As of Oct. 7 the NHL hockey season has begun. A month in advance, the latest game in EA Sports’ NHL franchise, “NHL 11,” was released to get fans excited for the upcoming season, and hopefully convert new fans as well.

Although U.S. hockey fans are not high in number, they are very avid, enthusiastic ones, and nothing represents that better than the success of the EA NHL franchise. Each year it generates excitement, and has always been critically and commercially successful. Fortunately for the sport of hockey, its hardcore fans, and those on the outside waiting to be impressed, EA Sports has delivered to the player not just Lord Stanley’s silver, but gaming gold.

EA Sports has produced a tight, highly polished package, and that becomes immediately clear from the moment the game is loaded. From the first menu screen to the first bone-breaking hit on the ice, it is clear that the game has a definitive personality and feel. The menus have been redesigned and stylized, giving the game a sleek, efficient interface. Behind the menus, stands one of many NHL players, frozen in action on the ice. Whether its Ranger Marian Gaborik bending to shoot, or Sharks goalie Antti Niemi making a save, a stylish, posed shot of a player will be there, flecks of ice suspended in mid-air. It gives the game a professional, official look.

The high production values that are evident in the presentation carry over to the game-play. Let it be known that picking up and playing NHL is not as simple as, say, Madden. But it can be very rewarding when you get the hang of it. There are a good amount of controls centering on the sticks, and they are easy enough to understand, but difficult to master. It can turn off new users because one may become frustrated, but when you finally pull off that deke, pass and goal, it’s very satisfying.

The real star of the game, though, is the brand new physics engine. Gone are the canned animations of the past, replaced with realistic hitting, puck bounces, and in-context player reactions. The hits are great to see, as players who glance upon one another will try to keep balance or get knocked off the puck, and those who get hit full on will flip or go flying accordingly. The all new dekes and faceoffs will leave more options than ever, including shooting from the puck drop. Sticks will even break randomly and realistically, leaving the player in need of a replacement. The game has changed, and it was, without a doubt, for the better.

While not groundbreaking, the graphics have improved over their predecessors’. Arenas look good, the action’s realistic, and it all integrates into the physics engine. Players look more like their real-life counterparts, and the game feels livelier because of the polish. 

The soundtrack in the NHL series has had its ups and downs. “NHL 09” had a great selection, with many songs that fit the hockey feel. Then “NHL 10” was released with more than a few songs that left players scratching their heads about their inclusion in the playlist. But “NHL 11” is a return to form, featuring not only a few solid new titles, but some classics arena songs such as “The Final Countdown.” The sound effects are solid as well, with hits making appropriate, satisfying smacks, realistic stick-on-ice sounds, and a reactive crowd, as well as goal horns and songs. It all adds to a distinctly hockey-feeling experience.

“NHL 11,” with its plethora of game modes, will leave players coming back for a long time. Rosters are updated constantly, online modes with friends or strangers are always entertaining, and there’s a lot to do. Manager mode is the most in-depth for hardcore fans, and Be A Pro is as solid as ever. Coming back to a team you’ve been building up and working on and seeing them succeed is very rewarding.

 

Presentation:  9/10 -Sleek, attractive package. Stylized, easy to use, and has a very NHL feel.

Game-play:  8.5/10 -Medium learning curve, but fun, rewarding play with solid new features

Graphics:  8.5/10 -A good looking game by any standards, if not groundbreaking.

Sound:  9/10 -Realistic sound effects and an improved music selection.

Lasting Appeal:  9/10   -Multiple modes to choose from online and off that will keep you coming back.

Overall:  8.8/10