After I have the game, thanks to a local dealer, possessed since September 12, and since then made about 20 games I can only say ..... That's hockey at it's best !!!!
After the predecessor but was better than me, you wonder how does EA Sports, here is what to improve.
In detail siehtbdas as follows:
Gameplay:
-True Performance skating is a real asset and it feels as if one is in the "real ice". Fast starting, changing direction, tactical position ....
- Puck "sticks" no longer as on the racket and "hops" sometimes on the ice
- Puck and Player Physics perfectly
- It's all about your strategy: do you mean, you can only be successful if one proceeds tactically and strategically in the offensive and deffensive. So simply go out and is no longer! Therefore requires a little "Hockey expertise" !!!!
In my opinion, the biggest change to its predecessor, has never been an NHL more simulation than this year
- Liquid movements and new animations
Points: 9/10
Atmosphere:
- New team Entrance, unfortunately without corresponding original intro music. Well, however, can - who are reworked much time HAT. All team intros one can find on the Internet or Youtube. But was already good at predecessor.
- Spectators mood adapts the game to happen.
- New repetitions with other camera angles. Come on a live broadcast very close!
- And of course English Komentatoren !!! So an American sports also have sound! And make their job quite well.
My recommendation: Try it out the new camera perspective "True Broadcast" .... You might think you look sees a live broadcast on ESPN on. Heavy playable but great atmosphere - especially in the Winter Classic Match.
So all lived very well but also nothing special. Drivers who want to see a game with reference atmosphere, I recommend a look at MLB 12 The Show throw, which is just amazing (surpassing even NBA 2K12 and that's saying something ...) !!!
Points: 8/10
Graphics:
- Better faces of the players and facial expressions, other sports games can but a little better as the aforementioned.
- Slight improvement to last year think more is not possible on PS3.
- Partly original goalie masks !!! (Here there is probably partly problems with appropriate licenses)
-As Far onlookers - all OK
Points: 9/10
All praise, there are also negative or improvement:
- Menu navigation is just bad, very carelessly, confusing and emotionless
- More "drum-around-feeling" NBA 2K12 see or MLB the Show
- Maybe impressions before the game from the venue (Just look here at ESPN) eg playing in New York: emotions of fans in front of Madison Square Garden and panning on Halle (see Madden12 / 13), etc ... Just little things that the appropriate convey Feeling
Anthem before the game, in the winter it's already in there Classsic!?!?
So in summary it can be said that EA has brought out here a top game with strong changes and innovations. Although this fall only after a few games, but they are serious and bring the real hockey across well.
Above all, the new offshoot significantly more demanding and it needs quite a bit of practice and experience. Kenntinnse than not hockey strategies and tactical possibilities damage. Because goals are scored almost exclusively on the passing game, proper positioning and integration Dump Shoots and appropriate forechecking.
Conclusion: 9 out of 10
So just buy it and onto the ice !!!!