EA's NHL 2006

[Madferret]

http://images.ea.com/sports/games/06/nhl/home/money1.jpg

EA's NHL 2006 site is up. They have some screenshots but from this point there doesn't seem to be much other changes.

NHL2006 (http://www.easports.com/games/nhl06/home.jsp)

[Man.Utd]

Why Lecavailler as the cover athelete? Richards, St. Louis, and Khabibulin all had better seasons on Tamap Bay alone. Oh well, I'm just happy a Sens players didn't get picked. And here's hoping an Ottawa player never gets the cover. I don't really believe in "the EA curse" but better safe than sorry (how lame is that...... stressing over a video game :o).

Anyway, I won't buying the game. As usual, minimal changes have been made and it'll likely still sell for $40+ before taxes. One would be better off to buy 2005 for PC and download the roster updates as trades/FA signings are made.

[Madferret]

Here's the interview with the producer about the changes to NHL 2006, which appear to be all offensive based. I wonder if they're waiting to incorporate the new rules etc..in with the AI when it becomes clear.

ITTMAN LIGHTS IT UP

For hockey fans completely jonesing for their favorite sport, David Littman has some good news for you -- NHL? 06 returns the game's focus to the smooth stylings of offense, allowing you to put puck in the net with regularity in the style of the old-school games from EA SPORTS?. Littman sat down with us to talk about the new features in this year's game -- a game that should get hockey fans everywhere jacked up on their sport once again.

EA SPORTS: With the absence of a real NHL season last year, what was the driving motivation to continue to produce an NHL game?

David Littman: Our driving motivation was to make the most fun hockey video game of all time. We wanted to make a game that was fun to pick up and play [similar to NHL '94 and '95], while still retaining the depth and authenticity of '04 and '05. We also know we needed to make some changes that addressed consumer concerns, such as too much hitting and random goal scoring.

People who have played early versions of NHL 06 have been having an amazing time playing the game. The feedback has been that it is easy to set up in the offensive zone, but you really have to earn your goals. Deking [classic deke control with the left analog] and skating are all one system, so one on ones against defensemen and goalies are incredibly realistic. There are more ways to score in our game than ever before.

EA SPORTS: What is the new EA SPORTS Skill Stick going to allow players to control?

David Littman: The EA SPORTS Skill Stick will put gamers in the shoes (uh, skates, actually) of the best players in the world. Star players can score some incredible goals in real life, and now you can too. When you are near the goal with a star player, tap the Skill Stick [Right Analog] up, down, left or right for special shots such as between-the-legs shots, kicking the puck to stick shots, and spinorama shots. There is even a way to flip the puck in the air and bat it in. All of these shots make the goalie bite and become desperate. You can then aim the shot under or over the goalie.

EA SPORTS: Will using the EA SPORTS Skill Stick require you to be a skilled player overall? Can more casual gamers enjoy the features of the Skill Stick?

David Littman: Every player in our game can try a Skill Stick shot, but only star players [they have star indicators as opposed to circle indicators] can pull them off successfully. In fact, non-star players lose the puck most of the time if they try one.

Casual gamers can enjoy these moves, because it only takes a simple tap to use it. Of course, to master it is a different story. Recognizing the correct players, knowing when to use it [breakaways and alone against goalie], and aiming [look for the open net], are all parts of mastering these shots.

EA SPORTS: Can you explain what R.P.M. is and how it will effect gameplay? Do users have any control over it or is it built into the game engine AI?

David Littman: The new puck physics engine is built into the game engine, but the user has control to use it how they want. The puck will seem alive this year just like a real puck. Pucks will sometimes go on edge, and if the user shoots the puck during this time, the shot can be wild.

The puck is now a dangerous object as well. Shooting the puck at the goalie?s head can knock him down, and allow users to score a quick rebound goal. Players hit with a hard shot can get injured and limp to the bench, and even have to leave the game. Best of all, accurate shots can ripple the twine and can knock the water bottle off the net.

EA SPORTS: How was the skating control and speed improved in this year?s NHL?

David Littman: We have added a momentum skating engine. Bigger, slower players have a wider turning radius than smaller, faster players. When moving the left analog left and right, the puck will lead the player, so deking and skating is one simple mechanic. The biggest change is to the speed burst. In the past, most gamers just hold the speed burst button down until it is depleted. Now, gamers will have to be a lot smarter when deciding to use speed burst.

When speed bursting, players will push the puck ahead of them with one hand on the stick, just like a player bursting for a breakaway. During this time, the player has less control of the puck, a wider turning radius, and can?t left analog deke. The best thing to do is speed burst up the ice, and then put two hands back on the stick and get ready to make a play. Players without the puck will also have a wider turning radius when speed bursting.

EA SPORTS: Do you have any gameplay tips for defending the rush?

David Littman: The biggest key to playing defense is not to attack too aggressively. Many gamers switch to their defender who is closest to the puck carrying opponent and go for the big hit. The problem with this strategy is that a good opponent can avoid those checks [especially as they get good at left analog deking] and get to the goalie all alone. Once left alone in front, there are many ways for a good player to score, so keeping opponents on the perimeter has never been more important.

Take control of your defenseman and backskate towards your end. Let up on the left analog or even let go of the left analog for a moment so your defenseman slows down. You want to let the opponent close the gap with you, so you meet him somewhere between the blueline and the tops of the circles. Hold the poke button, or hold the check button to poke or throw a hip check. If you miss, try and stay in between the puck carrier and the goal and play good position. The CPU defensemen are very good at this and will guard their nets without always checking you to the ice, forcing offenses to set up in the zone.

EA SPORTS: What about some tips to score like the pros?

David Littman: The best part of NHL 06 is you really have to earn your goals. Here are the best ways to score:

Left analog deking: Anyone can do it -- just move the left analog back and forth. You can deke out defensemen and goalies. Goalies will bite on your dekes and become desperate. It is during this time that you can aim to the open part of the net and quickly tap the puck in (practice this in EA SPORTS Free4All).

Right Analog shots: Players with star indicators can score with these. Come in on the goalie and tap the right analog in one of four directions for some awesome goals. The goalie will bite on these and become desperate. Aim with the left analog to place the shot where you want. Try holding down the left trigger when executing one of these moves for an even more impressive way to score. You can even use them when skating or stopped behind the net.

Slap shots: While holding down the shoot button, a small target will appear on the net. The left analog moves this target around so you can aim exactly where you want. You will notice a much bigger difference in shot speeds between hard shooters and weak shooters than in previous years.

One-timers: One-timers are a fun way to score. Look for teammates on the other side of the ice when in the offensive zone, then pass them the puck and press shoot before the puck reaches them. This is best used when the shooter is on his ?off? wing. Your left analog is aiming the shot when the puck is released from the shooter?s stick.

Rebounds: Most goalies will let out a rebound on a hard low shot. Try this: come down the wing and blast a low hard shot to the FAR side of the net. Most of the time, the goalie will kick the puck towards middle or far side of the ice. Take control of a streaking winger and one time the loose puck into the net before the goalie can recover.

Deflections: Get the puck back to your point, and move towards the center of the ice along the blueline. Wait for a teammate to get in front of the net, and fire a low shot. The player in front will automatically try and deflect the puck into the net.

EA SPORTS: Which NHL team will you be playing with this season?

David Littman: I usually choose random teams so I can play with all of the teams and players. But my favorite thing to do is create a team [complete with custom goal horns, period buzzers, jerseys, logos, and of course my own created players complete with scars and bruises], and then take them into our Dynasty mode and compete against the NHL.

[The Insider]

Just a quick review;

I picked up the game tonight for PS2, and it is a much improved version. The hooking is completely gone which to me was the major flaw in recent years as it really cut down on scoring chances. Create a player is back, and that'll come in handy since Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and any other future NHLer who has not played in the NHL to date is not in the game due to legal reasons. Rosters are pretty much up to the date where Lindros signed with the Leafs, since he is a UFA in the game once it is opened. And the deke's are a great new addition, as the make some pretty nice goals. BTW the addition of the retro game(NHL'94) really takes you back :thumb:

I give it 9 pucks outta 10. Recommended by the Insider ;)

[BURY]

It's not even available here yet :confused:

[Madferret]

It's not even available here yet :confused:

Really? I was going to go pick it up Friday night. Where did you go Cants?

[PDO]

Best Buy will have it Friday across Canada for $39.99.

[BURY]

Really? I was going to go pick it up Friday night. Where did you go Cants?

Went at EB games in the Rideau Center ... Nothing there and usually they have it first. I'll check it out again today when I go to school.

[Madferret]

A couple of friends and myself run an online league using the EA NHL franchises. We are currently about 10 games in I think to the 2006 season, and are looking to add a few reliable and mature layers. Please PM me (http://www.hockeystation.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=7) if you are interested and I will get into further details about how the league is run, system / internet requirements, etc. etc.

Ferret

[leaferfan87]

Insider mentioned that it has a retro version (NHL '94) in the game. Is that just for the PS2 version or for all consoles?

[Madferret]

Insider mentioned that it has a retro version (NHL '94) in the game. Is that just for the PS2 version or for all consoles?

Not on the PC game as far as I can tell.

[J.R.]

Insider mentioned that it has a retro version (NHL '94) in the game. Is that just for the PS2 version or for all consoles? I believe it's included with the "Collector's Edition" of NHL 2006, available on all consoles. I remember when I was buying Madden NFL 2006 a couple months ago, I could have went with that special edition for about $10.00 more and it included a mid-90s version of the game.

[leaferfan87]

That's too bad...I enjoyed all those early NHL games. Luckily I'm bringing my Sega Genesis up to res with NHL '93 when I go home for Thanksgiving.

Anybody remember whenever a player lost a fight he would lie on the ice and blood would slowly flow from their head?

[LiAmTrAnSdEmOn]

No, I don't remember that kind of effect after a fight but I'm sure it would look funny.

I bought the game a little while ago and it wasn't the Collector's Edition but it still had the retro NHL 94 on it. I got the game for PS2.

[Madferret]

That's too bad...I enjoyed all those early NHL games. Luckily I'm bringing my Sega Genesis up to res with NHL '93 when I go home for Thanksgiving.

Anybody remember whenever a player lost a fight he would lie on the ice and blood would slowly flow from their head?

Yup. And the legs would twitch. That was taken out after the first two NHL's I think..