NHL 11 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (360, PS3)

[plaidchuck]

Alright got some games in and here are some thoughts on the gameplay, first the cons and then the pros(switching it up)

Cons:

WAAY too many big hits, not much more to say about that. Hopefully this can be fixed with sliders. The hit physics are fun visually but unfortunately it doesn't seem to add much to the game other than seemingly cool 1 on 1 random animations.

Dump and chase seems kind of pointless now because the goalies in the demo ALWAYS get posession of the puck behind the net. On the subject of goalies, they still do the "spin-o-rama" too much. Who knows, maybe certain goalies will be more gutsy like their real life counterparts.

The hustle feature seems like the vengeance of the turbo boost, I beat defenders to the puck almost everytime.

Still cannot put a check on a player using boardplay. The suction is improved but this will most likely still be abused online.

I have yet to get a powerplay in the game, must be just something peculiar with the demo.

CPU still a little too pass happy on Superstar, but at least it just doesn't pass it back and forth from Dman to winger.

Pros:

AI much improved on all difficulty levels. They will actually cut off obvious passing lanes and punish you for mistakes in your zone. Your own players will get into better positions offensively.. how well the strategies work this year remains to be seen. Top players like Malkin/Toews/Kane in the game will actually try dekes and be creative. Bravo to the team on this one, a 180 degree turnaround in this regard.

Improved puck physics, every year the puck gets a little more livelier. Although it seems some of the wrist shots are a bit fast, shouldn't be a problem if the sliders work right.

The goalies are human this year with some new animations!! Although it seems the game will be a little too offensive minded this year, it will beat constantly having 0-0 games on Versus. Goal variety seems much improved, and getting traffic in front of the goalie matters now.

The goal reviews work surprisingly well, they actually make sense when they happen and make the correct call.

The stick breaking seems to be handled correctly, I actually haven't noticed it all that much, my stick has yet to break.

Well that's it for now, overall the good far outweighs the bad, the game will certainly be a lot more fun and have greater replay especially offline. Personally I think it still has a ways to go in the sim department, but once the physics are fully fleshed out it should be amazing.

[The Visualizer]

I'm loving the CPU A.I. on offense on Superstar, as they have been really been giving me good game. My only complaint is they don't dump and chase enough when you stop them at the blue line, they like to turn back and dangle too much when that happens. Especially nasty is how they keep catching me reaching with the poke check with that new quick deke move that drops the puck back to your skates... that move can make even the best defenders look silly.

Don't have much to report good on the goalie front, both Leighton and Niemi have been godawful stopping basic shots on all difficulties. Don't even get me started on their flopping, hopefully the A.I. has been tuned for the retail version as both of those goalies are frauds in the real NHL, but they aren't as bad as the game is making them out to be.

[Sandman42]

This game is awesome. Absolutely loving the demo.

Last year 10 got a little stale because it felt a lot like 09. Love the changes so far this year, the way the physics engine works with the hits feels great. Using the right trigger to gauge the power of passes should help a lot and reducing the tic tac toe passing that got tiresome in the past.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

Enjoy the demo but I hope the dev team really focuses on the presentation in 2012. I like Thorne and Clement but something needs to be done to freshen up the audio. A studio highlight show would be good for franchise mode or even an insider type segment with Bob McKenzie.

The gameplay looks to be rock solid again but I really feel like the game is missing the "wow" factor.

Redshirt, do the fans chant Louuuuuu when he stops the puck at Rogers Arena?

[CS10029]

Quote: Originally Posted by Qb

I was mistaken earlier when I said we couldn't turn off auto back skate in the demo. It's under controller settings this year, not in the gameplay settings. You have to scroll down one click to see it under "shooting controls". Much better now...

Big help Qb, thanks a lot.

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by Flyermania

Oh, and for scottdau --- in case you hadn't played it or heard, there are 5 man celebrations.

Yeah I saw. I have mixed feelings about this game. There are some parts I love like the graphics, the ice looks great too and I like the animation, but I can't really get into this game. I try. I will wait for the retail version to come and get it the good old college try. Glad Realmk and some other vets are enjoying the game. I wish the skaters had more weight when skating. And I wish the faceoff had kick outs. But there is a lot to like about this game. The AI is for sure better than 10, but I also agree with Flyermania on some of his head scratchers.

[Lubey]

I'm still a little confused on the hustle button. I understand what it's supposed to do, but I tried it and it didn't seem to do anything. Does it only work if I don't have possession of the puck? Is it really noticeable? Is it possible I just haven't noticed it working?

[CS10029]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lubey

I'm still a little confused on the hustle button. I understand what it's supposed to do, but I tried it and it didn't seem to do anything. Does it only work if I don't have possession of the puck? Is it really noticeable? Is it possible I just haven't noticed it working?

You have to be going straight for the most part.