NHL 2011 passes physics with flying colors
NHL 2011 is the latest release in the EA NHL franchise, continuing the good old true simulation of Ice Hockey. The engine in which these next generation NHL games are run on had it`s face lift with NHL 2009, with board play, and the unique almost flawless control scheme.
NHL 2011 brings pretty much all of NHL 2010 to the table, with a few more modes, better graphics, and less overall frame rate. From the gameplay side of things, it is very much the best Ice Hockey simulation you can play, with all of the standard rules, and movement from players on the ice. On the hardest setting, which is Superstar, the game feels great, being excellent by not being very fast or feeling like a one man team. It feels knid of sluggish and brute, or speedy swift depending on the player you are using, as real hockey tends to be. Puck movement has felt better than it ever has, and from the opening overhead faceoff, which take place directly above the players at center ice, how tv actually shows off the first faceoff of the period. The moment that all takes place, along with the new announcer bringing the momentum before gameplay, really puts a nice big smile on any realy hockey fans face, really letting you know that your purchase was well worth it. The faceoff mechanic has also seen a nice touch, as you can shrug the opponent and pass to the defense, or even flick up the stick of the other player. The faceoff also allows you to pull back in on the right stick to pick what side you want to pass the puck on.
There is a ton of new detail paid attention the game interface and starting up a game, with real nice effects making really seem like your watching actual Hockey Night in Canada. The players are attributes are very accurately managed compared to the last season, and as well their overall ability from their career. All things from past games make an appearance as well, like creating characters and teams with your own jersey designs and logos. Arenas have also been paid close attention to, and replicate the actual arena that you will be playing in. Frame rate within the menus has significantly dropped, making it way less frustrating, and less annoying to navigate through team menus when editing lines or dealing with players when working with salaries and such in Be a GM Mode or the many modes there are present.
Online this time around is just as robust as the last time around with even more features like monthly be a pro modes with multiple players, and cool features to really make it worth while to play this game for a whole year, until NHL 2012 that is. This game does not fall short of being fun, and really having no problems within the gameplay. The stick mechanics, like deking is really flawless, and with enough practice, you`ll be able to pull off any move you see in the actual game itself.
NHL 2011 features the all new physics engine, which is the biggest new feature. Hits are no longer performed within an animation, and every hit will feel and be different than every other hit you make. By the way, this is probably the greatest thing to come into an NHL game ever, hitting players has never felt more satisfying, and this feature really shows itself well, by by hitting animation. If you end up hitting a player near their stick, it could very well knock it out of their hands, or even break. That is also a new feature where sticks are now breakable, which is a very common thing that happens in the sport of hockey. Hockey fights are still done in the first person mode, and still fell pretty much the same and that being awesome, but still kind of feels like they could work on that a little more, but still satisfying in of itself.
Be a pro mode makes another comeback, which derives very much like an RPG, and is one of the funnest things you will ever play, and very addicting like is was before. A new mode has been introduced, which has you dealing with players cards, setting up your team matching stats and chemistry, as this mode is really deep and is made more for hardcore hockey fans, as it deals with lots of deep thinking inside the sport itself. You will really need to understand the sport to be able to have full enjoyment with that mode, but is a real nice touch and is very fun and keeps you really engaged.
NHL 2011 now features a more robust Custom Trax, where you can set any playlist to any menu or even a certain home teams arena, really letting put what music you want for your team, and what other people would want on their team.
Pretty much most of the Hockey leagues around the world are once again represented again here, with tons of rosters and stats management. The CHL has made its first appearance in an NHL game. The CHL is the Canadian Hockey League, which is divided into three different leagues spread throughout Canada, which is like a Junior League, where young players test their skills and will before being drafted into the actual NHL.
NHL 2011 is probably the most fun Ive had with an NHL game ever, and Ive been playing NHL game since NHLPA 93, and from the start up, felt really fresh and like a whole new experience, and miles better than last seasons NHL game, and Ive been playing NHL 2010 this whole last week preparing for 2011. This game is definitely recommended to any hockey fans out there, as most die hards have probably all ready purchased it and are playing now. I bought the game at stores open, and havent even stopped playing yet, just a little moment to write this review here, just to share my experience with people, and to let people really know if NHL 2011 is worth the purchase, and it is well worth the purchase.
