NHL 11: The early favorite for GOTY? - RaychelSnr's Blog

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RaychelSnr's Blog

NHL 11: The early favorite for GOTY? Stuck

Posted on July 22, 2010 at 04:01 PM.

(8)

Hockey fanatics are pretty darned excited about NHL 11.

Our resident hockey gurus on staff are already planning a cage match to the death for rights to review NHL 11, and I don't blame them. Besides: it's hard to see NHL 11 not being an extremely good sports game.

The real time physics mean the game will essentially be what Backbreaker attempted but yet still wasn't even close to being: a realistic game with real time physics -- obvious I know. Let's not even forget the other additions to the game such as broken sticks, enhanced Be a Pro, 200-ish gameplay enhancements and the new additions to EASHL.

Quite simply: I'm wondering if NHL 11 might just reclaim the crown here at OS for Game of the Year. Here are some things I see working against the game:

1. It's still hockey, and Americans largely don't care about the sport still...at least not how we used to. It'll be tough for NHL 11 to power over strong competition in baseball, basketball and football.

2. Could a bug or two spoil the fun? More times than not, small bugs or oversights have brought down a game from OS Game of the Year consideration, even though the overall package was still quite solid.

3. With posts like mine, could the hype train get ahead of the final product? A lot of times, you see people get way too hyped up for a sports game and it ends up playing pretty similar to it's predecessors even though there are notable and key differences.

As for me, NHL 11 and FIFA 11 are my two most anticipated games for the rest of 2010. So I guess this writer has bought into the hype. So what do you think OSers? Is NHL 11 going to be a legit Game of the Year contender? Sound off with your favorites!

Comments

# 1 jscrub3 @ Jul 22

I'm looking forward to a strong showing from NBA 2K11, but this is right up there at the top of my list too.

# 2 LucianoJJ @ Jul 22

I pre-ordered NHL 11. Guess I will be buying hockey games on odd years. I bought into the hype of real-time physics and broken sticks, too.

If FIFA 11 maintains the momentum, improves the visuals, and delivers on the promise of making star players outperform the competition, NHL 11 will have some legitimate competition. FIFA WC 2010 had enough upgrades to be optimistic about FIFA 11. I just hope I don't have to listen to Clive Tyldsley scream for another four years.

I wonder about NBA Elite. I wonder how much mileage 2K will get out of being associated with Jordan. I wonder if someone (Sony?) would step up and make a college hoops game.

My game of the year at this relatively early date is NCAA Football 11. There were enough gameplay fixes to make up for the sense of this being a retread. While it lacks innovation, Tiburon nailed down a key factor: fun. When you have a game that makes you shout out loud, and you aren't spiking the controller over some bug or glitch, you know you have a worthwhile game.

# 3 Uncle Stumpy @ Jul 22

I'm looking forward to it, but i think I've gotten to a point where I'm not over the top excited, because I'm always dissapointed. (NCAA 11) (Fight night 4) It will be a great game, no doubt. I've already traded NHL 10 so I'll be ready for it when it comes.

if the NHL really wanted to expand they'd sponsor the game, make it 20 bucks in the US.

Also, I'd love to see them partner with NHL teams and maybe offer the game to first time attendees fora game, something like that. It couldnt hurt...

i know alot of americans who fell for hockey playing the series...its a good way to learn the game

# 4 BaylorBearBryant @ Jul 22

I cannot wait! I live in Houston, TX and don't have an NHL team. Still, I am super excited. This is by far EA's best video game series. Without question, no doubt about it!

# 5 blinkfan77 @ Jul 22

You forgot perhaps the largest addition: The CHL. Easily what I'm most excited for, and it's not eve close.

From a non-hockey fan's perspective like yourself, you should step back and realize the scope and size of the game as a whole, now, with all of the leagues in there. It's getting up there in competition with FIFA at this point.

# 6 milesizdead @ Jul 27

As an EASHL fan, this is the most hyped I�ve been about an NHL game.
Finally playing physical might pay off, can�t wait to wreck those 5�7" danglers with a solid check

# 7 waspman3 @ Sep 6

This game is going to live up to all the hype,I have no doubt. I think it's going to be hard for me to figure out how and when to trade cards. It sounds confusing but there really pulling out all the stops this year. On a scale of 1-10 how excited is everyone about this game. Am going to pick it up 1st thing tomorrow morning. Can't wait.