NHL 12 Review: EA Scores Again with Its Newest Hockey Video Game

I have played so much NHL 12 over the past five days that I should trade in my Impala for a Zamboni. Don't take that to mean the video game is full of nothing but awesomeness—I just want to provide a thorough review.

...OK, I admit, it's been fun too.

EA's NHL series has emerged over the past five or six years as one of the most consistent sports gaming franchises in existence. In my opinion, NHL 10 was the pinnacle of the series even though NHL 11 was strong.

Let's take a look at what NHL 12 has to offer with a point-by-point review

Graphics & Animation

Another great visual package from the NHL series. There are even more details in the face-mapping technology. It seems to capture every freckle and blemish on the NHL players.

There are a few subtle details to equipment that only a hardcore follower of the series would pick up.

Most of all, the animation engine is even better. After taking a big step in NHL 11 with its "Real-Physics Engine," the player skating looks even more natural. The flowing hair and lighting is still strong as ever, especially in the long-awaited Winter Classic.

Since this is the first year it's been held in an NFL stadium, this is the first year the NHL series has had it available. EA has the exclusive rights to all NFL stadiums as well with their Madden deal.

This is still an awesome-looking game.

9.5 out of 10

Gameplay & Realism

I'm a little torn here. The speed of the game is very similar to NHL 10, which as I mentioned was the pinnacle of the series. The only thing I do have a bit of a problem with is the CPU AI.

It was a bit unconventional in situations. Defensemen react in ways that are not true to the sport, especially when there are more defensemen back than offensive players.

I remedied this issue by adjusting the difficulty slightly. The CPU isn't as much of a challenge as I would like without that adjustment, but hey, that is what game sliders are for.

Aside from that small thing, this is one of the best of the series as far as gameplay. The live puck with the physics enhancement is very noticeable and realistic.

Goalies finally mix it up around the net. They have a more realistic impact on the game, beyond just stopping shots on goal.

This gameplay is very addictive.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Sound & Presentation

There is a little more signature representation in regards to home-ice entrances. The oil tower in Edmonton is included along with a few other stadium-specific nuances.

Though the pre-game intros are still largely the same, there are a few differences.

Gary Thorne and Bill Clement need to be replaced. Their commentary is about as redundant as Brad Nessler and Kirk Herbstreit from the NCAA Football series.

It does seem they may have dragged them into the studio to record a few sound bytes for some players. Still, there are too many repeats from four or five years ago.

Someone like Harry Neale or even Barry Melrose could inject some life into this aspect of the game's presentation. Even though I do like the game recaps and player spotlights during the game, this is aspect of NHL 12 is just average.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Options & Modes

NHL 12 is stacked with features. Hockey Ultimate Team has been enhanced with legend and injury cards. You are now able to play a friend in Ultimate Team.

The feature or addition that has received the biggest push has been the addition of legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemeiux. NHL 12 is looking to ride the same train NBA2K11 rode with Michael Jordan and other classic NBA players' inclusions.

NHL doesn't do it as grand as NBA2K. That said, the stars that are included are rendered accurately.

Each of them are unlocked via a new spin on the "Be A Pro" mode—it's called Be A Legend. You get to start the legends off with any team you want and blend them into today's rosters.

EA Sports Hockey also returns. You are now able to play multiple positions as well as club-scouting.

8.5 out of 10

Overall, NHL 12 is a great hockey simulation, but it is at a standstill with some parts of the game. As is the case with nearly every EA Sports title, the sound and presentation was flat and needs improvement.

Still, the gameplay and visuals make it a winner.

8.8 out of 10