NHL 12 News Post

NHL 12 Reviewer: Initial Impressions

01:33 PM - September 7, 2011 by ChaseB

Judging by my first 10 or so games, I think the NHL series is nearing some dangerous territory. I won’t say the series is about to plateau, as that sort of has a negative connotation. It’s just that, as the game continues to refine itself, the major changes will become harder to find if you're not a hardcore fan.

Some big changes are included this year, and readily apparent for those with an intimate knowledge of the game. Things like the new anticipation engine make for a much more fluid game, especially in transition; signature style and traits certainly put a focus on star players as they take the ice; new animations and stick-work for battles around the net give a tactical and physical feel to those exchanges, and puck physics continue to impress (it feels like flip dumps lead to all sorts of different outcomes, for example).

Yet as meaningful as these changes are to the hardcore hockey fan, the other additions --those likely added to attract the more casual fan -- don’t quite hit home. The new mode, Be a Legend, feels like a half-hearted attempt at bringing something brand new to the table. The Winter Classic is pretty enough, but it would probably be better if it was current rather than about "reliving the 2011 Classic." (To be fair, the NHL hasn't really solidified all the details yet, but people know it's going to be Rangers/Flyers.)

In some ways, this intro is a back-handed compliment. Sure, at the end of the day, there are not any groundbreaking improvements. That being said, NHL 12 is still a rock solid game. The small changes affect the game and the way you play it -- they just are not "game-changing."

Read More - NHL 12 Impressions

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

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Member Comments

# 1 tril @ 09/07/11 02:06 PM

another EA title with lack luster commentary...what else is new!?

# 2 don28 @ 09/07/11 02:15 PM

Sometimes it's OK to just make minor tweaks and changes instead of reinventing the wheel. I have enjoyed NHL 10 and 11, and look forward to doing the same with NHL 12.

Thanks for an honest and impartial review. At least those who are looking for the reinvention of the wheel have been forewarned.

# 3 SGMRock @ 09/07/11 02:41 PM

Ya EA has made the mistake in the past of going to far and actually making these worse as apposed to better. I thought NHL 11 was great with some minor tweaking could be much more refined and thats what I'm really looking for out of NHL 12.

# 4 cbrock24 @ 09/07/11 03:17 PM

Amazing to hear the comments from people who have played hockey and haven't. I grew up playing hockey, played the NHL 12 demo for 5 minutes, and was hooked. NHL 12 is the closest game to how hockey actually plays in the series. NHL 12 is a big improvement on NHL 11. Focusing on "signature style and traits" is probably the most important aspect of hockey. Set plays really do not have an impact and the flow of the game is dependent on the individual movement and reaction of each player based on what is actually happening.

# 5 Vikes1 @ 09/07/11 03:17 PM

Thanks for the review, Chase.

Myself, I like the idea that they've focused a decent amount of dev time trying to refine the gameplay. It's what matters most to me. In my experience with the games last few releases, it isn't very often I see things that really make me think...WTH! Things that can really drag the game experience down. Of course there's always going to be a few things here and there with any game. But to me, NHL does a good job of holding those things to a reasonable minimum.

I guess in the end, I like what I've seen outta the demo. So I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the heck outta the retail game.

# 6 DatsyukianDeke @ 09/07/11 03:37 PM

Any new details or impressions from EASHL? That's what matters most.

# 7 savoie2006 @ 09/07/11 03:39 PM

Well everyone knows this is gonna happen at some point with sports games. It's hard to reinevent a sport. However, there is still plenty that can be done and something that would please the casuals/hardcore fans. Revamp the Presentation (commentary included) and beef up BAGM. Those two improvements would make everyone happy and be quite noticeable. That said, improvements to the physics and AI will always be welcome as well.

# 8 Vikes1 @ 09/07/11 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by savoie2006


	Well everyone knows this is gonna happen at some point with sports games. It's hard to reinevent a sport. However, there is still plenty that can be done and something that would please the casuals/hardcore fans. Revamp the Presentation (commentary included) and beef up BAGM. Those two improvements would make everyone happy and be quite noticeable. That said, improvements to the physics and AI will always be welcome as well.

Very well said, Savoie.

# 9 Simple Mathematics @ 09/07/11 05:51 PM

Playing the game is going to be really fun this year. It's the part when you're not actually playing a game that is going to be stale this year. I am a BaGM guy, so I will be a bit bored of that mode. However, the new sim engine will be a lot of fun for me.

I just wish they would fix these things in BaGM:
1. Players getting stuck in Free Agency
2. Players who are like 82 overall not playing while a player who is like 74 overall is starting
3. Trade logic

If these 3 things were fixed, then BaGM would be great! They aren't huge problems so hopefully a patch could address them. Then next year maybe we could get some things like a better scouting system, controlling finances like MLB The Show, and better BaGM presentation.

# 10 gsize19 @ 09/07/11 07:18 PM

Here is what blows... Peopl here want a finished game to reinvented every year... As for a simulation, NHL and MLB The Show series are there for a sports sim, there isn't much more you ca do with it in terms of gameplay... EA needs to leave gameplay alone and work on other items, deeper franchise, authentic NHL arenas, etc.

I don't mind paying for a $60 roster update yearly if it is a finished game. This game is in all intents and purposes finished, and those true fans that play online in the EASHL, they will pay for the next title year after year.

The game is stellar and the more people want new things, or controls to be different, it causes games to go three steps backwards in gameplay... The review said EA is reaching dangerous territory, the only dangerous territory EA is reaching is changing this game when it is where it needs to be already. It is a fair accurate representation of the sport of hockey, so don't change a damn thing... It will cause you to bite off more than you can chew!!!

RIP team Lokomotive and my thoughts and prayers are with the families after this tragic accident!!!

# 11 Money99 @ 09/07/11 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealmK


	Seriously, the game play at this point is just about as good as they're going to get it on this generation of consoles with the ram limitations. Get all the actual modes themselves working properly and get the presentation to a NBA2k level and you have the perfect hockey game. It's not rocket science EA, sure it won't make for great bullet points on the back of the box like the half *** Legends mode or EASHL now with more exploits!!!111eleventy! (I really want to see that on the back of a box actually heh) But at the end of the day, the hardcore guys who shell out the 60 bucks every year will be happy, the casuals that good reviews and word of mouth bring in will be happy at the depth surrounding the already solid gameplay. And Hank and I will be happy because GM mode finally won't be a broken mess.

So true. I'm fine with the gameplay.
If they fixed the GM mode and gave us awesome presentation, I'd be all set.
I'd be more than happy really.

# 12 Dazraz @ 09/07/11 08:14 PM

I have no doubt that EA have further perfected the hockey experience. Where this series fails is how dull it is outside of the gameplay. With the presentation improvements made to Madden this year & the already well established presentation in MLB the Show & NBA 2K, EA's NHL is the odd one out of the quartet of North American based sport simulations in that it in no way captures a broadcast presentation. Ageing commentary, lack of stat overlays & an unrealistic broadcast cam take away from the realism otherwise depicted within the gameplay, In addition the lack of depth within it's career/season modes will limit the long term appeal of the game.

# 13 savoie2006 @ 09/07/11 09:07 PM

Quote:


	With the presentation improvements made to Madden this year

Madden's Presentation isn't all that great. In fact as a whole I would say it's rather poor.

# 14 bwiggy33 @ 09/07/11 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsize19


	Here is what blows... Peopl here want a finished game to reinvented every year... As for a simulation, NHL and MLB The Show series are there for a sports sim, there isn't much more you ca do with it in terms of gameplay... EA needs to leave gameplay alone and work on other items, deeper franchise, authentic NHL arenas, etc. I don't mind paying for a $60 roster update yearly if it is a finished game. This game is in all intents and purposes finished, and those true fans that play online in the EASHL, they will pay for the next title year after year. The game is stellar and the more people want new things, or controls to be different, it causes games to go three steps backwards in gameplay... The review said EA is reaching dangerous territory, the only dangerous territory EA is reaching is changing this game when it is where it needs to be already. It is a fair accurate representation of the sport of hockey, so don't change a damn thing... It will cause you to bite off more than you can chew!!! RIP team Lokomotive and my thoughts and prayers are with the families after this tragic accident!!!

There is no way that the gameplay is where it should be after 6 years. I could list off a ton of stuff that hasn't been good from NHL 09 and on. IMO the gameplay is almost there. There is still stuff that has to be done in order to really improve the game. One thing that I doubt hardly anyone would agree with me on is changing the skill stick. The skill stick in this game is the biggest drag to the game. Ya it's fun to control, but it is the sole reason why the same goals can be scored over and over and over. I'm an all out sim guy so I'm sure the more casual players would hate me by saying this. Once they change the skill stick to be more like a real player would actually stick handle in a game, then we can talk.

Why would I change it? Because no player in the NHL can extend their arms to full extension and continuously keep posession of the puck. Next, what player can stick handle 100 mph without losing the puck. You can literally skate up the ice, stick handling as fast as possible and not lose the puck with a superstar or good player. That's with puck control at zero. I'm sorry but not even Crosby, Ovechkin, Kovalev, or anyone can stick handle 100 mph in a game situation and not lose the puck. I could go on and on about it. Until the skill stick is changed we will always see the same goals go in time and time again.

To change it I would limit the extension/reach that the players have with their arms. Second, I would make it so that only good-superstar players can move the right stick around to deke. That also includes using the Left Bumper to do the hop over deke and the crazy around the Dman move. The lower skilled players would be limited to just going left and right for stick handling. Also limiting each player's controls can be done. NHL 2k did it for their games from 2k8 on up.

I know it's hard to create that in a video game but it can be done. Until they make the stick handling more realistic this game will be the same thing over and over. I don't even get excited when I deke around a player any more. It happens so often that it's just another day at the office. That doesn't happen in real life, which is why the NHL is so fun to watch. You never know when that sweet deke or play could come. In NHL I can basically predict when I can do it. I will say they have progressed the CPU AI defense to stop the user more, when trying to deke around them. I can still do it fairly often though.

On another note I fully agree with your last comment. Crazy tragedy that happened today. It's just crazy how a plane crashing takes 43 lives right then and there. Just terrible stuff. I remember watching Demitra here in MN. I don't think he enjoyed his time too much here but he was still fun to watch. RIP to all of them.

# 15 savoie2006 @ 09/07/11 10:21 PM

I also don't think the gameplay is where it needs to be, especially on the Cpu side of things. The AI is boring in my opinion. If you play sound defense against the Cpu, it will muster little to no Offense, because it trys the same thing every trip down the ice. Plus the defensive issues around the net as Chase mentioned. I would say the gameplay needs some tuning still.

# 16 bukktown @ 09/07/11 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by savoie2006


	Well everyone knows this is gonna happen at some point with sports games. It's hard to reinevent a sport. However, there is still plenty that can be done and something that would please the casuals/hardcore fans. Revamp the Presentation (commentary included) and beef up BAGM. Those two improvements would make everyone happy and be quite noticeable. That said, improvements to the physics and AI will always be welcome as well.

Gus Johnson notwithstanding, that is pretty much what Madden did this year.

Presentation and Franchise.

And what did they get for their efforts?

Low review scores.

# 17 gsize19 @ 09/08/11 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwiggy33


	There is no way that the gameplay is where it should be after 6 years. I could list off a ton of stuff that hasn't been good from NHL 09 and on. IMO the gameplay is almost there. There is still stuff that has to be done in order to really improve the game. One thing that I doubt hardly anyone would agree with me on is changing the skill stick. The skill stick in this game is the biggest drag to the game. Ya it's fun to control, but it is the sole reason why the same goals can be scored over and over and over. I'm an all out sim guy so I'm sure the more casual players would hate me by saying this. Once they change the skill stick to be more like a real player would actually stick handle in a game, then we can talk. Why would I change it? Because no player in the NHL can extend their arms to full extension and continuously keep posession of the puck. Next, what player can stick handle 100 mph without losing the puck. You can literally skate up the ice, stick handling as fast as possible and not lose the puck with a superstar or good player. That's with puck control at zero. I'm sorry but not even Crosby, Ovechkin, Kovalev, or anyone can stick handle 100 mph in a game situation and not lose the puck. I could go on and on about it. Until the skill stick is changed we will always see the same goals go in time and time again. To change it I would limit the extension/reach that the players have with their arms. Second, I would make it so that only good-superstar players can move the right stick around to deke. That also includes using the Left Bumper to do the hop over deke and the crazy around the Dman move. The lower skilled players would be limited to just going left and right for stick handling. Also limiting each player's controls can be done. NHL 2k did it for their games from 2k8 on up. I know it's hard to create that in a video game but it can be done. Until they make the stick handling more realistic this game will be the same thing over and over. I don't even get excited when I deke around a player any more. It happens so often that it's just another day at the office. That doesn't happen in real life, which is why the NHL is so fun to watch. You never know when that sweet deke or play could come. In NHL I can basically predict when I can do it. I will say they have progressed the CPU AI defense to stop the user more, when trying to deke around them. I can still do it fairly often though. On another note I fully agree with your last comment. Crazy tragedy that happened today. It's just crazy how a plane crashing takes 43 lives right then and there. Just terrible stuff. I remember watching Demitra here in MN. I don't think he enjoyed his time too much here but he was still fun to watch. RIP to all of them.

Bwiggy, I couldn't agree more with the skill stick... You have great points, and yes there are subtle rooms for improvement, but some (not saying who have commented here) call for practically a new game every year and I just don't see how that is possible unless you are willing to buy 3 years of 3 steps back to move forward in 2015...

Arms full extension, and things like that, yeah, I agree, but my gut tells me that if they attempt to fix that, then everyone short arms everything, if that makes sense, to where you have an unplayable mess.

I want simulation as much as the next sim player, but I have to remind myself, the only true way to get simulation is lace em up and go down to the local rink. On a TV, it is as close to simulation that I feel they will get. Maybe a change or two here and there, but complete overhaul would be disasterous. Just my opinion.

BeA GM needs more options. This is my issue with this game. I don't always like to play EASHL, and like to play a season, but there are limitations that I feel can be improved. Madden made strides this year with Franchise, maybe NHL did also, we will find out Friday or Tuesday...

# 18 bwiggy33 @ 09/08/11 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsize19


	Bwiggy, I couldn't agree more with the skill stick... You have great points, and yes there are subtle rooms for improvement, but some (not saying who have commented here) call for practically a new game every year and I just don't see how that is possible unless you are willing to buy 3 years of 3 steps back to move forward in 2015... Arms full extension, and things like that, yeah, I agree, but my gut tells me that if they attempt to fix that, then everyone short arms everything, if that makes sense, to where you have an unplayable mess. I want simulation as much as the next sim player, but I have to remind myself, the only true way to get simulation is lace em up and go down to the local rink. On a TV, it is as close to simulation that I feel they will get. Maybe a change or two here and there, but complete overhaul would be disasterous. Just my opinion. BeA GM needs more options. This is my issue with this game. I don't always like to play EASHL, and like to play a season, but there are limitations that I feel can be improved. Madden made strides this year with Franchise, maybe NHL did also, we will find out Friday or Tuesday...

You make a great point! The only thing is, after playing The Show (I hate to bring that game up again) I just have a vision of other games being as good as it. I mean The Show is about as sim as it can get. NBA 2k is the same way. I'm seriously about to buy NBA 2k12 just because how sim and real to life that game is, and I absolutely cannot stand the NBA. I just feel that if the NHL team spent more time on fixing the biggest flaws instead of adding legends and such, this game could be so much better. If they took just one year off adding bull crap stuff to the game, and making the gameplay more realistic, franchise mode less buggy, etc. this game could be one of the best sports games out there. IMO it's basically on the same level as NCAA and Madden, just with less "game breaking" problems. I do understand EA's vision though. Why change the NHL series when everything is good now. I bet sales are better than ever for the NHL series just because of how fun the controls are.

# 19 gigadkc @ 09/08/11 06:57 AM

no KHL again? Not buying again. EA makes my decision so easy

# 20 hf199 @ 09/08/11 10:22 AM

They still don't have all the referees on the ice! NHL 2K10 had them! Madden implemented them since Madden 10. I don't get it. If you want to be authentic you can't have 1 ref skating around the ice and please can you have workable jumbo trons! I mean again NHL 2K10 had them. And maybe some commentary in between periods. Jumbo tron excitement in between face-offs during a power play and the crowd getting pumped. Those are the things in presentation that make a great game. You already have the gameplay down. Taking way...too long in improving presentation.

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