Quote:
Originally Posted by goofyballer
I feel like I'm receptive to that kind of game, but it looks a little TOO arcade-y, I still want it to feel like hockey
Okay, so I've been hooked for the past few days. I was thinking of this comment. Initially, yes I agreed with you, it's a surface level game that probably isn't "actual hockey."
However, now I'm not so sure. Yes, it's super brawl-y and violence oriented, but there's a subtle strategy lurking beneath the surface. More importantly, the way you score goals and the immediate build-up actually captures the feeling of a live hockey goal really well. The play really focuses on one timers to trick the goalie-- wild slapshots will get you nowhere. While it isn't EA Hockey, I still think die-hard fans will enjoy the gameplay.
On top of this, the franchise mode has some surprising depth. It's set in some weird, dark future where inmates are sentenced to blood sports. As a coach, you start off by selling your ****ing liver to pay for your first players and training facility. You can modify your players' diets, workouts, and juice them up with drugs. If you don't feel like nursing a particularly injured player back to health, you can just pull the plug on their recovery bed and throw their body in the dumpster out back.
I'm a few seasons in and the AI is still matching my difficulty well. Again, the premise and execution is rather simple but the game really clicks. Franchise mode offers some depth, but is still casual to approach. All around, it's simply satisfying to play.
Only complaints would be the lack of online play (although couch co-op is a blast) and some more music tracks. It's a solid purchase for the price and it really shines on the Switch. I love playing handheld and docked.