Nhl 2011

[RivaCom]

Anyone get the game yet? I tried the demo last night, the new face off's are kind of frustrating, and the game seems to go at a slower pace then last years. Anyone else have an opinion?

[Kreeper]

Where did you get the demo? Just off XBL?

[RivaCom]

Yea, there's a demo up. It didn't have a box picture so you may have overlooked it.

[Drex]

I picked it up yesterday.

The faceoff system is actually pretty awesome. You pretty much just use the right stick on faceoffs now. You have to press to the right or left on the Right Stick to set your stance/draw direction, then while holding in that direction, semi circle arc downwards as the Ref drops the puck to draw it back. You can tie up the other Center by pressing in any direction on the Left Stick. You can also lift your opponents stick and draw the puck back by pressing left or right on the Right Stick to set stance/draw direction, then while holding in that direction, semi circle arc upwards as the Ref drops the puck. As an actual hockey player, I LOVE this faceoff system. It's the most realistic iteration I've seen yet and takes into account the many different ways to win a draw.

The game has a slightly slower speed than last years title, which gives you a split second more time to make precision passes and plays. You'll notice there is a "Hustle" button back in the game now, so just press in the Left Stick to get a little extra push out of your selected skater.

There are way too many positive refinements for me to list, but I'll name a couple of the best that I've encountered:
- Broken/Dropped Sticks
- Goal Reviews and Goal Decision Overturning
- Full Control Passing (Tap for Slow/Short pass, hold for Fast/Long pass)
- New Physics System (Incredible Physics, each hit feels real)

[RivaCom]

It definitely is different, and I actually experience a broken stick but since there is like no replays in the demo and no option to increase or even choose a replay I wasn't sure. The physics are a lot different and something I'll have to get use to. Passing is definately harder for me. Haven't seen a goal review, I guess I should just go buy the game.. Maybe tonight I will.

[Drex]

With passing, hold the trigger for roughly one second to send a fast, accurate pass. If you just press the trigger quickly, you'll send off a slow, short pass. Took me a few games before I realized WTF was going on lol.

[Drex]

I've been playing the Hockey Ultimate Team mode, where you build a custom squad from ingame packs of cards. It's a pretty deep game mode and provides both Online and Offline play, so you can take your Ultimate Team online to face other users squads. Apparently it's a mode that has previously been in Madden and FIFA, so if you've played those games last year, you are probably already familiar with the system.

[RivaCom]

Is there any online Co-Op Team or Online tournamet/season?

[Evilyoshimitsu]

I think that is a hearty yes to both of those Riva, there are something like 7-10 online modes of play for NHL11.

[Drex]

Yup, there is both (and multiple versions of each).

Coop, you can play a regular game with friends, or join a EAUHL team with your Be A Pro.
The new Ultimate Hockey Team mode has both online and offline play, with full monthly online tournaments and season play.