There have been some promising gameplay fixes they're going for - no more faceoff spamming, poke check is less of a magic telekesis power, interference is actually interference instead of "you pushed the bodycheck button next to a guy who didn't have the puck", goalie interference calls becoming more realistic. All moves in the right direction if they work. Not to mention the promised reduced menu load times.
There's still lots of stuff that they can tweak; goalie passes, board play, players kicking the puck out, etc. But I like positive tweaks. Doing those things is what really impacts the gameplay experience, not "I want a new Stanley Cup" cutscene or "I want better rendered crowd animations".
Does anybody else find it funny that EA tends to remove features, only to re-introduce them as new a few years later?
Perfect example is the "one touch dekes". Didn't they make a big deal about removing a deke button originally because using the skill-stick was more authentic?
Same with when they removed the speed burst button, then brought it back in NHL 11.
Does anybody else find it funny that EA tends to remove features, only to re-introduce them as new a few years later?
Perfect example is the "one touch dekes". Didn't they make a big deal about removing a deke button originally because using the skill-stick was more authentic?
Same with when they removed the speed burst button, then brought it back in NHL 11.
I'm still waiting for "Re-introducing custom arenas".
The game feels better, i think. I say that, as at first it really felt like i was just playing nhl12, but then noticed the subtle differences in skating, and then a whole different game with some heavy hits all over the ice.
To be completely honest, i liked the game, but really think this is what nhl 12 was supposed to be. hitting might be over the top at times, and i only want 1 fight a game, not 3 fights in a period. i didn't understand how the one touch dekes work, though i rarely use the dekes when playing anyways.
So, you're saying that as usual, EA added new features and basically got too excited about them and made sure that they impact the playing experience at least once or twice a period even if that makes no realistic sense?
Sounds about par for the course. I remember the year broken sticks come in it was ####ing CONSTANT.
Ya, sliders are essential. I understand the annoyance if you play online and don't have access to all sliders. My main interest in the games are the offline GM modes, so I tweak everything.
Bubby's quick review sounds about what I'm expecting (2012.5). The little game tweaks I've seen mean a lot to me though.
I look forward to trying the demo. With me skipping last year there is a better chance I might fork over the cash for it. Heck, even just being able to play GM mode with all the new young players and the new divisions would be worth it.
haha ya, i'm a sucker for hockey video games, so good or bad, i'm first in line to get nhl every year.
As is the case every year, the demo seems great. It is usually due to the sudden feel of a new game that brings on the excitement. then the tuners come out, and completely dumb down the game so it's basically the same as th year past.
i like the slight enhancements in skating this year, i like that hitting is back. What i am unpleased about is:
- there are bone crushing hits all over the ice, and not enough simple hits that may not completely destroy the offensive player, but simply do enough to seperate the man and the puck.
- too many fights. big hits, any shot post whistle automatically results in a fight, and hte user is not given the option on whether to fight or not. There are also no instigator penalties for this.
- speaking of penalties, i played about 6 games today, and was awarded a PP just once. Hope penalties is fixed this year!
