My 2D Suggestions Based On First Impressions

Pax25 · 12-17-2020, 11:39 PM

Glad to see a sub-forum for this. Not a bad first attempt, but definitely some improvements needed:

1) I know this may take quite a bit of effort, but I think you could solve the puck covering the numbers problem if the the puck hovered over the outside of the square. Not only would you be able to see the number, but you'd also get the effect of the puck moving from forehand to backhand / left to right, etc.

Right now, it's extremely difficult for me to see who has the puck (especially on fast mode). It's like playing some lightning quick memory game of which player wasn't covered last. I'm not really getting the full picture of who's doing what because of this. Also, the game seems more like a basketball or rugby game with people "carrying" the puck around.

2) Game definitely needs various "highlight modes".

3) Would be nice to have a rectangular overlay along the bottom that is somewhat transparent that gives you the basic stats of the game and which offensive lines and defensive pairings are on the ice for each team at all times. I suppose people could turn it on and off if they don't like it (think Football Manager here).

4) While I'm at it, I think I'm seeing too many instances when 3 players are rushing and surrounding the puck carrier. (I think you mentioned before that you'd like to see things more spread out.)

Thanks.

Steven547 · 12-19-2020, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pax25

Glad to see a sub-forum for this. Not a bad first attempt, but definitely some improvements needed:

1) I know this may take quite a bit of effort, but I think you could solve the puck covering the numbers problem if the the puck hovered over the outside of the square. Not only would you be able to see the number, but you'd also get the effect of the puck moving from forehand to backhand / left to right, etc.

Right now, it's extremely difficult for me to see who has the puck (especially on fast mode). It's like playing some lightning quick memory game of which player wasn't covered last. I'm not really getting the full picture of who's doing what because of this. Also, the game seems more like a basketball or rugby game with people "carrying" the puck around.

2) Game definitely needs various "highlight modes".

3) Would be nice to have a rectangular overlay along the bottom that is somewhat transparent that gives you the basic stats of the game and which offensive lines and defensive pairings are on the ice for each team at all times. I suppose people could turn it on and off if they don't like it (think Football Manager here).

4) While I'm at it, I think I'm seeing too many instances when 3 players are rushing and surrounding the puck carrier. (I think you mentioned before that you'd like to see things more spread out.)

Thanks.

Good ideas, especially #3. I actually would like to see a smaller rink to allow more stat boxes around it.

Colorado · 12-21-2020, 04:38 AM

Personally, I feel the normal speed is too slow (even compared to real life) and the next fastest speed is a bit too fast to follow.

Something in between those speeds would be the ideal 'normal' speed.

Pax25 · 12-22-2020, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado

Personally, I feel the normal speed is too slow (even compared to real life) and the next fastest speed is a bit too fast to follow.

Something in between those speeds would be the ideal 'normal' speed.

I agree with this 100%. Haven't tried the latest update yet. Apparently they sped up the speed.

Flying_Canuck · 12-24-2020, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pax25

Glad to see a sub-forum for this. Not a bad first attempt, but definitely some improvements needed:

1) I know this may take quite a bit of effort, but I think you could solve the puck covering the numbers problem if the the puck hovered over the outside of the square. Not only would you be able to see the number, but you'd also get the effect of the puck moving from forehand to backhand / left to right, etc.

Right now, it's extremely difficult for me to see who has the puck (especially on fast mode). It's like playing some lightning quick memory game of which player wasn't covered last. I'm not really getting the full picture of who's doing what because of this. Also, the game seems more like a basketball or rugby game with people "carrying" the puck around.

30 years ago, a certain game (WGH) has simple looking graphics like this. I always think back to that series with fond memories. Each player does have a stick and the puck is on the stick.

FHM is the closest thing but a much more powerful simulation. It'd be great if we can start to see improvements in the 2D presentation (hockey stick, skating, shooting, checking, passing, goalie saves). Doesn't have to be really fancy but something I am sure everyone would appreciate. Even if it takes a few more years, I am already so excited about the potential!

Steven547 · 12-24-2020, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pax25

I agree with this 100%. Haven't tried the latest update yet. Apparently they sped up the speed.

For me, I haven't seen the speed update. If anything, it appears the players are going slower. I think I clocked one player at 11 seconds to go untouched from blue line to blue line.

Also, the commentary text doesn't update right away. It said a player had covered the puck, but it had touched about 3 more players and text was still on the "covered" commentary.

The 2D is a nice touch, but I think it has a long way to go. Some things I would like to see:

1 - Ability to shrink the rink to have a view similar to FHM6. Right now, it just feels "empty" and with the slow and stuttering gameplay, it's hard to watch. I also think this can help with the stuttering.
2 - Ability to remove the 2D rink and just view text play-by-play with stats / lines screen.
3 - Ability to add stat screens around the 2D rink.
4 - Ability to replace the current audio. Or is there now?
5 - Maybe bring in the option to display different versions of the rink? (FHM5, FHM6, etc) I liked FHM6 version because it was more of the "action" area of the rink. The commentary seemed to match better with the action.

Again, just my suggestions. I think it's a nice touch and hope it can improve in this version.

julius · 12-29-2020, 08:17 AM

Thanks to Flying Canuck for the reference to 1990's Wayne Gretzky Hockey. I also loved this series. The 2D graphics were great and the video presentation was very immersive. I give FHM7 credit for finally adding in 2D graphics, but it amazes me that we are still well short of a standard that was achieved 30 years ago, which is Jurassic Age in computer development. I also encourage the developers to take a close look at this old series.

12-17-2020, 11:39 PM	#1
Pax25 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Chicago, IL - USA Posts: 64	My 2D Suggestions Based On First Impressions Glad to see a sub-forum for this. Not a bad first attempt, but definitely some improvements needed: 1) I know this may take quite a bit of effort, but I think you could solve the puck covering the numbers problem if the the puck hovered over the outside of the square. Not only would you be able to see the number, but you'd also get the effect of the puck moving from forehand to backhand / left to right, etc. Right now, it's extremely difficult for me to see who has the puck (especially on fast mode). It's like playing some lightning quick memory game of which player wasn't covered last. I'm not really getting the full picture of who's doing what because of this. Also, the game seems more like a basketball or rugby game with people "carrying" the puck around. 2) Game definitely needs various "highlight modes". 3) Would be nice to have a rectangular overlay along the bottom that is somewhat transparent that gives you the basic stats of the game and which offensive lines and defensive pairings are on the ice for each team at all times. I suppose people could turn it on and off if they don't like it (think Football Manager here). 4) While I'm at it, I think I'm seeing too many instances when 3 players are rushing and surrounding the puck carrier. (I think you mentioned before that you'd like to see things more spread out.) Thanks. Last edited by Pax25; 12-17-2020 at 11:44 PM.

12-21-2020, 04:38 AM	#3
Colorado Major Leagues Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 385	Personally, I feel the normal speed is too slow (even compared to real life) and the next fastest speed is a bit too fast to follow. Something in between those speeds would be the ideal 'normal' speed.

12-29-2020, 08:17 AM	#7
julius Minors (Single A) Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 66	Thanks to Flying Canuck for the reference to 1990's Wayne Gretzky Hockey. I also loved this series. The 2D graphics were great and the video presentation was very immersive. I give FHM7 credit for finally adding in 2D graphics, but it amazes me that we are still well short of a standard that was achieved 30 years ago, which is Jurassic Age in computer development. I also encourage the developers to take a close look at this old series.