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/\ Interview with the producer of NHL 2005 from EA Sports
QUOTE
FROM WARFIELD TO THE RINK
The NHL 2005 Producer Takes the Game
Out to the Open Ice
Many EA SPORTS fans and gamers are familiar with the name Dave Warfield -- after all, he's the man charged with bringing the sport of hockey to the fingertips of rink fans everywhere. Warfield has been the producer of the NHL video games for the last few years, and with the upcoming NHL 2005, he and the rest of the team have introduced several new features, including a new Open Ice Control system. We sat down with Dave to find out more about what's in store for serious and casual hockey gamers alike.
EA SPORTS: What is "Open Ice Control"?
Dave Warfield: Open Ice Control is a gameplay feature that allows you to control a player that doesn’t have the puck when your team is on offense. By activating Open Ice Control, you will switch to another player, leaving the puck carrier controlled by the CPU. By pressing the Pass or Shoot button you are “calling for a pass” or “calling for a shot”. These controls are great for setting up a breakaway pass, doing Give-and-Gos, or driving to the net and screening the goalie or trying to deflect the puck.
EA SPORTS: Does Open Ice Control apply to defense as well?
Dave Warfield: Defensively, there are also Open Ice Controls -- we refer to it as “Open Ice Support”. When activating Open Ice Support, you are basically calling for a double team, and another CPU player will come over to help you attack or cover the puck-carrier. When you activate the Open Ice Support on Offense, it has a teammate come in to set a pick and create open ice, but that it is dangerous because it can result in an interference penalty.
EA SPORTS: What sort of gameplay and graphical engine changes have you made?
Dave Warfield: Gameplay has been the major area of focus for us this year, and the major changes drive around the flow of the game. Hockey is a transitional game with speed and flow that makes it a very unique sport. We have spread the players out, and created open ice to allow areas to skate, while still making sure that the realism of the sport is there. It is no longer a “hit-fest” as some referred to last year, but it is still challenging. On top of this we have added a ton of new animations and additions such as 5-Man Mocap, new hit animations, wraparounds, goalies, etc…
The Graphical engine has seen major improvements, especially in regards to how the players look. Faces are incredibly realistic, and jerseys, uniforms, and equipment have also received much more detail.
EA SPORTS: Will casual players be able to play the game as easily as hardcore players?
Dave Warfield: The Pick Up and Play experience was very important for us, and the Open Ice philosophy will definitely help with that casual experience, as it will be easier to move around the ice, make your passes, and create scoring chances. As you move up in skill levels you will still be very challenged.
EA SPORTS: What additions have you made to Dynasty Mode?
Dave Warfield: The major changes to Dynasty mode were to get away from the fluff of an office or luxury box, and focus more on the key aspects of being a GM in the NHL. Information and access to it was the biggest concern from last year's Dynasty Mode™, and we have answered that by including a PDA/e-mail system that keeps the gamer informed what is going on in his organization and around the league. The key info will be easier to find, and making the changes will be easier to get to.
EA SPORTS: Can gamers play the World Cup of Hockey?
Dave Warfield: The World Cup of Hockey is fully featured in NHL 2005, including the 8 World Cup teams, and the actual venues from North America and Europe. You will also have the ability to bring your own country's team in if you didn’t make the cut of the 8 teams.
EA SPORTS: Are there any signature moves or styles for individual players?
Dave Warfield: One of the things we think really will change the game is the player personalities that show clear differences between how a Markus Naslund or a Todd Bertuzzi play -- Skill vs Power -- and animations that show the difference. Another example would be the difference between how Scott Stevens and Brian Rafalski play -- Stevens will go for the big hit more, and Rafalski would drop back more defensively and use his stick.
EA SPORTS: How many teams and leagues are there?
Dave Warfield: There are 30 NHL teams, 21 National teams, and 3 Elite leagues; the DEL from Germany, the Elitserien from Sweden, and the SM-Liiga from Finland. Also, you will be able to create your own team and compete with it.
Stay tuned for more information about NHL 2005 coming in July.
The NHL 2005 Producer Takes the Game
Out to the Open Ice
Many EA SPORTS fans and gamers are familiar with the name Dave Warfield -- after all, he's the man charged with bringing the sport of hockey to the fingertips of rink fans everywhere. Warfield has been the producer of the NHL video games for the last few years, and with the upcoming NHL 2005, he and the rest of the team have introduced several new features, including a new Open Ice Control system. We sat down with Dave to find out more about what's in store for serious and casual hockey gamers alike.
EA SPORTS: What is "Open Ice Control"?
Dave Warfield: Open Ice Control is a gameplay feature that allows you to control a player that doesn’t have the puck when your team is on offense. By activating Open Ice Control, you will switch to another player, leaving the puck carrier controlled by the CPU. By pressing the Pass or Shoot button you are “calling for a pass” or “calling for a shot”. These controls are great for setting up a breakaway pass, doing Give-and-Gos, or driving to the net and screening the goalie or trying to deflect the puck.
EA SPORTS: Does Open Ice Control apply to defense as well?
Dave Warfield: Defensively, there are also Open Ice Controls -- we refer to it as “Open Ice Support”. When activating Open Ice Support, you are basically calling for a double team, and another CPU player will come over to help you attack or cover the puck-carrier. When you activate the Open Ice Support on Offense, it has a teammate come in to set a pick and create open ice, but that it is dangerous because it can result in an interference penalty.
EA SPORTS: What sort of gameplay and graphical engine changes have you made?
Dave Warfield: Gameplay has been the major area of focus for us this year, and the major changes drive around the flow of the game. Hockey is a transitional game with speed and flow that makes it a very unique sport. We have spread the players out, and created open ice to allow areas to skate, while still making sure that the realism of the sport is there. It is no longer a “hit-fest” as some referred to last year, but it is still challenging. On top of this we have added a ton of new animations and additions such as 5-Man Mocap, new hit animations, wraparounds, goalies, etc…
The Graphical engine has seen major improvements, especially in regards to how the players look. Faces are incredibly realistic, and jerseys, uniforms, and equipment have also received much more detail.
EA SPORTS: Will casual players be able to play the game as easily as hardcore players?
Dave Warfield: The Pick Up and Play experience was very important for us, and the Open Ice philosophy will definitely help with that casual experience, as it will be easier to move around the ice, make your passes, and create scoring chances. As you move up in skill levels you will still be very challenged.
EA SPORTS: What additions have you made to Dynasty Mode?
Dave Warfield: The major changes to Dynasty mode were to get away from the fluff of an office or luxury box, and focus more on the key aspects of being a GM in the NHL. Information and access to it was the biggest concern from last year's Dynasty Mode™, and we have answered that by including a PDA/e-mail system that keeps the gamer informed what is going on in his organization and around the league. The key info will be easier to find, and making the changes will be easier to get to.
EA SPORTS: Can gamers play the World Cup of Hockey?
Dave Warfield: The World Cup of Hockey is fully featured in NHL 2005, including the 8 World Cup teams, and the actual venues from North America and Europe. You will also have the ability to bring your own country's team in if you didn’t make the cut of the 8 teams.
EA SPORTS: Are there any signature moves or styles for individual players?
Dave Warfield: One of the things we think really will change the game is the player personalities that show clear differences between how a Markus Naslund or a Todd Bertuzzi play -- Skill vs Power -- and animations that show the difference. Another example would be the difference between how Scott Stevens and Brian Rafalski play -- Stevens will go for the big hit more, and Rafalski would drop back more defensively and use his stick.
EA SPORTS: How many teams and leagues are there?
Dave Warfield: There are 30 NHL teams, 21 National teams, and 3 Elite leagues; the DEL from Germany, the Elitserien from Sweden, and the SM-Liiga from Finland. Also, you will be able to create your own team and compete with it.
Stay tuned for more information about NHL 2005 coming in July.
