NHL 2K9 at E3

[b-Dub]

Here is the first little bit of info from E3.

Chase Becotte from Operation Sports is there, and saw the game briefly today. Here are his quick thoughts.
NHL 2K9 - Saw just the Wii version, no hands-on time. Their main goal is make it "fun" again, since Visual Concepts has now taken over and they want to do away with the convoluted controls from last year.

Link: http://www.operationsports.com/e3

Please put all other E3 info here (screenshots, videos, etc.). Thanks.

[Braxen]

Come oooooon.

No screenshots or impressions at all?!?!?!

Pliiiiiz don´t leave us out here in the dark. Enlighten us with your wisdom of the fine art of Wii-hockey.
:D

[b-Dub]

Come oooooon.

No screenshots or impressions at all?!?!?!

Pliiiiiz don´t leave us out here in the dark. Enlighten us with your wisdom of the fine art of Wii-hockey.
:D

The guy is meeting a bunch of companies today and seeing a lot of games. This looks like it was something he put together quickly when he had 10 free minutes or something. Be patient.

[gosharks]

Here is a bit from a page from E3 2008 for the first look of NHL 2K9. This is a pasted page from Gamespot:

E3 2008: NHL 2K9 First Look
2K changes gears with its latest hockey sim, bringing back old-school gaming to the 360, PS3, and even the Wii.
By Shanker Srinivasan, GameSpot
Posted Jul 15, 2008 5:46 pm PT
By 2K's own admission, its hockey franchise had wandered away from the core principles that made hockey games fun to play. As a result, 2K has brought NHL 2K9 back to its Visual Concept studios in northern California. The hope is to rediscover the pickup-and-play nature of old-school hockey games. We had a chance to get a sneak peak of NHL 2K9 at E3 and see some of the progress that has been made.

Speaking with the Jeff Thomas, the executive producer of the game, it was clear that 2K wasn’t pleased with the complexity of controls in last year’s game. As a result, NHL 2K9 will feature an all-new control scheme built from the ground up. From single-button passing and shooting to the trigger used for turbo, the controls are designed to be as intuitive as possible—at least on the default setting. The hardcore fans may be pleased to hear that the more-complex (and robust) controls of last year’s game will still be an available option if desired.

Action has also been taken to enrich elements peripheral to the actual hockey gameplay. The fighting engine has been completely redone and NHL 2K9 will even feature a zamboni driving mini-game in between periods. Steps have also been taken to bring out the pageantry of playoff hockey as well. Players will now grow playoff beards and, if you are lucky enough to win the Stanley Cup, you will have the opportunity to skate around the ice with the cup hoisted.

The biggest news regarding NHL 2K9 though is undoubtedly its debut on the Nintendo Wii, making it the first hockey game for the console. In contrast to EA’s approach to Wii sports titles, NHL 2K9 maintains the look and feel of a simulation. Although the graphics aren’t quite up to par with the 360 and PS3 versions of the game, the gameplay and game modes do seem similar (although we are unsure if this applies to online play as well). All this is forgivable though with the implementation of the Wii control scheme. The element that the Wii version does bring, however, is a new twist to the controls.

The Wii Remote essentially functions as your hockey stick while shooting. A quick forward swing will produce a wrist shot while a motion including a backswing will cause your player to rifle a slapshot. One-timers can also be executed by beginning your backswing prior to a player receiving a pass. In addition to more interactive shooting, the Wii version also introduces a new point-to-pass mechanic unique to the console. While regular button-press passing is also possible, point-to-pass allows you to direct your passes anywhere on the ice by simply pointing the Wii Remote. The control even makes it possible to chain multiple passes together for a quick give-and-go.

We'll continue to bring you all the news on NHL 2K9 as 2K releases more information on the game. Also keep an eye out for the demo (available on the Xbox 360) available in a few weeks.

-GameSpot

[b-Dub]

Good find, sharks. :thumbsup:

Here's the link to that as well: Click Me (http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl2k9/news.html?sid=6194005&om_act=convert&om_clk=newlyadded&tag=newlyadded;title;1)

[Mr. T]

Mr.T hope it's not same ole', same ole', again from 2K. Mr.T spent his whole share from the A team reruns on MLB 2K8, and was he ready to put somebody in a locker. But Mr.T isn't going to pre judge this game just yet.

[BruinsHockey08]

I hope there is more to it then this. I would be disappointed if they did not add anything new except for a Zoboni driving mini game

[BruinsHockey08]

Sorry for the double post

[Savoie06]

Playoff Beards and Skating with the Cup sounds great,now lets hear about the gameplay and see some pics!Sounds like VC has the right idea though.A demo in a few weeks would be very suprising.

[b-Dub]

A better write up from OS:

" NHL 2K8 got too complex. There was too much going on. When I picked up the controller I didn't even know how to shoot!

In so many words, that's how Jeff Thomas, VP of sports development at Visual Concepts, summed up NHL 2K8. This year though, the series is now at Visual Concepts (best known for the stellar NBA 2K franchise), and the VC guys are all about bringing the "fun" back to the NHL 2K series.

Right off the bat some might be worried that "fun" doesn't mean "sim." It's something I worried about as well, and while I won't really know whether "fun" doesn't mean "arcadey" until a later date, Jeff Thomas assured me that this is still a sim series at heart. So when I inquired further about certain problems from NHL 2K8 that could be considered "fun" but "arcadey" (see: checking, final scores), he said that the checking would be toned down, and that there wouldn't be anymore 12-10 final scores.

Jeff went on to explain that "fun" means things like simplified controls that still have depth for the more experienced players. (If you liked the control scheme last year that will still be an option as well on 360/PS3.) It also means having presentation and gameplay elements that are fun to see and partake in. For example, there's an all-new fighting engine this year. Also during the playoffs you'll notice that the NHL players grow nice thick beards as the playoffs progress. Or if you win the Stanley Cup, then you can skate around holding the Cup above your head or pass the Cup off to a teammate; then when you're done celebrating you can take a team photo at the end to commemorate your Stanley Cup victory. Or it's something a little more silly, like being given the opportunity to drive the Zamboni during an intermission.

Now when it comes to Wii controls, Mark Thomas discussed how the folks at Visual Concepts spoke with Nintendo and one of the things Nintendo said was, don't get obsessed with the motion control. Visual Concepts took Nintendo's advice to heart. So what that means is you'll do things like check another person by pushing the Wii Remote and Nunchuck forward, or shoot by swinging the Wii Remote one way for a wrist shot, and another way for a slap shot, but you won't have to do insane things like make line changes by waggling your Wii Remote back-and-forth five times.

To give a more practical example, when it comes to passing you have a few options. You can either pass the more traditional way, or use the user interface and do point-to-point passing. Basically, that means there's a little cursor on the screen that you control by pointing the Wii Remote at different parts of the screen. This method allows you to chain passes together quickly by pointing at the various players.

The VC guys have also made sure that everything you can do in the 360/PS3 versions control-wise, is possible to do on the Wii version. In fact it seems like the Wii version will have everything the 360/PS3 versions do, except online play.

On the 360/PS3 front, while I didn't see anything besides the trailer, the game does look great graphically in the trailer. Visual Concepts totally redid the graphics engine this year and it seems to be paying off. Also everything will be happening in real time this year, so no more cut-scene-type moments after goals etc. And if you guys are sad about not having anymore 360/PS3 NHL 2K9 impressions, at least I can say that VC did promise that a demo will be releasing for the game in a few weeks.

At the very least it seems like Visual Concepts wants all you hockey fans back (shocker there). If the demo does release in a few weeks I would take that as a sign that they are proud of this new product, and want to give gamers a chance to realize that there's two viable hockey game products on the market.

Biggest Positive: Seems like they didn't over-waggle the control scheme.

Biggest Negative: No online play for the Wii version.

Biggest Question: Will "fun" truly mean not "arcadey"?"

Link: http://www.operationsports.com/e3/

[Mr. T]

Mr. T owned 2K8, and had a blast. If 2K9 ends up being better, Mr. T may just give up his acting career for full time gaming

[jackets47]

...And I bet there's nothing being done for the PS2 version... again.

But it's not their fault, it must be mine for being too poor to afford a next-gen console.

(I am aware that there's next to no information on any of the versions yet, and am still patiently awaiting such info.)

[stoney0ne]

oh wow. a zamboni mini game


:confused:


lets talk online dynasty. lets talk game play. lets talk arcade defult controls.


lets talk about, who cares what average people think when they pick up the controller. average people dont like hockey, nor spend $60 on hockey games........ you know who does like hockey, and who does pay 60 bucks... us.


please desgin a game for us..... not the average person

all this game sounds like it is missing is some sort of MMO aspect, where you level up and can walk around in the crowd and interact with the fans. then change your outfit and clothes.... go get a spa treatment.. :thumbsdow


they seriously had a basketball company desing a hockey game? good greif. i think im going to prefer the buuggy mess thats been the last 3 versions. you could find work arounds for the bugs. this being a sissyfied hockey game has no fix

[gosharks]

Yeah, I hope there are more bigger features for gameplay than there are mini-features.
Those small features sound great. I didn't expect playoff beards or zamboni driving (or even showing a zamboni at all) to be in the game. Looks like 2K might make an awesome game this year, well, as long as the gameplay is good.

[navarz]

Here is a little more info from Gamespot


10:55] Now comes a demo of NHL2K9, which is billed as a "complete reset" of the franchise. The Visual Concepts producer on hand says hockey games have become "too complicated."

[10:56] The game will have pick-up-and-play controls, "an all-new fighting engine," and will even let you drive the Zamboni between periods.

[10:57] It still is a hardcore hockey sim, he stresses, with a high level of detail. Apparently, if the crowd is very displeased with a team's performance, they will start throwing beer cups and other debris onto the ice.

[10:58] There's even an interactive Stanley Cup celebration mode which lets you party until dawn with your team.



http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl...246&mode=recent

[stoney0ne]

10:55] Now comes a demo of NHL2K9, which is billed as a "complete reset" of the franchise. The Visual Concepts producer on hand says hockey games have become "too complicated."

you know who says this.... the same kind of people who dont follow hockey because they cant pronounce the players name

[10:56] The game will have pick-up-and-play controls, "an all-new fighting engine," and will even let you drive the Zamboni between periods.

[10:57] It still is a hardcore hockey sim, he stresses, with a high level of detail. Apparently, if the crowd is very displeased with a team's performance, they will start throwing beer cups and other debris onto the ice.

i think these 2 things cant exist in the same game




[10:58] There's even an interactive Stanley Cup celebration mode which lets you party until dawn with your team.


this is to much like a GTA game. i have a sinking feeling they spent all their energy on stuff like this

[b-Dub]

10:55] Now comes a demo of NHL2K9, which is billed as a "complete reset" of the franchise. The Visual Concepts producer on hand says hockey games have become "too complicated."

you know who says this.... the same kind of people who dont follow hockey because they cant pronounce the players name


What? I love hockey and felt that things were becoming a bit too complicated. I don't mind a learning curve for controls, but these controls never felt completely intuitive even after I learned them.


[10:56] The game will have pick-up-and-play controls, "an all-new fighting engine," and will even let you drive the Zamboni between periods.

[10:57] It still is a hardcore hockey sim, he stresses, with a high level of detail. Apparently, if the crowd is very displeased with a team's performance, they will start throwing beer cups and other debris onto the ice.

i think these 2 things cant exist in the same game




[10:58] There's even an interactive Stanley Cup celebration mode which lets you party until dawn with your team.


this is to much like a GTA game. i have a sinking feeling they spent all their energy on stuff like this

A GTA game? Really? Come on, that's really stretching for an excuse to be upset at a game that isn't even out yet.

[RoadDoggFL]

http://www.nintendic.com/news/2751

[Savoie06]

http://www.nintendic.com/news/2751


Press ReleaseNHL 2K9 Fact Sheet
Submitted on: July 15 2008 by Steve Noah

Title: NHL® 2K9
Publisher: 2K Sports
Developer: Visual Concepts
Platforms: Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system
Rating: E10+ with mild violence and lyrics
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Cover Athlete: Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Game Overview:
Do you long for the days when hockey video games didn’t require an engineering degree to master? 2K Sports has listened to the masses by bringing the fun back to hockey video games with an intuitive control scheme, hard-hitting action and by announcing the debut of NHL 2K9 on the Wii™ console. Developed by award-winning Visual Concepts studios, NHL 2K9 brings a totally rebuilt NHL experience to life with a brand-new in-game presentation system, as well as fresh player animations and controls that fans will enjoy from the moment they play their first game, until well after they become a seasoned veteran. Further adding to an unmatched level of fun and celebrating the NHL’s uniqueness are an all-new Zamboni™ mini-game, playoff beards, a new fighting engine and more! Complete with new commentary, a user-friendly franchise mode and upgraded online features, NHL 2K9 brings the fun back to game consoles on 9.9.08!

Key Features List:
§ Pick-Up-And-Play Controls – Fans asked and 2K Sports answered with easy-to-learn controls that still provide depth for the season veteran. With 2K Sports' classic default controls, a player’s first game will be as enjoyable as their one-thousandth, while the new and intuitive hybrid controls will provide the depth experienced vets are looking for.

§ Enhanced Gameplay - An updated arsenal of highlight reel-worthy superstar moves, blocked shots, stick-handling moves, hit-by-puck collisions, and a greatly-enhanced skating engine make up for an exciting and all-new hockey experience complete with more than 1,400 new gameplay animations.

§ All-New Presentation System – Pre-game intros, menus, new crowd animations, game summary replays, and brand new commentary featuring Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda of the San Jose Sharks bring a fresh new look and sound to NHL 2K9’s visual and audio experience.

§ True Hockey Fun! – Fans can indulge in what makes hockey such a unique and fun sport with the addictive Zamboni™ mini-game, user-controlled Stanley Cup™ celebrations, playoff beards, enhanced checking and a brand-new fighting engine.

§ Reel Maker™ *2K9 *– Included this year on both Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION3, fans will be able to save, edit, share and rate user-generated NHL 2K9 highlight reels online through Xbox Live™ and PlayStation®Network.

§ 2K Beats – Featuring Pennywise, Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX, The Ramones, Inner Circle, Mastodon, Operation Ivy, High on Fire and more.

Wii™ Key Features List:
2K Sports is proud to announce NHL 2K9 will be coming to the Wii Console™ from Nintendo this fall. As the first and only officially licensed NHL and NHLPA video game for Wii, NHL 2K9 will offer fans the fun opportunity to play like the pros using the Wii Remote™ controller as a hockey stick and experience the sport in a new, entertaining and wholly unique manner.

§ Wii Remote™ Shooting – Execute wrist shots with the flick of the Wii Remote or put some power into shots by holding the B button while flicking the Wii Remote to blast a slapper.

§ Wii Remote™ Fighting – Adding a never-before-seen layer of fun to hockey video games, NHL 2K9 features on-ice showdowns. When two players have raised their aggression enough to fight, pointing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller downward drops the gloves. Once a fight has started, punch with the Nunchuk and balance with the Wii Remote to get your opponent off their feet.

§ Precision Passing / Chain Passing – Exclusive to Wii, take the guesswork out of which player is going to receive a pass by selecting players with the Wii Remote cursor. One-timers, give-and-go and tic-tac-toe passing are executed by selecting multiple players prior to pressing the pass or A button.

§ Wii Remote Goaltending – Gesture-based goaltending allows fans to get between the pipes and flash the leather. Even take control when it counts the most -- in shootouts!

§ Full Featured Simulation – NHL 2K9 on Wii offers the same full-featured, fun hockey experience as available on other platforms complete with franchise mode, practice mode with a tutorial, pond hockey, and much more!

[gosharks]

http://www.nintendic.com/news/2751

Click on that to see screenshots for the Wii. The fans are not wearing jerseys, instead they're wearing shirts that are the color of the home team's jersey. Player faces do not look authentic. I hope these graphics are only for the Wii, not for the XBOX 360!

[Savoie06]

Sharks all this is posted in the 2K9 at E3 thread.

[Savoie06]

Here's a gameplay Video for the Wii

http://media.xbox360.ign.com/media/954/954506/vids_1.html

[stoney0ne]

http://files.nintendic.com/wii/nhl-2k9/nhl2k9wii0008.jpg




ive got a wii. the only things that look good on it are cartoon like animations. so i meen, its pretty good for what it is

http://files.nintendic.com/wii/nhl-2k9/nhl2k9wii0005.jpg

[gosharks]

Did anyone notice from the screenshots and gameplay video that there are 2 referees and 2 linesman? It's about time! It's a small addition, but to me, it makes all the difference.

[Savoie06]

Dude,stop with the multiple threads already.They have a thread for this discussion.Post it in the 2K9 at E3 thread,people will read it there too.

[gosharks]

This is only my first thread posted here. Besides, these forums seem a little empty. It wouldn't hurt to fill them up, right? Is that not what a forum is for?

[Savoie06]

This is only my first thread posted here. Besides, these forums seem a little empty. It wouldn't hurt to fill them up, right? Is that not what a forum is for?
You've posted FOUR threads in six hours,ALL concerning 2K9.The forums are for discussion,but what you are doing is borderline spamming.If the forums seem empty,maybe it's 1.Because nobody plans on buying 2K9 or 2.People have lives outside of the forums. In any case there is no need for the threads.;)

[Price]

wow....that looks pretty bad. If 360/PS3 versions look like that this is a gigantic step backwards. Those screen shots look like the EA NHL series on the original Playstation. Why is 2k marketing so bad? Even if the PS3/360 versions look better why would they show these Wii screen shots first? Don't they take any pride in their game? Zetterberg's left skate is phasing halfway through the ice in the above picture. That's awful....just awful. Rebuilt from the ground up? I've seen that same goalie animation since NHL 2k5...just awful. Whats going on?

[Price]

Seems to me that the whole dang focus is the wii remote. Who is in charge of making this game? Back in the day I bought the Genisis FOR the hockey game. I didn't just "pick up a hockey game because it was fun to play." If thats the kind of script reading, non real hockey fans that are now in charge of making this game then that's gonna be a fatal blow to this hockey series. What was "pick up and fun to play" back then was cutting edge and innovative at the time. Reverting back to old simple game garbage is not the answer. I think this whole simple game BS is a way of bowing out to EA because they didn't care enough to make something that will push the boundary even further. I don't want to get ahead of myself because I have yet to see the 360/PS3 version but I was extremely unimpressed with that wii video and it really disappointed me. It sounded like the guy commentating was just a general sports fan who liked to pick up a hockey game just to mess around with and he liked that they were simple a long time ago. What is going on?

[Savoie06]

IGN First Look Here:

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/891/891414p1.html

[MapleLeaf16]

2K9 for Wii looks like total crap!! Stick to the bathroom scale Wii fans.

[Braxen]

Now now play nice fellas.

:)

I don´t mind reading peoples small cheers/rants about details of the game.

[Braxen]

Hehe.

Actually I´m not that concerned I must say. No one(except for maybe some lucky guys at E3?) has seen it in action. Stills on the Wii aren´t that flattering since the resolution isn´t very high. Could look totally different in motion.

Graphics are worse than PS3/360-graphics..of course, who would have expected anything else.

Gameplay and the other stuff is what will make or break this game. Hopefully make! I think the game will look good enough for rock´n roll!

[Braxen]

Video gameplay from E3!

Think it´s the entire video shows the Wii. (you can see some of the point and pass cursors on the screen)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ccIxxPsEiM

Pretty arcadeish but still looks to be running along nicely. Settings are probably customizable if you like a more sim-style game.

[Gauthier002]

Does the game on the Wii version will be online??

And do you know if they talk about the PS2 version ?

[RoadDoggFL]

IGN has a Wii video up for Insider subscribers but it was free to view for a while last night. The game looks good in motion, though it seems that it still ships with hit-fest sliders.

[ecologo]

Hello friends!
I liked that the brawl will be included with this is to improve the system of penalties and the rivalry of the game.
But one thing that worries me is that the new system struggles not take oo-enforcer player intimidated system , which is the large gap in the game.

[b-Dub]

wow....that looks pretty bad. If 360/PS3 versions look like that this is a gigantic step backwards. Those screen shots look like the EA NHL series on the original Playstation. Why is 2k marketing so bad? Even if the PS3/360 versions look better why would they show these Wii screen shots first? Don't they take any pride in their game? Zetterberg's left skate is phasing halfway through the ice in the above picture. That's awful....just awful. Rebuilt from the ground up? I've seen that same goalie animation since NHL 2k5...just awful. Whats going on?

The Wii is not a graphics powerhouse. It is just slightly better than a Gamecube, and nowhere near the level of PS3 and XBox 360. The Wii was never intended to compete with the PS3 and 360 graphically.

[b-Dub]

Hey Savoie06. Good stuff, man. :thumbsup:

I like how we now have a release date too. Now, lets hope that VC can get that demo out in a few weeks like they mentioned.

[BruinsHockey08]

I'd be suprised if they did get a demo out in that time frame, considering that would be early august, no game company releases a demo that early. I hope I am wrong, I am dying to see how 2k9 feels and plays, while I may be heavily leaning towards EA right now I'll still see if the 2k demo brings any justice to this game, because as of right now none of the new "features" are overwelming me right now, at least not as good as EA's be a pro idea, new phyiscs and bringing the AHL back, I am excited to play EA's game while that may be the case I'd love to be blown away with 2K's game so I can finally start getting both again and enjoying them on a high level, like in the old PS2 days

[b-Dub]

I don't know about you guys, but I am liking the list of bands they have so far for the game: 2K Beats – Featuring Pennywise, Bad Religion, The Offspring, NOFX, The Ramones, Inner Circle, Mastodon, Operation Ivy, High on Fire and more.
:D :D :D

[sleepytercel]

Sweet, that is my genre right there! Bad Religion is my all time favorite band, and I suggest anyone interested in intellectual ideas and melodies to check them out! (haha, I forgot I even have a Greg Graffin quote in my sig)

[RoadDoggFL]

I was happy about the soundtrack before even noticing Bad Religion. Looks like I won't even care if custom soundtracks are glitchy as I won't even want to use them.

[ses110]

I was hoping turbo would be taken out of the game. If turbo is in I hope you will not be able to use it constantly. I also hope one timer goals and checking are really cut down. I wonder what the chances are of this game playing well without touching the sliders? That's one thing I want to see with all sports games. I hear the Show plays well without touching the sliders.

[KillingEdge]

wow the soundtrack seems amazing.

the offspring, bad religion and pennywise are 3 of my all-time favorite bands...

cant wait till 2k9

[Ogie]

I wish that they would just drop the lousy music altogether and focus more on the game....I just turn that noise off anyways.

[Price]

I wish that they would just drop the lousy music altogether and focus more on the game....I just turn that noise off anyways.
Amen to that.

[KillingEdge]

no way, i wanna play while listening to my favorite bands in the game, instead of playing on mute all the time!

and them updating the music doesnt take their focus off the gameplay at all, gameplay would be the same with music or without music.

[sleepytercel]

Yeah, it's not like they are sitting there programming this music into the game. Edge is right. It takes nothing away from gameplay improvements. People just like to speak negative at every chance they get. Regardless, it's quite a nice soundtrack, and many of these bands actually deserve to be recognized rather than the puny whiney emo stuff that seems to always get promoted. It's good to see these bands get some recognition. I'm guessing 2K may have struck a deal with Epitaph?

[macpuck]

I'm an old geezer type and the music is just noise to me. Give me some old time hockey, more responsive controls, support the game with new/ more valid roster updates and eliminate the glitches. What's all this about simplifying the controls? All you had to do was push a few buttons! They are "fixing" elements that weren't broken. You say we're being toonegative ... What elese could our reaction be after listening/reading all of this nonsense?

[sleepytercel]

They're simplifying the controls since the number one complaint on 2K8 was that the controls were too hard. NHL2K8 got knocked hard from reviewers and fans because of the controls. What makes it nonsense that some focus is in improving that? I don't get it. Folks hear a few words and assume everything afterwards, when most of the assumptions never are factual.

[macpuck]

Control setup wasn't a huge issue, despite whatever feedback you are referring to. Control responsiveness is what 2K should be worried about. Most of us want more gameplay control! Other issues such as network failures, lack of support (no roster updates in 2008), puzzlingly skewered player ratings, silly replay glitches, franchise play failures and WAY TOO MANY disconnect issues are what 2K should be addressing!!!

[sleepytercel]

What makes you think they are not? Most of those issues were frequent Kush Games issues, but we'll see what Visual Concepts does, as their games historically don't suffer many of these issues.

[macpuck]

I hope you are right but last year's disappointing game experiences are hard to set aside. I am just one, very old gamer reading what 2K is putting out there and the emphasis doesn't seem to be well-placed. Hopefully, 2Ks actions will be more productive than their words suggest. I want them to succeed. My old hands and old eyes may dictate that this is my last winter of on-line gameplay so I am rooting hard for somebody to create an enjoyable, reasonably glitch-free hockey gaming environment.

[RoadDoggFL]

Well, for one, you could read that 2K8's controls will be back. You could also pay attention to the critical reaction to 2K8 and see that it didn't do well with ignorant reviewers. A review-friendly game is more likely to make money, meaning a better budget for its sequels.

So really, 2K is just trying to secure the financial viability of the series' future while still preserving the great game we all enjoy.

But you're spending all your time complaining about it, because not every bit of news regarding the game addresses the specific things you want for the game. Well too bad. Feel free to get over it.

[macpuck]

Road Dog ... You seem to have at least a clue because you refer to the reviewers as ignorant (not to mention that they often have an axe to grind or a payoff to collect). But then you justify 2K's emphasis on unimportant issues as necessary to please those same reviewers. That's weak and very easy to get over ... because your comments make very little sense.
And if you can't figure out why I repeatedly adress the things I'm concerned with, then you must not know what this forum is for.

[Savoie06]

Mac,his comments make perfect sense from a business point of view.No one said 2K's emphasis was on unimportant things.We really don't know what issues have been resolved from 2K8 and most likely won't until 2K9's release.I feel VC is smart for making a game for the Wii and returning to the default controls,because from a business aspect,both are attempts to bring in more money.Something the comany desperately needs if they want to be able continue this series and or upgrade the game.The thing they could also do to help their cause is to do more to promote the game.EA's hype is so huge for all their games long before they are released.I'm sure that alone helps draw in plenty of their sales.Of course advertising also requires money.

[Noose#15]

Yea, sounds great, but last years sounded great too. I wonder if we are gonig to have to pay for that clip editing thing again. I didn't but it came with the game and they wanted us to pay more. Can't wait for the demo! I'll probably get the wii version too just to see if it is fun.

[macpuck]

I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens. I realize that I am in the vast minority when I say that I pretty much enjoyed 2k8 and I would have been a reasonably happy backchecker if 2K had kept me up to date with rosters, fixed some glitches and improved the disconncect ratio. To learn that they are starting all over just makes we wonder what direction they are really going. Even from a business standpoint, is it really a good idea to acknowledge that you need a whole new direction? Does that fill a perspective customer with confidence? I believe that 2K should have "polished" what it had and that would have given them a good product. As far as I know, making a good product is good business.

[RoadDoggFL]

I guess all we can do is wait and see what happens. I realize that I am in the vast minority when I say that I pretty much enjoyed 2k8 and I would have been a reasonably happy backchecker if 2K had kept me up to date with rosters, fixed some glitches and improved the disconncect ratio. To learn that they are starting all over just makes we wonder what direction they are really going. Even from a business standpoint, is it really a good idea to acknowledge that you need a whole new direction? Does that fill a perspective customer with confidence? I believe that 2K should have "polished" what it had and that would have given them a good product. As far as I know, making a good product is good business.
No, I was very happy with 2K8, also. We've been uneasy over 2K's rhetoric thus far, but there's no need to react like you have. Just wait and see what happens. All these doom and gloom posts will do is generate negative buzz around the game.

As for how a new direction looks to prospective consumers, if they hated past versions then yes, it might be seen as a good thing.

[sleepytercel]

The best thing to hear is that Visual Concepts is the development team behind the game, and besides NBA2K4, they hisorically have made great games.

[macpuck]

Okay. I'll try to be optimistic and positive while I'm waiting but old guys tend to be a bit skeptical and impatient. When you skate past 65, you aren't quite sure how many seasons you've got left. It's a good thing I don't have a wii; I'd probably hurt myselft trying to play hockey.