have to hate them. Competition is good for us hockey fans, 2k9 might actually be a decent game because of NHL 08. If you dont want to hear about EA then you should go hide in a closet because they're a huge company that makes alot of great games.

[Skribblez]

They say that they are building a brand new experience from the ground up. I take that to mean that they aren't rebuilding everything, like you say, Rei. I do agree with you that it won't be everything, and by them saying they are building a new experience, they aren't lying. We don't know what they are rebuilding from the ground up yet, but I would wager that it's only one or two things, like maybe a gameplay/skating engine that works on gameplay mechanics or something like that. One year's time isn't enough time to rebuild everything.

After playing 2K7 and 2K8, I can see an improvement in the goaltending and in the goalie animations. Though some animations for them do look awkward. They also redid the animations for the other players as well, they have more moves than 2K7. I just felt that Kush needed to make things more refined (as Kush has always needed to do with all their games). Hopefully VC will be able to bring some much needed refinement and polish to NHL this year.



And HEY what about fixing your screwy servers? Oh should i go to the suggestion forums? Cause that doesn't seem to be priority number 1, Fixing what is wrong with 2k8... I will be purchasing 09', so will hundreds of other people, because 2k gives less of an effort than 09 does. the only thing wrong with 08 in my opinion is the league play. 2k sports has a lot of work to do.

[Rei]

And HEY what about fixing your screwy servers? Oh should i go to the suggestion forums? Cause that doesn't seem to be priority number 1, Fixing what is wrong with 2k8... I will be purchasing 09', so will hundreds of other people, because 2k gives less of an effort than 09 does. the only thing wrong with 08 in my opinion is the league play. 2k sports has a lot of work to do.

More like thousands of other people, and can anyone really blame us? This is what years of crappy developement gets 2k.

[joker07]

Wau next EAboy.....(EA need your hype hype hype)
I dont want hear about EA on 2k forum , you understand me? If I want any info about EA , I will go to EA.com . 2k need my money for better games , EA need your HYPE for stupidest play !

[Rei]

Wau next EAboy.....(EA need your hype hype hype)
I dont want hear about EA on 2k forum , you understand me? If I want any info about EA , I will go to EA.com . 2k need my money for better games , EA need your HYPE for stupidest play !

Tarzan need Jane?

[b-Dub]

Talking about EA's game isn't taboo, as others have stated. Making threads that only highlight EA's game's features in trying to get people here to buy it over 2K's game is. There haven't been any threads like that, however, so no wrong doing has been done. Except for your flaming, joker07, so cool down when you get back.

[Price]

Honestly who really cares who makes the game. Buy both games. Anyone who cant afford to buy both games is either some guy who lives with his mom or is a child. I"m not rich by any means but I love hockey and I can afford 120 dollars once a year to buy the newest hockey video game offerings. There is way too much intense squabbling over 2k or EA, geeze. Anyone who is so absolutely against one or the other before it even comes out is missing out on the opportunity for some fun features that each may offer. For what? It's not like buying a house or a car.....it's a video game. I'm not pledging allegiance to any developing companies they are here to serve us not the other way around.

[BruinsHockey08]

Honestly who really cares who makes the game. Buy both games. Anyone who cant afford to buy both games is either some guy who lives with his mom or is a child. I"m not rich by any means but I love hockey and I can afford 120 dollars once a year to buy the newest hockey video game offerings. There is way too much intense squabbling over 2k or EA, geeze. Anyone who is so absolutely against one or the other before it even comes out is missing out on the opportunity for some fun features that each may offer. For what? It's not like buying a house or a car.....it's a video game. I'm not pledging allegiance to any developing companies they are here to serve us not the other way around.

I think you hit a nerve with me because there are other things people need to spend money on instead of two hockey games. Reguardless though you are entitled to your opinion.

I can afford both games, but I won't be spending money on 2 games however, 60 will go to the best hockey game, and 150 will go towards NHL Center Ice. Seems logical to me.

[navarz]

I don't understand all the bickering of which game is better.It all depends on what each person looks for in a game.
For some it may be graphics
game play
online
or for me personally franchise mode. When it comes to me 2k is the better game and has been for years. Nobody can prove me wrong on this one. EA lost me years ago when the dropped multyplayer franchise. My only complaint is the freezing which we don't have any more since I turned off computer trading and injuries which sucks but at least I can enjoy my franchise. 2k has unlimited seasons EA has 20 i believe.2k is multiplayer so that me and myfriends can compete against each other in the same franchise. I do not enjoy playing the computer it is like having sex with your self it is not quite the same.
I don't care how pretty EA looks like without a good franchise mode it is a useless game for me.
For others it maybe something diffrent so to say one game is better or to try to promote EA here like you work for there marketing department or something. I also enjoy the game play on 2k which is I my personal opinion.if you think diffrent that is your opinion.
Also it is not like EA does not have alot of the same bugs as 2k.
There I feel much better now.

[Price]

I hit a nerve with you? Okay, you sound pretty dang serious there. I am entitled to my opinion so I'm sorry if by saying that I'll buy both games I "hit a nerve." So I guess you are one of those guys who already knows what the best game is. I have NHL center ice too and I can tell you that saving 60 dollars by, not buying one of the only TWO hockey games that come out once a year, is not going to be enough money to purchase NHL center ice. If my finances were that tight I wouldn't be wasting my money on video games and TV programing but I'd be putting the money into an education or investing money into something to better my future.

[BruinsHockey08]

I hit a nerve with you? Okay, you sound pretty dang serious there. I am entitled to my opinion so I'm sorry if by saying that I'll buy both games I "hit a nerve." So I guess you are one of those guys who already knows what the best game is. I have NHL center ice too and I can tell you that saving 60 dollars by, not buying one of the only TWO hockey games that come out once a year, is not going to be enough money to purchase NHL center ice. If my finances were that tight I wouldn't be wasting my money on video games and TV programing but I'd be putting the money into an education or investing money into something to better my future.

It's not even that you hit a nerve, that was a bad way to word it. The thing is I have always lived in a household were money was tough to come by, so buying one game was the only option. Now fast forward to now, in the ecomonic state we're in it is hard to justify paying $60 for two NHL games and for NHL Center Ice is no longer a luxury here in the US. However If you take away one game you have enough to pay for the satilite bill or phone bill or whatever, that is one less thing to worry about. This isn't about what game is better it was an arguement about making things work finacially. So I sit here saying to myself: Self do we really need two hockey video games?, and that answer was no. As to which game I'll get, I'll buy EA's game once again this year since I think that is the better game as far as fun goes, and I'm not going to bash 2k's game since I think it is also a great product. Have a nice day, Kevin

[Price]

Fair enough BruinsHockey, that makes sense. NHL video games are just something I look forward to and plan for every year, EA and 2k. Trust me I know all about growing up in a single parent home where money is hard to come by because I lived it but when you're an adult who worked to have a better life and one of your joys in life is hockey video games, 120 dollars a year seems pretty reasonable. The only way for me to decide which one I like better is to actually rent them but then I'm out 20 bucks and I know I'm gonna buy one anyway so for me it makes more sense just to buy them both and enjoy for as long as I want for what each has to offer. i agree there are more important things to spend money on but that can be said about many conveniences/hobbies we live with everyday. My original point was just to say I don't care who makes the game I just enjoy the time of year and care about how good I feel the game actually is for me. With that point I think we're probably making the same statement.

[Rei]

I don't understand all the bickering of which game is better.It all depends on what each person looks for in a game.
For some it may be graphics
game play
online
or for me personally franchise mode. When it comes to me 2k is the better game and has been for years. Nobody can prove me wrong on this one. EA lost me years ago when the dropped multyplayer franchise. My only complaint is the freezing which we don't have any more since I turned off computer trading and injuries which sucks but at least I can enjoy my franchise. 2k has unlimited seasons EA has 20 i believe.2k is multiplayer so that me and myfriends can compete against each other in the same franchise. I do not enjoy playing the computer it is like having sex with your self it is not quite the same.
I don't care how pretty EA looks like without a good franchise mode it is a useless game for me.
For others it maybe something diffrent so to say one game is better or to try to promote EA here like you work for there marketing department or something. I also enjoy the game play on 2k which is I my personal opinion.if you think diffrent that is your opinion.
Also it is not like EA does not have alot of the same bugs as 2k.
There I feel much better now.

This is not bickering... it's a discussion about video games... on a video game forum.