This game is hyped as being the best hockey game since NHL 94. The defensive AI is really good and does adapt, however there's little things they do to cheat, and I hate having to admit that. The game's graphics are flawless and possibly the best looking next gen sports game. The skill stick is a nice option if your good at it, it takes time. I've found myself going back to classic controls. When checking a player, when lined up correctly, it feels great to hip check or knock someone out. However, when the AI decides it wants to score, and it does, your checks are useless. Catchup AI is bad in this game, as it is in most EA games. Also, there's too many tripping penalties called, sometimes elbowing, otherwise there's nothing else, and the computer hardly commits penalties. When shooting the puck sometime, the game randomly says it's out of play and you see the puck still on the ice. Also it seems no matter how fast your player is, the defense always keeps up and is in front of you. It's one thing to program good AI, it's another thing to program a counter to everything you do, thus cheating. The franchise has its flaws too, evident with trades and the offseason. Scoring can be down right impossible, you have to find your way of doing it. The create a play is useless. The create a player is limited in options. Even with the flaws, the hockey experience is a good one, better than most. The flaws make it challenging, which is also a good thing. The control is very responsive. Everything's here to make it a great game, but it doesn't mesh well.
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