Ok, I think this sums up all the write ups we've seen so far for the game. More to come in the next few months until launch.
New Game Modes
- Superstar Mode (Be A Pro) added
Online
- 6 on 6 Online Team Play using 12 systems
- Extremely deep online Stat Tracking for users in both single & team play
Content Added & Tweaks/Controls
- Russian Elite League Added
- Czech Elite League Added
- German Elite League
- Finnish & Swedish Elite League Tourney Schedules Added
- Ability to turn off computer trading in Dynasty Mode
- New 'Dump Puck" button added to control scheme. (RB on 360 pad)
- Expanded Offensive Controls: Drive Wide, One Handed Deke, Puck Protection, etc.
- Expanded Defensive Controls: 360° Puck sweep, shoving, lift the stick, etc.
- Legendary Skill Stick Moves (under NDA right now apparently).
- NHL 94 traditional controls for basic players and new players.
- Interactive tutorials for new comers to the NHL series.
- Create A Play expanded to full use of ice, both for offensive and defensive plays.
Gameplay & Animation
- Natural Motion used for collisions (takes into account speed, angle, position, etc)
- 400+ Hitting Animations, Tied into Natural Motion System
- 70+ New Goalie Animations, more desperation save motions added
- Line Changes now seperate for Offense & Defense
- New Fighting Engine
- Double Minors and Majors added for High Sticking calls.
- Added and Improved "Dump & Chase" gameplay.
- Added Penalty for "Puck Over The Glass" 2 Minutes.
- Added Penalty for goalies "playing the puck in the zone". 2 Minutes.
- Improved AI and AI Routines. AI now has better knowledge for where others are on ice.
- Decreased amount of "hip-checks".
- "Homing Missle" checking removed.
- Ability to battle infront of the net and shove by nudging the Right Analog Stick.
- Goalies now move head around trying to see past traffic.
- Goalie Mode Controls and Animations improved/polished.
- AI now sets up better on 2 on 1's, gets into better position.
- AI now more aggressive and will go after the player instead of standing watching like 08.
- AI will now shoot far less one timers.
- Some goalies now more aggresive when playing the puck, risk/reward factor.
- Lower skilled players will now have a harder time deking and scoring than last year.
- Now able to drive wide to the net and protect the puck with one hand.
Extras
- Many Retro Jerserys Added For All Teams (North Stars, Seals, etc)
- Take A Screenshot option added. (Not sure if this will have online uploads yet)
- Video Clip Uploading to EA Online Website, User Ratings, Comments, etc.
- Custom Music. Full Music/Horn customization from 360/PS3 harddrives.
- Added graphic overlays for goals over the course of a season. (aka 30th goal of the season)
Visuals
- 60 Frames Per Second on PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360
- Many cutscenes added: Dressing room walkout, spotlight intro, three stars, etc
Bug Fixes
- Dynasty Glitch when dropped players would re-appear on your roster.
In the Works
- EA working on putting different goalie styles into the game.
- EA trying to get user custom music to work in online play (may not make it in)
Debbie Downers
- Season Mode didn't make it in.
- No basic PlayOffs mode.
Many other features and additions are under nda. This was all from a early build of the game shown in April 2008. The game will ship in September. One major feature is being hyped and will be revealed at a later date. Some people think the big "hidden" feature is going to be complete online dynasty mode. Just speculation so far, but that sounds very possible
