EA Sports has detailed another improved element of NHL 15--the intelligence of the computer-controlled players.
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What the developers are calling Vision A.I. should significantly improve the way the players you aren't controlling support the play and look for opportunities. Making plays in hockey is difficult, and much of it is based on anticipation, which translates to frustration in video games when the computer-controlled players don't get open or make the right move.
The addition of Vision A.I. is meant to change that with improved projections of the developing play, basing movements and decisions on both the puck and the positioning of teammates.
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"Utilizing Vision A.I., skaters respond to the puck's current and projected position as they anticipate plays before they happen," a post on EA's site explains. "With over 2,500 points on the ice, players will always look to be in the correct position in all three zones based on their player specific roles.
"In the offensive zone, players will react dynamically to their teammates' position, looking to open up potential passing and shooting lanes. Goal scoring forwards will look for soft spots in the defense and get to open shooting lanes."
All of that sounds welcome to myself and other fans of the series, but you also have to keep in mind that developers tend to promise these revolutionary upgrades every year. The games usually do get better with each iteration, but rarely does a title suddenly become so hyper-realistic that you won't have complaints. As such the A.I. will likely to frustrate you at times, even though it will undoubtedly be smarter than before, but you can at least see what the developers are aiming for and judge for yourself when NHL 15 releases.
