Video Game Review: ‘NHL 11’ Continues Excellent Sports Gaming Franchise

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CHICAGO – A great sports game can be entertaining regardless of your skill level. I’ll admit to not being that great at “NHL 11.” I’ll take anyone on in most of the baseball or football games in existence but I’ve never been that stellar at hockey in real or e-life. And yet I can still derive massive enjoyment from one of the best sports games on the market today. It takes a very good genre game to maintain the same level of entertainment whether the player wins or loses. “NHL 11” is a very good sports game.

Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0

The “NHL” games have been winning awards for years (22 overall according to the cover). The biggest leap forward for the franchise was in the incredibly-acclaimed “NHL 09” and the last two releases haven’t really broken the mold as much as that edition even if “NHL 11” does tout more than 200 gameplay advancements. But they have made subtle and significant changes that not only enhance the overall experience but create a title that won’t just feel like a roster upgrade to those who bought last year’s model.

NHL 11
Photo credit: EA

The beating heart of “NHL 11” will always be in the actual control scheme. How does it feel to move up and down the ice? Pass? Shoot? It feels more expertly-designed and executed than ever before. As you skate towards your opponent’s goalie and pass to your teammate and shoot, there’s a weight to what’s happening that’s hard to define. Speed is crucial in a game like this one in that if the players move too quickly, they’ll come off like an arcade game, but you also don’t want realism to weigh down the title. The balance here is just right, making for a gaming experience that feels fluid instead of cartoonish or clunky.

NHL 11 Photo credit: EA

The gameplay in “NHL 11” uses a revolutionary real-time physics engine to create one of the most seamless sports experiences you’ll have with a controller in your hand. Nearly every element on the ice — passing, checking, shooting, etc. — feels “right.” The fighting mechanics are a little goofy but it’s a minor complaint. And longtime fans of the franchise will notice a number of small tweaks including a new faceoff mechanic, more variety in checking, and broken sticks.

As for graphics, “NHL 11” is fluid and beautiful with smooth gameplay. Sure, there are some checks where the animations look a little more refined than others, but 90% of the time, the graphics more than get the job done. And the audio is similarly satisfying without being showy.

Once again, this year’s “NHL” is remarkably deep in game modes with “Battle For the Cup Now,” “Playoff,” “Season,” “Be a Pro,” “Be a GM,” “Tournament,” “Create Play,” “Practice,” “Shootout,” and, of course, “Online” play. Like so many sports games of the last few years, the title features an emphasis on variety of gameplay.

Like “Madden 11,” “NHL 11” also employs the “Ultimate Team Mode,” in which players use trading cards in a portion of the game that’s not unlike fantasy football in its compilation of players from 10 leagues to form new teams. Personally, I wasn’t into in “Madden” and I’m not into it here but it’s a well-designed function that might have fans, even if they’re just looking for something new in their favorite franchise.

NHL 11 Photo credit: EA

The modern sports game is all about customizable experience and that’s evident here not only in the variety of modes but in specific sections of the game as well. Not only can you create your own highlight reels, but there’s a functionality that allows you to create your plays to use against online competition and, of course, the customizable player options in “Be a Pro.”

There are still a few issues in the “NHL” franchise that one would hope will be tweaked by “NHL 12” or “NHL 13.” Most notably, the A.I. of both your teammates and opponents can sometimes seem a bit off. There were times when I wanted to scream at my fellow Red Wings for not driving to the net to be in the right position to take my pass. Too often I would get frustrated at the lackadaisical pace of my teammates, but I suppose that happens in real hockey as well.

What I love about “NHL 11” is the variety of gameplay in one title. Casual fans can pick up and play and have a very rewarding experience, no matter their skill level. At the same time, those who have tracked every off-season move of the Chicago Blackhawks and want to get into the front office themselves can spend hours with the “Be A GM” and “Be A Pro” modes. It’s an overused phrase that often doesn’t apply to the games it’s being used on but “NHL 11” really does feel like it has something for everyone.

Whatever you want out of “NHL 11,” it’s probably there. Management, player creation, quick play, season play, online play — the list goes on and on. You better get started.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com