smozoma

here are some hacks i am working on figuring out... 1. DONE! record number of checks per player in a game. there is a bunch of RAM that is not used, so i should be able to pick a spot and write stuff to it. i could record how many checks each player dished out in a game, then display that stat in the Blitz league website. 2. DONE! fix the assist bug where it doesn't remember the 2nd assist in a passing play goal if the scorer touches the puck twice (ie if it goes bourque, neely, oates, neely, scores -- bourque currently gets no assist). it must keep a record of who touched the puck, so i should be able to override the algorithm and make it not forget the 3rd guy.

well.. it's kinda like that anyway already..

Yeah, it definitely does that. Ray Bourque attacks everyone; it's hilarious (99 checking)

Yeah, I learn a bit every game, and I was definitely way better at the end of the season than at the start, but when you get less than 20 minutes of actual ice time per week, there are only so many mistakes you can make to learn from. Like I said, I just don't have much instinct for picking up strategy on my own, so a book works well for me. Our captain/coach last season gave us a few simple plays/tactics, and they worked great, so I want to find a book that'll teach me a bit more. Plus a book is good entertainment when on the can.

> Hockey is about talent not streategy > learn to know you're guys. that way you can create a strategy So just playing a lot is all you need to be good? Coaches are totally useless? A chess player can gain nothing from reading a chess book, he should just play more games? These teams don't practice; we just play one 45-minute game every week, and I get about 15 minutes of ice time -- and that's continuous clock time. There's only so much you can learn in 10 minutes a week.

of course, the two books i am most interested in appear to be out of print or at least currently unavailable

I dunno for sure : ) I don't think Chk affects ability to check, since I tried teams of equal players with unequal Chk ratings, and though the AI was a lot different, my own ability to check seemed the same (really bad). I think they actually have code about if the player is "ready" for a check.. have you ever noticed that when a guy gets knocked out, he usually just received a pass, or was in the process of turning around, so didn't "see" the player coming?

I played hockey last year for the first time since high school (and first time as not-goalie since grade 6!), and boy did I suck. 24 games. 2 goals. 2 assists. Mind you, I was gypped on some assists (including 2 great breakaway-creating assists), so I actually had about 7 or 8 points... but, still, I was brutal! This is a workplace league (the company i work at is pretty big, so we have a league of ten 12-player teams). Here are some books I found on Amazon that look decent. I am wondering if any of you have read these and can say whether they're any good or not, or if you have any other books to suggest. Hockey for Weekend Warriors: A Guide to Everything from Skates to Slap Shots to Separated Shoulders The Hockey Handbook: The Classic Teaching Guide Coaching Hockey Successfully The Hockey Play Book: Teaching Hockey Systems Simply the Best: Insights and Strategies from Great Hockey Coaches I have very little knowledge or instinct when it comes to offensive strategy and positioning (which I'm sure is obvious from my nhl94 gameplay!), and I don't have much interest in playing defense (playing D seems best left to the guys in the league who are actually decent players). So, I'm looking for some hockey books to read to improve my game, mainly on the positioning/strategy side (not interested in conditioning guides) Thanks!

In the above hack, when a player has a checking rating of 3, they get no checking advantage (the -32 counters it). 3 is about the average checking rating. If a player has a checking rating of 4 (that's 1 above average), they get +10 overall to the calculation that decides if the check works or not. In comparison, a single weight point counts for +8. So, a 4 in checking is roughly equivalent to a whole extra weight point (1.25 actually). So, a player with a checking of 4 can check a player who weighs 1 more than him. If a player has 2 checking, he gets -10 in the calculation, so he will check like a player who weighs 1 weight point less than him. No bonus (wgt=3): McSorley: wgt=14, chk=3 => wgt=14*8=112, chk=(3-3)*10=0 => actual checking ability = 112 + 0 = 112 Lemieux: wgt=10, chk=3 => wgt=10*8=80, chk=(3-3)*10=0 => actual checking ability = 80+ 0 = 80 Lafontaine: wgt=5, chk=3 => wgt=5*8=40, chk=(3-3)*10=0 => actual checking ability = 40+ 0 = 40 Positive Bonus (wgt>3): Bourque: wgt=10, chk=6 => wgt=10*8=80, chk=(6-3)*10=30 => actual checking ability = 80 + 30 = 110 Lindros: wgt=12, chk=5 => wgt=12*8=96, chk=(5-3)*10=20 => actual checking ability = 96 + 20 = 116 Mike Eagles: wgt=7, chk=5 => wgt=7*8=56, chk=(5-3)*10=20 => actual checking ability = 56 + 20 = 76 Fleury: wgt=3, chk=4 => wgt=3*8=24, chk=(4-3)*10=10=> actual checking ability = 24 + 10 = 34 Negative Bonus (wgt<3) Coffey: wgt=9, chk=2 => wgt=9*8=72, chk=(2-3)*10=-10=> actual checking ability = 72 + -10 = 62 Roenick: wgt=4, chk=2 => wgt=4*8=32, chk=(2-3)*10=-10=> actual checking ability = 32 + -10 = 22 Yzerman: wgt=6, chk=1 => 48 - 20 = 28 I've attached a spreadsheet you can look at to see all the players NHL94_players___wgtchkfix.zip

I've tried making teams that are all the same , except one team's players all have '6' for checking and the other team's players all have '1'. Playing as both teams, I didn't feel like either team checked better than the other (though the team with 6 did a lot more AI checking). So, I'm pretty sure now that the checking really has no bearing on a player's actual ability to check. So, I found a way to factor the players' checking rating into their actual ability to check. I did it by adding (10*(chk-3)) into the checking code (but then i had to subtract an extra 2 due to some random bonus the game gives...) A bit of background: When a player takes to the ice, the game calculates: weight = 8*(weight in rom (1-15)) --- so this is 32 for roenick(4*8) and 80 for bourque(10*8) checking = 5*(checking in rom (0-6)) + (some random bonus between -1 and 2 that is constant for the game for that player for checking) The original (bug-fixed) algorithm is checkvalue = 120 or 240 depending on something i don't understand (EDIT: I think this ended up being the C/B check bug - the value depends on whether you control the player or not) checkvalue = checkvalue - (weight of guy getting checked) checkvalue = checkvalue + (weight of guy checking) checkvalue = checkvalue / 2 magic (???) To factor in the checking rating: checkvalue = 120 or 240 depending on something i don't understand redirect execution of code to an empty area of the ROM where i added new instructions (instructions 3-8) checkvalue = checkvalue - (weight of guy getting checked) checkvalue = checkvalue + (weight of guy checking) checkvalue = checkvalue + (checking of guy checking) checkvalue = checkvalue + (checking of guy checking) --- add again.. adding twice is faster than multiplying checkvalue = checkvalue - 32 return to original code execution place. (empty instruction) checkvalue = checkvalue / 2 magic (???) Where does the 32 come from? I didn't want to just add checking into the formula, because then even a guy with 1 checking would suddenly be able to check better. so i wanted to use something like +(chk - average chk). the average checking rating in the game is around 3 (a bit less for forwards, a bit more for defensemen). 3*5=15. --- because the game multiplies the players' chk ratings by 5 15*2 = 30. --- because i added the 5*chk rating twice that random bonus between -1 and 2 will have an average value of +1, so to counter that, i subtract an extra 2 (because i multiplied the weight value by 2 when putting it in the formula) In the compressed ROMs, you can add code at address $0f:fb10. In the uncompressed ROMS, you can add code at address $1f:2b00 Here is the assembly code to insert (overwriting the old code): At ROM address $01:3D72: 4e b9 00 0f fb 10 - JSR $000ffb10 (use 001e2b00 instead for uncompressed ROM) 4e 71 - NOP At ROM address $0f:fb10 (use 1e:2b00 for uncompressed ROM). You should be overwriting a bunch of "FF" bytes. 90 2a 00 67 - SUB.B #$0067(A2),D0 - sub guy getting checked (wgt*8) d0 2b 00 67 - ADD.B #$0067(A3),D0 - add guy checking's (wgt*8) d0 2b 00 75 - ADD.B #$0075(A3),D0 - add guy checking's (chk*5) d0 2b 00 75 - ADD.B #$0075(A3),D0 - add guy checking's (chk*5) 04 00 00 20 - SUBI.B #20, D0 - subtract 32 (to bias checking so a chk of 3 is no modifier) 4e 75 - RTS uhh.. hope that makes some sense to someone

I think we need to accept and live with the fact that NHL94 leagues only really function during the actual NHL hockey season. It's sad, but true. Future league deadlines should use this fact somehow.

ftfa: "I think it would be a huge error not to relocate one of the existing franchises to Hamilton or Winnipeg," [NHLPA executive director Paul] Kelly said.

what about giving them more typical "entry level" rookie contracts? - maybe make them lower cost, but also just 2 years.

Maybe like this: Skinnies: Wgt = 3 Spd = 5 Agi = 6 ShP = 2 ShA = 2 or 3 Chk = 0 (1 if D) Mediums: Wgt = 7 Spd = 4 Agi = 4 or 5 ShP = 3 or 4 ShA = 4 or 3 Chk = 2 (3 if D) Fatties: Wgt = 10 or 11 Spd = 3 Agi = 4 (their weight will make them sluggish enough already) ShP = 5 ShA = 4 or 5 Chk = 4 (5 if D) Forwards: OfA = 5 DfA = 3 Defense: OfA = 3 DfA = 5 If may seem like the heavier they are,t he better they are, but I think speed and maneuverability is worth a lot.

This post contains links to the various other posts in the "Editing the Game" that contain actual information about editing the Genesis version of NHL 94. If you want to learn how to hack, there is an excellent tutorial post by TonyH at the end of this list. NHL94.com Various Guides - (out of date.. but worth looking at for ideas) Editing Programs NOSE (NHL Old-School Editor) - wboy's ROM editing tool can change rosters, lines, team names, etc, and colours of some things (ice colour, for example) EARE (EA ROM Editor) - smozoma's ROM editing tool that can do a few things that NOSE can't (created because NOSE hasn't been updated in a long time) HxD - a free hex editor Base ROMs to use (don't use nhl94.bin): Genesis 30-team base ROM - (Mar 20, 2023) - INDIO Game Options and Team/Player Attributes: playoff matchups- (May 21 2005) - wboy Number of forwards and defense on a team - (May 29 2005) - wboy Team Order in startup menu - (May 30 2005) - McRae, wboy main menu default values (teams, period length, etc) - (May 31 2005) - wboy Team Overall Ratings - (Apr 20 2006) - wboy, smozoma (more by Evan) Team Home/Away/PP/PK (dis)advantages - (May 28 2006) - soccer1, wboy - a bit more about team attributes - home/away/PP/PK (dis)advantages - (May 5 2007) - wboy - and even more about home/away/pp/pk - (Oct 7, 2008) - metzgerism show 30 (or fewer) teams in game select screen - (Jan 14 2007) - wboy How to Edit the Player Overall Rating Formula - (April 16, 2009) - smozoma How to Change Team Selection Order - (March 1, 2012) - smozoma How to allow all players for every position (F play D, D play F..) - (Jan 25 2013) - TheTome Game Behaviour and Bug Fixes: Interesting AI behaviour hacks (really need more exploring!) - (Jul 13 2005) - McRae Reading controller inputs - (Feb 21 2007) - Scribe99 - trying to make "A" button on defense select goalie player energy (line changes fatigue/recovery rates) - (May 19 2007) - wboy speed boost (C button) - (May 19 2007) - wboy stopping and turning rates - (May 19 2007) - wboy fewer players on the ice (1on1 roms etc) - (Oct 22, 2007) - clockwise Weight Bug Fix - (Jul 19 2008) - smozoma Missing Second Assist Bug Fix - (Sept 19 2008) - smozoma Disable or lengthen the Goalie play stoppage whistle - (Feb 6 2010) - clockwise, smozoma Let the goalie roam farther with and without the puck - (Feb 7 2010) - smozoma Prevent game from crashing when Editing Lines in 2-on-2 ROMs - (Mar 19 2010) - smozoma Make the edit lines ratings match the actual on-ice ratings - (July 19 2010) - smozoma Fix the C-B check bug that made it possible to check anyone - (July 6 2014) - smozoma Real-Time Clock - (Jan 11, 2017) - Brodeur30 Graphics: Edit Player Sprites - Nov 1 2005 - wboy Player Card Tutorial - (Nov 25 2005) - wboy - (direct ZIP file download) Tile Molester graphics offset bookmarks - (Nov 25 2005) - wboy Add another centre ice logo - (Mar 11 2006) - wboy Make Gretzky's head bleed - (Aug 8 2006) - BurnXTC Tile Molester graphics offsets reference - (Jan 21 2007) - wboy Edit the Scoreboard (switch home/away) - (Jan 27 2007) - wboy Edit Ron Barr text - (Apr 27 2007) - mack Stick Tape Patch - (May 30 2007) - clockwise - also some info about no helmets! NHL94 Rink Tile Layout reference - (Feb 9 2009) - wboy Modern rink style (new faceoff dots, trapezoid behind net..) + stick tape patch - (Apr 30 2008) - clockwise Altering The Net Tiles And Palette (proper red goal posts + team coloured puck dots) - (Mar 29 2010) - clockwise Add Sponsor Logo to Scoreboard & 3 Stars (Pro Set from NHLPA'93) - (Dec 30 2016) - kingraph Audio and Music: Change and View NHL '94 Sound Effects and Music - (Jan 7 2010) - swos Game Genie codes: By TonyH http://forum.nhl94.c...?showtopic=3428 http://www.angelfire...games2/codehut/ Learn How to Hack: TonyH's NHL94 ROM Hacking School - (May 29 2007) - TonyH Another "Hacking School" thread, but by smozoma General Hacking Info: Kaneda's site - very knowledgeable Genesis hacker (also creator of the goalie button hack) SpritesMind forums - Kaneda's forum.. "Awesome Megadrive" - References, Tools, etc lists IDA Pro tutorials (not Genesis-specific) Assembly Code Manuals Google "68000 manual" results (www.freescale.com result is the official manual) Google "68000 tutorial" results

A fix for the weight bug has been found: http://forum.nhl94.com/index.php?showtopic=8031

You can use this tool to do that. NHL_Hockey_Roster_Tool.zip Use 'export ROM to CSV' to create a CSV file (comma separated value spreadsheet) change the values you want to change use 'import CSV to ROM' to create a duplicate of the original ROM, but with the new player attributes note: you can't change player names, teams, positions, or the order of players with this tool. you can only change player attributes (number, speed, etc) Dervin made it.

Games must be uploaded to the site using save-states. You will need the "netplay" version of gens to be able to save during netplay. See here for instructions: http://forum.nhl94.com/index.php?showtopic=8086 Sorry for not making this information clear earlier.

When you finish a game, you need to make a save state to upload to the site. You have to upload for the games to count. How to save: The normal version of Gens doesn't allow saving during netplay, so you need the one of the "netplay" versions, that allow saving during netplay (I modified them a couple years ago ). You can get a netplay version of Gens from the GDL site http://65.36.133.56/nhl94_draft/downloads.asp If you use Gens, get "Gensnetplay.zip" If you use Gens+, get "gens_netplaysave.zip" Unzip the EXE file to your Gens/Gens+ directory. When you want to play, run "gens-netplaysave.exe" (or "gens+netplaysave.exe") When the 3-stars of the game show up, or in the menu screen after the game, press the F5 key. This creates a save state named [ROM name].gs0. You can save up to 10 separate files by using the F6 and F7 keys to scroll through the 10 Quick Save save slots. How to Upload: After each game, go to the blitz website and click "Upload a Game". This brings you to a list of all your games. Select the game you just played by clicking the radio/circle button next to it. Then, at the top, use the Browse button and locate the save state you just made (careful not to upload the wrong one). Hit submit, wait about 10 seconds, and the page should refresh and give you a link to the boxscore of the game you just uploaded. Note: when you upload and the page refreshes with the boxscore link, the game you just uploaded will still be visible in the list below. If you are uploading another game, select a different game.

but.. there's noone to replace them now (when there are like 10 missing)

Nah, checking just affects how often they check (the AI) -- watch Ray Bourque play under AI control, he's hilarious.

The bug fix just makes it so higher weight players can take out lower weight players. Guys like Phaneuf (200lbs=7 or 8) and Niklas Kronwall (192lbs=6 or 7) will still be relative pansies. Though, if they have good skating stats, that'll help their ability to hit, because they'll be able to actually catch guys. Lindros is pretty hard to hit with, still, since he's so slow (high weight slows acceleration, which slows turning). Yeah, I suspect that lower weight for them works the same as for players -- quicker acceleration. But I haven't actually noticed it. An easy way to do this would be to substitute speed for defensive awareness in the formula (since that would involve changing just one number in the code). Don't all the goalies have just 3 or 4 speed in the original ROM, anyway? That's weird; I wonder why they made it like that. -- I'm going to try to extend this bug fix so that it takes into account the player's checking rating... but i'll have to learn a few more things in order to do it, so it'll take a while.

Everyone's team will be affected, so everyone will need to shuffle things to get the team they want I think most leagues will stick with the bug, anyway.. I suspect that most people will find they prefer the bug in!

http://forum.nhl94.com/index.php?showtopic...;hl=source+code