NHL 12 News Post

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

06:52 AM - August 23, 2011 by Steve_OS

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NHL 12 demo is available now, please play a few games and post your impressions here. The demo weighs in at 1.34 GB. Available now for 360, later this afternoon for PS3.

UPDATE: PS3 demo is available now.

What's included in the demo? Check out the NHL 12 demo announcement blog.

Game: NHL 12Reader Score: 7.5/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 26 - View All

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Member Comments

# 241 FBeaule04 @ 08/24/11 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwiggy33


	See I disagree with that. They have areas with the AI that need serious improvement. There is no feeling that one team is better than another because of a certain style they play. There is just zero strategy that goes into the game. You can score the same way pretty much everytime. Of course there are tip ins and weird rebound goals, but the majority of the time the same goals are scored because you don't have to play differently in order to beat a team. It totally decreases the playing time of the game. Why should every team allow you to enter the zone easily everytime (hardcore Superstar even)? That just should not happen. I've used this example before. The Isles probably would collapse into the defensive zone because they aren't very good defensively. The Red Wings on the other hand would not. They are known for their strong neutral zone play which denys the opposition from just skating into the zone at will. There has to be strategy and adaption that needs to take place otherwise this game will be the same year in and year out. IMO that's how it's been since NHL 08. 07 was fresh because of the controls and next gen graphics but now it's the same each year because they don't change the real problems in the game. I really think they are too scared to fix the things that hamper the game. Mostly everyone buys the game anyway so whats the point for them taking a major risk. The part I mentioned above along with hyperspeed gliding goaltending just bring this game down for me. I'm a goalie myself and seeing how the goalies move and react just flat out kills me. Will I buy this game, most likely because it's the only hockey option and I love the sport. I just think that they still have a little ways to go to make every game different instead of the same thing over and over. Edit: On another note, no I don't want change for the sake of change. I would love to have barely any change at all. That is why I absolutely love The Show. Sure that game has its problems, but not enough to not make me play a full 162 game season every year. Every game is different because each team plays like their real life counterpart. They pick up on how you play so you have to change your strategy up. NHL is not in this category yet. The only thing I want to accomplish is to play a full 82 game season, but for me that isn't possible with the gameplay that they have right now.

Let me ask you a quick question. How do you expect a Dev. Team to make teams play different style, use different strategies and have different settings according to talent on the roster when you're unable to make the AI play the way it should in a hockey game at first?

Do you think I really expect a team like the Maple Leafs to play a run and gun offensive strategy like the Caps can play? If that's the case, then I will rest my case because there's nothing we can do to save myself.

Matter of fact is that even the same team but with a different coach will play different. The Penguins played a run and gun style with Michel Therrien. As soon Dan Bylsma took the team, they played a more 1-2-2 style and it was more about controlling the puck than trying to be cute and make nice plays. Even the Caps last year left their run and gun habits to play a more "core" system we're each player was supporting the teammates on the ice.

There is no way I would expect EA to come up with a neutral zone trap, a left-wing lock or any sophisticated system of play because the problems the AI is having for a long time just doing simple things makes me believe they can't push it to the next level.

By the way, the general NHL gamer isn't caring about the fact that the Islanders and the Wings don't play the same game in real life. All they want is to have fun and get access to the roster and play with their favorite players.

Remember EA is working to sell the game for these people, not for people who would like to have complicated system of play, more refine type of strategies, etc. It's sad for us, but money is running the show in that matter.

# 242 kerosene31 @ 08/24/11 01:03 PM

EA would never put in a true trap. That would drive all but the most hardcore fans away. The funny thing about realism is that people don't always really want it. I've run across a few EASHL teams that really do it well and it was really tough.

# 243 LingeringRegime @ 08/24/11 01:14 PM

Judas Priest = Win.

Didn't see the big difference with the goalie physics though.

# 244 KomicJ @ 08/24/11 01:17 PM

Personally, I can't say I'm too impressed by the demo. In fact, I'm disapointed because, other than a few small things, it feels like the same game I played last year, which I returned a couple of weeks later because I felt NHL 11 was a HUGE step down from NHL 10.

Right now, it's a "rent first" for me. And I've been buying NHL every year since the Sega Genesis days. It might be fixable through aliders adjustments (don't know why EA felt the need to locked 'em in the demo) but as it is right now, I'm not enjoying it. I play on All-Star, and players are way too agressive (2-man forecheck on a PK, when leading ? Come on...), the acceleration at that level still seem to be in favor of the CPU, the auto backskate, although better than last year, still seems like it's halfway on even when set OFF...

The one thing I truely enjoyed is the fact that players really seem to go where the puck is heading as oppose to where it is, as adevrtised. They also do a better job defensively when you try to pass from one blue-line to the other.

But when on the offense, the AI (again, judging from the demo with default sliders and no "created plays") is just plain aweful at positioning. In my very first game, right after the faceoff, one of my defenseman (controlled by the CPU) kept bumping the other one, who had the puck all the way to the left side, instead of playing the other side waiting for a pass...and it wasn't even HIS side.

# 245 gopher_guy @ 08/24/11 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JezFranco


	No, no, nooo... Don't hold it in. You only click it... Click once for small effect, twice for second gear and three times for full effect racing engine. And as soon as you let go of teh stick, your guy is back to "normal". It's quite subtle though, far from something like a turbo boost, but really does the difference in the proper situations.

Learn something new every day. Can't believe I've been doing it wrong the whole time.

# 246 mkharsh33 @ 08/24/11 01:22 PM

still waaaaaay too EASY to gain the offensive zone... played 4 more periods this morning...all-star / hardcore. only had to dump & chase TWO times to gain the zone. this was one of my biggest complaints from past games... i don't mean to sound critical, but does EA actually send their devs to REAL LIFE NHL games - sitting IN the arena and watch what it looks like?? I still find this demo to be a lousy representation of the true sport.

only slider adjustments can save this game, IMO...

# 247 savoie2006 @ 08/24/11 01:24 PM

Plain and simple, those expecting and reinvention of the wheel with this game are gonna be sorely disappointed. EA has been focused on the online aspect of the game and adding the little things. Little things that definately make the game more authentic, but don't make the game feel very "new".

I think NHL 13 will see a complete Presentation overhaul. They started it this year with the stat overlays and such, but the sim engine and physics were more important apparently. Then, as long as the commentary has been altered as well, the game will have somewhat of a "new" feel. I don't expect major changes in the AI until the new systems drop and the series resets.

# 248 gopher_guy @ 08/24/11 01:33 PM

Just curious what those who said this is "NHL 11.5" were expecting?

I mean there comes a point when we have to understand that there's only so much they can do in a one year cycle.

They fixed some game play issues this year, I don't think anyone can deny that the game play is better. At least I think it is! If they would have fixed presentation, added tons of new angles, cameras, completely overhauled commentary, etc. People would have been stoked, but after playing the demo we all would have been ticked off about the game play being the same.

I'll probably get flamed by those who dislike the demo for this, but it's just how I feel. I guess it's because I don't have a cynical view on things, I assume the dev team did everything they could to improve the game, (And, for the record, I think they DID improve the game. I'm really enjoying it.) but there's only so many people they can please.

# 249 adayinthelife @ 08/24/11 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopher_guy


	Just curious what those who said this is "NHL 11.5" were expecting? I mean there comes a point when we have to understand that there's only so much they can do in a one year cycle. They fixed some game play issues this year, I don't think anyone can deny that the game play is better. At least I think it is! If they would have fixed presentation, added tons of new angles, cameras, completely overhauled commentary, etc. People would have been stoked, but after playing the demo we all would have been ticked off about the game play being the same. I'll probably get flamed by those who dislike the demo for this, but it's just how I feel. I guess it's because I don't have a cynical view on things, I assume the dev team did everything they could to improve the game, (And, for the record, I think they DID improve the game. I'm really enjoying it.) but there's only so many people they can please.

I think part of the 11.5 feeling for me just stems from the fact that I found NHL 11 to be a HUGE improvement over NHL 10. Eventually there were issues that crept up (as can be expected when one puts as many hours into a game as I do hockey games), but I can still enjoy that game quite a bit.

I guess after seeing how much different 11 felt from 10 for me, I was expecting just a little more than what's been delivered in the demo. I still think they've improved on some things and I'll be picking up the game, it just seems like they had absolutely no focus this dev cycle and that more could've been done.

Say what you want about the community being whiners ('cause I agree for the most part), where the hell was the representation in these forums that was here in previous years? I don't think Redshirt has posted anything since last fall or winter. What ******* at that studio honestly thought that the game needed goalie fights before it needed improved presentation elements or further gameplay refinement? Who decided that adding in a measly 9 "legends" should take precedence over doing something like a BAGM overhaul.

Ultimately judging by the demo NHL 12 feels like a slightly improved product (by how much is arguable), that was a little slapped together/rushed. It's the first game in the series this gen that has felt the same as the previous version to me and that's why it bothers me. Let's hope that the reason for this is because they've already been working away on NHL 13 to make it the pinnacle of hockey gaming this gen.

# 250 KomicJ @ 08/24/11 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopher_guy


	Just curious what those who said this is "NHL 11.5" were expecting? I mean there comes a point when we have to understand that there's only so much they can do in a one year cycle. They fixed some game play issues this year, I don't think anyone can deny that the game play is better. At least I think it is! If they would have fixed presentation, added tons of new angles, cameras, completely overhauled commentary, etc. People would have been stoked, but after playing the demo we all would have been ticked off about the game play being the same. I'll probably get flamed by those who dislike the demo for this, but it's just how I feel. I guess it's because I don't have a cynical view on things, I assume the dev team did everything they could to improve the game, (And, for the record, I think they DID improve the game. I'm really enjoying it.) but there's only so many people they can please.

Well, for my part, NHL 10 is still the edition I enjoyed the most. If NHL 11 (or 12 for that matter) would've played the same, with expanded roster and fixes to the sim engine, I would've been more than happy to pay $60 every year just for a presentation upgrade. I realise they can only do so muc in a 10-months span, but for me, they focussed on the wrong things for NHL 11, fixing something that wasn't broken, and didn't touch the areas that needed to be upgraded. So basically, they went backwards in my opinion.

And as someone who plays offline a lot more than online, there's very little for me to get excited about the last two editions of the game.

# 251 Fiddy @ 08/24/11 02:02 PM

im wondering when the dev's are gonna give us an actual demo.. this demo stuff was nice at first, play a period in a few different modes etc, but come on already..

can we get a 3 period demo please? with adjustable sliders etc, just like Madden..

# 252 kerosene31 @ 08/24/11 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopher_guy


	Just curious what those who said this is "NHL 11.5" were expecting?

I played 5 games last night with the demo and I think I just scratched the surface. I think it is going to take a lot more time to see all the little things that changed. One little thing is nothing, but when you add them together you get a game which we can enjoy long term (just like last year).

Gameplay is king and can never, ever be perfected.

# 253 bwiggy33 @ 08/24/11 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBeaule04


	Let me ask you a quick question. How do you expect a Dev. Team to make teams play different style, use different strategies and have different settings according to talent on the roster when you're unable to make the AI play the way it should in a hockey game at first? Do you think I really expect a team like the Maple Leafs to play a run and gun offensive strategy like the Caps can play? If that's the case, then I will rest my case because there's nothing we can do to save myself. Matter of fact is that even the same team but with a different coach will play different. The Penguins played a run and gun style with Michel Therrien. As soon Dan Bylsma took the team, they played a more 1-2-2 style and it was more about controlling the puck than trying to be cute and make nice plays. Even the Caps last year left their run and gun habits to play a more "core" system we're each player was supporting the teammates on the ice. There is no way I would expect EA to come up with a neutral zone trap, a left-wing lock or any sophisticated system of play because the problems the AI is having for a long time just doing simple things makes me believe they can't push it to the next level. By the way, the general NHL gamer isn't caring about the fact that the Islanders and the Wings don't play the same game in real life. All they want is to have fun and get access to the roster and play with their favorite players. Remember EA is working to sell the game for these people, not for people who would like to have complicated system of play, more refine type of strategies, etc. It's sad for us, but money is running the show in that matter.

I'm not expecting sophisticated systems. I'm expecting the good teams to play like the good teams and the bad teams to play like the bad teams. The only seperation right now is the amount of talent on the teams. As it stands right now each team does the same thing over and over. The AI is told in this situation this player goes here every time. In this situation that player goes there. The AI isn't dynamic which means the same goals are scored time after time. There is no fun when the CPU never changes their game plan or has a different game plan then another team. How can you seriously play a game where you know exactly what the AI will do each time? As I said I'm not expecting sophistication but they need to find a way to create seperation between the good teams and the bad, as well as the good players and the bad. That's the point I'm trying to get across.

Also why couldn't EA create the different styles and allow us to choose which teams do what style? NHL 2k8 allowed this. Also Madden has virtually every teams playbook in their game. Sorry but creating each teams playbook takes a hell of a lot more time then creating 10 different systems. There really aren't many different systems in the NHL. They are all kind of similar. Whatever team wins the cup, the next year the teams try and do that same thing.

# 254 FBeaule04 @ 08/24/11 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealmK


	Yeah I'm right with ya. For me I got more than I expected, much much better puck physics, vastly more aware AI, and if the sim engine pans out, realistic stats. I've never understood those that think a series should 100% change every year. That's silly, look at NBA2k, it's been mostly the same game the last few years, or Madden, or any other sports series out there. These guys have a 10 month cycle essentially to build a brand new game. Cut em some slack. That being said, would I like better presentation? Sure, you know I would, but as long as the gameplay improves every year, and it certainly has this year from my time with the demo, I'm not going to complain too much.

You know Realm, it's tough to give them some slack. My main grief is setting the priorities. Unless they are wrap in bubble film, inside a building without any access to the world and unable to read what people are saying, then I could understand.

Sincerely, you get that Dev. Team in a War Room and what came out was goalies fight, helmet popping out and bumping goalies? No matter how you want people to understand what they are doing, you can't.

Presentation of the game as been so ordinary for the last few years (even worse when you see what NBA 2K11 did and what Madden 12 is up to) that it's tough giving these guys a slack.

You can't do miracle in 10 months, I agree. But there's nothing to defend when you come out with stupid features and aren't even able to update gameface and players profile pictures.

# 255 gopher_guy @ 08/24/11 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerosene31


	I played 5 games last night with the demo and I think I just scratched the surface. I think it is going to take a lot more time to see all the little things that changed. One little thing is nothing, but when you add them together you get a game which we can enjoy long term (just like last year). Gameplay is king and can never, ever be perfected.

Well said, it can never be perfected.

I wonder if sliders can fix issues like gaining the zone too easily.

# 256 Panther84 @ 08/24/11 02:19 PM

Question about the goal celebration cutscenes. Is EA planning on having a 5 man celebration or is it just going to show the player fist bumping the players on the bench? hopefully its just a demo thing.

# 257 adayinthelife @ 08/24/11 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBeaule04


	You know Realm, it's tough to give them some slack. My main grief is setting the priorities. Unless they are wrap in bubble film, inside a building without any access to the world and unable to read what people are saying, then I could understand. Sincerely, you get that Dev. Team in a War Room and what came out was goalies fight, helmet popping out and bumping goalies? No matter how you want people to understand what they are doing, you can't. Presentation of the game as been so ordinary for the last few years (even worse when you see what NBA 2K11 did and what Madden 12 is up to) that it's tough giving these guys a slack. You can't do miracle in 10 months, I agree. But there's nothing to defend when you come out with stupid features and aren't even able to update gameface and players profile pictures.

This is what I'm saying. I'm actually excited about not having invincible goalies and nets coming off and helmets coming off, but there are still so many stupid things that wound up becoming the focus of the game it seems.

Sure, they only have 10 months and that's not a very long time at all, so why wouldn't they make use of that time better is what I'm wondering. Again, it just seems like there was a lack of focus.

# 258 FBeaule04 @ 08/24/11 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwiggy33


	Also why couldn't EA create the different styles and allow us to choose which teams do what style? NHL 2k8 allowed this. Also Madden has virtually every teams playbook in their game. Sorry but creating each teams playbook takes a hell of a lot more time then creating 10 different systems. There really aren't many different systems in the NHL. They are all kind of similar. Whatever team wins the cup, the next year the teams try and do that same thing.

To me Bwiggy, since the inception of EASHL, there's nothing showing me that the EA NHL team isn't developping the game to be play online only and that the offline modes are side-orders in the game, and I should say thanks just to have these offline options in.

I don't have that feel with other sports games. Maybe those who play NHL are playing it mostly online and it's why offline experience as been pretty static for the last 3 editions. If that's the case and for this reason people are playing mostly online, then EA can say that anyway, people play online so we better concentrate on the online stuff.

The playbook exemple is pretty good, but who need a system when you play online and control either your player or all of your players. Why bother going deeper since the system you want can be apply if you're controlling everyone and there's no need for a system if you control 1 of the 6 players on the ice in the EASHL?

I maybe wrong, but that's the feel I have with the NHL game.

# 259 bwiggy33 @ 08/24/11 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBeaule04


	To me Bwiggy, since the inception of EASHL, there's nothing showing me that the EA NHL team isn't developping the game to be play online only and that the offline modes are side-orders in the game, and I should say thanks just to have these offline options in. I don't have that feel with other sports games. Maybe those who play NHL are playing it mostly online and it's why offline experience as been pretty static for the last 3 editions. If that's the case and for this reason people are playing mostly online, then EA can say that anyway, people play online so we better concentrate on the online stuff. The playbook exemple is pretty good, but who need a system when you play online and control either your player or all of your players. Why bother going deeper since the system you want can be apply if you're controlling everyone and there's no need for a system if you control 1 of the 6 players on the ice in the EASHL? I maybe wrong, but that's the feel I have with the NHL game.

You are very correct on the online play and that really sucks. I can no longer play NHL online. I have gotten sick of the cheesers and even online gets stale because the same goals get scored over and over. I'm actually really good at this game and to say that winning online is not fun sounds nuts. The thing is that's how I feel because the game has become a little bit stale even when you are playing against another human.

Also my big thing is BeAGM. I love starting one with the Wild and playing every game. It's just what I love to do. You can only play so many online games. The Show is the perfect game for me because they focus specifically on offline play. Sure they add online features, but baseball games just aren't very good for online play due to lag. I just wish that EA could focus more time on BeAgm and offline play. I mean just dedicate one year to it to tune it up. It's almost there. I think one year of focus could really help this game with offline.

# 260 gopher_guy @ 08/24/11 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwiggy33


	You are very correct on the online play and that really sucks. I can no longer play NHL online. I have gotten sick of the cheesers and even online gets stale because the same goals get scored over and over. I'm actually really good at this game and to say that winning online is not fun sounds nuts. The thing is that's how I feel because the game has become a little bit stale even when you are playing against another human. Also my big thing is BeAGM. I love starting one with the Wild and playing every game. It's just what I love to do. You can only play so many online games. The Show is the perfect game for me because they focus specifically on offline play. Sure they add online features, but baseball games just aren't very good for online play due to lag. I just wish that EA could focus more time on BeAgm and offline play. I mean just dedicate one year to it to tune it up. It's almost there. I think one year of focus could really help this game with offline.

I'm pumped to play with the Wild in this game, with Seto and Heatley

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