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

# 421 BlueNGold @ 08/19/10 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gagnon39


	Well, you read my mind, because that's all I really want to know. For every hockey game there's always just a few questions that I have to know that allows me to enjoy the game completely. (NHL 09 and NHL 10 did this perfectly). 1) Can you score on non-screened, blue line slap shots (every once in a while)? 2) Can you score on straight wrist shots (every once in a while)? 3) Can you successfully deke the goalie and score? All of these questions apply to the super star level. I know these are all possible on rookie and pro. I'm guess the answer is yes for all the in NHL 11.

I've scored all 3 ways on All-Star.

# 422 CS10029 @ 08/19/10 10:23 PM

The only thing that is gonna stink about HUT, is not getting Malkin or Seguin each time.

# 423 CS10029 @ 08/19/10 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamgod8


	I wouldn't call it revolutionary, IMO I actually I wouldn't even call it very good at all. I was very under-impressed with the "real physics"...they aren't always on it has to detect a collision and it just doesnt feel as smooth as NM's physics engine. Maybe I just had too high expectations, but I was very under-whelmed with how well the physics worked and looked

It's revolutionary because of what it will be, and what it is.

# 424 infinityBCRT @ 08/19/10 10:46 PM

I'm loving the game. Every element outside of what I mention below (which is like a million things) I love every little detail about. That being said, its feedback time!

They need to fix the Flyers nameplates. First thing on the slate for NHL 12 should be that.

They really need to add more team options like changing player numbers & goalie equipment to HUT. I remember Online Leagues were pretty bare bones with those features last year too.

Hoping Ultimate Team has a Custom Jersey card. If not, I definitely want to see that next year. (I know EASHL has custom jerseys now based on the achievements)

Don't like that they took out the mandatory tutorial, one of the great things about the NHL series is that they keep teaching people how to play so if you're a new player its still easy to understand how to play, its the start down a slippery slope that Madden has gone. The NHL tutorials have always been great because they aren't this overproduced 30 minute thing like Madden has tried in past years and they aren't totally worthless either.

No hooking/holding? I know theres only so many buttons on a controller but try to bring it back.

Still don't like Y being auto-fighting (haven't played around with it enough to see if thats still the case but looks like it). You should be able to initiate a push/tussle/Avery style yapping but it shouldn't fight unless you press it again after you're prompted. And the CPU whether on your team or the other team should be able to auto-start fights, albeit at a less often rate than in previous NHL games (like maybe once every 3-4 games).

I'm not liking the new faceoff system

It wasn't easy for me to understand what I was supposed to do, the tutorial is not detailed enough. I sat there trying to win the faceoff like 20 times before I somehow lucked out and won. I still win only like 5-10% of faceoffs right now.

The great thing about 2K's faceoff system (at least circa 2K8-2K9) is the 1 to 1 real-time control. The stick moves exactly where you move the RS before the puck drop, during the puck drop and after the puck drop. In NHL 11 I'm moving my RS and it seems like it makes the player arbitrarily change their stance, and theres only 5 canned stances. Sometimes I can't even tell if moving my RS has done anything to change the stance because it doesn't seem like they change from the default stance when you push the stick a certain way. I don't even know if you have to hold RS in a direction before the faceoff to win a draw

The other great thing about 1 to 1 real-time control on the faceoff is you get immediate feedback. Half the time in NHL 11 when I swing the RS when the puck is dropping my player doesn't even move at all! Its so frustrating. With the 2K faceoff system you get the immediate feedback and after a few times its easy to figure out what to do, and even if you're not winning faceoffs (because of your player's skill) you still know whether or not your timing is on and if theres anything wrong you can figure it out. I'm just baffled right now with the NHL 11 faceoff system in comparison and I don't think I'll ever figure it out at this rate.

# 425 CS10029 @ 08/19/10 10:55 PM

Keepl playing infinity, I was really lost at first, especially after the tutorial, that thing struggled. Now though, I feel like I can kinda do what I want, for the most part at least. I wish I could explain how it works to you, but I feel like I'd probably confuse you more than anything.

Just keep playing. Maybe go through the tutorial once more.

# 426 BlueNGold @ 08/19/10 10:56 PM

^^^

For faceoffs, at the beginning select your grip by holding left or right on the R stick.

At the drop of the puck you can:

-Press up on the R stick to lift the opponent's stick

-Press down on the R stick to try and win the faceoff cleanly

-Press up on the L stick to try and tie up your opponent

-For more skilled players (Toews, Richards, etc) you can hold down LB and press up on the R stick at the drop of the puck to deke around the opposing center

-Also to shoot the puck off the draw, do not select a grip and at the drop of the puck, press up on the RS to try to shoot off the draw

BTW, the earlier you select your grip (excluding shooting the puck), the better your chances of winning the draw increases.

# 427 infinityBCRT @ 08/19/10 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueNGold


	^^^ For faceoffs, at the beginning select your grip by holding left or right on the R stick. At the drop of the puck you can: -Press up on the R stick to lift the opponent's stick -Press down on the R stick to try and win the faceoff cleanly -Press up on the L stick to try and tie up your opponent -For more skilled players (Toews, Richards, etc) you can hold down LB and press up on the R stick at the drop of the puck to deke around the opposing center -Also to shoot the puck off the draw, do not select a grip and at the drop of the puck, press up on the RS to try to shoot off the draw BTW, the earlier you select your grip (excluding shooting the puck), the better your chances of winning the draw increases.

I'll keep trying. That being said, I still don't know what I should be doing before the faceoff in terms of which grip I should select. Even if I figure out how to win draws with this system, I'll still say 2K's faceoff system is way better. Its very intuitive due to the immediate and accurate feedback of what you're doing being shown on the screen, much like the skill stick is for puck handling in EA's game.

edit: so theres only two grips that you can select? Just forehand or backhand? No wonder when I was pushing my stick forward it didn't seem like it was reacting. So really, its not even as detailed of a system as I thought it was, and not even close to 2K's.

I'm sure once I get used to it, it won't be as big of an issue, but I'm really disappointed considering 2K had it down years ago.

# 428 Money99 @ 08/19/10 11:54 PM

Played a handful more games tonight. I'm really liking this game. The puck physics create more organic moments and I've scored some nice goals as well.

Jeff Carter scored a SICK goal against me. I totally blew my defensive assignment attacking Richards leaving Carter all alone in the slot. Richards found him, Carter made a quick Gordon Bombary triple-deke and roofed it past Kipersoff (HUT).

In the semi-finals I played the Hawks and lost in OT. Got caught again on a two-on-one and Kane made a perfect flip pass to a streaking Toews who tapped it in for an easy goal.

The CPU is much more competent offensively and doesn't rely on cheap floater goals from the blueline. All of their goals have felt earned, as have mine.

Can't wait for September 7th.

# 429 plaidchuck @ 08/20/10 01:44 AM

Just a few specific critiques and likes after using player lock and playing more games...

1. The CPU does too many "rink wide passes".. also on 2 on 1s, the offensive players separate themselves too much i.e. a player will make a long pass and the other player will shoot when he is almost past the goal line.

2. I saw a little bit of the "Dman to winger, winger to dman" stuff today while playing goalie.
At the same time I think the AI still tries to cycle far too much without taking a shot.

3. The D tends to back up too much and leave the slot open. while playing goalie today Chris Pronger of all people snuck in took a pass and shot, which I would have saved but it deflected off one of my defenders (who backed into my crease) and went in.

more things I liked:

1. You can have scrums like in a real game in front of the goalie now, and knock in loose pucks. Hope there's no "intent to blow" rule in the game

2. The goalie controls have been perfected and you seem to be rewarded now for having good position.

3. If you see the goalie out of position or leave an opening, you have a good chance to score with a skilled player. Much more realistic.

# 430 Vikes1 @ 08/20/10 01:59 AM

I've now spend quite a bit more time with the demo. and my impressions of this years game is...I'm getting more impressed the more I play.

Just the general improvements to the AI alone, imo is worth the $65. The AI plays much more aggressive now, no where near the WTH was that?, that we saw in last years game. Just generally speaking, the game seems quite a bit more challenging for '11' simply due to the much better AI. Vs any cheap tricks to up the challenge.

I know for myself, I'm really going to have to focus on trying to play much more fundamentally sound. I use to be able to rely on the superhuman goal tending I'd have in '10'. Not any more. I'm sure getting the feeling there's lots of little nuances I've yet to learn about playing this game.

# 431 aLmighty @ 08/20/10 02:28 AM

I've already experienced the demo freezing up on me after finishing a game and trying to go back to the main menu. I remember this was a problem in 09 as well. I hope they'll address this issue.

# 432 emericaridr11 @ 08/20/10 04:20 AM

just got to play it, I need to get my sliders on but other than that here are my impressions....

Faceoffs were my favorite, so good, been waiting for good faceoff animations for a while (Im happy)

Hitting is awesome, you can nugde and grind people, nice addition

new dekes are good, just cause they are new

Game feels really good IMO, cant wait to grab this sucker.

# 433 SinisterAlex @ 08/20/10 04:39 AM

Alright so I just finished watching a game where it was the CPU vs CPU and I have to say, it was really enjoyable.

I remember watching the AI in NHL 10 during my non-shifts during Be a Pro. The AI would never attempt to get the puck, would rarely shoot the puck, and just kept passing it over and over... but that's different in NHL 11.

The AI is so much better now. They generate scoring chances off the rush, they pass it around and take shots, they're A LOT more aggressive on each other. They actually hit each other now. They deke around each other now. It's simply amazing and an enjoyable game to watch.

The game I watched was a 1-1 tie. Philly was dominating the first half of the period, they had a two on one and hit the post. The next half of the period was even. It was pretty much end to end action for the last 8'ish minutes (in game time) of the game. Both teams would gain the zone, and lose the puck right away leading to the other team taking the puck the other way. With less than two minutes to go in the game, Briere takes a slashing penalty, and Chicago NEARLY cashes in with a rocket of a slapshot from Keith that hit the outside of the post. They went into overtime tied.

OT was the same as the third, end to end action, but teams almost got the game winner on scoring chances in and around the slot, but Chicago ended up winning. Philly took a shot on Neimi, and the puck bounced right to Bolland I believe. He made a superb pass to Kane who was streaking down the left wing. He was one on one with Pronger. Kane kept going straight down the left wing until the circles, he toe dragged by Pronger and snapped it top shelf (left hand side to be exact) on Leighton. Winning the game.

You guys should definitely watch the CPU duke it out against each other, it's a really treat. My only complaint, the CPU tries to deke WAY too much for my liking :P

# 434 BlueNGold @ 08/20/10 05:08 AM

Just had a somewhat annoying but cool moment happen to me.

I was playing in Ultimate Team again, in the 2nd round against the Flyers. They were up 1-0 with a minute left. They take a penalty with about 18 seconds left, so I get the puck in their zone. I win the faceoff by tying up their center with Backstrom, a winger comes in and scoops up the puck. I pass it to the point to Chara. I have a nice shooting lane right at the goalie with 2 guys at each side of the net. I go to wind up for a massive slapshot and.......my stick breaks

. Flyers win.

A little heartbreaking, but really awesome at the same time. After that I wondered to myself, what if that was to win the Stanley Cup? *shudders*

# 435 Qb @ 08/20/10 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottdau


	Has anyone said how old this demo is?

Redshirt said it the gameplay is very close to what will be "on the disk". In other words, if you're not connected to Live/PSN and never download a tuner set or update, the game will play very much like the demo. However, gameplay tuning is a continuous process and he said they will likely do some post-ship tuning based on demo feedback. He also said they have "an insane amount" on tuning options this year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueNGold


	A little heartbreaking, but really awesome at the same time. After that I wondered to myself, what if that was to win the Stanley Cup? shudders

Better luck next year?

# 436 mkharsh33 @ 08/20/10 10:20 AM

Am I imagining things, or does it feel like the whip-action on the sticks while shooting this year feels more realistic? Seems to me like it's a subtle thing, but I notice it (or maybe a placebo effect because we're all just giddy here

)

# 437 kerosene31 @ 08/20/10 10:22 AM

I seem to remember in past years the demo is usually easier for each difficulty, and then in the final game they ramp things up a bit.

# 438 Azamien @ 08/20/10 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plaidchuck


	At the same time I think the AI still tries to cycle far too much without taking a shot.

Since I watched at least 80 Habs games last season, that seems realistic to me!

Anyway, on topic, I love the demo and the game went from "probably skipping" to "pre-order now!" after playing it.

# 439 Steven547 @ 08/20/10 12:30 PM

Finally got the demo. I like what I've seen so far. The pucks not being so "glued" to the CPU's sticks is a good thing. Makes the CPU feel more "human". The hitting is nice, especially when you knock a player down, and he crawls to get back up.

Maybe I'm hitting a button too soon, but the celebrations seem extremely short. Spotlight on the player lasts about 2 seconds, then you're at a faceoff already.

I love the stat overlays.

I see they didn't fix the mass fighting at the end of a play. The part where you check one of their teammates, and they all start fighting. At the end of a fight, it's cool to see the split screen of the two involved, but wouldn't it have been nice to see the bruising or the roughed up look from just having a fight?

Hopefully the sliders have more of an effect this year. It's too bad there aren't more strategies for us to choose from. Was hoping EA would implement more than just 3.

Overall, not a bad game. Improved over NHL 10, but not greatly. And I'm still not sold on the Ultimate Card game. It's just a fantasy draft really.

# 440 ch46647 @ 08/20/10 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qb


	Redshirt said it the gameplay is very close to what will be "on the disk". In other words, if you're not connected to Live/PSN and never download a tuner set or update, the game will play very much like the demo. However, gameplay tuning is a continuous process and he said they will likely do some post-ship tuning based on demo feedback. He also said they have "an insane amount" on tuning options this year.

Did he mention if the gameplay will be the same speed? I am talking about on-line play because I realize that it can be changed off-line. I dont mind the speed of the demo but I feel like it could be a tad faster...

Also, do you know what play style they use for on-line? I assume they use "default" or "normal".

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