Quote:
Originally Posted by Colorado
Honestly, maybe it'll grow on me but I can't help but feel underwhelmed.
The main features just seem a bit gimmicky and unrealistic, and that's precisely what I want from the game - a realistic management sim.
A pop-up for a player to pass, shoot or whatever just feels way too unrealistic, although the potential for setting lines would be a very good addition.
The finance screen looks better, but do you actually think an NHL GM deliberates over the budget for pre-game entertainment?? Again, it's gimmicky and not for me.
The hockey cards are a nice addition but I really do feel that they look out of place on the pre-game screen.
There has still not been anything added to the trade block - i.e being able to set specific team needs. Ok, trade rumours have been included which is great but it's long overdue and EHM is still ahead of FHM in this particular aspect of the game, even after all these years. I find that very frustrating.
The 2D engine still doesn't convince me, not least when the actual shape of the rink isn't even accurate.
The setting of player roles/tactics seem as vague as ever. I have to say that the new post-game data screen is a very good addition and will help give some clarity on what may or may not be working for you tactically.
From what I could see in the news items, a lot of the text passages are identical to previous years, and were already become very repetitive and stale. If I see a 'No way!!!' response to a trade offer, I think I might scream.
I've been supportive of the series since FHM4 and have bought each one since, and there are elements of the game (and the enthusiasm of the devs) that I really like and appreciate, but the game just seems to be moving towards a different direction to what I had hoped. There was very little that I've seen so far that actually got me excited for the release.
I'll watch some videos etc and hopefully I'll change my mind, but I think I might give this year's edition a miss.
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I 100% feel the same way (I am also a fan since FHM4 too!!). To me, the most "exciting" feature was the introduction of the trade slider, but I am fairly skeptical because I'm afraid it's just going to be harder for the sake of being harder rather than being more realistic.
I appreciate the effort put into the 2D engine, and maybe I'll change my mind when I see it, but for now, it does seem very gimmicky. To me, the main reason I still support this direction is that it provides a much-needed storyline and sense of attachment to the players and team. Otherwise, it's too easy to see players as data points in a simulation rather than real people with livelihoods -- something that real GMs most definitely have to contend with.
That being said, the game currently lacks other important traditional GM features (players, trades, stats and contracts) that I wish the developers further addressed: more realistic contracts, better player pool/development in later years (years 15+), GMs trading away/eating bad contracts, player and locker room morale, etc.
I still plan on buying this version because I know as fans, we always ask a lot and it has been a difficult time for everyone over the past year; I just appreciate having a new FHM version to keep me busy over the next year
-- thanks to the devs, and keep up the great job!