After picking this up in the sales I've finally started playing it. I have a few questions (this is going to be a lot of questions) and I should start by saying I haven't played an NHL game since 09, and an EA Sports game since FIFA 11. I have a few gameplay questions, and several game modes/content questions.
I've been playing a few days and I think I have the hang of most of the gameplay features. I've been using the standard controls rather than the simplified ones because I know there are a lot of features and capabilities you can use. Poke checking and blocking are fine. I'm starting to realise that holding R2 and then pressing the next button to pass to a player is better than just passing R2 because it'll actually go in the right direction.
My biggest problem is using the right stick to control the stick. Whenever I'm in a game situation (I realise that practicing 1v1 with a goalie would help, I'll get to that) and I find myself wanting to move the puck from side to side with it on my stick I can't. Is there something else I should be pressing, besides just moving the stick? The various deke buttons don't do much.
And on that, how do you aim shots? I don't know if everything just moves too fast for me so far but there seems to be a disconnect between what I do and what happens. I don't know if this is actually the case.
And on that, how effective are the tactical changes you can make with the directional buttons? I'm getting fed up of playing 3v3 modes and carrying the puck into the zone with a chance for a 2 on 1 while the other forward stands at the red line picking his nose, or starts trying to hump one of the defensemen rather than move into literally any of the open space. Is there anything you can do here? I think the best way to describe my goal scoring so far is just... very few of my goals actually feel deliberate. I usually throw a puck at the net, or pass to a player near it, and hope for the best. Sometimes it works.
Now, game modes. I've only played the various online modes so far. The last time I played in 09 there was Franchise mode and Be a Pro, that was it. Now there are multiple online modes with multiple modes within those (and absolutely hideous menu design). I think I've tried all of them, but I have a few questions relating mainly to the trophies that go along with them.
What's the best way to unlock players for HUT? As far as I can tell it's by doing Squad Battles and getting the maximum points from that and getting lots of packs. At least it's a lot less aggravating than trying to use my actual HUT team against other players - McDavid/Eichel/Makar/Orr/etc. vs. Cogliano and Colton gets old quick. If there's any other mode that's worth doing, I'm all ears.
Similarly in HUT, how do you upgrade Player Items? What are sets and how do you upgrade them? What are Event Players and how do you unlock them?
In Chel mode, ones and threes, what's the best strategy? What's the best build? I tried a ones tournament earlier and got through the first round, went out at the second one. How easy is it to actually win one of these? I imagine a threes tournament is easier if you have good teammates. Does your Chel player level affect your stats, or is it just the player type and stats you pick that do?
I think the only other thing I need to ask is how active these game modes usually are, and how long they're supported for? I'm playing during the week and not at times where there will be a lot of North Americans on, but every time I've gone into matchmaking in any mode the population has always been low. I've always found matches, I'm just curious about how well the game actually does.
I think that's everything. If you read or answer any of this, thanks.