Important: NHL 09 Game Update Coming

NHL 09 Blog: David Littman
Posted 10.29.2008
Hi there, David Littman here. We are in the process of putting the patches up for both the X360 andthe PS3. PS3 Europe has already gone up, and PS3 North America and both X360patches should be up within the next week or two. First and foremost we have fixed the "dirty disc" message issue thatsome people are seeing on the X360. For the PS3, we have fixed the issue where there are sometimes whiteflashes or flickers during gameplay. So, if you have seen one of the above, you will be happy to know theyare fixed with the patch.For most people though...the important fixes are in gameplay. We have listened to all of you, and we have played the game ourselvesevery day. While we couldn't make every fix that you asked for becauseof time constraints, we did fix most of the big issues, and alsoimproved gameplay to be more authentic.

* The jersey on the EASHL side select screen is more visible thanthe team logo. This will make it easier for people to see when jerseycolors clash

* Deking controls normal when shooting downscreen with "Always Up"controls

* Checking has been tuned so you will see less big hits from guysthat aren't traditionally known for hitting

* Less CPU AI one-timers

* Increased the height of dump ins, for a better dump and chasegame.

* No more goals from flip dumps

* Better CPU AI logic near offensive blueline so they don't gooff-sides as much

* CPU goalie will not drag the puck back toward himself in ashootout

* We have fixed the goals from outside shots that people are scoring. We have reduced shot accuracy when on the rush and when turning quickly, and from far out. You will now have to be more conservativewhen shooting on the rush. If you aim all the way to the left or right, your shot will go wide a lot more. Try aiming more towards the middle tohit the net from outside. This fixes the cross goal where you shoot backthe other way, and the goal that goes in with the "curve" animation, anda few others. There's a reason NHL players don't shoot from outside onthe rush very often. Dumping or trying to set up is a better play unlessyou have an odd- man situation.

* We reduced the time it took to get control of the goalie by 1/3.

* When line changes are set to auto, and a user changeslines/defense manually between whistles, the line/defensive pair youasked for will come out (or stay out).

* If you have line changes off in Be a Pro, line change playerchatter will be turned off.

* When using a defenseman in BAP, BAP player won't get stuck onthe bench and will be able to call for change

* The EASHL will now go to continuous 5v5 overtime until one teamscores. This way nobody has to sit out, and you get to decide who wins(this is now just like the NHL Play-offs)

* The proper own-goal cut scene will be shown where the player whoscored on himself is upset.

* All cut scenes should now show players sitting in theirrespective team's bench.

* Increase AI team aggressiveness and the likelihood of themgetting called for a penalty on an infraction.

* If Vision Control is pressed, you do not throw a hit when infront of the attacking net. This helps with rebound shots.

* Increase the likelihood of a penalty if the stick hits the bodyduring a stick lift.* Reduce the accuracy of shots for penalty shots and shootouts. Aiming for just inside the post is a lot tougher nowAlong with these changes we are still working on the server side ofthings to make sure that the EASHL and online play is always improving.Keep checking our website for more information on the EASHL play- offs.

Thanks-David Littman

bold-mine