NHL 13 Demo Available Now, Post Your Impressions Here (360, PS3)

[Gagnon39]

I've only played three games so far. Two on All-Star and one on Superstar. The first game/period I outscored the Devils 2-0 and the second game neither me nor the computer scored. I bumped the game up to Superstar and outscored the Devils once again 2-0.

Now, I've only played it three times and maybe this year Superstar doesn't feel as though the CPU has stat boosts against you (which they really didn't in NHL 12). I had a breakaway on Superstar, which was rare on NHL 12 and I beat the CPU to a number of loose pucks.

I'm wondering with the improved AI this year if EA made it so playing on higher difficulty levels actually makes the CPU smarter. If that's the case I'll be in video game hockey heaven.

Other impressions:

Graphically, the game looks awesome. I'm impressed to say the least.

The new skating engine, I love it! While I do see how some people could complain about the magnetic puck, I don't see it being very bad.

The speed of the game feels more realistic this year, too.

But the main thing I wanted to test on the demo was the difference between All-Star and Superstar mode. For those that are playing on Superstar, what kind of games are you seeing? Does the CPU seem to play smarter or is it just my imagination?

[Panicshade]

Quote: Originally Posted by bad_philanthropy

No, you can change the difficulty in the "my NHL 13" and it carries over. I'm pretty sure it did anyway.

I tested this. It is still locked at Pro no matter what you set as your difficulty.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

One other quick thing before I forget, I see alot of shots going wide so far which is just great to see.

I love hearing that clank noise as the puck hits the boards/glass.

Yep RealmK....quite a few shots that are going wide. And seeing quite a few being blocked as well.

The only thing I've found that really suxs so far is...the wait for the retail game!

[RealmK]

Quote: Originally Posted by Gagnon39

I've only played three games so far. Two on All-Star and one on Superstar. The first game/period I outscored the Devils 2-0 and the second game neither me nor the computer scored. I bumped the game up to Superstar and outscored the Devils once again 2-0. Now, I've only played it three times and maybe this year Superstar doesn't feel as though the CPU has stat boosts against you (which they really didn't in NHL 12). I had a breakaway on Superstar, which was rare on NHL 12 and I beat the CPU to a number of loose pucks. I'm wondering with the improved AI this year if EA made it so playing on higher difficulty levels actually makes the CPU smarter. If that's the case I'll be in video game hockey heaven. Other impressions: Graphically, the game looks awesome. I'm impressed to say the least. The new skating engine, I love it! While I do see how some people could complain about the magnetic puck, I don't see it being very bad. The speed of the game feels more realistic this year, too. But the main thing I wanted to test on the demo was the difference between All-Star and Superstar mode. For those that are playing on Superstar, what kind of games are you seeing? Does the CPU seem to play smarter or is it just my imagination?

I don't think it's your imagination. Or we're both dreaming. I don't see any advantage the AI gets, I beat them to lose pucks as much if not more, especially if they have a tired D pairing on the ice. Player attributes do seem to matter more this year.

The game is also so much more sloppy than ever, I love that fact prolly the most. Lots of shots missing the net even wide open ones. sticks in the lanes, alot more deflected stuff and better positional play over all from your cpu teamates.

[bukktown]

What is this new Custom AI feature?

[gopher_guy]

Can't remember the last time I was excited get off work so I could play a demo, lol

[Gagnon39]

Quote: Originally Posted by RealmK

I don't think it's your imagination. Or we're both dreaming. I don't see any advantage the AI gets, I beat them to lose pucks as much if not more, especially if they have a tired D pairing on the ice. Player attributes do seem to matter more this year. The game is also so much more sloppy than ever, I love that fact prolly the most. Lots of shots missing the net even wide open ones. sticks in the lanes, alot more deflected stuff and better positional play over all from your cpu teamates.

I'm going to start logging shots on goal per period. Given it is just five minute periods but I feel like shot totals might be high still. But the puck control slider should fix some of that hopefully. But overall I agree. I think there actually are more loose pucks. The poke check seems to be much more effective.

[Gagnon39]

Is there any way to set your default controls to "default"? Before each game I have to switch it from NHL 94 Controls to default. And that doesn't work either, I have to go into control setting once the game starts and switch it again.