NHL 11 News Post

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

06:32 AM - August 17, 2010 by Lubey

EA Sports NHL 11 demo is now available on Xbox LIVE and the PLAYSTATION Network. Powered by a revolutionary real-time physics engine, the franchise that has won 22 sports game of the year awards over the past three years will showcase two game modes in the demo: Battle for the Cup and the all-new Hockey Ultimate Team.

Battle for the Cup:

In Battle for the Cup, players will experience all the emotion and drama of the third period of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup� Championship between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks. The mode features an all new faceoff system, new quick dekes and the ability to score amazing goals even while lying on the ice.

Hockey Ultimate Team:

The all-new Hockey Ultimate Team brings Online Dynasty play to the EA SPORTS NHL franchise for the first time ever. In the demo, players will be able to pick up a starter pack of cards to build their Ultimate Hockey Team. Take your new team to the ice and play against either the Canadian Hockey League�s Windsor Spitfires, or the NHL�s Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers. Play and win games in the demo with your Ultimate Team and earn up to two additional packs in the full version of NHL 11, when it is released on September 7, 2010.

The demo will also feature an interactive tutorial that will allow those new to the franchise to learn the controls, and allow long-time fans to practice some of the new controls in the game, including Faceoffs.

Game: NHL 11Reader Score: 7.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 36 - View All

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Member Comments

# 301 XFactah416 @ 08/18/10 10:13 AM

I really enjoy the Ultimate Team. When I booted it up, I think I had Getzlaf, Kipper, Chara, Erik Karlsson, and Corey Perry (as well as a few other guys). I beat Windsor 2-0, beat Philly in a shootout, beat Chicago 1-0, and lost to Team Canada in a shootout. This will probably get a good amount of playing time as it feels pretty interesting.

I must be awful at the game though, because I can't score goals at all on Pro. How do you guys do it? Last year in the demo, I found a good amount of success shooting from the point, but this year, the goalie seems to be much better at stopping point shots. I mean, I have scored, but most of it seems lucky (like tying up the center at the face off then just throwing the puck at the net with Hossa).

It also feels like the AI offense is improved, even on Pro. Maybe it's just the teams this time, but the offense feels really, really explosive. Simon Gagne destroyed me with an awesome move (something that the computer barely ever tried last year on the demo) and then scored top shelf right on Niemi with ease, and I don't ever remember that happening to me in the demo last year. Despite my offensive failures though, this demo was really enjoyable.

So, for all of those that are playing on levels above Pro, what's the "recipe" for success? And, one minor question as well: the "hustle" button. Is it activated by pushing down on the LS?

# 302 patsfan188 @ 08/18/10 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFactah416


	I really enjoy the Ultimate Team. When I booted it up, I think I had Getzlaf, Kipper, Chara, Erik Karlsson, and Corey Perry (as well as a few other guys). I beat Windsor 2-0, beat Philly in a shootout, beat Chicago 1-0, and lost to Team Canada in a shootout. This will probably get a good amount of playing time as it feels pretty interesting. I must be awful at the game though, because I can't score goals at all on Pro. How do you guys do it? Last year in the demo, I found a good amount of success shooting from the point, but this year, the goalie seems to be much better at stopping point shots. I mean, I have scored, but most of it seems lucky (like tying up the center at the face off then just throwing the puck at the net with Hossa). It also feels like the AI offense is improved, even on Pro. Maybe it's just the teams this time, but the offense feels really, really explosive. Simon Gagne destroyed me with an awesome move (something that the computer barely ever tried last year on the demo) and then scored top shelf right on Niemi with ease, and I don't ever remember that happening to me in the demo last year. Despite my offensive failures though, this demo was really enjoyable. So, for all of those that are playing on levels above Pro, what's the "recipe" for success? And, one minor question as well: the "hustle" button. Is it activated by pushing down on the LS?

I really don't like the new passing thing. I liked it the way it used to be. Anyways on my Ultimate Team I had Taylor Hall, Fillpula, Enstrom, Keith, Subban, Luongo and Rask. I beat Windsor 3-0, then I beat Philadelphia 4-1, then I beat Chicago in O.T 2-1 then I beat Canada 4-1. I don't know what your doing wrong I try to make it realistic though and I do the umbrella thing when Im in the offensive zone. I'll usually just pass until I have a guy open where he can take a shot. Or I'll keep firing from the point and get rebounds. Also the hustle button you click LS. I don't think it makes a big difference though.

# 303 Money99 @ 08/18/10 10:47 AM

Got a few games in last night and I have to admit I really dug the HUT feature. I got Malkin, Getzlaf, Tavares, Keith, Daughty and Markov to start with. Not too shabby!

The puck physics are great. I saw a lot of weird bounces and a variety of goals because of them.
And I love how we can continue skating while protecting the puck. Looks very realistic and is a great feature.
Goalies also don't seem to be impossible to beat either. I scored quite a few goals from the point (PK Subban rocketed one that bounced off the crossbar and in. The way the puck reacted was awesome and looked very authentic).
And Jordan Eberle sniped a top-shelf goal that was a thing of beauty.

The CPU AI is also much smarter. It makes better decisions (dump and chase actually works!), will try to deke with the right guys and is solid in it's own end.

About the only thing that bothers me is the new sensitive passing. Maybe I stink (most likely) but on a few occassions, when I only had a split second to dish the puck, I laid out a soft one that was easily intercepted because I didn't have enough time to fire off a hard pass.
NHL players can pass harder than most of us can shoot and do it in a split-second. It should be the same in NHL11.
But maybe I just need more work with it.

Anyway, I feel a flu coming on that's due to hit September 7th. I hope NHL11 can help me recover.

# 304 06woz @ 08/18/10 11:12 AM

Anyone notice that you are given control of the player you are passing to, really early. I thin it's awesome and allows you to "skate into" your passes more.

# 305 adayinthelife @ 08/18/10 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFactah416


	So, for all of those that are playing on levels above Pro, what's the "recipe" for success? And, one minor question as well: the "hustle" button. Is it activated by pushing down on the LS?

Really you just have to play relatively smart hockey. I think a problem most people have is they just go for the big hit too much and get caught out of position.

As for the hustle button, yes push down on the left stick when you don't have the puck. You'll see your player skate faster sure, but I think it would've been much better if there was a change to the skating animation when hustling. Even just a player putting his head down or SOMETHING different (when I play hockey I usually put my head down/pump my arms more when putting something extra into a foot race). Maybe I'm missing something but right now it just seems like you randomly start moving faster with no visual ques at all.

# 306 Drakar @ 08/18/10 11:21 AM

I got a a goal refuse because my player kicked it in with his skate. The referee went to the video replay to confirm his decision.

The demo is very good. It's another purchase for me on day 1.

# 307 JezFranco @ 08/18/10 11:26 AM

Ohhhhhhh, what a great day.

Since I'm in europe I was sitting up last night waiting for the demo to be released on PS3, but gave up around midnight (I have an US account).
A 3 o'clock this morning I woke up to take a leak, fired up the PS3 and downloaded and installed the demo, just to have it prepared for the morning.

Later this morning I woke up at 6.30, one hour before my alarm goes off... hasn't happened in years.
Played for an hour and half before I had to go to work. And WoooHoooo...

I never tried the HUT card thingy, just went straight in for the action.

I can't really say I have anything.at.all to complain about, I played on Pro/Hardcore and I liked those settings, bar the pass speed that I might raise when I buy the game (but noticed they got faster on Hardcore).

The hits felt lovely, the dekes were magical, and the sound of the checks along the boards were amazing.
And anyone who says the hustle button don't do any difference clearly didn't play 08, 09 or 10 enough, because there is a big difference for reaching those pucks that was just out of reach on earlier versions.

The faceoffs... WOOOOOOOOO!!!

And bloody hell, I was poking and poking, but I didn't trip anyone. Amazing.

I loved how some situations came up that you just haven't seen before... weither it's a better organic gameplay or just that it's all new CPU strategies remains to be seen.

I need to work a bit on the passing. I was a hardcore manual passer on NHL10, but this is a new setup, I like it better, because on NHL10 you couldn't direct pass, and sensitive is better than holding for a second... But as mentioned, I might wanna raise the passing speed... just a bit.

Tonight is Hocky Night! Well done EA!

# 308 FBeaule04 @ 08/18/10 11:29 AM

I've played one game of Battle for the cup and one of HUT, and I have to say that there's a lot of surprising thing for me in this demo.

First, while it's still on pro level, the AI seems better than in NHL 10. Colors are sharp, animations after a goal are fun (about time that 5 guys gather after a goal for god sake!) and the feel of the game is good.

Hitting will be something to learn since I was really off last night, but I like the new collision and hitting physics. Also, passing will be a challenge since you have to charge your passes to get a strong passing.

HUT is surprisingly entertaining. I won't play it online, no time to waist fighting with cheaters but offline, that will be pretty cool to build chemistry, play with the options, etc.

I had the chance to put a line of Seguin, Hodson and Kadri together, that was really nice. I think this mode will have me on for a while, but I like BaP a lot too, so will see.

The only thing that would be negative for me after playing the demo. Too much NHL 10 animations passed without touching on NHL 11. That's a bit a deception, but that's minor. Also, I understand why I'm playing with commentary off for the last 10 years. The two guys are really annoying to a point I can't describe. Than again, it's a minor thing.

I'm affraid that people will exploit, cheat and find glitches to have an edge online, but that's my only concern. For the rest, it's going to be a pretty darn good hockey game.

# 309 MattyAction @ 08/18/10 11:49 AM

Anyone know how to change the difficulty? I see how some of you have played on SS. I'm not able to change that setting. Thanks again in advance for any help.

# 310 bh446066 @ 08/18/10 11:54 AM

"Cons:

WAAY too many big hits, not much more to say about that. Hopefully this can be fixed with sliders. The hit physics are fun visually but unfortunately it doesn't seem to add much to the game other than seemingly cool 1 on 1 random animations."

That's a "Pro" for me.....I know, I know, I'm the guy you simmers hate b/c EA is catering to my lust for big hits. Hey, there's no more Hitz Pro for guys like me to play so I gotta get my fix somewhere. From what I've read, though, you can edit the hitting in the sliders to whatever you like.

# 311 jukeboxbully @ 08/18/10 11:57 AM

Had a funny moment playing last night: I was controlling Briere and tried to take a run at someone who was skating along the boards. I missed him by about 3 feet, slammed myself into the boards and crumpled to the ice. Off to the locker room, out for the rest of the game!

# 312 plaidchuck @ 08/18/10 12:09 PM

Has anybody else noticed too few penalties being called so far? I've played about 15-20 games and have only seen about 6, two being blatant interference calls on me, one being a phantom elbowing call on me, one being a slash, and two when the goalie played the puck in the restricted zone

# 313 plaidchuck @ 08/18/10 12:16 PM

And my thoughts on HUT:

It looks like it will be fun, but at the same time it seems like it is going to take too much time to actually be competitive. According to the demo you get about 250 pucks for winning by 3 (granted the demo is only one 5 min period and there will be more modifiers depending on the difficulty), that would mean to get the 6000 puck card packs you'd have to play and win(by at least 3 goals mind you) 24 games.

This tells me HUT will be flooded with glitchers galore or little kids with too much time on their hands. This is why they needed private leagues for this IMO. I can't see any adult having enough time for this.

# 314 FBeaule04 @ 08/18/10 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jukeboxbully


	Had a funny moment playing last night: I was controlling Briere and tried to take a run at someone who was skating along the boards. I missed him by about 3 feet, slammed myself into the boards and crumpled to the ice. Off to the locker room, out for the rest of the game!

*LOL* Pretty good one Juke!

Not that funny on my part, but I tried to hit Kane open ice and Pronger just missed by a mile seeing Kane just dangle around like I was a papy in a wheel-chair.

Really like it tough, feels more like hockey now! :-)

# 315 FBeaule04 @ 08/18/10 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plaidchuck


	And my thoughts on HUT: It looks like it will be fun, but at the same time it seems like it is going to take too much time to actually be competitive. According to the demo you get about 250 pucks for winning by 3 (granted the demo is only one 5 min period and there will be more modifiers depending on the difficulty), that would mean to get the 6000 puck card packs you'd have to play and win(by at least 3 goals mind you) 24 games. This tells me HUT will be flooded with glitchers galore or little kids with too much time on their hands. This is why they needed private leagues for this IMO. I can't see any adult having enough time for this.

Oh, there's glitchers who are adults, no doubt about it. There's people who are so in dire need of recognition, that would sell their mother to be the best at a game.

As far as time consuming, that's the same problem with unlocking boost. It was so easy just playing and gets the point but there was no profit doing it. Now, boost are available for purchasing and it's sure people will spend money because time becomes an issue for some.

As far as Private league, that would be so fun. You are 8-10 friends, you play HUT within guys and apply house rules. I'm sure that this would be perfect for many of us.

I won't play HUT online because it's sure there will be exploits and glitch that people will use and there's no way, with the time we have to spend beeing limited, that I will lost mine playing people who cheat their way up.

# 316 RoyalBoyle78 @ 08/18/10 12:59 PM

Can't wait to play the demo more later. This has to feel like the most completed sports game play wise.

# 317 mkharsh33 @ 08/18/10 01:09 PM

Played for about 2 hours last night and am really having a blast with this. It's the first demo that lasted longer than 15 minutes for me...

I scored a goal in which I batted it out of the air and in. The ref immediately jumped in and waived it off as no goal. But after review it was overturned. I must say that, at THAT moment, I was hooked for good.

Spent most of my time playing the HUT tournament, and that's a lot of fun.

The pressure sensitive passing has taken me awhile to get down, and I'm finding one-timers to be much harder so that's a good thing. The one thing I didn't like, even in nhl10, was the tape-to-tape passing and now the puck physics are much more loose. Fun stuff!

# 318 Qb @ 08/18/10 01:13 PM

OK, a little behind on my impressions reading, so I'll try to tackle a few things...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyermania


	The new faceoffs are cool (nice tutorial BTW), but I don't see why they didn't add a player being able to be thrown out since they obviously spent a lot of time in that area.

As it was explained to us at the community event, the team was worried about online ramifications. They didn't want to put kick-outs in until they're sure they can do it in such a way that it won't negatively impact the game offline & online. Kind of like broken sticks... don't do it until you can do it right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueNGold


	2 other improvements I've noticed are the spin move being much more realistic and now if an opposing player is using boardplay and you come in to hit him with the R stick, it lets you pin him instead of last year when you'd just bounce off him like nothing happened.

Yeah, spin move is much more useful since it now changes your skating path. Before your guy more or less spun in a circle but continued skating without changing his direction.

The pin from a check was something added directly from the community event feedback. Good addition and while it doesn't completely address potential self-pinning issues, it is very useful... and a million times better than bouncing off of someone, eh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Visualizer


	Especially nasty is how they keep catching me reaching with the poke check with that new quick deke move that drops the puck back to your skates... that move can make even the best defenders look silly.

We have to break our bad defensive habits. I'm in the same boat in needing to pokecheck less and focus on keeping gap control & proper positioning/angles... because now the AI will actually make you pay for it! I wish we had better control of sticks defensively, as I'd love to be able to get my stick in the way while skating with an attacker. The manual pokecheck is still a little clunky -- maybe it's user error? -- and I often end up doing an accidental check when I stop.

I love how AI attackers will come down the wing towards the corner (assuming you take away the middle of the ice) but now if you don't make a play on the in the corner, they'll drive to the net along the goal line. In 10 you could lay off them and protect the slot, but now they keep you honest. Beautiful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lubey


	I'm still a little confused on the hustle button. I understand what it's supposed to do, but I tried it and it didn't seem to do anything. Does it only work if I don't have possession of the puck? Is it really noticeable? Is it possible I just haven't noticed it working?

It can be a subtle effect, but I've clearly noticed when my guy is "hustling" most of the time. However, fatigue is a factor and I've also noticed guys tend to get rather tired with the short periods & default fatigue settings. Maybe this is why it doesn't seem to do much at times?

# 319 06woz @ 08/18/10 01:18 PM

Qb, while you're here, mind telling me how to do the new toe drag?

# 320 adayinthelife @ 08/18/10 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qb


	It can be a subtle effect, but I've clearly noticed when my guy is "hustling" most of the time. However, fatigue is a factor and I've also noticed guys tend to get rather tired with the short periods & default fatigue settings. Maybe this is why it doesn't seem to do much at times?

Another reason I think having something visual would really help this feature. Other than that I'm really liking it and I was pretty skeptical when I first heard of it.

I'm really liking the look of the ice surface this year and I think I can echo some of the comments regarding the size, it really does seem a little bit smaller than years past - this is a good thing. Of course I could be crazy (haven't touched 10 since March) or it could just be some optical trickery as a result of the fancier ice or something.

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