(Review) NHL 2012

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Wow, it’s already been 20 years since the release of the very first game in the series, NHL Hockey, back in 1991. Looking back over those last 20 games, I don’t think there are too many that I didn’t get on release day, and played continually right up until the next one.

Has the Flow of the Game Changed?

A lot of people tend to think that each release of a new EA Sports title is mainly a roster upgrade with a few minor enhancements. While that has been fairly accurate on a number of occasions, this is not true of this years NHL 12 offering. Since EA Canada has fully taken over development of the NHL franchise, they’ve made it better each year, in both big and small ways. According to the developers, there were over 300 changes made for this year.

Those who watch enough televised hockey will probably agree that goaltenders are becoming more aggressive, antagonizing opposing players, being more vocal on the ice and dropping the gloves to help their team. This has trickled into NHL 12 this year, and the goalies are able to rally their teams by fighting, as well as laying hits on unsuspecting opponents. But goalies can now be a bigger target, as players can hit them both in and out of the net. But beware, hitting a goaltender is risky business, one that could cost your team 2 minutes in the box.

The physics engine in the game has been improved in an attempt to achieve a higher level of realism. Things such as knocking someones helmet off, checking players into the bench, shattering the glass on a heavy hit all add up to heighten the realism, while the players being hit won’t lose their balance as easily, and instead will use their hands or knees to keep themselves going.

It’s All About the Presentation

Not long into my first game I immediately noticed a big improvement to the overall presentation of this year offering. On the ice, player movements had a noticeable difference. Off the ice, the statistical breakdown screens and available replays between period are a welcome addition. My favorite feature so far is the on-demand style instant replays of goals, shots and hits.

But not everything is positive here. For some reason, EA Sports has yet again redesign the user interface. I don’t completely understand the need for this, as the organization of the menu system last year was well done, but this year I find it more difficult to quickly scan and find where I want to go.

And one thing that has nothing to do with the overall presentation, yet I find ridiculously stupid and has provided some good laughter between a friend and I over the last couple of days, is that Sean Avery is wearing sunglasses in his player profile image. Really?

2011 Winter Classic

Every year there seems to be something new added to keep gamers interested for longer. This year brings the addition of the 2011 Winter Classic, allowing you to lace up for either the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Washington Capitals. While this is a fun addition, the inability to play as any of the other teams in the league leaves me wondering how many times a gamer will replay the same game? I for one will try it out, but hope that EA would add the option of using any team should they keep this mode for next year.

Legendary Status

For the first time every in the series, you can play as NHL legends in most of the game modes. I haven’t had time to fully explore how and what the legends can be used for throughout the modes, but I did have an online game of Legends vs Legends, and playing with individuals as skilled as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, Gordie Howe, Ray Bourque, Steve Yzerman and more all on the same team made for some fun, fast paced action.

Improvement to Existing Modes

Along with the usual modes that any seasoned veteran of the NHL series have become accustom to, EA has added a few new things to keep gamers playing.

Be a Pro mode adds more depth, allowing you to start your career in the CHL and work your way up the ranks in the hopes to eventually be drafted into the big leagues.

Be a GM mode has seen a few changes to how you manage the salaries of your players, as well as an improved injury system, which from what I’ve seen so far gives more information on the injury, a better recovery timeline, as well as the ability to sub players in and out, even right before the opening face-off.

Conclusion

While there is more new features left for me to explore in NHL 12, what I’ve seen so far is enough to make me excited about hockey all over again. If you are someone who enjoys playing video game hockey and aren’t sure if this years version is worth it, don’t hesitate to go out and pick this one up, you won’t regret it!