NHL 12 first look video

[Rodster]

One thing I notice is when you take an uncontested shot at the goalie the AI gets aggressive and comes after you and starts checking you even though the play is already dead. I would like to see that aggression when you get some players in front of the net while the puck is in play.

Someone explained that, that's not how the NHL rules work and you could get called for a penalty but on the flip side the area in front of the net is typically wide open in EA's NHL game.

[Aristo]

Tried a few online games of Ultimate Team, and every single guy I played had this magical dangling/deking move to just dance through the defense, then run a diagonal line through the slot and a stick-left/stick-right goal from the extreme corner past the goalie. I couldn't check him, couldn't poke it, and just had to watch. I gave up 7 goals in the first period and a couple minutes in the last game to a guy using that strategy. I rarely quit out of games, but I bailed and I think that's the last online game I play against people I don't know.

Hockey is so fun when people play it like it's supposed to be--and so very UNFUN when guys find a trick to exploit over and over again. The nature of the game itself makes it so tough to really plant and take the right angle, but when your other 4 guys are off doing Lord knows what and you're left constantly as the only one back trying to stop that move, it gets so irritating and old in a matter of minutes.

I completely soured on the online aspect in one day.

As much as I love HUT, and really do enjoy this mode, the online play is terrible. It rewards all of the worst kinds of play with more pucks, so you find even more gurus piling on. It's pretty terrible. I play it as an offline game. At least this year, you can play random HUT teams offline. The game feeds you four choices. One rated just under you, one the same, and one just better. Then it also feeds you a Top 100 team. You pick one and play it. Then when you go back, it is four different teams to choose from.

Yesterday I played a Top 100 team that was rated worse than me! You can imagine what this tool would be like to play for real.

But the big new feature is that you can also play online games against other HUT teams in your friends list. You don't earn pucks and your players do not lose games off their careers or contracts, but the game does track your W-L with your buddies. This just seems like the right way to play the the mode.

[Aristo]

One thing I notice is when you take an uncontested shot at the goalie the AI gets aggressive and comes after you and starts checking you even though the play is already dead. I would like to see that aggression when you get some players in front of the net while the puck is in play.

Someone explained that, that's not how the NHL rules work and you could get called for a penalty but on the flip side the area in front of the net is typically wide open in EA's NHL game.

There is a ton more aggression in front of the net this year.

[Naples39]

Tried a few online games of Ultimate Team, and every single guy I played had this magical dangling/deking move to just dance through the defense, then run a diagonal line through the slot and a stick-left/stick-right goal from the extreme corner past the goalie. I couldn't check him, couldn't poke it, and just had to watch. I gave up 7 goals in the first period and a couple minutes in the last game to a guy using that strategy. I rarely quit out of games, but I bailed and I think that's the last online game I play against people I don't know.

Hockey is so fun when people play it like it's supposed to be--and so very UNFUN when guys find a trick to exploit over and over again. The nature of the game itself makes it so tough to really plant and take the right angle, but when your other 4 guys are off doing Lord knows what and you're left constantly as the only one back trying to stop that move, it gets so irritating and old in a matter of minutes.

I completely soured on the online aspect in one day.

I had hoped there would be more gameplay tweaks to effect online play, mainly the balance between dangling and passing, and positional defense and hitting/sticklifting. Unfortunately it's pretty much the same and all my complaints from last year will stand this year. There's really no way to compete unless you learn the tricks, or at least how to defend them. The idea that "I know what this guy is doing, I'll just wait here as he skates/passes right into me" doesn't work.

The last resort technique is not to control you CPU dman teammates and pursue the puck with a backchecking defender while our CPU teammates generally stay in position. That doesn't really work against someone who has the dangle moves down though.

[Rodster]

One thing I notice is when you take an uncontested shot at the goalie the AI gets aggressive and comes after you and starts checking you even though the play is already dead. I would like to see that aggression when you get some players in front of the net while the puck is in play.

Someone explained that, that's not how the NHL rules work and you could get called for a penalty but on the flip side the area in front of the net is typically wide open in EA's NHL game.

There is a ton more aggression in front of the net this year.

Yeah there is but it doesn't compare to what you see on TV. There's just too much open space to the goalie and the AI doesn't budge until the play is over, meanwhile i've gotten off maybe 3-4 shots before the goalie covers up the puck. Just wish the AI was a bit tighter in front of the net.

But all in all I like NHL 12 better than last years.

[MizzouRah]

A few questions for those of you who have the game. I'm definitely on the fence.

Are penalties rarely called in offline games like I've been reading? I know this was an issue a couple years ago and they patched it
so it's not a big concern.

Are the majority of your goals garbage goals? That's what I've experienced in the demo.

Are you having much success with slap shots going in?

What has turned me off in the past from this series is the CPU seemingly being able to score at will when it needs to. Meaning, you can
do nothing to stop them. It almost seems as if it's programmed in. Does this seem to rear its ugly head still?

Thanks!

With penalties turned all the way up, I had 9 called in a game last night, so yes.

I get a good mix of garbage and good wristers, a breakaway here and ther.

Slapshots, YES

AI is TONS better this year, default AS feels great thus far.

[10spro]

Hockey is so fun when people play it like it's supposed to be--and so very UNFUN when guys find a trick to exploit over and over again. The nature of the game itself makes it so tough to really plant and take the right angle, but when your other 4 guys are off doing Lord knows what and you're left constantly as the only one back trying to stop that move, it gets so irritating and old in a matter of minutes.

I know exactly what you mean. Had a quick online OTP game this morning. The other clowns were dancing and stick handling til their hearts' content that 4 of my online players quit by the beginning of the 3rd period. The game was 5-0 then and I ended up playing on my own against the other guys in what ended in a 6-2 rout but I understood why the other guys quit when they did. There are times where I wonder if EA should have two separate online modes. One for kids that love to doopsy doodle all they want in arcade style and the other one for the more play like it's supposed to be played crowd.

[sportdan30]

Thanks for the impressions and answers to my questions. I'm going to pick this game up in a few days.

For those who do not have the game yet, starting Sept 18th thru Oct. 28th, Kmart is giving a $20 gaming
coupon with the purchase of NHL12.

[MizzouRah]

I'm itching to get my BeaGM dynasty started.. there was a roster update last night.. so I think I'm going to go with that.

[Leadfoot5]

I could use some gameplay tips from you guys.

Looking at the manual, I know I am using maybe 1/3 of the available controls at most. On offense I'm really only using the pass and shoot controls. My strategy is to tic-tac-toe it into the offensive zone then 1) Try a slapshot and collect the trash if it's there, 2) Look for a one-time opportunity, or 3) Look for a wraparound. Basically, I still play the game like it's NHL93.

What's the next layer of depth with player control I should be looking to improve upon? Or do I really need to bother? Thanks!!

[Naples39]

You really need to be using the right stick to deke and shoot. Practice some shootouts. Also, holding A to protect the puck is useful, especially online against rampant sticklifting.

When playing defense, use the vision control a lot (hold LT) to remain facing the puck and don't overplay the puck. Clog the high scoring areas poking (RB) and sticklifting (A). I find you intercept many more passes when in vision control too.

[MizzouRah]

Son of a.. I just lost to our AHL team.

[Aristo]

You really need to be using the right stick to deke and shoot. Practice some shootouts. Also, holding A to protect the puck is useful, especially online against rampant sticklifting.

When playing defense, use the vision control a lot (hold LT) to remain facing the puck and don't overplay the puck. Clog the high scoring areas poking (RB) and sticklifting (A). I find you intercept many more passes when in vision control too.

Thanks for this. I try to to play solid defense by not switching to often, and keep a defenseman in position. But I don't think I ever use LT on defense.

[toonarmy]

A few thoughts:

1) As far as the CPU getting goals when it needs them, and late in the game when it is behind, I don't think it is due to rubberband AI. The CPU, especially late in a game in which it is behind, just adjusts its strategy and plays more frantically. I got burnt a couple games in the third pd by the CPU catching up to me, but it was because I did not adjust my strategy. I rarely give up a two or more goal lead any more because I now pack it in and recognize that the CPU is looking to intercept more passes and poke check more, so I guard the puck more, make shorter passes, and only allow the CPU on the outside when its on offense. The CPU pretty well mirrors real NHL teams when it is behind late in the game by playing more frantic hockey and putting more shots on goal. I really like the challenge of having to adjust with the CPU.

2) One on one online play sucks as usual due to people either quitting when they get far behind and/or not playing anything resembling hockey. EASHL games, on the other hand, are more fun because it is all human opponents and there is incentive to play the right way.

3) Penalties are about right for me. Yeah, on default there are not as many as in a real game, however there are enough to make for special teams to be a factor. The CPU does ice the puck and goes offsides on occasion. Frankly, I'm glad it's not at a realistic clip because it gets annoying to have a lot of offsides calls when I just want to play hockey. Several of 2K's games had ridiculous amounts of CPU offsides calls and it got on my nerves.

4) I'm getting tremendous goal variety. That's one of the strengths of this game. In the past I felt too much went in on slappers from the point with manual aim (I love manual aim). That is toned down now that there is more traffic in front of the net. I was afraid with all the traffic there would be too many redirected goals, but that has not been the case thus far.

5) I continue to be impressed with the improved CPU offense. If I over commit with my defenders in the offensive zone the CPU will not hesitate to pass down ice for a breakaway after it steals the puck. In the past I never worried much about this, but this year I am finding myself being more careful because I get burnt from time to time on breakaways due to not using good position with my defenders on offense. The CPU also intercepts passes better than ever, which means I cannot play tic-tac-goal as in the past.

I know 12 controls the same, looks much the same, and has a similar feel to the past couple NHL games, but in my opinion it is a significant upgrade of a game due to the changes that were made. I no longer dominate HUT like I could last year. BAP is engaging enough that I keep wanting to play it (unlike last year). CPU teams and players also play a more varied game, which makes things more interesting and challenging at times.

[Aristo]

3) Penalties are about right for me. Yeah, on default there are not as many as in a real game, however there are enough to make for special teams to be a factor. The CPU does ice the puck and goes offsides on occasion. Frankly, I'm glad it's not at a realistic clip because it gets annoying to have a lot of offsides calls when I just want to play hockey. Several of 2K's games had ridiculous amounts of CPU offsides calls and it got on my nerves.

I don't think the lack of offsides or icing as anything other than a peculiarity, because the gameplay is flat-out fun and engaging in all of the ways you mentioned. But I really have yet to see a single CPU icing or offsides call. Are you playing on default sliders, or have you made any changes. Maybe I have made a change that has affected it.

But I totally agree that there is a fine line between realism and fun when it comes to hockey games. for me, that line has been steadily moving towards realism, because I came to video game hockey for the pure fun of arcade style play. Not only did I not care if the speed was too fast, or the passes too tape-to-tape, it's what i loved about the games. The fluidity of arcade hockey can almost be zen-like. When I had NHL 2K6, I spent ridiculous amounts of time playing Pond Hockey for just this reason.

But as I started to watch more hockey, I started craving a slower and sloppier game. But it is still a fine line, and there are ton of gamers that frequent forums that get to caught up into absolute realism over fun. All sports suffer it to some degree, but hockey is a special case, in my opinion.

As it stands, NHL 12 really is masterpiece, as Mizzourah has said. It is insanely fun and engaging on several levels, in several different modes of play. the sliders are effective enough that you can create an arcade experience, a sludgefest, or a nice balance. The only downside is that it leads to one hell of a lt of consternation from some who have very rigid ideas on how the game must play.

[Leadfoot5]

You really need to be using the right stick to deke and shoot. Practice some shootouts. Also, holding A to protect the puck is useful, especially online against rampant sticklifting.

When playing defense, use the vision control a lot (hold LT) to remain facing the puck and don't overplay the puck. Clog the high scoring areas poking (RB) and sticklifting (A). I find you intercept many more passes when in vision control too.

Thanks for the tips, much appreciated.

[Leebo33]

Thanks for the impressions and answers to my questions. I'm going to pick this game up in a few days.

For those who do not have the game yet, starting Sept 18th thru Oct. 28th, Kmart is giving a $20 gaming
coupon with the purchase of NHL12.

Just to clarify, you have to purchase the game today or I believe tomorrow to receive this deal. You can then use the $20 gaming coupon during the dates Dan listed.

I know because I bought the game on Tuesday and received a coupon. I've been buying all my games at KMart. Game availability on release day and $20 off...what's not to like?

[Naples39]

You really need to be using the right stick to deke and shoot. Practice some shootouts. Also, holding A to protect the puck is useful, especially online against rampant sticklifting.

When playing defense, use the vision control a lot (hold LT) to remain facing the puck and don't overplay the puck. Clog the high scoring areas poking (RB) and sticklifting (A). I find you intercept many more passes when in vision control too.

Thanks for the tips, much appreciated.

Take them at your own risk!! I am about 3-8 online in HUT!

[toonarmy]

3) Penalties are about right for me. Yeah, on default there are not as many as in a real game, however there are enough to make for special teams to be a factor. The CPU does ice the puck and goes offsides on occasion. Frankly, I'm glad it's not at a realistic clip because it gets annoying to have a lot of offsides calls when I just want to play hockey. Several of 2K's games had ridiculous amounts of CPU offsides calls and it got on my nerves.

I don't think the lack of offsides or icing as anything other than a peculiarity, because the gameplay is flat-out fun and engaging in all of the ways you mentioned. But I really have yet to see a single CPU icing or offsides call. Are you playing on default sliders, or have you made any changes. Maybe I have made a change that has affected it.

But I totally agree that there is a fine line between realism and fun when it comes to hockey games. for me, that line has been steadily moving towards realism, because I came to video game hockey for the pure fun of arcade style play. Not only did I not care if the speed was too fast, or the passes too tape-to-tape, it's what i loved about the games. The fluidity of arcade hockey can almost be zen-like. When I had NHL 2K6, I spent ridiculous amounts of time playing Pond Hockey for just this reason.

But as I started to watch more hockey, I started craving a slower and sloppier game. But it is still a fine line, and there are ton of gamers that frequent forums that get to caught up into absolute realism over fun. All sports suffer it to some degree, but hockey is a special case, in my opinion.

As it stands, NHL 12 really is masterpiece, as Mizzourah has said. It is insanely fun and engaging on several levels, in several different modes of play. the sliders are effective enough that you can create an arcade experience, a sludgefest, or a nice balance. The only downside is that it leads to one hell of a lt of consternation from some who have very rigid ideas on how the game must play.

I'm playing on default. Don't get me wrong, I am not seeing a ton of offsides and icing by the CPU, but have seen some. You make a lot of good points, especially the last one about being able to customize the game to your taste. You can basically turn this game into a modified version of NHL Hitz if that is what you like, or you can make it pretty realistic if that floats your boat. I'm fairly content with the default settings, as they play a realistic enough game of hockey to make it believable, yet still make for a good amount of fun factor with the smooth controls.

[sportdan30]

Thanks for the impressions and answers to my questions. I'm going to pick this game up in a few days.

For those who do not have the game yet, starting Sept 18th thru Oct. 28th, Kmart is giving a $20 gaming
coupon with the purchase of NHL12.

Just to clarify, you have to purchase the game today or I believe tomorrow to receive this deal. You can then use the $20 gaming coupon during the dates Dan listed.

I know because I bought the game on Tuesday and received a coupon. I've been buying all my games at KMart. Game availability on release day and $20 off...what's not to like?

Thanks Leebo! I did not know that. I just picked up the game for the 360. Thank you again.

[Rodster]

I've been buying all my games at KMart. Game availability on release day and $20 off...what's not to like?

TAX

With Amazon I can get release day shipping for 99 cents extra with a $20 coupon towards the next purchase and still pay no tax.

[MizzouRah]

The thing I like, is that each game is so different.

Don't have much going on tonight.. not sure I want to wait for tuner/antoher roster update on dive into my Blues franchise.

[greggsand]

I didn't really care about EA's no manual policy, but that was until I bought this game. This controller scheme is crazy for a NHL noob like me...

[toonarmy]

I didn't really care about EA's no manual policy, but that was until I bought this game. This controller scheme is crazy for a NHL noob like me...

I agree. They should at least insert a page showing the controls in any game, sports or non-sports. I actually do look at the controller layout sheet while learning a game. Surely it doesn't cost that much to put one extra small page into a $60 package.

[sportdan30]

Very impressed after two PLAY NOW games. The game just feels more organic and real. I love the game play variety thus far. Players
seem to react more realistically, especially in the neutral zone and in front of the net. The A.I.'s aggressive has really wowed me both offensively
and defensively. Offensively though, they are still able to pass tape to tape faster than I can. That's really my only negative so far.