NHLâ„¢ Eastside Hockey Managerâ„¢ 2007 announcement

Post by **Calv** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:12 pm

[quote]Pad up, sharpen your blades and prepare for the puck drop, Hockeyâ€™s most immersive management game returns for the new season.

LONDON & SAN FRANCISCO (August 8th, 2006) â€“ SEGA Europe Ltd and SEGA of America Inc., are proud to announce NHLâ„¢: Eastside Hockey Managerâ„¢ 2007 for the PC and Mac. Developed by Sports Interactive, creators of the acclaimed Football Managerâ„¢ series, NHLâ„¢: Eastside Hockey Managerâ„¢ 2007 will be available exclusively via digital download from www.eastsidehockeymanager.net from September 22nd 2006 across Europe and America.

NHLâ„¢: Eastside Hockey Managerâ„¢ 2007 is an authentic ice hockey management game which offers an enhanced simulation experience and a brand new 2D game engine, bringing you even closer to the action of each nail biting game. New tactical settings now give you even greater control over your sideâ€™s playing style, with a plethora of additional options.

Will you take advantage of new tactical options for breakouts, forechecking and implementing zone systems to steer your franchise to Stanley Cupâ„¢ glory? Or will you place your faith in your designated playmakers and face-off takers to carry your team to World Championship victory?

â€œWith over 20 playable leagues and a comprehensive player and team database, NHLâ„¢: Eastside Hockey Managerâ„¢ 2007 is an ideal way for you to prepare for your fantasy hockey seasonâ€

Post by **Calv** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:21 pm

Looks like they're dropping the boxed version for a digital download only, not sure this is a good move. Will be ok for existing customers but getting new ones may be hard if the game itself isn't on the shelves.
Brand new 2D engine sounds good and I guess fantasy draft is ok, not really my thing though. Still can't wait for september now!

Elias26 · Post by **Elias26** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:25 pm

WOW!!! I got my fantasy draft!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by **Calv** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:31 pm

We can expect more screenshots when the new website goes live as well apparently

And when the website goes live you'll be able to pre-order it for a reduced price

Elias26 · Post by **Elias26** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:32 pm

Calv wrote:Looks like they're dropping the boxed version for a digital download only, not sure this is a good move.

I install the game on several diffrent computers and one is a standalon. I hope I can burn the full version to a disc or copy it to a jump drive.

Post by **Calv** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:34 pm

you might want to ask that on the SI boards, I'm not familiar with how the digital download software works

Elias26 · Post by **Elias26** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 4:52 pm

Calv wrote:you might want to ask that on the SI boards, I'm not familiar with how the digital download software works

I would but I cant get their at work. Thats why I rely on this site for all my EHM needs.

Anyone else notice they changed getting open to Off the Puck?

I like the layout. Looks better & more crisp.

I wonder how they determin the players contracts in Fantasy.

well we still have over a month to wait....

Borlag · Post by **Borlag** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 5:21 pm

Calv wrote:Looks like they're dropping the boxed version for a digital download only, not sure this is a good move. Will be ok for existing customers but getting new ones may be hard if the game itself isn't on the shelves.
Brand new 2D engine sounds good and I guess fantasy draft is ok, not really my thing though. Still can't wait for september now!

Considering how much problems they've had with the digital downloads on the previous versions, I wouldn't count on that. Plus there are a rather large group of people who simply can't purchase stuff online due to lack of credit cards or access to one. Based on those problems in the past, the assumption that digital download copy can only be installed X amount of times (that's usually the case) and the fact that I'm amongst that group who has no access to credit card, I believe that I'm pretty much forced to skip this version entirely.

I can only hope that there will be a boxed version despite the announcement and Graeme telling otherwise. Even if it means having to wait for it longer.

Octavian · Post by **Octavian** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 5:26 pm

2D Engine, just great and the skin is

but the Digital Version only... I'm not so sure about that. I don't have a VISA so, I can start worring

Post by **inSTAALed** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 7:02 pm

I think I'm in love..

Post by **Shadd666** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 7:06 pm

This new version sounds really really really giantic! i can't wait for september 22nd!

The only huge problem is that,as many other players,i don't have any credit card...

However,2D engine is a big and fantastic surprise! Same thing for fantasy draft,even if i personnaly don't care about it. Those 2 points where highly demanded,and some people make is understand it won't be implemented in 07's version... Just hope the 2D engine will work well...

Now we just have to ask for a full 3D engine for the 2008 version!

(joke)

Post by **E5150_ca** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:03 pm

Ugh... digital download only?

$:\$

Post by **Minstrel** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 8:35 pm

There was the Fantasy Draft thread at SI's forum about what it might look like if there was to be one, pros and cons etc. that was actually posted while the testers were beta testing the fantasy draft feature for 2007.

That was before anyone could legally confirm or deny it's existance in EHM 2007.

I am very much a traditionalist of course but I have to say that I'm a fantasy draft convert having run through it in testing, it's pretty fun to have Brodeur backstop the Hawks or have Joe Sakic as captain so I think people will enjoy it for their games

Post by **Minstrel** » Wed Aug 09, 2006 10:11 pm

E5150_ca wrote:Ugh... digital download only?

$:\$

Just to let people know, we're not going to rehash the digital download only? It's THE END OF THE WORLD!!! discussion here as we are only customers like you all are. If you go to the SI forums, there is even a link directly to there from our own forums *points to the top of your screen* and actually read the first two pages or so of the announcement thread before claiming it is the end of the world you will see that people who know have provided answers to all those issues already.

Including "can I play it at my house and then at a friends house?" and "what if my machine blows up?" and "What if I don't have a credit card" so those are best left to people who can actually answer your questions with certainty.

Otherwise let's not take the biggest EHM news in a year and make it into the death of the game is upon us... woe is us we'll never get the new game, it will never work, etc. and continue to do what we do and that is have faith in SI.

EDIT: The post obviously was over the top for effect; as in let's not claim the sjy is falling until we have proof and the closest thing is comparison with this exact format/company for DD and the only examples that can be used for that are from the OOTP forum at SI as that game uses the exact DD system. Past problems with EHM DD versions doesn't apply to the experience that getting 2007 as a DD will be.

Borlag · Post by **Borlag** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 7:20 am

Yes, the "what if I don't have a credit card" question did get answered. Yet the actual site used for purchasing the game doesn't offer the other options mentioned. In other words, the questions are wide open.

Post by **E5150_ca** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 9:13 am

Minstrel wrote:
Just to let people know, we're not going to rehash the digital download only? It's THE END OF THE WORLD!!! discussion here as we are only customers like you all are. If you go to the SI forums, there is even a link directly to there from our own forums *points to the top of your screen* and actually read the first two pages or so of the announcement thread before claiming it is the end of the world you will see that people who know have provided answers to all those issues already.

Including "can I play it at my house and then at a friends house?" and "what if my machine blows up?" and "What if I don't have a credit card" so those are best left to people who can actually answer your questions with certainty.

Otherwise let's not take the biggest EHM news in a year and make it into the death of the game is upon us... woe is us we'll never get the new game, it will never work, etc. and continue to do what we do and that is have faith in SI.

For accusing me of overreacting, you sure did a good job of it yourself. I don't care how EASY it is to download, the fact I have to go through all the trouble of downloading it, keep tracking of licenses and active installs and all that other rubbish is just a hassle that I really don't want to have to go through with. Add to the fact that every week someone is on the SI forums complaining about there account not activating or some other hubble wizzle, it just doesn't seem like a very smart move by SI.

Post by **Calv** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:56 am

System requirements:

PC
Minimum Requirements:
Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
Intel Pentium 2 Processor @ 500MHz or equivalent
128mb RAM
800mb Free Hard Drive Space

Recommended Requirements:
Microsoft Windows XP
Intel Pentium 3 Processor @ 1.4GHz or equivalent
256MB RAM

Mac
Minimum PowerMac:
G4 600Mhz
Mac OS 10.3 and above
128mb RAM
800mb Free Hard Drive Space

Recommended PowerMac:
G4 1.4GHz
Mac OS 10.4 and above
256mb RAM

Intel Core Duo:
1.8Ghz
Mac OS 10.4.4
256mb RAM

Post by **Calv** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 11:58 am

And news on the site, and therefore pre-orders:

Working on the site at the moemnt, I hope to have it all live within 7-10 days

From Marc Duffy

Elias26 · Post by **Elias26** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:49 pm

Minstrel wrote:There was the Fantasy Draft thread at SI's forum about what it might look like if there was to be one, pros and cons etc. that was actually posted while the testers were beta testing the fantasy draft feature for 2007. That was before anyone could legally confirm or deny it's existance in EHM 2007.

I am very much a traditionalist of course but I have to say that I'm a fantasy draft convert having run through it in testing, it's pretty fun to have Brodeur backstop the Hawks or have Joe Sakic as captain so I think people will enjoy it for their games

Minstrel, How are the players salaries determined in Fantasy? Also as far as coaching staff they are not "draftable" are they?

Elias26 · Post by **Elias26** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 12:50 pm

Minstrel wrote: Otherwise let's not take the biggest EHM news in a year and make it into the death of the game is upon us... woe is us we'll never get the new game, it will never work, etc. and continue to do what we do and that is have faith in SI.

bruins72 · Post by **bruins72** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:09 pm

What a great way for me to start my day! I had actually spaced and forgot this news was coming until I saw the posts here.

I love the look of the game! I really like the look of the Front Office screen. It seems like things are group better and more logically. It seems there is less clicking around and going 5 levels deep to get to something you use frequently. I'm also liking the way the calendar is looking. It's easier to use than the old list of dates with games. It's a good way to spot when you might have back to back games and bigger breaks. Plus, it looks pretty!

I saw a basic screen (without abilities listed) showing a player in the Front Office screen but did they release a look at what a player profile looks like? I'd like to see how they've got that set up now.

Post by **Calv** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:12 pm

download the zip file, it's got a few more screenshots and I think one is a player profile

bruins72 · Post by **bruins72** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 2:55 pm

Sweet! Thanks! I didn't bother with the zip because I figured it was the same screens as the ones linked. I'll got grab that zip now.

Post by **Minstrel** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:06 pm

Yeah there are seven screens in the zip version:

Add Manager
AHL League Leaders
Calendar Screen
Fantasy Draft
Front Office
Match Engine
Player Profile
Trade Offer

Fantasy draft you are taking players as in onto your roster instead of them going to someone elses so you take them with current contract in effect. I can't say anything else about the details that isn't shown via the screenshots though.

bruins72 · Post by **bruins72** » Thu Aug 10, 2006 5:08 pm

I am VERY excited about this game! I was already excited before but seeing some screenshots, getting a few details, and having a release date has got me pumped. This is going to be so much fun! They've really cleaned up the interface and added some nice features while also refining some existing ones.

Am I just imagining it or at some point did they say they were going to revamp the abilities/skills? I thought they said something about doing it differently and that would mean they'd have to rebuild the database from scratch. Am I mis-remembering?