With a new hockey season right around the corner, the NHL series is back. Make no mistake about it though, NHL 11 is more than just a new game for a new year; it’s the best game of 2011 thus far.
As a matter of fact, Electronic Arts’ NHL franchise has been the best sports series in gaming over the last four years, but not only because the games themselves have been great; it’s because they continue to consistently get better.
This year is no exception.
With added gameplay modes and several solid tweaks to the already title controls, NHL 11 continues this trend and is easily the best hockey game to ever be produced.
It may not be as arcade-friendly as some of the older games in the series, but overall, it’s one of the most realistic sports games to ever be created.
Over the years, the game has been applauded for its top notch graphics, innovative control scheme and create-a-player mode, but this year, there’s a new mode in town that makes NHL 11 an even deeper hockey experience. That’s not to say that those elements are anything to scoff at however, as the new faceoff and hitting engines play a huge part in making the game as realistic as it’s ever been. As a matter of fact, aside from the similarities in graphics, NHL 11 is a much more true to life hockey-sim thanks to these upgrades.
Nonetheless, it’s the gameplay modes that make NHL 11 truly one of a kind.
The best of all of these modes, the Ultimate Team mode, combines a card system with hockey, making for interesting results.
Think Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh meets NHL.
Upon starting, players will receive enough cards to start their own team and upon playing, will receive pucks, which like currency, can be used to buy new packs, which contain everything from players, coaches, jerseys, arenas and even training cards to build up your youngsters. There’s also a trade center, which works like Ebay, so players can sell and trade cards at will.
What originally comes off as confusing and unappealing is quickly addictive, as building your own team and playing online with them is as much fun as you could have playing a hockey game. You also have the option to play in tournaments as well, having your team take on teams from leagues all over the world. With authenticity never seen before, the game features players fro so many leagues that even the biggest hockey buff will find themselves learning something about the game when playing.
Because of this, the game’s depth caters to hardcore gamers, while the fast-paced action and polish caters to gamers of all shapes and sizes, making it a must own for anyone with even a passing fondness for the sport.
When was the last time anyone said that about a hockey game?
Wait, last year.
But this year, it’s never been truer.
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