[bwiggy33]

Well I finally got a chance to play the demo and honestly it doesn't do anything for me but reassure myself I won't be purchasing. There are some positives, but it just feels like the same exact thing over and over and over.

One thing I like is the hitting. I love the no button (even though you can use the RS) because it actually uses impact, speed, timing, angle, etc. into the hit. That's how it should be. It also hits at the proper times which was a fear that many people had when the change was announced.

With the skating I don't feel too much change but that could just be because I haven't played 13 since the first round of the playoffs. It seems a little smoother. Honestly the skating couldn't get anything but better.

Another thing I liked was the after whistle tugging and what not. It looks pretty cool. I dislike the fighting though. I just think it's stupid. More realistic, yes. However, to have this as a huge feature just ticks me off because the fights last 20 seconds. Just dumb.

The feeling I get is the same with every other past NHL game. It is just way too wide open and takes 0 skill. The NHL is all about creating your own space to shoot and get scoring chances. That is non existent in this game. I've said it before but this game is all about flinging long passes and entering the zone by yourself to shoot or deke. How people don't get bored with this is beyond me. The defensive pressure is just severely lacking. I've had numerous times where my players are going on a line change and I'm entering the zone 1 on 3 or 4. In that circumstance the CPU should step up and take the puck away to transition. They don't though and I can skate right into the slot and shoot or deke. It just kills the game.

For me I just don't understand this series. What is the point of having options like All Star, Superstar, and Hardcore Simulation if there is no difference in the way the CPU plays? The defensive pressure is the most notable. It's so frustrating that this game has so many different game styles and options yet every one of them are still catered to people who are casuals. I should be forced to dump the puck in, pass to my teammates to create chances, etc. I feel none of that.

May I also add that in my 5 games I nor the CPU have gone offsides 1 time. That is not a joke, that is the honest truth. That's inexcusable IMO. I hate talking trash about this game but it just sucks that it's the same issues (or lack of changes) every single year. We should be at a point where each game style plays differently so that everyone can enjoy the game how they want. Sadly that isn't the case. I'm hoping and praying Next Gen can get it right.