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NHL 2K7 Ask a Developer: ProControl and Animations

09/05/06

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Question 1

Kiddstyle: I would like to know exactly what the new pro control layouts are button-wise. Is there an option to do a wrist dump shot this year like we could with the slap dump shot?

Answer: You'll find the Pro Control layout to be similar to last year's, so you won't need to make major changes in how you play. Pressure Control has been added as a feature of the Left Bumper, and the drop pass will be on the Right Bumper. Wrist dump shots have always been in the game if you press the Y button, or UP on the Right Stick when using Pro Control.

Question 2

Raizok: On the subject of # of animations, whenever its brought up, as in "we've added 100s of new animations" can you help clarify how the number was arrived at? Are cutscenes included in the equation? how many new animations are present in 2k7 this year?

Answer: The number is specifically based on how many individual animations were motion captured and implemented into the game. This year we captured new animations for skating, shooting, checking, passing, etc. We also captured new animations for cutscenes, but when we refer to "hundreds of new animations," we are typically referring to what we added for gameplay.

Question 3

r3df0x: Will the crease control will be in the current version in NHL 2k7 Like PlayStation 2? And when will you announce the feature for ps3 version? Thank you for the answer.

Answer: The Crease Control feature will be presented the same way it was in 2K6, although we've made it full screen for online play instead of PIP. It will definitely be included in the PS3 version, but the feature is not supported on Xbox and PS2.

Question 4

impronto: Will there be any board glitches this year when hitting someone into the boards? Like bodies disappearing, etc. Thanks.

Answer: All if these issues have been addressed and fixed in NHL 2K7.

Question 5

NTq: Will the Sharks skate out of the Sharks head at the opening of the game? What about Octopus being tossed on the Ice after a Hat Trick in Detroit during the playoffs? Any chance of seeing the mascots in the audiance?

Answer: We added all-new cutscenes to enhance the dramatic presentation of our game, which we've taken in a completely new direction in order to provide users a cool, new hockey game experience. As part of that, we talked about creating custom intros based on teams/stadiums, but were unable to fit that into the schedule. However, they are already being talked about for next year.

Question 6

Buya89: So much Fog in 360 version? Will we be able to turn it off? And is it possible to turn off the steam coming from players' mouths? it looks like its -70 at each rink>? thank you

Answer: The fog significantly enhances the visual impact of our arenas and many of the effects we have included in 2k7. It can't be turned "off," but its "noticeability" changes depending on camera movement, where you're at on the ice, etc. Hard to explain in writing, but you'll see what I'm talking about when you play the game. I can say that it does not interfere visually with normal gameplay.

Question 7

ColdForged: What's the mechanic on the drop pass feature? So far in the videos the "drop passes" that have been featured look more like back passes. I'd expect a drop pass to essentially be left in place on the ice when the control is hit, not slung between the legs back to a following player.

Answer: It depends on what you have behind you when you pass it. If there is a player near, the pass will be directed at him, albeit slower and less direct than a normal pass. If there is no player directly near you, the pass will be "left" behind you, so to speak.