Video Game Review: ‘NHL 12’ Continues Stellar Sports Franchise

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CHICAGO – For years, there were competitions for the allegiance of certain sports fanatics. There were dozens of baseball games and there’s still a heated debate between the 2K fans and those loyal to “MLB The Show.” But when it comes to hockey, there’s no contest. No one else even grabs a puck. The world of simulated ice hockey belongs to EA and their latest conquest, “NHL 12,” proves why.

Video Game Rating: 4.5/5.0

As with all sports games, reviewing an annual installment of an award-winning franchise can be a bit tricky. There are “leap forward” releases only every few years (I’d say “NHL 09” was the last one) but most of the refinements are subtle, small changes that may not be immediately noticeable to the average player. People who like to “pick up and play” sports games won’t notice much difference between “NHL 12” and “NHL 11” but I don’t mean that as a criticism. This is another solid entry in one of the most solid sports franchises currently releasing annual editions.

NHL 12
Photo credit: EA

Of course, if enough minor tweaks and alterations to a game are made it can result in a different playing experience, subtle as it may be. It’s called refinement — the foundation of the title is the same but it runs smoother, more efficiently, like a new model of a car that may look the same but feels different behind the wheel. EA advertises over 300 such gameplay refinements focused on three elements of the game — “Anticipation AI,” “Full Contact Physics Engine,” and “Dynamic Goalies.” These are the kind of changes you may not notice on your own but you can definitely sense if you’re looking for them. The game runs just a bit better than last year.

NHL 12 Photo credit: EA

One of the greatest challenges to overcome for any sports game development team is a believable AI within your computer-controlled opponent. I’m old enough to remember when sports games were more about memorizing the pattern of your opponent than actual sports simulation. It’s still difficult for a sports game to anticipate a move like the human brain does but “NHL 12” is trying with computer-controlled players that don’t react but plan ahead, anticipating your next move. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly but it does feel like your opponent is responding more to where the puck is going to be based on your angle and motion than merely reacting to a scripted animation.

EA also boasts a new Physics Engine that purports to add weight to the physicality of the game. As they say “If it happens on the ice, the Full Contact Physics Engine will authentically replicate it in game.” Only the most hardcore players will immediately notice it but there does seem to be more depth to the animation, more weight when players run into each other or fall on the ice. I think that hitting the boards and getting into a fight could use even more refinement but there’s a definite weight to the action this year that’s nice.

As for other changes, this is the first time that goalies are fully interactive and you’ll notice more refinements in the look of the game. You can even enter Winter Classic Mode, highlighting the wonderful new tradition of outdoor hockey — this year at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Visually, the game is more striking than ever. You’ll also notice a more impressive highlight system after a goal, one that immediately catches and replays your best moves on the ice.

Once again, the most impressive element of this franchise to this critic is the depth of the variety of gameplay. 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. An additional mode this year is “Be a Legend,” which allows players access to icons of the ice. It’s an overused phrase that often doesn’t apply to the games it’s being used on but “NHL 12” really does feel like it has something for everyone.

It may merely be a new model of an award-winning car but it accelerates a bit better and has a bit more refined control. You may not notice it at first, but you’ll feel it when you get behind the wheel.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]