NHL 12

[MizzouRah]

Yes..

With launch right around the corner, the NHL 12 demo is almost here! The highly anticipated demo will be available through Xbox LIVE and PlayStation Network beginning August 23. The demo will feature access to three modes: Play Now, Be A Pro, and Hockey Ultimate Team.

[DaddyTorgo]

Sweet

[Pumpy Tudors]

don't start a game too close to bedtime

welcome to hollywood

[Fidatelo]

How are they going to handle the Jets? Jerseys still don't exist. Will they just have the generic NHL logo ones like at the draft? That would suck.

[samifan24]

I'm afraid this will be NHL '11 with new goalie collisions that happen far, far too often.

[MizzouRah]

don't start a game too close to bedtime

welcome to hollywood

:D

[MizzouRah]

How are they going to handle the Jets? Jerseys still don't exist. Will they just have the generic NHL logo ones like at the draft? That would suck.

DLC I'm assuming, although I thought those were set?

[Fidatelo]

DLC I'm assuming, although I thought those were set?

Just the logo, jerseys aren't expected to be announced for another 2-4 weeks.

[MizzouRah]

Just the logo, jerseys aren't expected to be announced for another 2-4 weeks.

Ok, then I would expect it as DLC.

[EagleFan]

Ok, then I would expect it as DLC.

Knowing EA that will be charged DLC.

[Fidatelo]

Have they done jerseys and other graphics as DLC in the NHL games before? I don't remember ever seeing that kind of additional content. I sure hope that I can get it in the game somehow.

[MizzouRah]

Have they done jerseys and other graphics as DLC in the NHL games before? I don't remember ever seeing that kind of additional content. I sure hope that I can get it in the game somehow.

They did it in NBA Live for Oklahoma.

[Icy]

Awesome, i come back from holidays on 21, so just in time for my most expected game of the year along FIFA.

[DaddyTorgo]

Awesome, i come back from holidays on 21, so just in time for my most expected game of the year along FIFA.

We're not talking about Football Manager here Icy...just to clarify :p

[Fidatelo]

They did it in NBA Live for Oklahoma.

Sweet, that is good to know, thanks!

[Icy]

We're not talking about Football Manager here Icy...just to clarify :p

Hehe i know, i should have said "most expected console game" instead.

[MizzouRah]

Demo out for x360.. can't wait until it finishes downloading!

[JetsIn06]

This demo is awesome. Everything is smoother, animations are amazing, the puck feels alive...haven't seen anything new with goalies yet though.

[MizzouRah]

This demo is awesome. Everything is smoother, animations are amazing, the puck feels alive...haven't seen anything new with goalies yet though.

Definitley a much better goal variety and I have noticed so far the goalies are not "super human".

Game is more of a version 11.5, but that's a good thing in my book.

[Maple Leafs]

I'm afraid this will be NHL '11 with new goalie collisions that happen far, far too often.
No doubt. The goalie fighting looks awful.... it's the same terrible fight engine that regular players use (with the ultra-realistic "meekly hold one hand in front of your face" stance that so many NHL fighter use). And from one early demo, it looks like they just happen randomly, with the goalies deciding to just sprint out to center ice for no reason.

Like every other new feature they introduce to NHL or Madden, it will be beaten into the ground in the first year and then either dropped or eventually integrated properly.

[CraigSca]

Definitley a much better goal variety and I have noticed so far the goalies are not "super human".

Game is more of a version 11.5, but that's a good thing in my book.

I'm right here with you - I was pleasantly surprised when I played last night. I know it's a remake of a Stanley Cup game, but the crowd seemed especially loud and very vocal. The game seems much more polished and at the same time, you feel like anything can happen. While a lot of people will say this is 11.5, I happen to agree, but the .5 is significant.

[MizzouRah]

I'm right here with you - I was pleasantly surprised when I played last night. I know it's a remake of a Stanley Cup game, but the crowd seemed especially loud and very vocal. The game seems much more polished and at the same time, you feel like anything can happen. While a lot of people will say this is 11.5, I happen to agree, but the .5 is significant.

Agreed...

[MizzouRah]

I've been playing on AS and I have to say, Rammer and EA have done one hell of a job. If you can't notice all the tweaks they have made to gameplay, I'm not sure what to tell you.

The game really feels like a complete hockey game now to me. There is just so much to love about this demo. I can't believe AS is finally a real experience for me, used to be Pro was too easy and AS too hard (as far as scoring goes) - but now I'm finding new ways to get that goal - and I've seen TONS of new goals this year.

The replays are jerky.. I'm hoping that's a demo thing and it's my only gripe.

I LOVE the new gametracker, love how the announcer now sounds like a real home announcer when he announces the who scored!

The crowd seems a bit more amped up.

To me, it seems like they really tweaked and reworked many things, especially the AI. When I play with the lead, I'm holding on for dear life, when the other team has a lead they are trying to protect, especially late in the game, they do whatever is necessary to get the puck out of their zone and regroup.

Damn I'm impressed!!!

Oh.. and goals are now believeable from myself and the CPU.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looking forward to playing this game. Will probably wait until fall to purchase just because I'm really busy with work right now. I pretty much rotate between The Show during the summer and this game during the winter to get my sports fix year round.

[MizzouRah]

Looking forward to playing this game. Will probably wait until fall to purchase just because I'm really busy with work right now. I pretty much rotate between The Show during the summer and this game during the winter to get my sports fix year round.

I'd say, FIFA and NHL are usually excellent games without much patchwork ever needed for them after release.

Game is a tad slower too, which just gives it that authentic feel to it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'd say, FIFA and NHL are usually excellent games without much patchwork ever needed for them after release.

Game is a tad slower too, which just gives it that authentic feel to it.

Yeah, I'm good with slower game speed. It can get a bit too arcade-like at higher speeds.

[MizzouRah]

First review: <!-- m -->http://www.gametrailers.com/video/revie ... -12/720222 (http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-hd-nhl-12/720222)<!-- m -->

Can't wait until next Tuesday!!!

[Icy]

Release date in Europe is on Thursday, for first time earlier in Europe than in USA, can't wait!

[RainMaker]

I'd say, FIFA and NHL are usually excellent games without much patchwork ever needed for them after release.

Game is a tad slower too, which just gives it that authentic feel to it.

FIFA has sort of slipped. They had an amazing game a few years ago but haven't really touched the gameplay in awhile. NHL seems to improve every year though.

[MizzouRah]

Release date in Europe is on Thursday, for first time earlier in Europe than in USA, can't wait!

Impressions!

[MizzouRah]

FIFA has sort of slipped. They had an amazing game a few years ago but haven't really touched the gameplay in awhile. NHL seems to improve every year though.

This year they have some big changes though, real time physics like the NHL game now has.

[Icy]

Ouch, discouraging GM mode review by gameinformer. I'll still buy it as Be a Pro mode has been improved (finally you can sim until your next shift) and it's my favorite mode, and I also play a lot online, both HUT and EASHL, but I had big hopes for a good Be a GM mode and those AI problems will also affect the BAP realism.


Be a GM review:

The franchise-style Be A GM mode also aims for the net but ends up shattering the Plexiglas. For the second year in a row, trades, free agency, and drafting all need major overhauls. AI-controlled GMs still propose boneheaded trades, above-average players in their prime still get stowed away on minor league rosters, restricted free agents (like 2011 number one overall draft pick Ryan Nugent-Hopkins) sit out entire seasons, and some teams even let their highly rated prospects enter free agency rather than signing them.

The biggest problem with the mode may be the top-heavy player ratings. When even below average fourth-liners like James Sheppard are rated above 80, you have too large a grouping at the top of the skill spectrum. It gets even more overpopulated when young players improve as years go by and aging players don’t receive a commensurate drop-off. By the fifth year of my career as GM, it wasn’t uncommon to go against teams that had 100 ratings in offense, defense, or both. These mistakes take away from an experience I would otherwise enjoy thanks to its spot-on player development, farm system management, revamped injury system that includes more short-term injuries (which forces you to juggle your lineup just like a real club would), and improved sim results.

Source:

http://www.gameinformer.com/games/nhl_12/b/ps3/archive/2011/09/06/this-puck-has-eyes.aspx

[Balldog]

Just saved me $60.

[MizzouRah]

Well son of a b* I thought they fixed BeGm this year.. this sucks and has me thinking about putting my money towards FIFA 12 now.

[RainMaker]

This year they have some big changes though, real time physics like the NHL game now has.
That stuff is nice, but their problem has always been poor AI. I don't care about the physics of the ball if my defenders act like they've never played the sport before.

[bhlloy]

Yeah, that. It's always looked nice and had decent physics but it's a shocking simulation of an actual soccer game. It makes Madden look like a realistic game.

Back on topic, did they make any changes/additions to controlling the goalie in BaP? That has the potential to be the most addictive game mode I've ever played in any console game but it wasn't much fun last year.

[RainMaker]

Stupid question that I can't remember. Are you able to add your own songs into the game? Basically arena noises like in NBA 2K?

[MizzouRah]

That stuff is nice, but their problem has always been poor AI. I don't care about the physics of the ball if my defenders act like they've never played the sport before.

AI has been much improved this year and if you watch some of the full game videos out, the game actually resembles hockey due to the revamp of the on the ice AI.

Unlike BeAGM, they did spend a lot of time on this portion of the game this year and it shows.

[MizzouRah]

Stupid question that I can't remember. Are you able to add your own songs into the game? Basically arena noises like in NBA 2K?

Yes you can.

[Icy]

Stupid question that I can't remember. Are you able to add your own songs into the game? Basically arena noises like in NBA 2K?

Yes, check this sub-forum at OPS for tons of new songs and sounds:

EA Sports NHL Sounds Forum - Operation Sports Forums (http://www.operationsports.com/forums/ea-sports-nhl-sounds-forum/)

Based on past year, i highly recommend the full pack done by this guy:

http://www.operationsports.com/forums/ea-sports-nhl-sounds-forum/486011-nhl-12-sound-pack.html

[Mike1409]

Just saved me $60.

+1
They needed to fix Be a GM, add online franchise, instead we get Goalie fights.
I guess now that they have no competition they can relax.

This has been a horrible year for EA, and I not buying another game from them on release until they fix their products.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Great NHL12 spoof from ThePensBlog

Rejected NHL12 Features | Sep2011 (http://www.thepensblog.com/tpb/sep2011/rejected-nhl12-features.html)

[MizzouRah]

Game feels much faster this year on AS defaults.. Lost to Germany 3-2 after blowing a 2 goal lead.

Too early for many thoughts other than I love the puck physics.

[Icy]

I played 4 EASHL games yesterday and i love the new gameplay and physics improvements.

Puck control seems lower, as do pass reception, so it results in a more dirty gameplay, without tape to tape passes and figure skating, that is way more realistic.

I love also now the "supersim" in BAP mode. You can sim now to your next shift, resulting in more realistic time on the ice. If you are a 3rd liner, you won't see 30 minutes per game as in the past.

Hope the franchise issues are not really bad, because the gameplay is the best ever, else i'll just play online EASHGL and HUT and offline BAP, that anyway are my fav modes.

[Captain2711]

Loving it too. Actually had some good EASHL drop in games last night. Hesitant to start my dynasty. I'll at least wait until the opening night roster update comes. If anyone wants to hit me up or start a team its gamertag: pratti2711 for 360.

[TurnerONU22]

Got it in the mail yesterday and played a quick Winter Classic game last night. Won 3-2 as the Pens with some realistic "dirty" goals. Unlike most people, I'm glad that they spent most of the time refining the gameplay rather than introduce additional game modes that I won't play. The AI is a lot better in this game, the computer does a much better job of forechecking, neutral zone play, and also doesn't pass around the puck for 20 minutes in the offensive zone.

I'm TurnerOSU22 on XBL if anyone is up for a game.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Still need to pick this game up. I've heard good things from a few people who already own it.

[MizzouRah]

I'm being out shot by the CPU on AS.. VERY good thing!

[MizzouRah]

I finally got some more time in with this game and although I'm not happy they took things like the 3 stars coming back out onto the ice after the game (really have no idea why that was taken out) and I think goal celebrations are way too short, this game is a MASTERPIECE.

Just my opinion, but the game truly feels like a total package on the ice, where honestly is where it counts the most to me.

I've seen so many cool things... I'm amazed at how great the game plays between the nets.

My Blues lost to Germany 3-2 and I played them again tonight with our AHL team, Peoria. Germany had a major speed advantage, but we played the body and forechecked every chance we had. We won 2-1 on a goal where the initial shot bounced off the goalie and into the air and my LW slapped it into the net. The goal was waived off by the ref and they went upstairs to review it.. it was called a goal and when I looked at it via instant replay, it was definitely the right call.

Germany had almost the same situation, but the fowards stick was clearly above the net and it was ruled, no goal. Bishop was stellar in goal and shot totals were 30 for us and 28 for Germany.

We got killed going to the net though as Germany has some pretty big defenseman protecting the net.

Fantastic job by EA as far as gameplay goes, imho.

[Balldog]

Is Be A GM as bad as reported?

[DaddyTorgo]

If Be a GM is that bad then that's really unfortunate - I have no interest in playing in any other mode (okay that's not true...I'd play Be a Pro also, but I need both to be solid), so then I'd just skip it.

[CraigSca]

Decided to play a single game tonight for my Capitals in season mode and ended up playing 3. Games are diverse - beat Florida, 3-2, then go to Philadelphia and get swamped, 5-2. Come home against Detroit and find myself down 3-1, before I go on a scoring binge and take a 5-3 lead. Detroit then comes back to tie (back-to-back goals, too) but I eventually win, 8-5.

Again, the actual game itself is a blast - certainly has that "one more game" feel.

[MizzouRah]

I'm going to start a BeaGM career as soon as the next roster update comes out.

[TurnerONU22]

Is Be A GM as bad as reported?

From some earlier tests, it looks like the biggest problem is the ratings. I'm planning on editing some of the bottom end players on the roster and making the gap larger between the best and worst players. I think this will help when it comes to players being left in FA that have good overall ratings, because not everyone will have those good ratings.

The one thing that they finally did right was have a lot more injuries during the season, especially when you sim, so that you actually have to use your farm system.

[MizzouRah]

BAP is absolutely FANTASIC!

Started as a 16 year old center playing for Portland in the CHL, scored a goal in my first game. :)

Love how you can sim to your next shift or just sit back and watch the game unfold.

[MizzouRah]

Patch and an new tuner.

Maybe it's because it's hockey.. but this game just feels like anything can happen when I'm playing vs another team.

[thesloppy]

New patch tonight? I've been holding off on BAP, 'cause I froze three games in a row, as soon as I committed a penalty. Otherwise I've been having fun with HUT.

[MizzouRah]

New patch tonight? I've been holding off on BAP, 'cause I froze three games in a row, as soon as I committed a penalty. Otherwise I've been having fun with HUT.

I'm not sure it came out tonight as it's been a week since I've played.. some people over at OS are saying they haven't had a freeze though.. so it wouldn't hurt to try your BAP.

[MizzouRah]

Started by Blues BAGM tonight, didn't play BAGM last year but I like the layout of the mode quite a bit, everything seems easy to get to.

I'm playing on AS defaults and we won our first preseason game 3-1 over Columbus. I can't say enough about how great this latest tuner is and how nice it is to see the CPU players play so much better this year.

I think I'll probably play every single game. http://www.operationsports.com/forums/images/smilies/graemlins/smile.gif

Total shots were 22 a side, first game I've ever had the shot totals equal eachother.
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[MizzouRah]

Off to a nice 0-3 start.. :(

[MizzouRah]

Nobody else playing this wonderful game?

[Pumpy Tudors]

I've bought it, but I haven't even opened the package yet. I expect to start playing it soon.

[thesloppy]

Nobody else playing this wonderful game?

Man, I want to. It still freezes up on 80% of my BAP games.

[Fidatelo]

Nobody else playing this wonderful game?

I'm playing, really love it. Started a season with the Jets on All-Star once the regular season roster came out, I think I'm 4-4 so far. I just need the real jerseys to come out, then my life will be complete.

[sabotai]

Nobody else playing this wonderful game?

I am. Playing mostly Be A Pro. One thing I don't like is, while you can sim ahead, I always get the "you're phoning it in" messages when I do and I'm afraid that my Pro isn't going to develop enough to make it in the NHL. Seriously, does EA expect me to play every single game in a career that could span more than 1000 games?

I'd love a "only play Key Games" option like in the 2K series.

Other than that, BAP is awesome.

[MizzouRah]

Man, I want to. It still freezes up on 80% of my BAP games.

Did you load the game to the HD?

Glad to see others playing.. I'm 3-1-2 in my Blues BAGM. Started a new one with the updated rosters on All Star.

[MizzouRah]

I'm playing, really love it. Started a season with the Jets on All-Star once the regular season roster came out, I think I'm 4-4 so far. I just need the real jerseys to come out, then my life will be complete.

Jerseys just came out, patch 1.03 just released!

[Fidatelo]

Jerseys just came out, patch 1.03 just released!

Only on PS3, from what I can tell. Hopefully XBox comes soon.

Oh, and apparently the jerseys are incorrect (wrong striping) and the helmets and gloves were left generic black. Lame. :(

[MizzouRah]

Well shoot.. at least the ps3 folks are saying the jersey itself looks good.

[TCY Junkie]

I turn on the game for the first time and exit out of the fall classic. Start up a be a pro mode. I selected Crosby, I was planning on starting a new one with no one in the nhl currently. I win the tip off and go to the front of the net. Trying to find open space. I see the puck behind the net and see it's being passed out to the blue line almost. I go the direction hoping to get him to pass it, but he shoots. I try to redirect it but notice it's above me knees so I knew I couldn't hit it based on passed games. Next thing I know they are giving me the goal, I looked on replay and I definitely redirected it and only seconds into playing. I'm hooked.

[MizzouRah]

Alternate jersey code: 2wg3gap9mvrth6kq

[gstelmack]

I recently got into this game thanks to a small tourney we ran at work (I love my job). I've been playing Be a Pro mode, starting out in the WHL, and having an absolute blast. This is right up there with the NBA2k series for fun in Be a Pro. I'll see what happens with the draft and how I progress, but so far tons of fun.

I got my first hattrick last night, with one of my favorite scoring plays of my sports gaming career. Winger has the puck driving down the right side, I'm trailing down the middle heading for the net. He shoots, it hits the goalie high, rebounds towards me, hits my shoulder, bounces back and right over the goalie into the net. It was awesome that the game allows for puck physics like that. And the officials reviewed the play to make sure I didn't push it in with my glove, something they also do with redirections when the stick is high. Overall high marks for gameplay.

My only beef so far is that this has the typical "presentation doesn't match court action" bug that so many of these sports games have. For example, telling me things like my team is on our first powerplay when it's really our second or third.