NHL 12 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (360, PS3)

[Jattbreed]

lol, Chara is a big beast, I can definately notice him, and for some reason I notice Malkin's size during HUT, other than that, I don't think that they're bigger, it's just that the AI covers my guys so good, it makes it seem like I have less ice surface to work with.

[TheMatrix31]

So for a guy who's new to the series, is it better to just get NHL 11 for cheaper or something?

[bad_philanthropy]

The more I play, the more I appreciate the puck physics. The game overall doesn't seem hugely different than last year, but if I went back and played '11, things like the puck physics and skating would bother me.

[gopher_guy]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

So for a guy who's new to the series, is it better to just get NHL 11 for cheaper or something?

I would just rent NHL 11 and see for yourself. I'm sure you could rent it pretty cheap.

[bad_philanthropy]

Quote: Originally Posted by TheMatrix31

So for a guy who's new to the series, is it better to just get NHL 11 for cheaper or something?

I'd go with '12 for the small improvements, plus the improvements to the sim engine for BaGM, and if you're into the Be a Pro type modes, this year there is the ability to sim to your player's next shift (like how it sims to your next event in The Show.). This will really allow you to progress with your player a lot more quickly and not have to watch the cpu play when you're not on the ice.

[H to the Oza]

Quote: Originally Posted by FBeaule04

I completely disagree with that statement for one reason. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Most of the criticism about NHL 11 wasn't the look when game is on, but the game itself. It's also everything around the game, the lack of presentation, the same menus, the exact same intro and cut scenes. If EA would have come on with a game that feel brand new, most people would have scream like crazy that again, EA is working on things that they shouldn't and not give enough time on thing we're asking for years. AI was a problem in NHL 11 and they work on that. Goalies animations and reactions was a problem, they work on that. I understand people that want a brand new game each year, but like in real life, if my wife is having lapses on various aspect of our couple life, I don't want her to get a new hair cut, a new set of boobs and some new shoes! I want her to work on what's not right and fix it! The only place we're I'll agree EA is doing a lazy job is over the presentation, but the way the game play, why change it all if for 2 years, it's not been what really bugs people playing the game? Just my two cents.

Completely agree. Couldnt have said it better myself

Why wreck a good thing

[zjl0821]

Playing on All Star

After spending many hours with the demo I am very impressed with how polished the game looks and feels. Its nice to finally see players on the ice anticipating a play and skating into open space. Defensively, I like the sticks taking away passing and shooting lanes and the hitting seems more natural too (still needs tweaking for final build though). Blocked shots and passes seem more realistic and prominent. Shooting animations (particularly snap shots and more realistic follow throughs) and skating animations are greatly improved. Protect puck better adapts to the situation compared to last year and really makes power forwards dangerous. Cycle game is also greatly improved. The hockey sense I saw from both my teammates AI and the CPU AI was a pleasant surprise. Lastly, I am excited that this is probably an E3 build of the game and the retail build will be even more polished.

[Blzer]

Downloaded it, played one demo game so far. I actually think it's head and shoulders above 11 in terms of polish (EDIT: nice word choice by the poster above me as well haha). I'm looking at Best Buy's list of five games to pre-order and claim a $100 gift certificate, and this would be on top of my own personal list if it was an available option. It's a shame it isn't on said list, though.