I just played the demo, and I'm really impressed with the "be a pro" mode.  As someone who used to play a lot of street hockey growing up, it seemed to me to do a much better job of simulating what it's like to play the game of hockey.  I enjoyed trying to be in position for a pass--something you never get to do in normal hockey games.  It's probably enough to get me to buy the game, which is the first time I've bought a hockey game since NHL 2k5.

I really enjoyed the demo.  Not bought a EA NHL game for many years but i've pre ordered this one.  I also look forward to the BAP mode.

The skating feels alot better this time around, and the defensive stick controls add a whole new layer of depth that was needed. I'm really excited for it.

I like all the gameplay improvements my issue is with the player ratings go google it if you havent already 96 for crosby? really? also it seems like the computer dosnt realize that it needs to change its play with the goalie pulled.

I have become really hooked to this demo, and will be picking this game up as soon as I can. Hopefully day 1.

"I like all the gameplay improvements my issue is with the player ratings go google it if you havent already 96 for crosby? really? also it seems like the computer dosnt realize that it needs to change its play with the goalie pulled."

"Dizzyhippos said:

"I like all the gameplay improvements my issue is with the player ratings go google it if you havent already 96 for crosby? really? also it seems like the computer dosnt realize that it needs to change its play with the goalie pulled."

The ratings are a little messed up. I don't really think Crosby is to far off though he is one that I think actually they got right."

Forsburg rating is insane I think he has a higher rating then Ovechkin.

http://www.operationsports.com/mediaview.php?id=492&page=3

has the ratings

95 for forsburg ovy and iginla then they underrate rick nash with a 89 and over rate peca and derek roy, peca wasn't a 85 in his best year let alone this year and as far as roy go's what does a guy have to do he had 81 points on a struggling team and only gets a 80???

"http://www.operationsports.com/mediaview.php?id=492&page=3

has the ratings

95 for forsburg ovy and iginla then they underrate rick nash with a 89 and over rate peca and derek roy, peca wasn't a 85 in his best year let alone this year and as far as roy go's what does a guy have to do he had 81 points on a struggling team and only gets a 80???"

I dont mean to sound like such a homer since I am a sabres fan but how do they only give pominvile a 78 or lower?

I'm sure there will be an update with the game as soon as you pop in the disc to make the ratings better, I could be wrong but that's usually the case.

I hope so, they are going to need a roster update right away to pull sundin and mccabe off the leafs along with all the other recent transfers

I suppose that's an advantage i've got here in the UK.  I don't follow the real NHL so haven't a clue about how good/poor players are.  So i'll just play it blissfully unaware of who should have higher / lower rating.

I really disliked how you shoot by moving the analog back and forth. And for some reason it was ridiculously hard to score even once. I tried the 94' controls, but it's still a little stiff. I don't know, maybe I'm too used to the NHL Hitz 03' game (the last hockey game I bought/played).