NHL 12 first look video

[Diablo25]

Downloading...

[MizzouRah]

It wasn't available for NCAA 12 are you sure it's not NCAA 13?

It shows NCAA fb, but that must mean NCAA 13 and it says 12 months per $24.99 so I'm assuming if you get it now, you'll have it for 12 months total.

[JRod]

How do you find this on the PS3?

[Rodster]

It's in the demos section in the PS Store.

[Sport73]

Played a few games online and off and it's no surprise that the run continues for this game at the top of the all time sports video game list. Puck physics are the most noticeable improvement, along with a subtle slow-down to the game speed which opens up the ice a little more.

Looking forward to getting the Ice Dragons together ASAP.

[10spro]

Had quick a winter classic game between the Pens and Caps as I have to rush out to play a real sport game. The new puck physics is quite visible, one of the aspect of the game that I saw a big improvement in the demo was the AI. No longer the CPU plays directly at the puck but instead it positions itself to where it thinks the puck may bounce to. You can get quite active in front of the crease and push the opponent out as they seem to have beefed up the interactions around the net.

Hits are more varied and not of the same variety as 11, you can see players stumbling down if you get close enough to him and fight for the puck, this action more noticeable with players of lesser skills. I liked the fact that the CPU outshot me after 3 periods although I managed to win the game in OT.

Passing is still a miss or hit for me, I just seem to have better accuracy with the classic controls, instead of default.

There are some noticeable new animations in the game, like holding up your leg to avoid being called offside, saw the moorings come off the ice in my game and had a real cool animation where I broke my stick but the player closer to the bench simply gave his to me while he was getting a new stick himself.

No rosters update yet and online is quite busy as EA serves were a hit or miss. It took me about a full hour to download the game which is about 5.64 GB.

Just one game, and I enjoyed it.

[10spro]

It was neat to see that you can import all your settings straight from your 11 profile instead of creating a new one. Don't recall this option in previous years.

[Rodster]

Sportsdan was right the PS3 version looks great. Which version did you guys get?

[tjung0831]

Ok..finally got a chance to play. Made a few changes to the settings and played first game on pro settings.
Blues 5
Avalanche 0
Blues goals in order
Arnott from Nikitin
Langenbrunner SH from Shattenkirk and Oshie
Arnott from Nikitin and Colaiacovo
Backes from Shattenkirk and Jackman
Pietrangelo from McDonald and Oshie

3 stars which are no longer shown on the ice
Halak - Stopped 30 shots
Arnott - 2 goals
Oshie - 2 assists and he injured both David Jones and Paul Stastny.

Game is great, it's a no brainer for a purchase next week as soon as I have time. Some really great new animations. Gonna have to mess with the settings to get the game more to my liking..tone down penalties, give the players a little more acceleration...etc. Gonna bump up to All Star here for my next few games.

[Diablo25]

I tried a few EASHL drop in games but could barely see what was going on due to some SERIOUS graphical glitches. Pretty much unplayable. I'm guessing it's just this "early release" thing causing issues. Anyone else?

[Danimal]

Vader and I played 2 club games no issues from my end

[10spro]

Loving the soundtrack this year.

[Lancer]

damn, sounds good, always been a fan of the series the last 3/4 years.

Just having too much fun w/ Madden and now the 'new NCAA'. Hard to resist.

[Gangrel]

I'm a sucker. I bought season pass and got nhl.

Just played a game and a half so far. Some quick hits:

I findit harder to get into the zone, or even get out of my zone with a heavy forecheck on.
Physics are awesome.
I am going to get sick of goalie fight quickly.
They took away the ability for the hometeam to see what line is coming on the ice for visitors???
Maybe its just me but the colours seem it muted and more real to me.

I want to play more before commenting much on gameplay, but i like what i see so far.

[Diablo25]

Vader and I played 2 club games no issues from my end

It was weird. There were big blue triangles/rectangles that covered 30-40% of the screen. Plus many of the player had no heads. It was like they were invisible men...just uniforms playing. I had to back out of 2-3 games because of the issue and they counted as losses. The one game I could see good enough I played LW well and set up some teammates for some sweet goals. It was sweet.

On a different note, I played about 3 Random Ranked games and the scoring was ridiculous. I lost one game 8-1. Every damn thing the guy shot got by Bryz. I played over 600 online randoms with 11 and NEVER got beat like that. I hate to say it but I think their is a money goal issue. Not bad but its there.

Anyways, look for me tonight, I'd love to play some EASHL.

[10spro]

I can see that size does matter in this version of NHL. With a big guy like Z. Chara, his strength and balance are tough to deal with if you're trying to get by him with an average winger. While the collisions are more subtle you don't see your player being hit like a rag-doll anymore, instead it's more realistic depending on the position of both players when full contact is made.

[Rodster]

I had a chance to play both demos and they both look good but the 360 version has slightly less jaggys but during replays you notice a slight stutter whereas the PS3 version is smooth during replays and on the ice.

[Diablo25]

Played a few more Online Team drop in games last night and the graphical glitch is gone but all 3 games froze. Frustrating.

[10spro]

Played a few more Online Team drop in games last night and the graphical glitch is gone but all 3 games froze. Frustrating.

No problems here. Try resetting your router maybe.

[10spro]

The HUD mode didn't get a whole lot of changes in NHL 12. There's a new single player mode which is pretty cool called EAUHL 24/7 which allows you to play against other gamers' created teams without actually being online. And you can still earn EA pucks even when other teams play against you offline.

Haven't touched the BAP mode yet but I wish one of these years EA would just allow us to import our hard working PRO to be imported directly from the previous BAP modes instead of starting all over again every year.

Online wise, I haven't seen players executing the over the top cheesy dekes as previous versions, they've been fun we'll see what happens when the game is officially released on Tuesday.

[nyisles16]

Gotta say, i am LOVING the scrum in front of the nets.. funny clip I saw was that my goalie went to play the puck behind the net.. AI bashed me pretty good.. next thing I saw was my goalie going after him and falling on the ice!!

Winter Classic was a neat little touch too.. can't wait for the retail to come out

[Gangrel]

I'm digging the game . The traits seem to work well. I had Ryan Whitney pinch in from D exactly when he should which I don't remember from last year.

I think they need to tune penalties though. The cpu doesn't seem to take any.

[Rodster]

I really enjoyed my time with the demo so I pre-ordered it on Ebay. (PS3)

[Diablo25]

Started a BAP career in the CHL. I'm A center (sniper) on the Shawinigan Cataractes. In my first game I had a goal and 3 assists in a win. It was great simming to my next shift. Fun stuff. Loving the game so far.

[MizzouRah]

I'm digging the game . The traits seem to work well. I had Ryan Whitney pinch in from D exactly when he should which I don't remember from last year.

I think they need to tune penalties though. The cpu doesn't seem to take any.

Did you crank them all of the way up? I've always had to do that with the NHL series.