NHL'98 Unofficial FAQ

By Jeff Plumley

CONTENTS

[NHL 98]This is the Unofficial FAQ for NHL'98. It answers various questions that numerous players have been asking repeatedly on the newsgroups and message boards. Some of them may even look familiar to you.
  1. GENERAL QUESTIONS
  2. TIPS AND HINTS
  3. KNOWN BUGS/PROBLEMS
  4. TECHNICAL ISSUES
  • NHL'98 has released a PATCH which fixes the following problems; the 100+ shot error, the Intergraph card problems and the loss of the rink announcer during games. Nov.26, 97.

    1. GENERAL QUESTIONS

    Q: Just what IS a FAQ?
    A: FAQ simply stands for....frequently asked questions. It's quite common to see various FAQ's on the web relating to what ever! It's the easiest way to find information on that certain something, and is usually updated on a continuing basis.

    Q: Okay, I now know what this FAQ business is all about, but I've been on Mars for the last 10 years and I don't have a clue what the heck NHL'98 is?! What am I missing?
    A: NHL'98 is a computer sports game based on NHL hockey created by Electronic Arts. It's a combination of arcade style play with a little bit of simulation thrown in as well. Without going into specifics, the game includes over 600 real NHL players and all 26 teams, plus 18 International teams from around the world! There is a version out for the Sony Playstation as well as the PC, but this FAQ focuses strictly on the PC version. The NHL XX series started out in 1991 and has grown in popularity ever since. Each year brings a new (but not always improved) version. People who were familiar with NHL'97 will be happy to know that this years '98 version has improved A LOT! If you would like more information on the game (there's even a demo for you to try), visit Electronic Arts NHL'98 web page.

    Q: Now I'm really confused! I went to the software store and noticed two DIFFERENT NHL games for '98 there. What's UP with that! Which one do I choose?
    A: Yes, there are two hockey games out currently for the PC (and a third to follow by Acclaim). One is Electronic Art's NHL'98, which this FAQ is about. The other, is Virgin Interactive's NHL Powerplay'98. My comparison describes both in detail for those who would like to know more about each game.

    Q: I love hockey, but I'm not very good at arcade games. Will I like it?
    A: YES! Even if you don't like are follow hockey regularly, this game is action packed and one of the best sports games on the market. It offers various difficulty settings so you can talor the game to your skill level. You may even learn a thing or two about some of NHL's great players, while having fun at the same time! AND to top it off, it's cheaper than the cost of buying one rinkside seat to a real NHL game :-)

    Q: I like stats. Lot's of stats. Give me stats!!! Does NHL'98 have STATS!
    A: You bet, and very detailed stats too, based on the 1996/97 season. You can view them, rearrange them, sort them, do what ever you want to them...even print them. All the players are rated by a real NHL scout too, so they EACH perform with their own individual skill and style just like in real life!

    Q: Boy, those 3Dfx screen shots on the box sure look good! Is it really worth buying a 3dfx card just to play the game?
    A: YES! Not just for NHL'98, but many other games as well! Not only will it improve the smoothness of the game play, but also the graphics look amazing! And the 3Dfx Graphics and Rush chip sets are THE best 3D accelerated chips out on the market right now for the money. Cheaper than upgrading to a new CPU and motherboard too! It's widely supported by the game companies now and even runs Direct 3D applications better than other 'generic 3D cards.' Since there are so many different ones out there, actually deciding WHICH 3Dfx card to get can be a daunting task. How about a review and comparison to help you out courtesy of PC Mulimedia Online!

    Q: What difficulty level should I be playing NHL'98 at?
    A: Obviously, this is personal preference, but if you want the best game play here is the low down on each mode. Rookie is good to learn the basics, but the scores are always in the double digits and you will soon want more competition. All-star, while it sounds cool to say you use that difficulty level to your friends, really doesn't portray the INDIVIDUAL players very well. Why? Well, because all players and goalies will perform with superstar ability! How realistic is that? Pro is the best difficulty to settle on because each computer player's performance is determined by his real-life skill ratings. The goalies are tougher to score on than in rookie mode, and are a good compromise between being pathetic(rookie) or almost unbeatable(all-star).

    Q: What game play options should I be using?
    A: For a realistic game, put ALL options to ON except injuries (turn that off - there is a bug which crops up once in a while, which I describe later). Set the difficulty to Pro and depending on how long you want your game to last, choose either 10 or 20-minute periods. If you think you can handle the line changes yourself, put that to manual. Other wise, switch it to AUTO and the computer will do it for you.

    Q: What the heck do all those strategies mean and what works best?
    A: Marc Crawford describes what most of them mean and do, via Real Video and Audio. Listen up!

    Q: NHL'98's arcade type play is really getting to me! I'm tired of having these super goalies saving my every shot and not going down enough. I'm ALWAYS outplaying AND out-shooting the computer teams by an outlandish margin. What's with this speed burst! I can speed skate from one end of the rink to the other without a care in the world and the game moves way too fast! And bodies are flying all over the place...I'm always out-hitting the computer teams and it's too easy to knock players over! Can't they (the game companies and EA) make a more REALISTIC version of hockey that fixes these problems! Is there anything I can do to make NHL'98 more realistic and enjoyable? I want a REAL hockey game!
    A: Well that's a mouth full. The answer is YES! Beneath NHL'98's surface is a more realistic version of hockey which CAN be realized, to a certain extent. Go to my Improving Game Play section on how and what to do! I've had several people tell me that the difference is like night and day once they make the changes! They enjoy the game MUCH more now with the improved game play..and of course I do to. This says a lot considering my original review of NHL'98 wasn't very positive with respects to the game play!

    Q: What works best for the computer teams? They don't play defense very well, and their offensive prowess is nowhere to be found all game sometimes!
    A: Go to my improving game play section and see what works for the computer (and what doesn't!)to help improve the computers playing style.

    Q: Sometimes the computer teams are easy to beat. Other times they're ALL OVER ME!
    A: NHL'98 randomly sets the AI before each game, so they may be easy one night, and tough the next. I guess this takes into account that even the best teams have trouble sometimes. I just wish they were harder more OFTEN!

    2. TIPS AND HINTS

    Q: I get called a lot for hooking. What am I doing wrong?
    A: Keep your hooking to a minimum and only do it for a second at a time; then release, and hook again, etc..don't just hold the hook button or you'll get called for a penalty a LOT! You can also try to sweep or poke check the puck while on defense by using the #2 button when your player is close to an opposing team's puck carrier. This doesn't draw a penalty as often as hooking does, but on the other hand it doesn't always work, and the player can get away from you sometimes.

    Q: How do I perform a slap shot ALL of the time? Sometimes, my player just does a drag shot (he doesn't lift his stick, he just drags it) Ahhhh!
    A: If you really want to ensure that you use a slapshot, LET go of the directional pad and then hold the shoot button (#1) As long as you're not pushing the game pad directional part in a specific direction, this should work. If you want to do the hold and drag shot, I find that holding button #1 AND THEN reversing the gamepad direction always works for some reason. You don't actually reverse direction...since once you activate and HOLD the shoot button you continue moving in the last direction you were going before you used it anyway...it just seems to force the drag shot for some reason.

    Q: Help! I can't score on the goalies...and I'm always getting hooked and grabbed by the computer teams!
    A: Getting goals (in Pro and above difficulty levels) is something that will come with experience. If the hooking is a problem, weave and turn a lot, don't skate near the other players. The key is to pass often and don't rely on a single player doing all the work. Pass the puck to your defensemen hanging back, or a winger up the side. Just stay away from the other teams players as often as possible. Once you get past their blueline, wind up and rip a shot, or try a pass to the slot for a one timer. Most of the time the goalie coughs up a juicy rebound for your trailing center/winger to take a stab at. Their defense will leave you alone as long as you don't have the puck. And remember to hit. Read the play, watch for the open man in front of your net and take him out. Your goalie can handle the shot, it's the rebounds that will kill you. It's just a matter of watching the whole ice. I used to have major problems scoring, but I realized that if I watched everyone, not just my player and the ones around me, that I could set up plays and create scoring chances much easier. Be ready and anticipate rebounds that will occur around the net.

    Q: Help! I STILL can't score on the goalies...
    A: Many people don't realize this, but button #4 is good for something else BESIDES some flashy special move. Use it when your in real close to the goalie, and the player will get off a QUICK shot ...even faster than if you were to just tap the #1 shot button for a snap shot. I use this quite a bit on breakaways. Do a quick deke type move and when in close, aim for a corner (high or low) and hit the #4 button! It really is the fastest way to release the puck if you see an opening. And this works for ALL players...not just the great ones. This is probably one of the best ways to realistically beat the goalies in CLOSE.(Besides the LAME hold the shoot button while you slide by the goalie trick) It gets the puck moving FAST in the blink of an eye, which is what you need to get it by the NHL'98 goalies sometimes! This works well if you aim low too, but like I said, you have to be close! Give it a try. Finally, you can reduce the goalie ratings by using an editor, which brings them down to a more realistic level. I discuss this further in my Improving Game Play section. (Sound familiar? :)

    Q: Did you say editor? What's that and where do I get it!?
    A: Toni Wilen has made a terrific NHL'98 editor and statistics viewer which is easy to use and works wonders! It allows you to edit player attributes and other cool stuff! You can get it at his web page, or you can follow the link through my hockey page which will take you there.

    Q: Hey, a lot has changed to the NHL team rosters since NHL'98 was released. Where can I get a current and updated roster? I ALSO want all the hot rookies that are burning up the ice this year too! They HAVE to be there!
    A: There are several people making updated rosters for NHL'98, but I can only recommend one since everyone seems to agree that his are the best. I'm talking about Chekov of course..and no, he was never in Star Trek! Mr. Chekov's rosters are updated regularly and can be downloaded at his web site, or you can follow the link through my hockey page which will take you there. Oh ya, he's created lots of rookies too, which seem to be rated fairly accurately.

    3. KNOWN BUGS/PROBLEMS

    (These are things that can only be fixed with the release of a PATCH by Electronic Arts. Some of the problems mentioned below have been addressed with a basic patch, but let's hope a more indepth one comes out in the near future.) Some of these bugs do have simple work-a-rounds though. Others don't!

    Q: Sometimes when I get over 100 shots on net, the game crashes!
    A: This has been fixed with the patch. The crash was related to the scoreboards that display the shot totals at certain arenas. Their only 2 digits wide for each team, so when you hit 100 it gets confused and boots you out to WIN'95. The teams that are affected when playing at home are; Anaheim, Carolina, Dallas, Florida, NY Islanders, Los Angeles, New Jersey, Ottawa, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Washington.(Thanks to Louis for the city listings! :)

    Q: Oh no! My game has stopped for no reason! The players are just standing there doing nothing. Sometimes, the screen will go black too, but I can still hear game noises so I know it hasn't locked up.
    A: This is a BUG in NHL '98! Hit the ESC key, choose the RULES option, and change the LINE CHANGES to OFF or AUTO. This should fix the problem. When the game continues again, you can put the LINE CHANGE option back to the way it was.

    Q: The rink announcer will stop sometimes while playing a game. The only way I can get him to return is to quit and restart the game. Help!
    A: This has been fixed with the patch. If the patch still doesn't fix this, try turning off the Dolby sound option.

    Q: The computer teams change their lines WAY too often on THEIR powerplay. When the computer has a powerplay, they never generate anything because as soon as they get to my blue line, they shoot it in my end and then they do a line change. I get the puck, clear it back down the ice, and this repeats itself until I kill off the penalty. As a result, it's not much of a powerplay for them! What's wrong here?
    A: This is an AI bug in NHL'98. For some reason, the AI line change routine loops during the computer's man-advantage. So they just keep changing their lines...zzzz! Also, the AI will change their lines even when they have a CLEAR breakaway. The man with the puck simply dumps it in and goes back to the bench. (No doubt for a good scream session by the coach!)

    Q: Sometimes the program gives the HOME team their 3rd jersey...since most 3rd jersey's are dark colours and the visiting team is ALSO wearing dark colours, it makes it impossible to tell who's who in the game. This is VERY FRUSTRATING if I'm in a season game because I can't just start over. The game HAS to be saved in its current state. Isn't there a way to fix this?
    A: Not really. This seems to be a bug, or is something the programmers didn't account for (I find that hard to believe!) If the program decides to make your team wear the 3rd jersey and it conflicts with the other teams colour, you're stuck with it. If it's an exhibition game, then just restart the game until the program gives you the colour you want. If you're in a season or playoff game, you'll have to play through it, or do a full system reboot and hope that you'll end up back at the team selection screen when you restart the game (I certainly don't recommend doing that!) You can also force your team to wear their 3rd jerseys by clicking on the team logo in the main screen, then start the game. There is no way though of confirming that it worked until you enter the game and see the results for yourself. I've only had this happen to me occasionally, but others have said that this happens quite a bit.

    Q: The computer ALWAYS pulls their goalie when down by 2 GOALS. This throws off the stats and final scores of my games (ie: close games turn into 5-2, 4-1 3-0 games). How do I change this?
    A: You can't. It's a programming issue that will need a patch if it's going to be fixed.

    Q: Why are all these double minor 4:00 minute penalties occurring in the game? These types on penalties happen very rarely in real NHL hockey...it's driving me crazy!
    A: This seems to be a bug BROUGHT OVER FROM NHL'97! Even reducing the penalty calling to 40 or 60% doesn't semm to do help. This bug seems to have been carried over from NHL'97.

    Q: The game was running really smooth..then suddenly it started getting VERY slow and jerky!
    A: This is an on-going bug within Direct 5 (even with the 5a patch) which affects certain video cards and drivers. Save your game and reboot the system. Everything will be back to normal after that!

    Q: I have an injured player who's out for a few games. It's changed all of my lines and they're back to the default settings! All that work for nothing...what can I do? Also, sometimes when a player is ready to return, he won't be available and will still be highlighted in red on my roster. On the computer teams, when a player is healthy to return, the computer won't always put him back in the lineup...even if he's a star player!
    A: These are BUGs in NHL '98! The only thing to do is turn off injuries until EA releases a patch for these problems.

    4. TECHNICAL ISSUES

    Q: I can't get my second controller to work at all, I've tried digging through the control panel and I still can't find it ( my joystick icon changed ) it says my second controller isn't there, I've tried re-installing the controller but that doesn't work either. I have a gravis gamepad pro and a regular gamepad.
    A: The ONLY gamepads that will work in two-player mode is Gravis Grip or the Microsoft pad. Why? Well, because it's a Windows 95 game. In DOS (like NHL '97) you could easily use two regular gamepads without any problems. Windows 95 only supports the digital pads that I mentioned above.

    Q: The game stutters sometimes when I'm playing, especially after a face-off. This is REALLY noticeable in the 3Dfx version.
    A: To fix this, install the game, choose CUSTOM install, then go to SOUND and check the PLAY BY PLAY option. This puts it all on to the hard drive and will get rid of the pauses. Also, the bottom of page 9 in the NHL'98 reference card (which comes with the game) is a good path to follow.

    Q: I don't have a 3Dfx card and can only play the regular unaccelerated version, but it's too choppy! What options should I turn off so I can smooth out the game play without sacrificing too many graphic options!
    A: Try these options in order; (don't forget to play the game after making ONE change at a time to see if you notice any improvement!)

    If it's STILL unplayable, either upgrade your system (3Dfx! hint hint) or as a last resort, try the low res or interlaced video options. Also try turning off the play by play commentary or installing that to the hard drive during setup.

    If there are any other technical issues that are NOT listed here that you've experienced, check the reference card included with the game for more trouble shooting tips and/or contact Electronic Arts directly.

    Also, let me know if you've found/solved a problem and I'll add it to this FAQ so it can help others!

    FAQ prepared by Jeff Plumley
    Jeff's Hockey Page!

    Email Electronic Arts and tell them you want a patch!
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