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

[Lordofthething]

I have played the demo a handful of times and the more I play the more I like it. The one thing I've found out of whack though with the AI is that when they are on the penalty kill both their forwards will pressure my d-man, with both of them even going around the same side of the net...which makes the outlet super easy.

I hate manual passing so I know I'll enjoy this even more when I can turn that off.

My only worry now is if they fixed BEAGM or not. I had to play last year with the salary cap off or the CPU teams wouldn't sign their RFA's. When I saw Eberle and Hall sitting unsigned for 2 years I had to start all over with cap off.

The gameplay kept me committed to my BEAGM but turning off the cap just isn't the same. And even still I was able to pick up Perry off of waivers - as if.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Lordofthething

I have played the demo a handful of times and the more I play the more I like it. The one thing I've found out of whack though with the AI is that when they are on the penalty kill both their forwards will pressure my d-man, with both of them even going around the same side of the net...which makes the outlet super easy. I hate manual passing so I know I'll enjoy this even more when I can turn that off. My only worry now is if they fixed BEAGM or not. I had to play last year with the salary cap off or the CPU teams wouldn't sign their RFA's. When I saw Eberle and Hall sitting unsigned for 2 years I had to start all over with cap off. The gameplay kept me committed to my BEAGM but turning off the cap just isn't the same. And even still I was able to pick up Perry off of waivers - as if.

I have a feeling if the roster management/sim stats etc aren't addressed this year, they'll lose alot of credibility it being a main selling point for this years game. I do agree though. (Cept I like manual passing)

[bukktown]

I cranked my forecheck up to 3-2 and I was getting smoked by some amazing 2 line dman AI breakout passes on Superstar/Hardcore.

And the AI backchecking forwards are awesome. Yes you can carry the puck into the zone but the AI forwards will cut you off before you can get deep.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by bukktown

I cranked my forecheck up to 3-2 and I was getting smoked by some amazing 2 line dman AI breakout passes on Superstar/Hardcore. And the AI backchecking forwards are awesome. Yes you can carry the puck into the zone but the AI forwards will cut you off before you can get deep.

I've actually been stopped (as in laid out) in the neutral zone quite a few times. I think the AI is extremely solid this year. Goalies as well imo. At least in comparison to years past.

[DJ]

I've seen some nice-looking goals by the CPU, including a nice one-timer by one of the Sedin twins from one knee.

Speaking of one-timers, I really struggle getting them to work. Any tips?

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

I have a feeling if the roster management/sim stats etc aren't addressed this year, they'll lose alot of credibility it being a main selling point for this years game. I do agree though. (Cept I like manual passing)

Oh man, Realmk....I'm sure hoping the roster management for the AI has been addressed this year.

It was pretty frustrating the last few years, seeing players stuck in the AHL all season long, that should have, and were IRL...playing for their NHL club.

I sure don't want to see Taylor Hall as an example...missing from the Oilers lineup. This will be a very welcome fix, if it's there.

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vikes1

Oh man, Realmk....I'm sure hoping the roster management for the AI has been addressed this year. It was pretty frustrating the last few years, seeing players stuck in the AHL all season long, that should have, and were IRL...playing for their NHL club. I sure don't want to see Taylor Hall as an example...missing from the Oilers lineup. This will be a very welcome fix, if it's there.

For sure, it's about time us offline guys got some love. I think we've been patient. I even tried out a couple periods of BAP and I might actually spend some time in that mode this year as well. That sim to next shift feature is nice. BTW Vikes ol man, congrats on 3000 posts.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

For sure, it's about time us offline guys got some love. I think we've been patient. I even tried out a couple periods of BAP and I might actually spend some time in that mode this year as well. That sim to next shift feature is nice. BTW Vikes ol man, congrats on 3000 posts.

Yeah, I gave BAP a try last night. It is pretty cool...and fun. I was kinda thinking playing as Gretzky with the retail game, would possibly be a lot of fun. The BAP, could be a nice way to break things up from playing BEAGM all the time. Man, I'm looking forward to my annual drive up to GameStop to pickup the game.

Thanks for the congrats, RealmK! 3,000 posts...that's a lot of dribble on my behalf.