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

[norml]

Quote: Originally Posted by BPK

Two questions: 1. What is the button to do a saucer pass? I can't tell how many two-on-ones I've had where I wished I knew how to skip the puck over the defenceman's stick. 2. What will the default difficulty be for online? I really hope it's All-Star since the AI is much more positionally sound at that level. If it's pro, the games could become really boring. Thoughts?

The saucer pass button is the right bumper button for xbox and I'm guessing R1 for ps3. I think Pro normal for the online setting but I could be wrong.

[RoBbY1983]

I live in Europe, but since i discovered NHL 09 I was totally hooked on that game! To me NHL is still the greatest sports game up to date, NHL 11 is going to be the greatest sports game ever, can't wait for this

[crobert0247]

Quote: Originally Posted by RoBbY1983

I live in Europe, but since i discovered NHL 09 I was totally hooked on that game! To me NHL is still the greatest sports game up to date, NHL 11 is going to be the greatest sports game ever, can't wait for this

Couldn't have said that any better, myself.

[CallCenterZombie]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vikes1

Yep Sega, I know just what you mean. I've never personally played a sports game that is this fun and exciting to play. Many times with other sports games, playing vs the AI gets really dull. While it's always the most fun playing vs another person...but with NHL, I still enjoy games against the cpu.

Very great point, Vikes. This is exactly what will set this game apart from the stale cpu ai with other sports games out there.

I mean its not perfect but it's getting to a very realistic level that hockey games haven't seen.

[ComfortablyLomb]

Thoughts: I haven't seriously played a hockey game since NHL 99 on the N64 and haven't touched one since maybe NHL 04 on the PS2 and after having given the demo a shot I'm shocked at how far advanced this game is compared to those. The control scheme is really brilliant (I know it was in the last couple games but it's new to me), the AI is actually pretty good for AI, and the physics are a blast. One goal was scored on me off an AI shot from the slot that ricocheted off the hip of one of my defenders, hit the post, and went in. Facepalmingly awesome. The bounces and deflections on harder shots are fantastic too. It's just good stuff.

[DJ]

Scored an awesome goal in OT last night, playing as the Hawks. Had a nice 3-on-1 rush, carrying the puck with Toews, I passed it over Hossa, who quickly passed the puck over to Sharp who then beat Leighton to win the Cup!

Great goal and I was very pleased with myself for not shooting with Hossa like I would normally and instead making the extra pass that led to the game-winning goal.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by Djwlfpack

Great goal and I was very pleased with myself for not shooting with Hossa like I would normally and instead making the extra pass that led to the game-winning goal.

I'll tell ya what DJ...you hit one of my biggest scoring problems right on the head.

Way too many times I've watched replays, and saw all the great scoring chances I left out there by not doing this very thing. Taking the shot, instead of that one last pass. I'm terrible at aiming my shots. So getting the last pass to a teammate who has the goalie out of position....I need to start doing this a lot more.

One other thing I wanted to mention...the more I play the demo, the more impressed I am at how much better your AI teammates are in '11'. That feeling of being alone out there has been much improved imo this year. I now feel as though I can truly trust my AI players on both ends to do more of what you'd expect...to help me.

I'm seeing AI defensemen clearing opposing players away from my crease area. And actually getting in deep offensively with me to possibly bang home dirty goals. For me, the AI improvements alone are worth the $65.

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vikes1

I'll tell ya what DJ...you hit one of my biggest scoring problems right on the head. Way too many times I've watched replays, and saw all the great scoring chances I left out there by not doing this very thing. Taking the shot, instead of that one last pass. I'm terrible at aiming my shots. So getting the last pass to a teammate who has the goalie out of position....I need to start doing this a lot more. One other thing I wanted to mention...the more I play the demo, the more impressed I am at how much better your AI teammates are in '11'. That feeling of being alone out there has been much improved imo this year. I now feel as though I can truly trust my AI players on both ends to do more of what you'd expect...to help me. I'm seeing AI defensemen clearing opposing players away from my crease area. And actually getting in deep offensively with me to possibly bang home dirty goals. For me, the AI improvements alone are worth the $65.

I think that is why I used to take the shot b/c I didn't have the confidence that my AI teammates would do enough to get open or find a crease to receive a pass. At least in the demo, like you said, the AI teammates are actually that, teammates. They will help you out a lot more than in the past and it is a welcomed sight.