what new feature are you most excited about in FHM 8

[Raindrops]

Creating end of the year tournaments

[snarls200]

If I was able to play the game that definitely a big one as long as you can set it to automatically pick by positions.

[Goalie39]

The new financial system looks awesome. It was needed.



Hopefully it scales will with Major Junior and Minor League teams. I also hope it allows us to do editing in Commissioner mode!

[YourOnlinePal]

I'm looking forward to the button that lets me yell "SHOOT THE PUCK" at my team's players.

[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.

[seven]

For those of us who use the 2D match engine, one bit of very good news is the addition of a "watch mode". This will allow the user to vary the amount of a game that is viewed (somewhat like Football Manager).

[Goalie39]

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.

I am excited for the new game and I do believe it really is realistic, at least from the finance side. They are blurring 2 key roles of organizations (loosely speaking the GM role and the Director of Hockey Operations role). The GM key role is Player Personal and Coaching Staff Personal. The Director of Hockey Operations would be in charge of all of the items on the Finance side like Ticket Prices, Upgrades and Maintenance of Arena, Organization Budgets outside of Player/Coach budgets, Travel and lodging, ect. I used to work for a professional sports team on the broadcast side and I saw first hand discussions about travel, upgrading seating in the arena, ticket price settings, ect. The game is doing a good job of simplifying these things for the game player.


"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." - I personally am not a fan of doing this for every play of the game, however I'm sure some will absolutely love this feature. I do like the ability to adjust and play less of players who are not doing well or to re-coach a player that is confused about their game role. Those adjustments happens in every hockey game on the bench.


"The 2D engine still doesn't convince me, not least when the actual shape of the rink isn't even accurate." - Agreed but they add fans now to seats and they added the ice getting more choppy as the period goes on which i think is technically a minor adjustment that adds a ton of play value.


I think they are going the right direction with the game. Ive been with FHM since the start. The last 2 versions have seen some major upgrades to the game. I fully support them with this version and I cant wait to see what they address in FHM9!

[tward13]

In the 2D game I'd rather they allow us to coach rather than direct a player already on the ice. Pausing the game to instruct a player to shoot, pass, etc breaks the flow. I'm sure I wouldn't use that.

However, the ability to easily match lines, switch players on lines, change strategy for the players who will be going in would be fun.

[Hank1974]

Hoping the online leagues are given more love.
GMs need to be able to import and export league files via the UI.
Also the ability to hire/fire personal without the commish doing everything manually.

[Arch7ngel]

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.

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!

[artlan]

It seems to me like the new major feature this year is the financial aspect. Frankly, I am not all that interested in this feature and think that it would just take longer to sim a full season. To me, there are other areas of the game that require further development that take precedent over the financial module that was added to FHM 8, Arch7ngel spoke about these in the post above.

For me, the biggest area that needs to be addressed is the tactics. I would like to receive feedback and input on what is working and what isn't and why yes and why not so I can properly implement tactics. I've been playing since FHM 1 and find this area to be underwhelming to say the least.

With that said, I am a big believer in the game as well as the developers, and will certainly be purchasing the game on the 26th. Knowing the developers, they will likely add another major feature or two before development on FHM 9 begins.

Thank you guys for continuing to support the game, I spent endless hours playing the previous versions and looking to do the same with FHM 9.

[PhilHell37]

To me the ability to create your own tournaments (for now only in custom mode, but will be added in a patch to the other modes too) and the ability to add leagues to an existing custom save are two things I am looking forward to. In general I think everything that adds more customization to the game is good.

However, I also share some of the concerns made by Colorado and I have some doubts regarding the new financial and ingame features.

Nevertheless, I will for sure buy the game to support further development and already know that I will once again spend way too much time playing it

[GDawg]

I've also supported this game from the early versions on, but I think I will continue with FHM7 for a while, I just don't see enough improvements to warrant a pre order or day 1 buy. Things like changing ice quality and player popups are not really doing it for me as I think 2d representation overall is not at the level I would like it to be. Will probably purchase down the road! I still have an FHM7 and OOTP22 season running, so I have patience

What I like however, is the possibilty to watch different segments of a 2D game -or just the goals-, that's a cool new feature.

[Mark L]

I'm concerned about the new financial system. Can you turn that stuff off?

I just want to draft, sign and trade players and set lines and tactics. I have no interest in selling jerseys, allocating parking and collecting cards.

[renojedi]

Originally Posted by tward13

In the 2D game I'd rather they allow us to coach rather than direct a player already on the ice. Pausing the game to instruct a player to shoot, pass, etc breaks the flow. I'm sure I wouldn't use that.

Agree. I'd like a system like football manager with "shouts" as that would be more realistic to what a coach would do in game. It should be more like the other in game adjustments for changing strategy that are in the game.

[Merla]

Originally Posted by renojedi

Agree. I'd like a system like football manager with "shouts" as that would be more realistic to what a coach would do in game. It should be more like the other in game adjustments for changing strategy that are in the game.

This. I've supported this game and bought every edition so far, but I might skip FHM 8 just because of this feature. It's extremely unrealistic and there are many other things in the game that imo should have been prioritized instead.


The match screen is very outdated and playing games are simply not very fun, compared to f.e. Football Manager where it's the best part of the game. I want to feel like a coach, get feedback and I want to "live the game". Now I just sim everything instead.

[Bones26]

From my personal perspective at least, the true test of any management simulation and ultimately its immersion quotient, is its ability to appropriately reflect back to the human player the consequences of their game decisions in a readily discernable, meaningful and actionable fashion, consistent with the what one could reasonably expect if it were to be translated into a real-world situation. Case in point for a human player playing from a coach’s perspective.

As a supporter of FHM ever since its first iteration, one thing that has constantly frustrated me is, as ‘artlan’ has also commented “…the biggest area that needs to be addressed is the tactics. I would like to receive feedback and input on what is working and what isn't and why yes and why not so I can properly implement tactics. …this area to be underwhelming to say the least.”

Echoing that sentiment, my biggest gripe as it stands now, (and in this example let’s just stay with even strength play), is that with 21 different unit attacking tactical options to choose from, plus an additional 19 separate unit defensive tactical options one can choose to apply. All of which in turn can be assigned separately to each individual line. The human player is in effect being presented with a total universe of 84 different attacking and 76 defending options to choose from in setting their teams game strategy. This to say nothing of one’s ability to further tweak their strategy through 8 different individual player tactical tendencies, which themselves comes with 5 different set point options that can be applied individually to each of the 18 players on the ice. And with this all further contained within the envelope of individual player roles of which there are also multiple variants available that can be selected… Well I hope you catch my point…

And thus, the issue is that absent any type of meaningful feedback mechanism for the human player to appreciate the effectiveness or lack thereof of their chosen strategy(s) in-game, (unless the 2D engine has undergone an incredible up-grade for FHM8 to capture and reflect back these nuisances), I am at loss as to how one is to make any sense of this smorgasbord of choices playing out against an opponent in real-time, and to be able adjust their tactics accordingly, based on any of the feedback currently provided by the game.

So strike one for any immersion factor. To borrow from ‘Arch7ngel’ comment “…harder for the sake of being harder rather than being more realistic.” Except here we seem to have a case of have been provided complexity and busy work as a substitute for immersion.

[Curve Ball Dave]

The one feature FHM does not have (unless it does and I still haven't figured out how) is the ability to build a custom league by importing historical teams then holding a fantasy draft. It would appear this can't be done in 8 either, unless it can and I just don't know how. It's very easy to do in OOTP.

[Mark L]

Originally Posted by Curve Ball Dave

The one feature FHM does not have (unless it does and I still haven't figured out how) is the ability to build a custom league by importing historical teams then holding a fantasy draft. It would appear this can't be done in 8 either, unless it can and I just don't know how. It's very easy to do in OOTP.

Agreed, custom leagues aren't customizable. Your choices are current players or fictional players. You can import historical teams but you can't get rid of the other players without retiring an entire world (which will crash the game come next July 1).

To me the whole point of simulations is to pit teams from all eras against each other (customized for size of course). I don't see the point in replaying seasons that were played in real life. There is nothing to prove. And I will never understand using future projections of current players. It's just a projection. One week into the NHL season and current ratings are already out of date.

[Curve Ball Dave]

Originally Posted by Mark L

Agreed, custom leagues aren't customizable. Your choices are current players or fictional players. You can import historical teams but you can't get rid of the other players without retiring an entire world (which will crash the game come next July 1).

To me the whole point of simulations is to pit teams from all eras against each other (customized for size of course). I don't see the point in replaying seasons that were played in real life. There is nothing to prove. And I will never understand using future projections of current players. It's just a projection. One week into the NHL season and current ratings are already out of date.

You can use "real" players and hold an initial draft in a custom league which I've done, but that's that afterword. Unlike OOTP where it can be done in any type of league, you can't import historical players. As much as I'd like to have Bobby Hull or Guy LaFluer play against today's players, I don't see a way to make it happen.