NHL '12

[Jarick 5]

Yeah that's about it, a handful of new gimmicks that make the game more "realistic", yet everybody on the ice looks and plays exactly the same. I loved NHL 09, had 10 for a while but sold it and went back to 09, skipped 11, probably will get 12 but only because I'm selling my 360 and getting a PS3.

[samson35 0]

I just hope this whole running the goalie thing doesn't get too out of hand. I think it's a great feature, but I hope it doesn't interfere with gameplay too much. I'm all for scoring goals, but I don't want to see the goalie on the ice every other play because the CPU decided to run into him. Same thing with the broken glass. It's nice, but in moderation. It's great the first time, but stuff like that gets old. I can't wait to see what the battling in front of the net is going to be like. I really liked the new faceoff system and I'm hoping that EA really develops the net front stuff. cant wait!

[iceNsteel 0]

People keep shelling out 60 bucks year after year for what amounts to some minor tweaks and a roster update. Not really surprised EA is milking the goose laying the golden eggs on this one. But as long as EA has an exclusive deal with the NFL you won't see much competition in any other sports title either. The Europeans and Japanese don't like sports games, so without football there isn't a lot of motivation to float any other sports game either.

[HattrickSwayze 3]

With 2K not coming out this year, NHL is going to become the Madden of a few years ago; a roster update and one cute little feature. I'm not impressed with the E3 videos. There are so many more important features to fix or add than something like goalie fights, that will rarely ever happen. I did notice in the videos that it looked like there might be a few new skating animations. Still the same generic player models and everything though..

I'm hoping 2K makes a return to NHL next year. NHL 2K10 is actually a pretty good game if you can get past the clunky looking skating and some small flaws. The AI is much better than EA's.

There's a preview at Operation Sports that highlights a couple AI changes the developers are making.

New CPU shot-decision logic -- they shoot more and are more aggressive

New skate with intent animation and logic -- better planning by the AI

CPU will aim for goalie's pads to create rebounds when no other scoring chance is available

CPU puck carriers will skate more aggressively towards open space

New "stay onside" logic

Improved in-zone set up logic.

The in-zone set-up logic will be the most helpful. Your AI teammates, especially in Be a Pro, are absolutely terrible 90% of the time.

[ScruffyTheJanitor 1]

There's a preview at Operation Sports that highlights a couple AI changes the developers are making.

The in-zone set-up logic will be the most helpful. Your AI teammates, especially in Be a Pro, are absolutely terrible 90% of the time.

That list actually makes me more excited than any of the videos I've seen or hype I've heard so far.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

SITUATIONAL SETTINGS!!!!!

I cannot tell you how many times I'm coming off a PP in game and I don't have the time to reset my forecheck, D pressure and breakout, and my Dman will jump up to pinch when its totalllllyyy not the time and place to do so, and I get effed on a two-one. I want settings for my PP, ES, PK. Is it really that hard EA?

[MrWizard 0]

I hope they fix the AI of my team mates so they stop cutting me off as I'm trying to move through the neutral zone, just kills me...

[HattrickSwayze 3]

SITUATIONAL SETTINGS!!!!!

I cannot tell you how many times I'm coming off a PP in game and I don't have the time to reset my forecheck, D pressure and breakout, and my Dman will jump up to pinch when its totalllllyyy not the time and place to do so, and I get effed on a two-one. I want settings for my PP, ES, PK. Is it really that hard EA?

NHL 2K10 has this. You can have different settings for all 4 even strength lines, both PP units, both PK units, and your 4-on-4 units. This is another one of those things where I can't figure out why EA hasn't added it yet.

[RiSeOnFiRe 0]

NHL 2K10 has this. You can have different settings for all 4 even strength lines, both PP units, both PK units, and your 4-on-4 units. This is another one of those things where I can't figure out why EA hasn't added it yet.

Urgh thats so frustrating to hear. I wonder if they are taking fan suggestions...

[hamstercaster 2]

Probably won't be buying it this year. First off I sold my Xbox and with NHL 11 I played one full season and some be a pro for a bit and stopped playing the game altogether. Could get it for PC (not even sure if it comes out for PC anymore) but probably won't. Can't say that I've been impressed by EA's NHL franchise in the past few years.

[AIREAYE 248]

With 2K not coming out this year, NHL is going to become the Madden of a few years ago; a roster update and one cute little feature. I'm not impressed with the E3 videos. There are so many more important features to fix or add than something like goalie fights, that will rarely ever happen. I did notice in the videos that it looked like there might be a few new skating animations. Still the same generic player models and everything though..

I'm hoping 2K makes a return to NHL next year. NHL 2K10 is actually a pretty good game if you can get past the clunky looking skating and some small flaws. The AI is much better than EA's.

There's a preview at Operation Sports that highlights a couple AI changes the developers are making.

The in-zone set-up logic will be the most helpful. Your AI teammates, especially in Be a Pro, are absolutely terrible 90% of the time.

- "Physicality reigns supreme here (I swear every other check near the glass ended up breaking the glass)..." guys I'm really scared...

- "And even with the checks being the definition of absurd in this build..."

[MrWizard 0]

- "Physicality reigns supreme here (I swear every other check near the glass ended up breaking the glass)..." guys I'm really scared...

- "And even with the checks being the definition of absurd in this build..."

Did you read the parts of the article where the dev team said that they had these settings cranked on purpose?

The game is still months away from being finished. Release date is September 13th, it will probably go gold about a week before that.

[Vulcan7905 88]

I know a E3 video showed the glass breaking but Rammer said tht it will happen MAYBE one a game.

[goaliemanshark 6]

I know a E3 video showed the glass breaking but Rammer said tht it will happen MAYBE one a game.

And that's about 30 times too often

[bigdmac 12]

And that's about 30 times too often

Agreed.

[HattrickSwayze 3]

In the Live Chat videos, he talked about the build at E3 having all the physicality settings being cranked way up, and that when it ships it will be more authentic. Regarding broken glass, he said "How often does the glass break in real life? Once every 25-30 games MAYBE?" So.. that should give a little more hope for you guys.

Watch the videos here, they're a little interesting.

[RThockey4437 0]

Havent read through the thread but is it true or have they announced if they are adding NCAA teams in or not?

[Joshison 1]

blah ill stay with 11 for now

[MrWizard 0]

Cover boy is Steven Stamkos.

[HolyRollie 0]

I hope they fix the AI of my team mates so they stop cutting me off as I'm trying to move through the neutral zone, just kills me...

This...and the horrendous lack of ability for the AI to recognize a situation where it should pass or shoot.

[Cams 7]

Havent read through the thread but is it true or have they announced if they are adding NCAA teams in or not?

I don't think they are, never heard it was even considered. If they did, I hope they have a feature so the players can leave and go CHL. ;)

[Quintin 16]

Stamkos is the new cover athlete? Thomas should have had it

[17D1998 1]

Stamkos is the new cover athlete? Thomas should have had it

I have to agree even tho I don't like Thomas... would have been nice to see a goalie on the cover

[RussianDangler15 0]

Has there ever been a goalie on the cover?

[interpathway 9]

Beezer in '94.