NHL 15 News Post

No EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, or Live The Life in NHL 15 on XB1/PS4 (Interview)

05:57 PM - August 19, 2014 by RaychelSnr

It’s official: EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, and Live the Life will not be in NHL 15.

The modes which will be in the game, will include play now, Be A Pro, Be a GM, Online Vs, Hockey Ultimate Team, and NHL Moments Live. The plan, as of right now, is to deliver Online Team Play via a patch after launch.

We sat down with Producer Sean Ramjagsingh to discuss why those modes were not included and to talk about the modes which are in the game. The discussion also turns to how to the team deals with community reactions and plans for the future of the franchise, which admittedly are quite exciting. See for yourself after the jump!

Read More - No EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, or Live The Life in NHL 15 (Interview with Sean Ramjagsingh)

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Member Comments

# 141 Jellobiafra @ 08/20/14 05:26 AM

Hands down I will not buy this game. If we do not make a stand now then they will continue to destroy the online experience with micro transactional modes like ultimate team. The excuse of timing is absurd. When asked previously ea Canada had been more than willing to imply that they were in a better situation to get what they needed done due to not releaseing last fall. Just listen to the Press Row guys. My worry now is that all other sports games follow suit and slowly decapitate the only mode I love - Connected career/online franchise mode. Kids modes such as ultimate team or pie in the sky modes like be a pro will be the death of gaming as we know it. How many years will it take before these next gen games get it right?? Oh probably around the time the next next gen is due to come out. MLB the Show is the only game so far that can be happy with what they have released next gen. NHL15 dont get it.

# 142 newjerseydamo @ 08/20/14 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SinisterAlex


	I do believe what Rammer said about complications with code, latency, desync, etc is true. 1 v 1 games are different from having up to 12 people playing live on different consoles, from different provinces/ states.

Sorry but I don't believe this at all. Just look at how many versions have had the different features, they've had years of experience with having it work on 360/PS3. You're telling me MS and Sony have made it that much more difficult to code for and port from older generations to new generations?

Sorry but I don't buy that at all. These people are professionals at their job, EA has had teams working on Madden and FIFA for the last several years, plus they skipped next gen last year.
It's not like the XB1 and PS4 were a "surprise we're here" situation. Like any new console coming out, developers have access early to learn the systems and make new games for it.

# 143 acelang123 @ 08/20/14 06:27 AM

NHL 15 for PS3 sounds like the better game. ...new announcers, custom sounds ( goal horns, euro trash club music is key), all legacy modes are in. Gameplay will suffice.

PS4 has no custom sounds, a ported Be A GM, and the same exact announcing logic.

Why would devote 12 months to the PS3 version when yhe whole idea of skipping a year gives you more time to devote towards the PS4 version. I dont get that, if thats the case, do we have an NBA Live situation here? Should they have waited until 2015 to release the stinking game for NHL 16. This is incredibly disappointing to both online and offline players. Even Kojima had enough sense to release MGS5 at $30, because it was only a half a game!!! The market will speak and this PS4 iteration will come down hard in price. I wouldnt be surprised if the PS3 version holds strong at 40-50 bucks the whole year, and the PS4 is at the 30-40 range for most of the year.

# 144 geisterhome @ 08/20/14 06:42 AM

as a 100% old school franchise guy I couldn't care less abt those modes that didn't make it into the game, but I'll skip this year anyways, looks like the same old gameplay to me and the presentation while being improved still needs work in some areas (playerfaces!!). also the past has taught me that it's usually not the worst idea to skip the first try on a new generation of consoles and FIFA, Madden and NBA2k aren't looking too shabby this year..

# 145 woody2goody @ 08/20/14 07:17 AM

I'll probably get this one as I enjoy GM Mode and Be a Pro. The graphics and game play look nice and the presentation looks fantastic.

# 146 bad_philanthropy @ 08/20/14 07:19 AM

The comments on single player BaGM are nonsensical to me. Is he saying BaGM is currently the same as gen 3 and they are looking to patch in upgraded features? Or, that it is below the sophistication of gen 3 and the patch is intended to get it up to par with last year's game?

# 147 El_Poopador @ 08/20/14 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jellobiafra


	Hands down I will not buy this game. If we do not make a stand now then they will continue to destroy the online experience with micro transactional modes like ultimate team. The excuse of timing is absurd. When asked previously ea Canada had been more than willing to imply that they were in a better situation to get what they needed done due to not releaseing last fall.

I'm going to assume you've never programmed anything before.

# 148 adayinthelife @ 08/20/14 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bad_philanthropy


	The comments on single player BaGM are nonsensical to me. Is he saying BaGM is currently the same as gen 3 and they are looking to patch in upgraded features? Or, that it is below the sophistication of gen 3 and the patch is intended to get it up to par with last year's game?

I got the impression from his comments that the mode is a stripped down version.

# 149 jb1 @ 08/20/14 08:24 AM

I am still considering when to upgrade to the PS4 and I thought I would do it next month with NHL, FIFA and NBA 2k coming out but as solely a sports gamer i'm not sure I can justify the upgrade with the recent news on NHL 15.

I also only play offline now and the news of Be a GM being a stripped back version, likely no playoff or battle for the cup modes is concerning enough to put me off. The gameplay also looks very similar to previous years, enough so that the PS3 version will likely play nearly the same game of hockey.

I held back on upgrading to PS4 last year because I thought the sports games would struggle early on and to be honest i'm not surprised by the NHL 15 news. I'm beginning to wonder whether they should even release the game this year on PS4 and Xbox One and instead put all their focus on delivering what we expect from NHL 16.

I won't go into details on FIFA here but I'm not convinced that the PS4 version will be that much ahead of the PS3 version either so I might be rocking the PS3 for another year longer than I thought.

# 150 bad_philanthropy @ 08/20/14 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adayinthelife


	I got the impression from his comments that the mode is a stripped down version.

Agreed. I want some clarity on the state of gen 4 BaG. If it's indeed stripped down I'll be playing another year on 360. I'm really not interested in a gen 4 gameplay and presentation beta for $60.

# 151 SVCbearcat10 @ 08/20/14 08:31 AM

This is kind of funny. If they did not revamp arenas, presentation, or rebuild gameplay, the hate towards the game would be exactly the same. Instead of missing modes, everyone would be crying it's a port and not worth the $60. Just go look at the forums for FIFA, Madden, The Show, etc. Also, I find it funny that when given an answer as to why something was or was not included, many don't believe the answer. There are some just looking for another reason to hate EA (some of it deserved, some of it not).

I think we forget how small budget and how small of a team works on this game. Plus instead of focusing on one game, they have to put full effort into two. All indications from people who have actually played the game says it feels much different (even though everyone who only watches the videos posted says its the same). Also, you have to remember that this is NHL and created by the same studio. There are elements of the gameplay that makes it unique to them and successful (NHL2K went away because consumers decided this game was better, they didn't buy the license like NFL and MLB). There's a core foundation that will never change, so it's unrealistic to someone expect a completely different game.

Would it have been nice to have EASHL at launch? Absolutely. However, OTP will be in this year via a patch. They are forming a committee (with fans of the series to be included) to better EASHL when it comes back next year. For those who say they don't care about the audience, I'm not sure why they would include us if they didn't care. Maybe I'm more reasonable because I mostly play offline, but I do enjoy playing some EASHL to mix it up. The mode will surely be missed, but it looks like they have a great plan in place to take the game to the next level. Like everything else today, we want it all and want it immediately, regardless if it's possible or not.

# 152 lopey986 @ 08/20/14 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moose Factory


	I feel like creating a drinking game for every time someone from EA uses the phrase "Built from the ground up"...

are you trying to kill everyone with alcohol poisoning?

# 153 Hunkerdown @ 08/20/14 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eMLBCommish


	Simple formula for me: I play EASHL exclusively. Play 6s leagues in both XBox and PlayStation. No EASHL = No $120 spent. Got my closure, and bought The Golf Club to replace it today! Hasta la vista, EA Vancouver! Your ineffectiveness to communicate has cost you my business.

See you on the links if on xbone! Golf club is challenging.

# 154 Hunkerdown @ 08/20/14 08:44 AM

Perfect example of why all EA sports titles should go on 2 year cycles.

# 155 lopey986 @ 08/20/14 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cletus


	NHL 15 will be less than 40 black friday, it has always been in one of those black friday deal things. It was 15 I think on PSN in December as well. If you're really unsure, just wait til Holiday sales, get it as a present. Doesn't cost you anything and if it's terrible, hello gamestop.

check out glyde.com

you'll get quite a bit more for your games than gamestop and you are selling them to other people, not some soulless corporation.

# 156 N51_rob @ 08/20/14 08:53 AM

I'm more of a casual fan of this game, but I did enjoy EASHL. This news hurts and I probably will be skipping this title for the time being.

# 157 lopey986 @ 08/20/14 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SinisterAlex


	All in all, I'm relatively happy. Looking forward to the demo based on what Rammer said about the A.I and Doc's commentary being a lot better than shown in the overhead gameplay videos.

Curious to see if we even get a demo since they aren't doing one for Madden.

# 158 Cletus @ 08/20/14 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lopey986


	Curious to see if we even get a demo since they aren't doing one for Madden.

We are, it's coming out next tuesday.

# 159 ricky24 @ 08/20/14 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SVCbearcat10


	This is kind of funny. If they did not revamp arenas, presentation, or rebuild gameplay, the hate towards the game would be exactly the same. Instead of missing modes, everyone would be crying it's a port and not worth the $60. Just go look at the forums for FIFA, Madden, The Show, etc. Also, I find it funny that when given an answer as to why something was or was not included, many don't believe the answer. There are some just looking for another reason to hate EA (some of it deserved, some of it not). I think we forget how small budget and how small of a team works on this game. Plus instead of focusing on one game, they have to put full effort into two. All indications from people who have actually played the game says it feels much different (even though everyone who only watches the videos posted says its the same). Also, you have to remember that this is NHL and created by the same studio. There are elements of the gameplay that makes it unique to them and successful (NHL2K went away because consumers decided this game was better, they didn't buy the license like NFL and MLB). There's a core foundation that will never change, so it's unrealistic to someone expect a completely different game. Would it have been nice to have EASHL at launch? Absolutely. However, OTP will be in this year via a patch. They are forming a committee (with fans of the series to be included) to better EASHL when it comes back next year. For those who say they don't care about the audience, I'm not sure why they would include us if they didn't care. Maybe I'm more reasonable because I mostly play offline, but I do enjoy playing some EASHL to mix it up. The mode will surely be missed, but it looks like they have a great plan in place to take the game to the next level. Like everything else today, we want it all and want it immediately, regardless if it's possible or not.

It should all be there. It's inexcusable. You can't release half a game.

# 160 ricky24 @ 08/20/14 09:25 AM

Otp is not eashl. So them patching that in does nothing for me.

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No EASHL, GM Connected, OTP, or Live The Life in NHL 15 on XB1/PS4 (Interview)