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Review: NHL 12

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  • Review: NHL 12

    NHL 12 is, at its initial appearance, much the same as its predecessor, NHL 11. However, it doesn't take much time to discover the added depth that the crew at EA Sports has added to propel the hockey title into the stratosphere of greatness. It may be the best sports game released this year, besting out long-standing sports staple, Madden NFL and even FIFA Soccer.

    New this year are the more dynamic goalies, a redesigned physics engine for both the players and puck, signature player traits, net battles, the Winter Classic, and more. Also included this year is the EA Ultimate Team which combines player cards with the GM aspects of a full dynasty. "Be a GM" mode makes a return that lets you set up and run nearly every aspect of running an NHL team, which coincides nicely with NHL 12'd "Be a Pro" mode that places you solely in the shoes of one player on his rise to fame.



    Teams now have fresh introductions, most of which are based off of their real world counterparts right down to props and effects seen in real team introductions. This goes alongside the game's new Action Tracker, more poignant replay system, and Jumbotrons that actually track stats in real time as the game progresses. It may not sound like much, but it's a great attention to detail that the team from EA Sports really nailed for NHL 12.

    The online component of NHL 12 has also received a bit of TLC. Honestly, the number of returning and new modes would be enough to write a short story about and that's not really what we're here to do. What you need to know is that there is something for everybody in NHL 12. If you are a fan of hockey and sports titles and you can't find something to enjoy in NHL 12, you might be broken inside.

    Enough about the background information on the game, how does it play? It is amazing. That is the easiest way to describe it. It is one of the best sports games ever created, let alone one of the best hockey titles out there. Yes, it even surpasses everyone's favorite old school title, NHL 94. Battles in front of the net have been given a huge emphasis in NHL 12. Defensivemen who crowd the net can be shaken from their foundations by a quick move by a skilled forward.

    Goalie interactions were also another major focus in NHL 12. Players can collide into goalies, throwing them off their mark; just don't expect to get away without a penalty. Interference is a penalty that the refs in this game love to call. It's almost as if they get a crisp $100 bill any time they call it, it happens that often. While it isn't all that common in the real sport, goalies in NHL 12 will throw down the gloves and get into a little brawl should the situation arise.



    "Signature traits" are new in NHL 12. These traits attempt to mimic the skills, abilities, or maneuvers that their real-life counter-parts are known for. Now, these aren't any sort of "super move" type ability, but rather an emphasis on skills such as excelling in one-timers, nail-biting saves, defensive screens, and more. Essentially, if a player excels in one particular aspect in the real world, they will probably excel in that same ability in NHL 12.

    There are a few disappointing changes made in NHL 12. For some inexplicable reason, the puck feels a bit "heavy" compared to previous iterations of the game. At times it almost seems as though the puck were glued to the ice, rarely getting lofted into the air or shot out of play. EA Sports wanted to have better puck physics, and while they constantly work on puck physics every year, this year's game feels like a small step backwards in this area. It's a minor complaint but it's one that must be made for those looking for truly authentic puck handling in their hockey game.

    The opponent AI rarely make mistakes and feels like another very minor step backwards for the series. Accidental offsides or icing for the opponent teams are about as elusive as pictures of Big Foot. Certain moves from certain players are almost a "sure thing" when it comes to scoring goals. Wrap-around goals feel as though they were a lot easier to pull off compared to recent years. While it is great to do this against the opponent AI, you may grow tired of it when your human opponents attempt to cheese their way to victory every time.

    NHL 12 incorporates a number of modes, as mentioned. Beyond the Be a Pro mode that takes you from a virtual nobody to one of the top stars of the NHL, NHL 12 includes a Be a Legend mode that immediately places you into the skates of your favorite NHL star. In the Be a Pro mode, players start out as a teenager looking to make it big. Start off in the lesser hockey leagues, practice, and perhaps one day if you're promising enough, you will be drafted to an NHL team. Once you made it to the NHL, you continue to grow and mature as a player until you eventually hit a mid-life crisis and retire from the game you love. A number of the NHL's greatest players are included as Legends in NHL 12. Some of these legends include Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Chris Chelios, Patrick Roy, and more. These players are a great addition and can be used in a variety of the game's many modes.



    Having spent a ton of time in the Be a Pro mode in previous years, not much time was spent on these areas. They are enjoyable if you have not yet had your fill from previous years or are a new comer to the series. Playing through a number of seasons as your favorite team was where a bulk of the time was spent. Beyond playing the game, or simulating if you so choose, you can manage the day to day operations. You don't have to do anything you don't want to but the options are there if you wish.

    Visually, NHL 12 is as good as it can possibly get, that is until NHL 13 at least. The presentation is top notch as EA Sports went all out on team introductions. Teams are brought onto the ice with presentations ripped straight from their real world intros. Once you hit the ice and actually begin playing, you will be quick to notice the TV style presentation that shines during replays and other down periods throughout a game. Arenas, players, and the interface are all spectacular. Most of the league's biggest stars look close enough to their real world counterparts that they should be easily recognizable at a glance. The only issue is that a few of the animations look a bit off. This is most notable during a physics powered hit that places players in some positions that don't allow for smooth transitions between animations.

    The only real short coming of the generally stellar presentation is, sadly, the commentary. Gary Thorne and Bill Clemente return for NHL 12 and while their commentary is usually top-notch it does suffer from a few odd ball remarks. Don't take enough shots on goal? You best believe they're going to come as close as they can to saying you suck without specifically stating it. It's just a little off the mark in places and nothing that's really new in NHL 12 but it's still probably the weakest component of the game. Other sounds are about what you would expect from a hockey game. Hits are powerful and jarring. Skates slice through the ice and pitch will change based on speed and the action going on.

    NHL 12 once again incorporates classic arena anthems common to hockey games and sporting events in general. Beyond that, the full soundtrack is rounded out by alternative rock and rock offerings from artists such as Billy Idol, Bush, Dropkick Murphys, ELO, Manchester Orchestra, and many more. I've always had a bit of a soft spot for the soundtracks in the NHL series and this year's offering is no exception. The collection of songs fits in nicely with the hockey experience and the overall NHL presentation.

    Bottom Line
    Gameplay - 9.5/10
    NHL 12 offers up more game modes and options than you could possible shake a stick at (unless it were a tree trunk). Fans of hockey need to pick this title up, especially if they haven't picked up an NHL title for a couple of years. The fluid controls are quick to learn and offer an NHL experience unlike anything else.

    Visuals: 8/10
    Marred only by some funky animations and animation transitions, NHL 12 is the best looking and best presented NHL game to date.

    Audio: 8.5/10
    The sounds and music are top-notch. The only sore sport is the commentary not always being spot-on. A very minor complaint if ever there was.

    Replayability: 9.5/10
    With a ton of game modes to offer, online and local multiplayer, and a Be a Pro mode that takes you through literal decades of your player's life, there is a ton of replayability contained within the game.

    Overall: 9/10




    NHL 12 was reviewed on the Xbox 360. The copy was provided by EA, EA Canada, and EA Sports for review purposes. NHL 12 is also available on the PlayStation 3.
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