Well the game is already at about half speed, the original was obscenely fast (play as the 97 All-Stars on All-Star and you'll see what I mean). Honestly the easiest way to slow it down even more is simply lower all the player speed stats which is very doable in NOSE (however I do find you get used to the speed fairly quickly). I'm actually hoping to be able to move this entire hack into NHL 98 at some point as it has a selectable game speed setting separate from the difficulty setting. Unfortunately I have yet to disable the 2 line pass, so that's my top priority.
As for things like the trapezoid, I do need to teach myself a bit more about tile hacking and reorganizing before that will be possible, but it is definitely a goal for the future.
The blue shadow is a tricky one, as its more of a palette issue than anything else, but it is something I plan to tackle at some point. My first goal will actually be to modify the AI a bit more. I don't like how when you touch the puck in your end they immediately run away, I'd love to get them to press the attack a little bit more.
I'll keep you posted on my progress with 98 though, because I'll be trying to implement most of those changes once I transition over.
Hey, thanks for considering my recommendations. It seems we are on the same page.
Perhaps you can make some (hopefully simple) modifications to NHL97, to accept existing NHL94 patches, such as the goalie control and trapezoids?
Thanks, I will look into modifying player speed stats in NOSE, as you suggested.
I am excited about your moving your hack to NHL98. Perhaps, once the speed is slowed in 98, even if you can't disable the 2-line pass, maybe the game will still be fun to play. It's the unfortunate small scale of 94 to 98, that ruins the 2-line pass.
I played NHL99 on N64 emulator, and since the rink scale was larger, the 2-line pass, was absolutely fine.
I also like the changeable Coaching Strategy in 98 (which is similar to FIFA), which may produce the offense pressing attack you mention.
Keep up the fantastic work! Can't wait for you next mod.