NHL 11 Demo Review Roundtable

[dorismary]

Quote: Originally Posted by Scottdau

I really like the way the ice looks this year and the player models are sweet looking too. The game is slower too, so I am happy about that. I can't wait to get that one guys music project uploaded and I can't wait to try some sliders from the OS gurus. I still like the puck physics in 2K better. It just feels more heavier, but the game's controls are so huge for me right now. I love that about this game.

The Add on music is amazing and not like other games its really seemless just like it came with the game ! Those guys did a great job youll really enjoy it as it added so much more authenticity to the game .

[XFactor2481]

NHL is definitely my favorite game out there, NHL 10 was amazing - NHL 11 demo was solid but gameplay was a lot slower, too slow, but hopefully you can adjust that in the real game.

Not sure if I am entirely sold on the new checking - too many big hits and players going down, you rarely see open ice hits like that in a NHL game

New faceoff mode is cool

[Keirik]

Quote: Originally Posted by cheechoo98

I'm not a troll... I play both hockey games. It's just that, the statement by Jayson Young kind of bewildered me. He has never before seen the A.I move to open spaces in a hockey game? I was commenting about the Demo, in that when I set my Breakout to: Aggressive or Full, I still find 3 of my forwards standing still at my blueline. Try it, take your D-Man behind the net to start a breakout, and look where your Forwards are. In hockey, your forwards are always moving, if there is no option, they are circling back looking to receive a pass as they circle forward... Conversely, in 2K, when I set my breakout to 'aggressive/all out' and 'free-flowing' my forwards are criss-crossing, doing anything to try and get into a nice passing lane for a real 'breakout'. With aggressive strategy in 2K, you can make one guy hang out at the opposing blueline looking for that super-long breakout pass up the middle. I just wish EA's would do the same thing... Another example of A.I.: There is a strategy in 2K, where if you cycle the puck down low enough, the diagonally opposite D-Man, if he sees an opening, will swoop down low, backdoor, looking for a pass for a tip in/ or one-timer, I've never seen that in EA's game, yet. I will give the Demo credit, in that the forwards don't just stand off to the side away from the net anymore. They actually go to the front of the net... I scored a couple with Hossa in front screening... I'm not the 1st person on these boards to complain of the static A.I. in the NHL series. But for the people who have played 2K, they know how good the A.I. is/was. peace.

nah bro, you unnecessarily bring up EA goggles. LEave that crap at home and just get on with your point about disagreeing. You were'nt JUST commenting on the demo, you were commenting on those who like EA's game. Just not needed.

[Vikes1]

Hope I'm not repeating myself too much here but...man, the more I play the demo, the even more convinced I am of the absolute necessity of playing fundamentally sound. Which of course is the way it should be.

I'm finding if you breakdown defensively, and allow a player in alone on your goalie this year, your screwed. Nearly expect the lamp to light up. No more robot goalies to bail you out. Playing sound defense imo, will be a priority this year. The ole cross crease pass seems well defended for '11'. So the need to truly be more creative in the offensive zone looks like another necessity.

I'm learning these things the hard way so far. I've been giving up goals and failing to score due to now...outdated tactics. The last few times I've played I've improved at least some. Due to the improved AI, it's forcing me to play well...smarter. I actually bothered to cycle the puck back to the point hoping the goalie may be screened. It worked beautifully. I sniped one in from the high slot...it felt fantastic!

Can't wait to get my Wild BEAGM going.