I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize
@@Joe-ic3oe forehand backhand cheese is 100% still there lmao, and the one hand is definitely nerfed but you can still score with it pretty frequently if you learn it
@@griffinjoy359 The most common type of goal in the NHL are wrist shots. The most common type of goal in NHL 21 are one timers. One timers happen way more often in the video games.
@@Habebandebardown for nhl 2k isn’t a competition anymore. The only thing 2k really takes seriously now is nba which it completely overtakes ea in. Other than that, ea unfortunately is the only relevant company making sports games.
Be a pro definitely needs to take a mlb the show approach by letting you negotiate your contract and having more than 2 teams actually want to sign you
I would like an nba 2k mycareer approach. Honestly, if they were allowed to just copy and paste mycareer and make it hockey instead of basketball, I would love that (obviously Ik they can’t do that).
YES! It's ridiculous to be the best player in the league and just get 2 offers from the same teams that are always only 2 year deals. It's near impossible to get on a team you want, meanwhile other superstars (McDavid, Mackinnon, Matthews) seem to be constantly switching teams.
I live in Canada so I have to pay 80 bucks to buy it. The games are great but they did not change so I stopped getting them after 18. I am playing 21 and it is good but not great
I always buy the nhl games like 2 or 3 years apart. Doing this kept me around cause I actually see some kind of innovation from game to game, for example I just jumped from 17 to 21 and there’s quite a bit of a change.
This is why I buy every other year. This year as well with no season until potentially Jan, I will probably wait longer to hopefully get it at a discount.
Yeah I'm waiting til next year, at least. Being as the new consoles coming out in Nov. Might as well wait and get the same thing next year instead 🤷♂️
Yeah, I buy every second one. 19 was the last one I got and I was looking forward to getting an upgrade. But after watching this, I'm not sure I even want to bother.
They will next year. Which is what I’m waiting for. The last NHL game I got was 19, I wait about every 2-3 years to buy the new installment of NHL and FIFA.
True, that would be a really good addition, instead of every season being the exact same, there should be expansion drafts every once in a while, including the one we know for sure is coming soon.
Out of all the NHL reviews out there, the only one worth listening to is Bardown's. Z's and Corwin's insight is the most comprehensive. And by far the most honest. Radical suggestions in the end but I would be all for it if EA considers it for the NHL series. Good job guys!
One thing I've always dreamed about since I was 12 is a hockey wwith FIFA game's possibilities and features. You can play as a player like in French Division 2, and then start a manager career.
Thats a good feature yeah. Too bad Fifa's player career is the worst shit ever. There is literally nothing to do. Its one of the few game modes that is actually better in NHL.
The GM connected mode would be a pretty awesome thing to revive as a free to play game. you could pay for jerseys, player packs, skins etc.. and make it its own free game while also fixing all of the problems in the regular NHL game .
"Gets a little repetitive". That's such an understatement. I've already completed the first season(with the avs and won the cup) and now that I'm onto the second season it's just the same things. Coach tells you to do this one thing that he has said the last 100 games. You only talk to one teammate. And btw once you get your brand and teammates up to about max all this dialogue means absolutely nothing at that point. Edit: At the start I was only talking and having chats with makar but now I'm talking and chatting with MacKinnon. But keep in mind this is my theird year in be a pro. And they didnt mention how it's so stupid how you need more followers for stuff like wtf I need more followers to make a 1.5 mil donation to an animal refuge? Wtf. And can you at least tell me how many followers I need to make the donation?
The sad matter of fact is that the final joke about wanting to watch the review for NHL 22, just watch this back, is highly likely to be dead on. The sad truth is that EA have the monopoly on the NHL and have zero reasons to improve or be better or even different from year to year, because there's no competition. It's a lazy money spinner for them that will continue to do so as long as they aren't threatened by a competitor. But hey, we all know this.
They did the same thing for the last few years of NCAA Football. People want that game back and act like it was an amazing game but it was fucking awful towards the end. It was the same game every year with a couple of token gameplay updates, slight graphical changes and updated rosters.
@@KevinNerfs completely false statement they where doing things with a smaller team that madden didn’t they completely revamped recruiting in 14 improved gameplay and why would they bring down the amazing dynasty mode they made you haven’t ever played the game it’s become very very very very clear
Hi, my name is Ethan Rose, and I am a huge fan of BarDown, last year, I got bullied due to the fact that I was to skinny, and I didn’t fit in cause of the fact that I was different than the rest. BarDown was the one channel I watched to help me get through that tough time, and you guys have helped me get through many tough times more than being bullied, when my uncle died to cancer, I watched you guys because i felt like you guys were my friends. I hope you guys see this, and if you do, thank you.
Be-A-Pro added some cosmetic stuff but actually _took out_ one thing I liked: being able to play a full CHL season (or four). Plus goalie controls are still overly-complicated trash, _and_ no new jerseys so far except Buffalo's... Might stick with NHL 20 to be honest. 5.5/10
So many glitches in this game. Scouting, chemistry, trades all broken in Franchise mode. The overalls in the creation zone is broken. Be A Pro gets very repetitive after awhile with the conversation system, and why they removed full seasons in the CHL for juniors is so stupid. And the free agency for BAP is still awful. Get two teams to choose from, and can't negotiate or even see the roster before choosing. But HUT is ready day one as per usual. EA looks like they are going to take one step forward, but they just take two steps back again as always. Also, ROSTER SHARING needs to be in this game because the rosters they have are so BAAAAAAAAD. Please 2K come back to the NHL video game franchise.
Well said bro... wish they would make the be a pro like 2k21 Mycareer u get the option of where u wanna go or u can randomize cos they give u the option, everyone going to NYR or LA is very stupid....NHL is behind all sports games makes me mad as a hockey lover.
Also why on BAP does every team get like 6 random players? That are on other teams on multi yr deals... its like fantasy draft... 2k21 does a very good job of making it realistic
I’ve owned every game since 93 I agree with all of this and these are the things the game needs in its overhaul 1. All star game with skill comp ( used in franchise and be a pro) 2. More in depth creation mode for eashl and players 3. Record books for be a pro and franchise with commentary about being close to a record 4. As stated a neighbourhood 2k style be a pro mode or eashl mode 5. A be a pro or franchise that has years with World Cup or Olympics where your players can be chosen and you can play the event (have it every 4 years during be a pro or franchise to keep those fresh. 6. Increased presentation for modes 7. Basically take a 2k nba game and merge it with nhl
Hockey fans like hockey games regardless of price. Download the demo and play the bullshit nhl 3s over and over again if you want free. But that nhl 3s crap aint hockey my friend. Outscoring the opponent 6-2 and still losing is dainty wristed bullderdash lol
@@brg9759 so you enjoy losing even when you outscore the opponent? I disagree but I respect your thinking on it. It's not my cup of tea tho. Winning is winning lol NHL hits didn't need phantom goals for the game to be fun. I just don't get that part of it. Other than that it actually is a fun little mini game
I’ve been getting the newer ones since my friends have it all. I also have it for an updated overall. People also buy the newer games and I like online
They didn't even get the new Ottawa logo and jerseys in the game yet... As shit as Madden 21 is, at least they got the Washington Football Team right...
7/10 is extremely high rating for this haha. I've hated basketball for the longest time but and as scummy as 2kgames are with their ingame ads and gambling mechanics, they really nailed that career mode so well, not only giving you a deep pre draft story but kept giving you things to do and unlock throughout the whole season. EA could learn a lot from it
Hi, massive fan of you two. I have 5 suggestions I would like them to add, mind you I’ve played since NHL 06 and only missed a few title (maybe 4-6 of them) 1st - Eliminate Sound Tracks Partner with a radio station and get ads on the station to promote your game 2nd - “The Barn” This one is similar to what you two were saying, make a single rink you can walk around in to play Ones, GM mode (an office), Eashl, and a change room for your character. 3rd - Change the menus PLEASE Nothing more to say.. 4th - Cheaper game, however more micro transactions Oh you like the old teams in the league from the 30s, $3 per old team that comes with old Jerseys, players and rink styles And lastly 5 Connected franchise; I’m honestly probably not gonna buy the game this year. I love the new dekes and focus on old game modes that need updates but I mainly only play EASHL and franchise mode and I don’t see anything new about either of them at all. Keep up the hard work TSN boys, can’t wait to see you all back on the ice again having fun and making super cool vlogs... I have one suggestions for you guys, during this lockdown please rip more packs, I would watch 50 videos on you all doing a bunch of pack rips almost like HUT pack openings. Have a safe end of the year, Stay Awesome (‘-‘)
I really couldn't have said it better myself. Ya'll hit the nail on the head perfectly. I'm actually surprised you guys gave it as high a rating at the end as you did.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I can’t even skate 2 feet without the ai just pokechecking the puck from my stick every time I get it. And half of my passes just hit the skates
NHL 19 becoming free to xbox users with gold back in June 2019 is literally what got me into hockey and your guys videos. They would benefit so much by at least making nhl 20 available with game pass or something similar.
Guys, great video. Couldn’t agree more with most of what you said. Free to play would be a boon to HUT and would probably lead to better gameplay. Maybe franchise mode wouldn’t get the much needed love it needs, but what about the prospect of GM connected? If the game was free, that would blow up.
It would be cool if you could choose from playlists of old soundtracks and make playlists of your favorite songs and put American phsyco next to sweetness and the boys are back
Fantastic review.... I normally wait until these games go on deep discount, but I paid full price because they seem to at least be making the right changes this year, and I want to financially support them this one time. If they screw up NHL 22, I'm done. I know they are a smaller studio and you're absolutely right... it's no excuse when they charge 60 dollars, but nobody really buys these games at full price. I figured if I buy it at full price, maybe that's the impetus for them to fix Franchise Mode and make some improvements to the next gen version. If not, somebody else needs to make a hockey game. EA is really terrible across all platforms (FIFA, Madden, etc), but even 2K has abused the promise they once had.
I always loved playing be a pro as a kid, seeing my last name on the back of an nhl jersey was always awesome. For the last couple years I’ve just hated be a pro and as I’ve started to branch into nba 2K I was done with NHL be a pros. However this year has been a step in the right direction and even though it’s not nearly as good as 2K, I have enjoyed playing it so far. Plus the milestones page looks great and the record book is a nice addition as well
I literally agree with every single word said in this video, and it’s sad. I’ve been buying and playing nhl since NHL 07 and I seriously feel like giving up on the series so I can stop wasting my money. The same repeat over and over again with no drastic differences that makes me ACTUALLY wanna continue playing....I’ve been a hockey fan all my life with zero interests of any other sport up until I tried nba 2k20...it was a game changer. The gameplay was amazing, online modes were endless and the complete opposite of shallow like nhl. I fell so in love with the story mode to the point where i started to actually watch basketball games on tv and follow up with teams and players JUST because I started playing nba, A VIDEO GAME. My point being is all I want is for EA Sports to finally wake up so we could have a game that could do the same....
I generally buy every second year just because it is essentially the same game but with new player ratings. The idea of it being free is different, could possibly make a 6v6 mode where you get a position and play in either a party or with randoms. Where it would be a 10-minute game, can pick your desired position, and you are assigned an in-game rank to kind of keep the games balanced.
For some reason the AI lets players swap teams in BAP way more frequently than in Franchise. I mean teams either trade or let their best players walk every season. I played recently and Ovi was traded to the Ducks then St.Louis! Lol
13:16 DZ you are 100% correct about 2k. I have NEVER cared about basketball, but 2k20 was free on psn a few months back so I got it. I played through an entire 82 game season, and now I'm more interested in basketball than ever. It was all because of how much fun I've had playing 2k!
I would play a footbal manager esc game but with hockey. I like that stuff like stats and training have a big impact on the players that you sign or draft. In the current way franchise mode is done it's not up to you how players develop their skills like puck handling or stick checking as an example but make it up to us. You already have coaches, make the coaches more impactful. It think Corvin's right. Franchise mode could easily be a game itself with a few changes. Make one game and update it. Do like other big games like world of warcraft does. Make big patches, when a new season is about to start.
I played a pro for 6-7 in game years in NHL 19 even a season with the OHL. So getting into NHL 21 be a pro mode was nice, but damn I wish there was more off ice stuff.
Love the suggestion of taking 2k career mode and adding it to nhl. Love the free version idea, much like many other games direction. I haven't play nhl since ps3 like nhl 14 maybe lol. So it's all new now! They should take your idea and incorporate them hell, maybe just take their jobs.
When y'all talked about NHL having a smaller development team but still compares pricewise to other big name games, another game that had a smaller development team was the college football games, NCAA. And those games were adored by their fans and they listened to what changes should be made. I would think a smaller development team would want to improve based on what their fans are saying so as not to lose their job to another developer saying they can do a better job and taking the rights away
I preordered NHL 21 on the 8th, and I still haven’t gotten my preorder code. I contacted EA two days ago. I’ll edit this comment if something happens. Update: EA told me to talk to Amazon and Amazon didn’t really know there was a pre-order bonus, or how to access the code. They are sending me a new copy just to check if the code will come in the package (even though new copies most likely won’t have anything else because it was just for pre-order copies) so they will discuss with EA if nothing’s there. Idk why EA just couldn’t send me a code. I included a photo that proved I preordered it, and now everything’s just getting delayed.
Guys thanks for your assessment. I started following hockey and fantasy hockey BECAUSE OF video game. I’ve been playin hockey since days of Super Nintendo. But u nailed.....whole console generation of NHL 15 - 20 was WOEFUL. AND I WAS ANGRY for it.
I agree with Z, the "smaller development team" thing is such bs. They have more than enough money, technology and resources to make the changes we need. Bottom line, for me to get legitimately excited about the next NHL game, they need to overhaul the game. I'd be happy if they took the next two years to make a new game. They need to take a step back and re-code a lot of the fundamental parts of the game. If they're concerned about losing profits that time frame, just charge $5 for an update to NHL 21 that'll include a new game mode or something worth the money. And come back with an NHL 23 that has lots to offer.
Great review of the game. EA doesn't deserve your money every year. I stopped buying FIFA after 17, and I buy NHL every other year, because that way there is at least some change from two years prior (plus, I need the updated rosters, you just can't do that manually more than a year after official updates). It is crazy that EA think we have to buy a full-price game every year to enjoy the sport, it is just not worth it. Imagine if you had to buy other genres of games every year to be updated? Madness, don't give them your money anymore.
I like how you guys said about Be A Pro being like NBA Career Mode. With all the practicing training and customization it has would be great for Be A Pro. I would love to have my character skate around and practice with or without teammates at my choosing and before games they could have pre game skates where you can shoot at your own goalie on your half of the ice and then get to you game whenever you want to.
My question is why dose Ovi get treated like he’s Wayne Gretzky in this game. Yea he’s good but did he need a whole video of him at the start of this game. Like he’s good but it’s just odd to me.
1. I wish they would get rid of the Chel bags and collect coins instead so that we can choose what we want to unlock for our players. I went through the entire NHL20 and never got my favourite celly 2. I wish they would have every jersey every team has ever worn, available to be played 3. I think it would be interesting, in 3v3 EASHL, to have a designated goalie for penalty shots. Obviously in 20 glitch goals were huge an are annoying and I haven’t seen any as of yet, but that would get rid of glitch goals (hopefully) and add an aspect of at least one person per team trying to get better as a goalie
My vision of NHL 22 should be as follows: - when you start you only have one mode - be a pro and start with your player - once your drafted to the NHL, you enter a league with other ONLINE real life players and their be a pro’s - your player remains in that league until you retire - this would combine franchise, dynasty, etc - when you play games you actually may face half human and half computer - depends on who is online with their be a pro - you then at times play a modified versus or eashl - no one quits (plagued in eashl) because it affects your Be a Pro directly My point is the following modes should be eliminated: Online Versus Franchise Ones EASHL They would still be options - but, more focused on you buy the game - you control your player - develop a better story. Again, should only have a menu as follows: BE AN NHL PLAYER BE A GM ONLY HUT EASHL FOR TEAM PLAY ONLY Put all your energy into the above modes and lessen the other modes Most modes end up a glitch fest, superior players (ones who play everyday and can) Also eliminates the purchase to make your team better They want a game that does not feel shallow…… crank up NHL 22 - LIVE THE TRUE HOCKEY LIFE is the new title and stop the madness of empty feel options
Compared to madden this is a huge improvement by ea madden is literally a carbon copy with the yard at least they added 3 new mechanics and 2 new game modes while expanding be a pro
I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize
Devs haven’t done enough to fix the issues that were in NHL 20. BAP is definitely improved but still major issues with dialogue, players getting traded in unrealistic situations (Ovechkin goes to the Leafs in 2020, teams trading mid round draft picks for players that were JUST drafted in first round, etc). No improvements to gameplay whatsoever.
I was walking my dog this morning with one thought on my mind: "When are my Bardown homies going to review NHL 21?" I go to work, and BAM! Here it is! Thanks guys! 👍
I think another thing they should explore is putting it on PC. As of right now, it's pretty much the only major sports game that's only on console. 2k, Madden, and Fifa all have PC versions that account for a small percentage of sales, but a percentage nonetheless. It might open the game up to a larger audience.
I think the NHL games are not bad, it’s just unfortunate seeing it be the same game pretty much every year. Like it’s shocking that we finally have more advanced stats for a team in franchise, which has been in pretty much every 2K game. Also in create a team, it’s been the same 10 arenas to choose from since at least NHL 18 (when I started playing). Why are there all these arena options for EASHL, and you can’t put them all in create a team. It just doesn’t make sense to me
Honestly, as someone who has played almost the past decade of nhl games, they have plateaued in terms of on-ice and the actual hockey game. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact it means they should literally have the same mechanics going forward, don’t touch anything here, and improve the presentation aspects. Purely as a hockey simulation experience, it’s near perfect. The passing, shooting, dekes, and Defense free stick are all outstanding, and even the checking and celebrations are still good (incorporate more real life celebrations and bring back hip checks). The extraneous stuff is where the fault lies. I don’t mind James Cybulski as the main commentator, but he takes me entirely out of the experience. When have you ever heard him calling a game on nhl network or nbc or TSN or sports centre? Never, because he doesn’t. He already feels just as stale as doc emrick did, but I only felt that way about doc after several years of him doing it. They need a marquis man to spend their budget on, in the vein of jim hughson or Gord Miller or someone else who’s recognizable to actually get people in the mindset and simulated HNIC experience. And remove the foolish non essential stuff for the presentation as well. Do you see snoop dogg in the real nhl game presentations? No, so why have him in a game droning on about how he influenced rap and hockey to collaborate. Use the money spent on his feature to get actual analysts and reporters like Shawn McKenzie or Kyle Bukauskus for pre-game messages in the rink and interviews in between periods with players (like nba does) and have people like David amber and Cassie campbell do the 1st intermission coaches corner style breakdowns of the game to keep people invested in the experience (again, like NBA does with shaq kenny and ernie). So many wasted opportunities here! And I appreciate the improvements to be a pro, but again as Bardown said there needs to be massive facelifts to the franchise mode, from the trading and scouting to the draft and deadline itself, as well as showing major signings and tradings of star players and firings of coaches (like how MLB does, by showing the actual pictures or models of stars involved in the transactions taking place). And for the love of god get rid of hockey analyst. Please god. And a longer and more rink appropriate soundtrack. Please. NHL games are like a steakhouse. The steak (in game gameplay) is good, it’s supposed to be freaking good, it’s expected. But it’s the sides and appetizers (franchise mode, winter classic, be a pro, battle for the cup, etc) that truly set aside good from great. God I so badly want nhl games to be good
The funny thing with almost all these triple A sports games is every fan base looks at what other games do and sees certain things as an improvement, but the other franchise sees that same feature as flawed. Like they referenced 2k a lot in relation to be a pro mode, most all of the 2k community has not been a fan of the past 3-4 games with 18 being one of the worst in the series, snd most of the people only play Mycareer once for the story than skip it on their other builds and only play NBA games because its the best way to grind for badges, not to mention complaints of bugs, lag, hacking, unbalanced builds, unbalanced gameplay and sliders + many more things and that's just for MyPlayer/MyCareer. I just find it interesting since I play a lot of sports games to see that every fan base complains equally about their games rightly or wrongly.
A lot of this is not rlly possible right now but I think that if 70% of this stuff is added within 5 years nhl could honestly explode not only as a game but as a sport as a whole *This is from my notes if ur wondering* THIS IS FOR FRANCHISE (the game ode I see the most potential in) Practice All star game and winter classics KHL NCAA Show stats from other leagues Have an awards profile for each play like maybe I go to there stats than hit rb and there’s an awards one for Stanley cups, Calder cup, medals, all star games, every award you can think of Academy for younger players Players can decide to go to Europe if there not happy News bar for players around the League who have trade requests or stuff like that Echl Be able to check o other leagues in the franchise mode Costume cellys AHL success matters more (ahl players grow more the better they do. NHL AND AHL Players and staff morale go up when both teams are doing good not just the NHL Brand deals New value bar (Players will now have another bar based on what the most value a team is offering atm) World juniors (doesn’t have to be called the world juniors for licensing reasons can be called U18 Internationals or smt) Olympics (same thing as world juniors can be International Hockey Tournament) Gm connected Better draft interviews (so they actually mean something) Personality’s (so players can have an attitude or have a good work ethic but be scared to make mistakes) Bust potential Fan reactions on social media Sponsorships Merch Some sort of connection to other sports (like maybe if your Toronto, your player morale goes up when the raptors to good) Cover athletes Every season Story lines Rule changes Be able to edit your team and lines while in trade deadline and calander Interviews News reports Social media More things to do/accomplish as a gm both on ice and off ice (it would be cool if gms had some sorta rating system and that they could have good or bad relationships with players and staff) Be able to expand more than 1 team Real coaches and gms More customizable More custom jerseys, mascots, logos, names, team names Training facilities Easier to Aquire top players if your a good team harder to if your not Coaches Challenge Edit jerseys even if team isn’t a costume one Create a play or skill Costume music (maybe Spotify) Roster sharing Choose a year for an expansion team to join the NHL (make it so you can choose how many seasons later) Morale can go up or down when you play a player that used to be on your team and depen Realistic injures (make it so you don’t get an injured player every dam day) Upgraded chemistry (so certain players can develop friendships or rivalry’s which can effect chemistry. Family can have good chemistry to. Would be especially helpful for be a pro) Potential changes if players do better than or worse than expected more multiple seasons Be a coach mode No move clauses/no trade clauses (with conditions) SIM difficulty Retire jerseys Banners Road hockey game mode Create trophies Extend franchise length (maybe to like 40-50 years) Draft pick conditions No move clause/ no trade clause Other leagues in franchise Player rights conditions Actual team meetings (like interactive) Pre game warmups Live an actual life outside of hockey Adding player types: WINGERS Sniper Dangler Playmaker 2 way forword Enforcer Grinder Power forword CENTERS Sniper Dangler Power forword Playmaker 2 way forword Enforcer Grinder Defensive DEFENDERS 2 way defenceman Offensive Defensive Enforcer GOALIES Hybrid Stand-Up Butterfly Aggressive Passive Morale revamp: Contract type: -Very Loyal (Doesn’t have very many recommendations for his contract) -Loyal (some recommendations) -Not Loyal (a lot of recommendations) -Money grabber (just wants money) -Team player (doesnt care about his contact as long as it’s for his team) -Young guns (just wants ice time to develop his game, normally wants to play for a rebuilding team) -Veteran (Just wants to play for a contender, wants to finish his career with some accolades) Emotion (based on what they as a person wants not based on team success): - Very Happy (couldn’t be better) - Happy (going very well) - Content (could be better but could also be worse) - Upset (not going very well) - Angry (couldn’t be worse) Durability: - Healthy - Moderate - Injury prone Personality - Leader (leads the team, idol) - Mentor (helps rookies grow better, helps people get through obstacles) - Team Player (can grow team chemistry, cheers up the team when needed) - Normal (is about average) - Stubborn (upset if things don’t go his way, can get angry if he gets less ice time then he feels) - Short tempered (can drag the team down, gets angry easier, takes more penalty’s) Potential: FORWARDS Bottom 6 Top 6 Fringe elite Elite Franchise DEFENCE Top 6 Top 4 Fringe elite Elite Franchise GOALIES Backup Fringe starter Starter Fringe elite Elite Franchise NEW STATS: Groth Start (how fast they start growing) Prime Decline Start (how fast they start decreasing) Puck Protection Shot consistency Shot frequency (how often you shoot) Rivalries (teams can have rivalries and can have a hatred for eachother everytime they step on the ice together. They may not wanna trade with you cause your rivals) A rivalry bar: Historic rivals Rivals Average Trade partners Status Champion Contender Hopeful Rebuilder Trade status Seller Conservative Seller Conservative Buyer Buyer
The text conversations in Franchise mode that affect player's and coach's morale is way too shallow for something that's been in the game for multiple years. There's maybe 5 different conversations you can have (ice time concerns, sorry about how they're playing, demanding to be traded, being scored on too often, deciding what to do with a rookie). And there's a glitch in 21 where Kessel or whoever will have the exact same text convo with me 2 days in a row. Like wtf is that.
I’m a big fan of BAP and am happy with the upgrades they did. I got a couple things I’d like to see added. I’d like the mode to be a bit more difficult to simulate real life. Meaning not everyone is going to go first in the draft. Not everyone is going to crack an NHL lineup, or AHL lineup for that matter. I’d like to see the ECHL incorporated as well as some of the adult European Leagues they have. I know most won’t like that idea, but to me it’d bring a little bit more authenticity to BAP.
I’m looking forward to when EA creates some of the cutscenes from BAP and puts them in Franchise Mode, like you can see the draft and the players walking on to the stage
Is it just me or is the stick check alittle OP. Like there are tiles where guy taps THROUGH YOUR LEGS and boom their goes the puck. Like yes I understand people were mad that a lot of penalties occurred from pokes but yenno what im kinda okay with that. It’s not like you couldn’t poke you had to just hold stick out (YENNO LIKE A DEFENSEMAN!!) and not trip him. Idk maybe because I’m a guy who uses open space more than flashy moves but seems rough. Thoughts???
Things they should add to be a pro - WJC options (chose to go or not to go if invited) - Bring back pre and post game interviews - option to start in european leagues (SEL, Liga, National, DEL, NCAA, etc)
Been saying for years they should release HUT as a standalone game. Make it free like you say, and they will make a killing with people buying packs. They could have player packs, specialty jersey packs, arena packs, retro logo packs. The key is to still make it possible to grind out a high end team for free, while offering the chance to pay for the flashy, but not necessary, upgrades.
You guys hit the nail on the head. What frustrates me the most is that at one time or another, chel had all the modes and features I wanted but they have been taken out or changed in time. Why is it that when I choose defensive defensemen for my be a pro, I’m expected to get the goal? Why isn’t there a tournament mode where you can make an international tournament? Why isn’t Mike Bossy on the islanders alumni team? Why aren’t the black Buffalo sabres jerseys available to use? So many small things could be added to the existing game to make it great. There’s no technological reason that they shouldn’t be. Very annoying.
My thing is hockey needs to grow as well as something needs to hit as a new feature. When be a pro mode was introduced in NBA 2k, it rocketed past NBA Live. MLB the Show became a beauty game and gained some popularity. There needs to be an NHL game that feels different.
Make "Be A Pro" mode like Madden 20's "QB1" mode. I never played Madden games before but a friend of mine suggested that and once I played it, I was blown away.
The last one I've played is 19, and based on a couple reviews that I've watched, 21 really doesn't seem very different, especially considering my playing, which is only franchise and instant games. However, I got access to 21 without it costing anything for myself, so obviously I'll try it out and see what it's like.
They should re-release NHL 94 Rewind in January with updated rosters, modified regular season schedule, "Canadian Division", and whatever playoff format.
Ill be honest NHL 94 was a good preorder incentive for me, honestly looking forward to the nostalgia, the timing couldn't be better since 2 months again my Nintendo quit working
They made some REALLY good points in this vid at the end. I haven’t bought an nhl game since ‘18 because year over year it’s the same game with a couple of different skins & UI updates. I agree that such minor changes and minimal effort should warrant a lower price point.
I think one thing to look at is the growth of esports. San Jose sharks and the Washington capitals are having esports tournaments early on in the game combining for a total of $45k if the esports community continues to grow and nhl teams keep sponsoring events, I feel like eventually nhl will be forced to improve the game more and more.
Needs a frostbite or next gen total rebuilt engine. A super star player needs to feel like one compared to a fourth liner. Their points should be rare. Take away skill zoning defense. Where literally the Defense will collapse after a few seconds of not controlling them. If a player is in a passing lane, a pass should have a 1-5% chance of getting through an elite defender. Take away cross crease by making only elite players be able to score, because that realistic. For a be a pro or GM mode, use the face scans of players you have and get recorded voice lines you can talk to before and after games. In the locker room between periods for a pump Up. First person view interacting with team mates with their own personalities would be cool coming out of the tunnel Etc. these are just some ideas.
Ok my names Fabian and I live In new Jersey (go devils) I’ve never played any hockey games until I played nhl 2004 and it was great ever since then I always buy the new nhl and I only play the single play modes franchise/be a pro and occasionally kick ass on ranked online but as of lately I’m not gonna keep spending money on roster updates
Open world skating/EASHL game entry (2K style) in an environment like the Ottawa Rideau Canal. That would take the game immediately from what it is to actually being a cornerstone of the hockey community. Hell maybe even then offer a limited access game license for free that lets you skate a F2P version of that environment and play in some EASHL games or buy game tokens or something.
Honestly, NHL 21 is the first hockey game I've bought in years and I'm cool with it. I can understand why veterans would be turned off; one other game I'm skipping a year of is NBA 2K21 because I didn't feel like playing it this year. I like things like HUT and I'm cool with not spending extra money so I'm having some fun.
You said all these games cost the same. How many more units does Madden and 2K sell though? Even FIFA sells more than NHL. That’s why they can’t grow as fast. They will always be behind. The only thing that can help NHL games is the ps5. Where the programmers can do more with less. Because for now, they’ve maxed out what they can do on ps4. Good video, boys. Cheers!
I mean I might just be very different than most people but I have played every NHL game since 2014 and I personally love this game. I bought it and I’m having a great time. I do agree I was hoping for a little more from Be A Pro but it’s still a super fun game and I think it’s better than the other previous games
I bought NBA2K just for the custom teams creation. To be able to put in my own custom logos was such a game changer. I would LOVE for the NHL games to do the same. I was so disappointed in no change in create a team from NHL21
Would a "Free-to-Play" NHL game be good or bad for the series? 🤔
That’s what it’s worth rn . 2k10 had more features like roster sharing and gm connected. It’s strait robbery charging $80+ cad
good
@@fluffylorax6400 agreed
I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize
Good maybe it’s just play now and a couple other game modes like shootout and hut but maybe like a 20$ version
Now that they've finally done something with Be a Pro I fully expect them to not touch it again for another 5-6 years.
They have set that precedent with NHL 14. I can't wait to see what EA does with BAP in NHL 27.
Hopefully not lol
@@StencilMunkywe kinda close to nhl 27 and they haven’t touched BAP since 21
I just wish every year didn't feel like I score the same goal 60% of the time.
Yeah one timers dominate still
I mean dude they removed forehand backhand cheese they fixed the tuck, goalies are much better this year.
@@Joe-ic3oe forehand backhand cheese is 100% still there lmao, and the one hand is definitely nerfed but you can still score with it pretty frequently if you learn it
That’s almost how hockey works 🤯🤯🤯
@@griffinjoy359 The most common type of goal in the NHL are wrist shots. The most common type of goal in NHL 21 are one timers. One timers happen way more often in the video games.
EA needs competition for all their games...
2k
@@Habebandebardown for nhl 2k isn’t a competition anymore. The only thing 2k really takes seriously now is nba which it completely overtakes ea in. Other than that, ea unfortunately is the only relevant company making sports games.
@@ve5498 ik but i still remember the days of nhl 2k10 on the wii they were good
absolutely. only sports genre they have competition on is NBA and what do you know, EA's NBA Live is trash compared to 2K
NHL 2K at least felt like fucking hockey. The AI was competitive.
Be a pro definitely needs to take a mlb the show approach by letting you negotiate your contract and having more than 2 teams actually want to sign you
Also you shouldn’t be stuck with a jersey number if the one u want is taken they should give you a menu showing available numbers
Dude that actually sucks lol. I can score 150 points and only the team I was drafted by want me and one random team💀
I would like an nba 2k mycareer approach. Honestly, if they were allowed to just copy and paste mycareer and make it hockey instead of basketball, I would love that (obviously Ik they can’t do that).
YES! It's ridiculous to be the best player in the league and just get 2 offers from the same teams that are always only 2 year deals. It's near impossible to get on a team you want, meanwhile other superstars (McDavid, Mackinnon, Matthews) seem to be constantly switching teams.
Is be a pro like this still? That pissed me off last year
Remember when 2k would sell their titles for 19.99 meanwhile EA was charging $60. 2K actually felt like their game was progressing every year too!
Yeah now they sell their games for 60 and 100 while shoving micro transactions in your face harder than Jahovas witness
Would LOVE to see NHL 2K get back in the market and offer competition
bring back 2k !!! the 09 th 10 th and 11 th was sooo great
I live in Canada so I have to pay 80 bucks to buy it. The games are great but they did not change so I stopped getting them after 18. I am playing 21 and it is good but not great
And those retro teams 😍😍
Petition to rank every alternate 20/21
fact
👀
I sign it
@@TSN_Sports dad
Yesssss
This is the a great example why monopoly's suck.
NHL 22: Something’s Got to Give
lol
I always buy the nhl games like 2 or 3 years apart. Doing this kept me around cause I actually see some kind of innovation from game to game, for example I just jumped from 17 to 21 and there’s quite a bit of a change.
Same
Im coming from nhl16. Got this on sale for 18bucks...its gotta be worth at least that
So after they go offline. I've been playing with the same players form nhl 14 to nhl 24. Lol
This is why I buy every other year. This year as well with no season until potentially Jan, I will probably wait longer to hopefully get it at a discount.
Black friday or boxing day it almost always goes down 50%
Yeah I'm waiting til next year, at least. Being as the new consoles coming out in Nov. Might as well wait and get the same thing next year instead 🤷♂️
Yeah, I buy every second one. 19 was the last one I got and I was looking forward to getting an upgrade. But after watching this, I'm not sure I even want to bother.
@@aleksikauranen3502 thats exactly what i do
That's what I did. Got it last week on sale on the ps store for $38 bucks.
It would be cool if EA added the new Seattle team to nhl 21
They will next year. Which is what I’m waiting for. The last NHL game I got was 19, I wait about every 2-3 years to buy the new installment of NHL and FIFA.
They really added the new Vegas centre ice but couldn’t add the new jersey for their expansion team 😐
they didn’t even add the sens jersey
True, that would be a really good addition, instead of every season being the exact same, there should be expansion drafts every once in a while, including the one we know for sure is coming soon.
Out of all the NHL reviews out there, the only one worth listening to is Bardown's. Z's and Corwin's insight is the most comprehensive. And by far the most honest. Radical suggestions in the end but I would be all for it if EA considers it for the NHL series. Good job guys!
Thanks man! 👊🏽
One thing I've always dreamed about since I was 12 is a hockey wwith FIFA game's possibilities and features. You can play as a player like in French Division 2, and then start a manager career.
Thats a good feature yeah. Too bad Fifa's player career is the worst shit ever. There is literally nothing to do. Its one of the few game modes that is actually better in NHL.
Has anyone else noticed that when you score an empty netter the camera shows the wrong guy after?
The GM connected mode would be a pretty awesome thing to revive as a free to play game. you could pay for jerseys, player packs, skins etc.. and make it its own free game while also fixing all of the problems in the regular NHL game .
I really like the idea of betting player cards in say online franchise mode! But it definately adds an element in world of Chel too
"Gets a little repetitive". That's such an understatement. I've already completed the first season(with the avs and won the cup) and now that I'm onto the second season it's just the same things. Coach tells you to do this one thing that he has said the last 100 games. You only talk to one teammate. And btw once you get your brand and teammates up to about max all this dialogue means absolutely nothing at that point.
Edit: At the start I was only talking and having chats with makar but now I'm talking and chatting with MacKinnon. But keep in mind this is my theird year in be a pro. And they didnt mention how it's so stupid how you need more followers for stuff like wtf I need more followers to make a 1.5 mil donation to an animal refuge? Wtf. And can you at least tell me how many followers I need to make the donation?
Corwin and Z seem to have become the best of friends lately!
How can you say this? They are bitter rivals.
The sad matter of fact is that the final joke about wanting to watch the review for NHL 22, just watch this back, is highly likely to be dead on. The sad truth is that EA have the monopoly on the NHL and have zero reasons to improve or be better or even different from year to year, because there's no competition. It's a lazy money spinner for them that will continue to do so as long as they aren't threatened by a competitor. But hey, we all know this.
It will almost certainly be the same game. We all saw how NHL 15 turned out.
They did the same thing for the last few years of NCAA Football. People want that game back and act like it was an amazing game but it was fucking awful towards the end. It was the same game every year with a couple of token gameplay updates, slight graphical changes and updated rosters.
@@KevinNerfs completely false statement they where doing things with a smaller team that madden didn’t they completely revamped recruiting in 14 improved gameplay and why would they bring down the amazing dynasty mode they made you haven’t ever played the game it’s become very very very very clear
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Be-A-Pro added some cosmetic stuff but actually _took out_ one thing I liked: being able to play a full CHL season (or four). Plus goalie controls are still overly-complicated trash, _and_ no new jerseys so far except Buffalo's... Might stick with NHL 20 to be honest. 5.5/10
So many glitches in this game. Scouting, chemistry, trades all broken in Franchise mode. The overalls in the creation zone is broken. Be A Pro gets very repetitive after awhile with the conversation system, and why they removed full seasons in the CHL for juniors is so stupid. And the free agency for BAP is still awful. Get two teams to choose from, and can't negotiate or even see the roster before choosing. But HUT is ready day one as per usual. EA looks like they are going to take one step forward, but they just take two steps back again as always. Also, ROSTER SHARING needs to be in this game because the rosters they have are so BAAAAAAAAD. Please 2K come back to the NHL video game franchise.
Well said bro... wish they would make the be a pro like 2k21 Mycareer u get the option of where u wanna go or u can randomize cos they give u the option, everyone going to NYR or LA is very stupid....NHL is behind all sports games makes me mad as a hockey lover.
Also why on BAP does every team get like 6 random players? That are on other teams on multi yr deals... its like fantasy draft... 2k21 does a very good job of making it realistic
For some reason all my fuckin scouts just scout the worse possible prospects instead of the best ones...
Stfu
Fr you only get two contract options in be a pro. ... what a joke
I’ve owned every game since 93 I agree with all of this and these are the things the game needs in its overhaul
1. All star game with skill comp ( used in franchise and be a pro)
2. More in depth creation mode for eashl and players
3. Record books for be a pro and franchise with commentary about being close to a record
4. As stated a neighbourhood 2k style be a pro mode or eashl mode
5. A be a pro or franchise that has years with World Cup or Olympics where your players can be chosen and you can play the event (have it every 4 years during be a pro or franchise to keep those fresh.
6. Increased presentation for modes
7. Basically take a 2k nba game and merge it with nhl
I didn't get NHL20 last year and I feel this was a good refresher from 19 and I enjoy it right now
smart
@Please enter a name I think you'll enjoy it
Same!
Making this free is something that I can totally see being a way for fans to really get into hockey
Hockey fans like hockey games regardless of price. Download the demo and play the bullshit nhl 3s over and over again if you want free. But that nhl 3s crap aint hockey my friend. Outscoring the opponent 6-2 and still losing is dainty wristed bullderdash lol
@@renhoek7531 no one plays nhl games for ultra sim nhl they play it for fun I don’t touch online modes but I still like high scoring games
@@brg9759 so you enjoy losing even when you outscore the opponent? I disagree but I respect your thinking on it. It's not my cup of tea tho. Winning is winning lol NHL hits didn't need phantom goals for the game to be fun. I just don't get that part of it. Other than that it actually is a fun little mini game
I’ve been getting the newer ones since my friends have it all. I also have it for an updated overall. People also buy the newer games and I like online
They didn't even get the new Ottawa logo and jerseys in the game yet...
As shit as Madden 21 is, at least they got the Washington Football Team right...
Oh geez...they work the new logo into the next update
lol
7/10 is extremely high rating for this haha.
I've hated basketball for the longest time but and as scummy as 2kgames are with their ingame ads and gambling mechanics, they really nailed that career mode so well, not only giving you a deep pre draft story but kept giving you things to do and unlock throughout the whole season.
EA could learn a lot from it
Their franchise mode is great too
I wish the 2k story would at least go through your full first year
2k's games actually have good gameplay and are somewhat accurate to Basketball. Madden on the other hand.....................
Hi, massive fan of you two. I have 5 suggestions I would like them to add, mind you I’ve played since NHL 06 and only missed a few title (maybe 4-6 of them)
1st - Eliminate Sound Tracks
Partner with a radio station and get ads on the station to promote your game
2nd - “The Barn”
This one is similar to what you two were saying, make a single rink you can walk around in to play Ones, GM mode (an office), Eashl, and a change room for your character.
3rd - Change the menus PLEASE
Nothing more to say..
4th - Cheaper game, however more micro transactions
Oh you like the old teams in the league from the 30s, $3 per old team that comes with old Jerseys, players and rink styles
And lastly 5
Connected franchise; I’m honestly probably not gonna buy the game this year. I love the new dekes and focus on old game modes that need updates but I mainly only play EASHL and franchise mode and I don’t see anything new about either of them at all.
Keep up the hard work TSN boys, can’t wait to see you all back on the ice again having fun and making super cool vlogs... I have one suggestions for you guys, during this lockdown please rip more packs, I would watch 50 videos on you all doing a bunch of pack rips almost like HUT pack openings. Have a safe end of the year, Stay Awesome (‘-‘)
Pack openings? You’re the problem lmao
I really couldn't have said it better myself. Ya'll hit the nail on the head perfectly. I'm actually surprised you guys gave it as high a rating at the end as you did.
I don’t know if it’s just me but I can’t even skate 2 feet without the ai just pokechecking the puck from my stick every time I get it. And half of my passes just hit the skates
Thank you for the honest review. Game sucks we need 2k to come back. Havent bought an NHL game since NHL 14
15 old gen or legacy is tiny bit better
NHL 19 becoming free to xbox users with gold back in June 2019 is literally what got me into hockey and your guys videos. They would benefit so much by at least making nhl 20 available with game pass or something similar.
Guys, great video. Couldn’t agree more with most of what you said. Free to play would be a boon to HUT and would probably lead to better gameplay. Maybe franchise mode wouldn’t get the much needed love it needs, but what about the prospect of GM connected? If the game was free, that would blow up.
The soundtrack is a crime in my opinion
Another thing 2K does great. Rotating soundtracks throughout the year.
It would be cool if you could choose from playlists of old soundtracks and make playlists of your favorite songs and put American phsyco next to sweetness and the boys are back
@@lukethompson2714 That’s genius. It’s also 10x smarter than anything EA has ever done for this series.
The commentary is a crime, they say the dumbest shit. They need to look at MLB the show and work off that
Fantastic review.... I normally wait until these games go on deep discount, but I paid full price because they seem to at least be making the right changes this year, and I want to financially support them this one time. If they screw up NHL 22, I'm done. I know they are a smaller studio and you're absolutely right... it's no excuse when they charge 60 dollars, but nobody really buys these games at full price. I figured if I buy it at full price, maybe that's the impetus for them to fix Franchise Mode and make some improvements to the next gen version. If not, somebody else needs to make a hockey game. EA is really terrible across all platforms (FIFA, Madden, etc), but even 2K has abused the promise they once had.
I always loved playing be a pro as a kid, seeing my last name on the back of an nhl jersey was always awesome. For the last couple years I’ve just hated be a pro and as I’ve started to branch into nba 2K I was done with NHL be a pros. However this year has been a step in the right direction and even though it’s not nearly as good as 2K, I have enjoyed playing it so far. Plus the milestones page looks great and the record book is a nice addition as well
At least Be A Pro is fun, just turn the accuracy and power sliders up to 100.
i wish i could like this comment more than once
@@hrandrsn what does he mean by the power sliders?
Lucas Serwa shot power
He’s too powerful to be kept alive
How is that fun? That'd get boring fast
I literally agree with every single word said in this video, and it’s sad. I’ve been buying and playing nhl since NHL 07 and I seriously feel like giving up on the series so I can stop wasting my money. The same repeat over and over again with no drastic differences that makes me ACTUALLY wanna continue playing....I’ve been a hockey fan all my life with zero interests of any other sport up until I tried nba 2k20...it was a game changer. The gameplay was amazing, online modes were endless and the complete opposite of shallow like nhl. I fell so in love with the story mode to the point where i started to actually watch basketball games on tv and follow up with teams and players JUST because I started playing nba, A VIDEO GAME. My point being is all I want is for EA Sports to finally wake up so we could have a game that could do the same....
You guys should play one of the most underrated NHL Games Nhl Legacy Edition
My first nhl 🥰
My fave E.a NHL. Granted I only have an xbox360 but the next gen ea nhls just looks bad.
I generally buy every second year just because it is essentially the same game but with new player ratings. The idea of it being free is different, could possibly make a 6v6 mode where you get a position and play in either a party or with randoms. Where it would be a 10-minute game, can pick your desired position, and you are assigned an in-game rank to kind of keep the games balanced.
Buddy on the right always looks like he took a steamer in his short and is sitting in the slop. Good review none the less.
‘Buddy’? You must be from Vancouver 😂
I think the best part of BAP in 21 is the fact that players are just everywhere. Ovi? Oh he’s on the Sharks for some reason.
For some reason the AI lets players swap teams in BAP way more frequently than in Franchise. I mean teams either trade or let their best players walk every season. I played recently and Ovi was traded to the Ducks then St.Louis! Lol
Thank for bringing up that they should go to free to play i have been say that for 4 years now im not alone on this one
13:16 DZ you are 100% correct about 2k. I have NEVER cared about basketball, but 2k20 was free on psn a few months back so I got it. I played through an entire 82 game season, and now I'm more interested in basketball than ever. It was all because of how much fun I've had playing 2k!
I would play a footbal manager esc game but with hockey.
I like that stuff like stats and training have a big impact on the players that you sign or draft.
In the current way franchise mode is done it's not up to you how players develop their skills like puck handling or stick checking as an example but make it up to us.
You already have coaches, make the coaches more impactful.
It think Corvin's right. Franchise mode could easily be a game itself with a few changes.
Make one game and update it. Do like other big games like world of warcraft does. Make big patches, when a new season is about to start.
Also longer video plz :D
@@ratedRblazin420 Yeah, also Eastside Hockey Manager which is a bit older. But I think there might be mods for the current season.
I played a pro for 6-7 in game years in NHL 19 even a season with the OHL.
So getting into NHL 21 be a pro mode was nice, but damn I wish there was more off ice stuff.
Love the suggestion of taking 2k career mode and adding it to nhl. Love the free version idea, much like many other games direction. I haven't play nhl since ps3 like nhl 14 maybe lol. So it's all new now! They should take your idea and incorporate them hell, maybe just take their jobs.
When y'all talked about NHL having a smaller development team but still compares pricewise to other big name games, another game that had a smaller development team was the college football games, NCAA. And those games were adored by their fans and they listened to what changes should be made. I would think a smaller development team would want to improve based on what their fans are saying so as not to lose their job to another developer saying they can do a better job and taking the rights away
I preordered NHL 21 on the 8th, and I still haven’t gotten my preorder code. I contacted EA two days ago. I’ll edit this comment if something happens.
Update: EA told me to talk to Amazon and Amazon didn’t really know there was a pre-order bonus, or how to access the code. They are sending me a new copy just to check if the code will come in the package (even though new copies most likely won’t have anything else because it was just for pre-order copies) so they will discuss with EA if nothing’s there. Idk why EA just couldn’t send me a code. I included a photo that proved I preordered it, and now everything’s just getting delayed.
Check ur email buddy🤣
@@Joe-ic3oe Yeah good tip. I’ve been doing it for the past two weeks. Nothing.
Guys thanks for your assessment. I started following hockey and fantasy hockey BECAUSE OF video game. I’ve been playin hockey since days of Super Nintendo. But u nailed.....whole console generation of NHL 15 - 20 was WOEFUL. AND I WAS ANGRY for it.
I'm still gonna buy it, but for the first time ever im gonna wait for the price drop. I only play franchise anyway
I agree with Z, the "smaller development team" thing is such bs. They have more than enough money, technology and resources to make the changes we need. Bottom line, for me to get legitimately excited about the next NHL game, they need to overhaul the game. I'd be happy if they took the next two years to make a new game. They need to take a step back and re-code a lot of the fundamental parts of the game. If they're concerned about losing profits that time frame, just charge $5 for an update to NHL 21 that'll include a new game mode or something worth the money. And come back with an NHL 23 that has lots to offer.
They need to make an NHL game for phones, like Madden Mobile and NBA Mobile
You speak facts
Great review of the game. EA doesn't deserve your money every year. I stopped buying FIFA after 17, and I buy NHL every other year, because that way there is at least some change from two years prior (plus, I need the updated rosters, you just can't do that manually more than a year after official updates). It is crazy that EA think we have to buy a full-price game every year to enjoy the sport, it is just not worth it. Imagine if you had to buy other genres of games every year to be updated? Madness, don't give them your money anymore.
What happened to the quiz videos??
I miss those. The other content is good, but the quizzes are what keep me coming back.
Should have an update on that soon...stay tuned
I like how you guys said about Be A Pro being like NBA Career Mode. With all the practicing training and customization it has would be great for Be A Pro. I would love to have my character skate around and practice with or without teammates at my choosing and before games they could have pre game skates where you can shoot at your own goalie on your half of the ice and then get to you game whenever you want to.
yea the soundtrack honestly isnt anything special this year at all
The songs are already driving me nuts
I think the problem is how little songs there are. We get sick of them so easily cause there is like 20 songs.
My question is why dose Ovi get treated like he’s Wayne Gretzky in this game. Yea he’s good but did he need a whole video of him at the start of this game. Like he’s good but it’s just odd to me.
I miss being able to have custom soundtracks on the PS3/360. The thing is they could still do that with the spotify app.
@@ryans413 because he is probly going to break the goal record before he retires and he plays in an era of larger pads and better goal tending
1. I wish they would get rid of the Chel bags and collect coins instead so that we can choose what we want to unlock for our players. I went through the entire NHL20 and never got my favourite celly
2. I wish they would have every jersey every team has ever worn, available to be played
3. I think it would be interesting, in 3v3 EASHL, to have a designated goalie for penalty shots. Obviously in 20 glitch goals were huge an are annoying and I haven’t seen any as of yet, but that would get rid of glitch goals (hopefully) and add an aspect of at least one person per team trying to get better as a goalie
Someone needs to start to hype this up I hope 2k would buy nhl from ea maybe we’ll get a actually good game
My vision of NHL 22 should be as follows:
- when you start you only have one mode - be a pro and start with your player
- once your drafted to the NHL, you enter a league with other ONLINE real life players and their be a pro’s
- your player remains in that league until you retire
- this would combine franchise, dynasty, etc
- when you play games you actually may face half human and half computer - depends on who is online with their be a pro
- you then at times play a modified versus or eashl - no one quits (plagued in eashl) because it affects your Be a Pro directly
My point is the following modes should be eliminated:
Online Versus
Franchise
Ones
EASHL
They would still be options - but, more focused on you buy the game - you control your player - develop a better story.
Again, should only have a menu as follows:
BE AN NHL PLAYER
BE A GM ONLY
HUT
EASHL FOR TEAM PLAY ONLY
Put all your energy into the above modes and lessen the other modes
Most modes end up a glitch fest, superior players (ones who play everyday and can)
Also eliminates the purchase to make your team better
They want a game that does not feel shallow…… crank up NHL 22 - LIVE THE TRUE HOCKEY LIFE is the new title and stop the madness of empty feel options
Compared to madden this is a huge improvement by ea madden is literally a carbon copy with the yard at least they added 3 new mechanics and 2 new game modes while expanding be a pro
That point about madden is so true actually. I used to like hockey way more until I started getting into football because of madden.
Second
third
4th
5th
I had a idea while watching this video maybe franchise can make a league like u enter the league with 30 other players and you randomly get assigned a team but it is spread out over 10 years you have to build the best franchise and win the most cups you can make trades through a game chat aspect and each season is about a 5 days long lasting about 2 months I think it would really bring life back to franchise mode and give people a reason to stay active in it and maybe at the end of the year like June July the top 31 people per console go in to a finale and they win a prize
Devs haven’t done enough to fix the issues that were in NHL 20. BAP is definitely improved but still major issues with dialogue, players getting traded in unrealistic situations (Ovechkin goes to the Leafs in 2020, teams trading mid round draft picks for players that were JUST drafted in first round, etc).
No improvements to gameplay whatsoever.
I was walking my dog this morning with one thought on my mind:
"When are my Bardown homies going to review NHL 21?"
I go to work, and BAM! Here it is! Thanks guys! 👍
I think another thing they should explore is putting it on PC. As of right now, it's pretty much the only major sports game that's only on console. 2k, Madden, and Fifa all have PC versions that account for a small percentage of sales, but a percentage nonetheless. It might open the game up to a larger audience.
2k needs to come back so ea actually has to try
I think the NHL games are not bad, it’s just unfortunate seeing it be the same game pretty much every year. Like it’s shocking that we finally have more advanced stats for a team in franchise, which has been in pretty much every 2K game. Also in create a team, it’s been the same 10 arenas to choose from since at least NHL 18 (when I started playing). Why are there all these arena options for EASHL, and you can’t put them all in create a team. It just doesn’t make sense to me
Honestly, as someone who has played almost the past decade of nhl games, they have plateaued in terms of on-ice and the actual hockey game. This isn’t a bad thing, in fact it means they should literally have the same mechanics going forward, don’t touch anything here, and improve the presentation aspects.
Purely as a hockey simulation experience, it’s near perfect. The passing, shooting, dekes, and Defense free stick are all outstanding, and even the checking and celebrations are still good (incorporate more real life celebrations and bring back hip checks).
The extraneous stuff is where the fault lies. I don’t mind James Cybulski as the main commentator, but he takes me entirely out of the experience. When have you ever heard him calling a game on nhl network or nbc or TSN or sports centre? Never, because he doesn’t. He already feels just as stale as doc emrick did, but I only felt that way about doc after several years of him doing it. They need a marquis man to spend their budget on, in the vein of jim hughson or Gord Miller or someone else who’s recognizable to actually get people in the mindset and simulated HNIC experience. And remove the foolish non essential stuff for the presentation as well. Do you see snoop dogg in the real nhl game presentations? No, so why have him in a game droning on about how he influenced rap and hockey to collaborate. Use the money spent on his feature to get actual analysts and reporters like Shawn McKenzie or Kyle Bukauskus for pre-game messages in the rink and interviews in between periods with players (like nba does) and have people like David amber and Cassie campbell do the 1st intermission coaches corner style breakdowns of the game to keep people invested in the experience (again, like NBA does with shaq kenny and ernie). So many wasted opportunities here! And I appreciate the improvements to be a pro, but again as Bardown said there needs to be massive facelifts to the franchise mode, from the trading and scouting to the draft and deadline itself, as well as showing major signings and tradings of star players and firings of coaches (like how MLB does, by showing the actual pictures or models of stars involved in the transactions taking place).
And for the love of god get rid of hockey analyst. Please god.
And a longer and more rink appropriate soundtrack. Please.
NHL games are like a steakhouse. The steak (in game gameplay) is good, it’s supposed to be freaking good, it’s expected. But it’s the sides and appetizers (franchise mode, winter classic, be a pro, battle for the cup, etc) that truly set aside good from great. God I so badly want nhl games to be good
Yea the gameplay is always good they need more features and making modes deeper
The funny thing with almost all these triple A sports games is every fan base looks at what other games do and sees certain things as an improvement, but the other franchise sees that same feature as flawed. Like they referenced 2k a lot in relation to be a pro mode, most all of the 2k community has not been a fan of the past 3-4 games with 18 being one of the worst in the series, snd most of the people only play Mycareer once for the story than skip it on their other builds and only play NBA games because its the best way to grind for badges, not to mention complaints of bugs, lag, hacking, unbalanced builds, unbalanced gameplay and sliders + many more things and that's just for MyPlayer/MyCareer. I just find it interesting since I play a lot of sports games to see that every fan base complains equally about their games rightly or wrongly.
Bardown 6s team twitch streams?????
A lot of this is not rlly possible right now but I think that if 70% of this stuff is added within 5 years nhl could honestly explode not only as a game but as a sport as a whole
*This is from my notes if ur wondering*
THIS IS FOR FRANCHISE (the game ode I see the most potential in)
Practice
All star game and winter classics
KHL
NCAA
Show stats from other leagues
Have an awards profile for each play like maybe I go to there stats than hit rb and there’s an awards one for Stanley cups, Calder cup, medals, all star games, every award you can think of
Academy for younger players
Players can decide to go to Europe if there not happy
News bar for players around the League who have trade requests or stuff like that
Echl
Be able to check o other leagues in the franchise mode
Costume cellys
AHL success matters more (ahl players grow more the better they do. NHL AND AHL Players and staff morale go up when both teams are doing good not just the NHL
Brand deals
New value bar (Players will now have another bar based on what the most value a team is offering atm)
World juniors (doesn’t have to be called the world juniors for licensing reasons can be called U18 Internationals or smt)
Olympics (same thing as world juniors can be International Hockey Tournament)
Gm connected
Better draft interviews (so they actually mean something)
Personality’s (so players can have an attitude or have a good work ethic but be scared to make mistakes)
Bust potential
Fan reactions on social media
Sponsorships
Merch
Some sort of connection to other sports (like maybe if your Toronto, your player morale goes up when the raptors to good)
Cover athletes Every season
Story lines
Rule changes
Be able to edit your team and lines while in trade deadline and calander
Interviews
News reports
Social media
More things to do/accomplish as a gm both on ice and off ice (it would be cool if gms had some sorta rating system and that they could have good or bad relationships with players and staff)
Be able to expand more than 1 team
Real coaches and gms
More customizable
More custom jerseys, mascots, logos, names, team names
Training facilities
Easier to Aquire top players if your a good team harder to if your not
Coaches Challenge
Edit jerseys even if team isn’t a costume one
Create a play or skill
Costume music (maybe Spotify)
Roster sharing
Choose a year for an expansion team to join the NHL (make it so you can choose how many seasons later)
Morale can go up or down when you play a player that used to be on your team and depen
Realistic injures (make it so you don’t get an injured player every dam day)
Upgraded chemistry (so certain players can develop friendships or rivalry’s which can effect chemistry. Family can have good chemistry to. Would be especially helpful for be a pro)
Potential changes if players do better than or worse than expected more multiple seasons
Be a coach mode
No move clauses/no trade clauses (with conditions)
SIM difficulty
Retire jerseys
Banners
Road hockey game mode
Create trophies
Extend franchise length (maybe to like 40-50 years)
Draft pick conditions
No move clause/ no trade clause
Other leagues in franchise
Player rights conditions
Actual team meetings (like interactive)
Pre game warmups
Live an actual life outside of hockey
Adding player types:
WINGERS
Sniper
Dangler
Playmaker
2 way forword
Enforcer
Grinder
Power forword
CENTERS
Sniper
Dangler
Power forword
Playmaker
2 way forword
Enforcer
Grinder
Defensive
DEFENDERS
2 way defenceman
Offensive
Defensive
Enforcer
GOALIES
Hybrid
Stand-Up
Butterfly
Aggressive
Passive
Morale revamp:
Contract type:
-Very Loyal (Doesn’t have very many recommendations for his contract)
-Loyal (some recommendations)
-Not Loyal (a lot of recommendations)
-Money grabber (just wants money)
-Team player (doesnt care about his contact as long as it’s for his team)
-Young guns (just wants ice time to develop his game, normally wants to play for a rebuilding team)
-Veteran (Just wants to play for a contender, wants to finish his career with some accolades)
Emotion (based on what they as a person wants not based on team success):
- Very Happy (couldn’t be better)
- Happy (going very well)
- Content (could be better but could also be worse)
- Upset (not going very well)
- Angry (couldn’t be worse)
Durability:
- Healthy
- Moderate
- Injury prone
Personality
- Leader (leads the team, idol)
- Mentor (helps rookies grow better, helps people get through obstacles)
- Team Player (can grow team chemistry, cheers up the team when needed)
- Normal (is about average)
- Stubborn (upset if things don’t go his way, can get angry if he gets less ice time then he feels)
- Short tempered (can drag the team down, gets angry easier, takes more penalty’s)
Potential:
FORWARDS
Bottom 6
Top 6
Fringe elite
Elite
Franchise
DEFENCE
Top 6
Top 4
Fringe elite
Elite
Franchise
GOALIES
Backup
Fringe starter
Starter
Fringe elite
Elite
Franchise
NEW STATS:
Groth Start (how fast they start growing)
Prime
Decline Start (how fast they start decreasing)
Puck Protection
Shot consistency
Shot frequency (how often you shoot)
Rivalries (teams can have rivalries and can have a hatred for eachother everytime they step on the ice together. They may not wanna trade with you cause your rivals)
A rivalry bar:
Historic rivals
Rivals
Average
Trade partners
Status
Champion
Contender
Hopeful
Rebuilder
Trade status
Seller
Conservative Seller
Conservative Buyer
Buyer
Theres no way im paying full price for this game, $80 Be a Pro.... Get real
Boxing week sales
@@dannyf21 exactly
The text conversations in Franchise mode that affect player's and coach's morale is way too shallow for something that's been in the game for multiple years. There's maybe 5 different conversations you can have (ice time concerns, sorry about how they're playing, demanding to be traded, being scored on too often, deciding what to do with a rookie).
And there's a glitch in 21 where Kessel or whoever will have the exact same text convo with me 2 days in a row. Like wtf is that.
EA”Sports” has gone to 💩
They really have.
shut up
@@painrayxo2771 No
I’m a big fan of BAP and am happy with the upgrades they did. I got a couple things I’d like to see added. I’d like the mode to be a bit more difficult to simulate real life. Meaning not everyone is going to go first in the draft. Not everyone is going to crack an NHL lineup, or AHL lineup for that matter. I’d like to see the ECHL incorporated as well as some of the adult European Leagues they have. I know most won’t like that idea, but to me it’d bring a little bit more authenticity to BAP.
I’m looking forward to when EA creates some of the cutscenes from BAP and puts them in Franchise Mode, like you can see the draft and the players walking on to the stage
Is it just me or is the stick check alittle OP. Like there are tiles where guy taps THROUGH YOUR LEGS and boom their goes the puck. Like yes I understand people were mad that a lot of penalties occurred from pokes but yenno what im kinda okay with that. It’s not like you couldn’t poke you had to just hold stick out (YENNO LIKE A DEFENSEMAN!!) and not trip him. Idk maybe because I’m a guy who uses open space more than flashy moves but seems rough. Thoughts???
I wish they added back glass breaking hits and hits into the bench
I went to a rouyn noranda huskies QMJHL game, it was awesome.
Things they should add to be a pro
- WJC options (chose to go or not to go if invited)
- Bring back pre and post game interviews
- option to start in european leagues (SEL, Liga, National, DEL, NCAA, etc)
Been saying for years they should release HUT as a standalone game. Make it free like you say, and they will make a killing with people buying packs. They could have player packs, specialty jersey packs, arena packs, retro logo packs. The key is to still make it possible to grind out a high end team for free, while offering the chance to pay for the flashy, but not necessary, upgrades.
You guys hit the nail on the head. What frustrates me the most is that at one time or another, chel had all the modes and features I wanted but they have been taken out or changed in time. Why is it that when I choose defensive defensemen for my be a pro, I’m expected to get the goal? Why isn’t there a tournament mode where you can make an international tournament? Why isn’t Mike Bossy on the islanders alumni team? Why aren’t the black Buffalo sabres jerseys available to use? So many small things could be added to the existing game to make it great. There’s no technological reason that they shouldn’t be. Very annoying.
My thing is hockey needs to grow as well as something needs to hit as a new feature. When be a pro mode was introduced in NBA 2k, it rocketed past NBA Live. MLB the Show became a beauty game and gained some popularity.
There needs to be an NHL game that feels different.
Make "Be A Pro" mode like Madden 20's "QB1" mode. I never played Madden games before but a friend of mine suggested that and once I played it, I was blown away.
The last one I've played is 19, and based on a couple reviews that I've watched, 21 really doesn't seem very different, especially considering my playing, which is only franchise and instant games. However, I got access to 21 without it costing anything for myself, so obviously I'll try it out and see what it's like.
They should re-release NHL 94 Rewind in January with updated rosters, modified regular season schedule, "Canadian Division", and whatever playoff format.
Ill be honest NHL 94 was a good preorder incentive for me, honestly looking forward to the nostalgia, the timing couldn't be better since 2 months again my Nintendo quit working
They made some REALLY good points in this vid at the end. I haven’t bought an nhl game since ‘18 because year over year it’s the same game with a couple of different skins & UI updates. I agree that such minor changes and minimal effort should warrant a lower price point.
I think one thing to look at is the growth of esports. San Jose sharks and the Washington capitals are having esports tournaments early on in the game combining for a total of $45k if the esports community continues to grow and nhl teams keep sponsoring events, I feel like eventually nhl will be forced to improve the game more and more.
Needs a frostbite or next gen total rebuilt engine. A super star player needs to feel like one compared to a fourth liner. Their points should be rare. Take away skill zoning defense. Where literally the Defense will collapse after a few seconds of not controlling them. If a player is in a passing lane, a pass should have a 1-5% chance of getting through an elite defender. Take away cross crease by making only elite players be able to score, because that realistic. For a be a pro or GM mode, use the face scans of players you have and get recorded voice lines you can talk to before and after games. In the locker room between periods for a pump
Up. First person view interacting with team mates with their own personalities would be cool coming out of the tunnel Etc. these are just some ideas.
Ok my names Fabian and I live In new Jersey (go devils) I’ve never played any hockey games until I played nhl 2004 and it was great ever since then I always buy the new nhl and I only play the single play modes franchise/be a pro and occasionally kick ass on ranked online but as of lately I’m not gonna keep spending money on roster updates
Open world skating/EASHL game entry (2K style) in an environment like the Ottawa Rideau Canal. That would take the game immediately from what it is to actually being a cornerstone of the hockey community. Hell maybe even then offer a limited access game license for free that lets you skate a F2P version of that environment and play in some EASHL games or buy game tokens or something.
Honestly, NHL 21 is the first hockey game I've bought in years and I'm cool with it. I can understand why veterans would be turned off; one other game I'm skipping a year of is NBA 2K21 because I didn't feel like playing it this year. I like things like HUT and I'm cool with not spending extra money so I'm having some fun.
I’m telling you they need to have a street hockey mode
You said all these games cost the same. How many more units does Madden and 2K sell though? Even FIFA sells more than NHL. That’s why they can’t grow as fast. They will always be behind. The only thing that can help NHL games is the ps5. Where the programmers can do more with less. Because for now, they’ve maxed out what they can do on ps4. Good video, boys. Cheers!
I mean I might just be very different than most people but I have played every NHL game since 2014 and I personally love this game. I bought it and I’m having a great time. I do agree I was hoping for a little more from Be A Pro but it’s still a super fun game and I think it’s better than the other previous games
I bought NBA2K just for the custom teams creation. To be able to put in my own custom logos was such a game changer. I would LOVE for the NHL games to do the same. I was so disappointed in no change in create a team from NHL21
Overhaul Franchise mode, be able to use custom players in local ones matches, practice drills for be a pro and franchise.