Nhl 2005 Review

I think the most important aspect of hockey that needs improvement in the next installment of the EA NHL line is gameplay. I believe the environment is among the most realistic of any sports games out there, but the gameplay model needs serious refinement. Everyone's ideas about sticks breaking and the addition of speech are great ideas, but I believe the EA development team needs to work on the AI. Here is my list for major improvements:

1. Improved player interaction in front of the net. In previous titles, players stand idle in the slot. If you have ever watched or played real hockey, players are constantly moving, irritating the defenseman in hopes of drawing a penalty. If the defense were to maintain contact with the forward, nudge him, and lift his stick, it would be that more realistic. Furthermore, if the forwards attempted to draw the defense outside of the slot in order to provide an opening for the cycling forwards behind the net, the gameplay would be significantly improved.

2. Cycling in the offensive and defensive zones. One of the most important strategies in modern hockey is cycling the puck behind the net and attempting to get the puck to the point for a clear shot on net.

3. Improved movement throughout the ice. Being able to effectively and efficiently move the puck is a major aspect of hockey, and "Create Open Ice" helped compensate for this problem, but it still needs some major retooling. This became a huge problem in the offensive zone, where the controlled player should have an easier time working the defense, moving laterally until his teammate becomes open. The developers really should spend more time studying playbooks and other reference materials in order to improve this area of the game.

4. Set plays for breakout, forecheck, and neutral zone transition. Arguably the most important part of a team's strategy is their breakout, transition, and forecheck. They should bring in some coaches and players for assistance in designing several play options.

5. Improved AI on all odd man rushes (i.e. 1v1, 2v1, 2v2, etc.) where each man has his responsibility and will play the man at the blueline based on the quick play strategy. Also, if the number of defense outnumber the forwards, one member of the defense should prematurely play the forward. Professional hockey players hired as consultants should be able to really help this part of the game,

6. Finally, improved interactions between players and the puck,