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26 February 2010
With the evolution of today's consoles, sports simulations have also progressed.
From lifelike physics, breathtaking graphics and innovated analog control schemes such as the Skill Stick, it's safe to say this isn't your daddy's sports game.
Not only has this spike in technology assisted in the realism on the field, but off as well.
Several developers have introduced their version of 'sim life' into their sports simulations. It began on last generation machines, but it's taken on a whole new life in this era.
From choosing your equipment, position or even how your name is pronounced, gamers are getting the chance to see what it would be like to don a uniform and take to the field, ice or court of your favorite team.
EA’s NHL development team realized this and so they introduced ìBe-A-Proî in the critically acclaimed NHL 09. It should go without saying; it was a huge hit with the masses. ?The gamer was given the capability to customize the players face, name, birthplace, position and even what brand of equipment to wear.
From here you chose which team to play for, making your way from the rigors of the American Hockey League (the NHL's top farm system) all the way into the NHL. If you were good enough, you might even make it into the Hall of Fame.
NHL10 expanded on ìBe-A-Proî by introducing a prospects game to help determine where you were selected in the upcoming amateur draft. Play well, and you might go 1st overall. Play poorly and you'll be lucky to break into the top 20.
The mode is incredibly fun and addicting. However, it needs work and I'm hoping that NHL 11 can deliver a more robust and deeper experience both on and off the rink.
Here are a few elements I'd like to see modified or added:
- Eliminate the option to control your own ice time. I'm sure players such as Ottawa Senators winger Alexei Kovalev would love to have this kind of control, but if EA's going for realism nobody should have the ability to manage their time-on-ice. At the very least, give hardcore fans the ability to turn this feature off.
- Earn special teams duties. Along with ice time, your play on the ice, or your skill set should determine if you're placed on the power-play or penalty killing units. In this regard, getting an 'A' grade for defensive positioning would carry more weight. It would mean you're ready to get the tap on the shoulder from your coach when your team is shorthanded.
- If you're good enough, and producing, you should stay in the NHL. Many players have never had to endure the hardships of minor league life, so why force every gamer through the American League system?
- Realistic contracts. Upon being drafted, you shouldn't be playing on a one-year contract. Unless you're given a try-out, a three-year contract is the norm. Which brings up:
- Deeper prospects camp. Perhaps it’s more than one game. Maybe it’s like NCAA where you play in the 4 team Memorial Cup tournament? In any event, give the user more games to determine his draft position and skill set. If you’re not good enough, then perhaps you don’t even get drafted. Try-outs will dominate your summer months.
- Incorporate European leagues. Whether you can't get that elusive NHL contract, or you're in the twilight of your career, maybe Europe is the last place, or beginning of your pro hockey journey.
- More off ice interaction. Press conferences, hard contract negotiations, issues with coaching staff, hiring agents, rehab mini-games, off-season training, sponsors, etc.
- Career duration. Factors such as age and injuries should dictate how long, or short, your pro career is. If you don't train properly, or sustain multiple injuries, your career might be shortened considerably. The style you play on the ice should be a major factor to the longevity of your career. Once you hit a certain age, skills will begin to decline. Perhaps you have to change your style to continue your NHL career?
- Play your way onto an Olympic team. Who hasn't dreamt of being selected to represent their country?
These are only a few examples of how I believe the ìBe-A-Proî mode could be improved upon.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them. Please join our forums and let me here what you’d like to see added or changed for future NHL games.
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