NHL 09 Preview

[bad_philanthropy]

I never got the feeling of the cpu cheating in NHL on superstar (with my frame of reference coming from EA football games). I have played countless games and just don't see any of the overpowered cpu goalies, AI cheating, etc... that I've heard others complaining of on this board. I think once you figure out how to read and react to the cpu it is pretty easy to dominate possession with most teams in the game, and once you figure out the puck possession and skating aspect of the game it becomes pretty simple to set up effective scoring plays.

I also don't find it that difficult to play defense in the game despite the controls being somewhat lacking, it's all about anticipation and making sure you don't allow the cpu to have good possession in the offensive zone. Kill the cpu's offense off the rush by backchecking and forcing the opposition into a low percentage play with good body position.

Basically I feel the same way as the other guys who made posts similar to mine.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by baa7

Get of the pedestal, please. My god, what flaming rubbish, LOL.

What pedestal? He's 100% correct, adapt or continue to whine about non existant ai cheating because you refuse to change your game plan to overcome the ai ramping it up, really its your choice.

[ianlast]

Quote: Originally Posted by bad_philanthropy

I also don't find it that difficult to play defense in the game despite the controls being somewhat lacking, it's all about anticipation and making sure you don't allow the cpu to have good possession in the offensive zone. Kill the cpu's offense off the rush by backchecking and forcing the opposition into a low percentage play with good body position.

Backchecking is the key, IMO. I rarely take control of my defensemen unless it's along the boards, and I know I can rub the CPU attacker out. Although defensive controls may be lacking, it's still pretty hard for the CPU to get good penetration when you line up 4 guys across the blueline.

Biggest thing to avoid is stupidly forechecking; you have to know how and when to forecheck.

[tgalv]

complaing about cpu cheating is just whiner tactics. i give up less than 2 goals a game on superstar. it's not that hard. it's a friggin cpu team - after you've played for awhile, you figure out how they score goals. i was 38-3 last dynasty, simmed to the playoffs and went 16-1 to win the cup. i guess i'm glad that the cpu "cheats" i wish they cheated more. the game is too easy if you actually play smart and spend enough time playing to get at least somewhat good at the game.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by tgalv

complaing about cpu cheating is just whiner tactics. i give up less than 2 goals a game on superstar. it's not that hard. it's a friggin cpu team - after you've played for awhile, you figure out how they score goals. i was 38-3 last dynasty, simmed to the playoffs and went 16-1 to win the cup. i guess i'm glad that the cpu "cheats" i wish they cheated more. the game is too easy if you actually play smart and spend enough time playing to get at least somewhat good at the game.

Agreed 100%, I'm currently 39-15-0-12 and in 2nd place in the eastern conference just behind the Sens and my last 4 games the ai hasn't managed to score more than 2 goals per game. While I've scored 3-4. If my shot accuracy wasn't set to 1 it'd prolly be a whole lot higher goal totals on my end.

Even with the lack of defensive tools that 08 has (sooo excited for what defense will bring with 09) I don't have a hard time at all cutting down passing lanes and keeping the superstar ai to the outside and not giving them easy scoring chances. I too wish the AI would cheat more and turn on its "overdone momentum" because you know momentum in a hockey game isn't important and it never decides close games ever!

[metallicatz]

Quote: Originally Posted by bigwill33

When you play a game you notice a clear difference between Sidney Crosby and a Georges Laraque, and that is what is most important.

That's for darn sure. LOL. 25 games into my franchise and Laraque has got 1 goal.

[tgalv]

the thing is, it works both ways, but the people complaing about it only see it when it works against them. the computer plays flat out stupid in the last minute of the game. i can't count the number of times i've needed a goal and all of a sudden the computer defense plays overaggresive and parts like the red sea for a breakaway. or after a goal scored against you, you win the faceoff, pass it to your winger and the defenseman on that side stupidly steps up and lets you cut to the middle and walk in all alone to tie the game up again.

[Cardot]

Quote: Originally Posted by tgalv

the thing is, it works both ways, but the people complaing about it only see it when it works against them. the computer plays flat out stupid in the last minute of the game. i can't count the number of times i've needed a goal and all of a sudden the computer defense plays overaggresive and parts like the red sea for a breakaway. or after a goal scored against you, you win the faceoff, pass it to your winger and the defenseman on that side stupidly steps up and lets you cut to the middle and walk in all alone to tie the game up again.

So you're saying there is infact catch up logic...in favor of the human?

Having participated in many of these "Catch Up Logic" dicussions across multiple games and sports, I have come to the conclussion that perspective is driven by skill level....as some here have already hinted at.

The most skillful players can handle it when the CPU steps it up a notch. I am not all that skilled at video game hockey, and no offense, but I can't say it is a major life ambition of mine. I just play for fun, and I am quite content at a medium to lower levels.

But as much as I liked the game, the number of late goals by the CPU AND myself (especially the blue line floaters) did eventually become predictable and caused me to lose interest in playing.

[ohyeahbaby123]

My Question: I know that we can play dump and chase this year, but will the AI force us too? I mean, what is the point of playing dump and chase if you can just skate into the zone untouched?

[tgalv]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cardot

So you're saying there is infact catch up logic...in favor of the human?

the cpu plays more aggresively at the end of the game, on offense and defense. and if you are unwilling to adjust your game then you will get caught up on. i don't see how it's unrealistic or bad.