Bonerific Game!
CHECKING - The first thing you will notice this year is the checking since they have revamped the physics of the game. It will actually feel like your laying someone a forceful hit this year, wether it will be an open ice hit or right over the boards!
FACEOFFS - Faceoffs have to been revamped and really gives you the sense that you are actually doing something smart in taking a faceoff. You can be more precise in where you want to pass the puck to off the draw weather it be on your forehand or backhand.
AI - In the last 2 years of the series scoring a one timer was easy peezy, this year the AI tends to intercept your cross crease pass more accuratly, leaving you to find a different way to come up with that equalizer. So if your a cross crease passer, it wont be that easy this year against the computer.
PASSING - Another aspect of the game that youll notice right away is passing in NHL 11. In other years you would just press your pass button and aim your left stick in the direction of the player. This year its the same, but youll have to hold the pass button longer for a harder more accurate pass. This will be different for the first couple of games until you get used to it.
GAMEPLAY SPEED - I might be going crazy here but the game feels a bit slower then in recent years. Its not really a bad thing it just feels like it could have been faster for online VS mode.
Theres the new "HUSSLE" button to press to race for pucks against an opponent but it seems like it doesnt do much. Maybe Im just not paying close attention.
GAME MODES - The all new HUT mode which puts you in charge of trading cards to make up your truly ultimate team is here. It really is alot of work and I found it harder to work with then in FIFA`s UT mode. Its a great game mode, just wish it was easier to use.
Example: Do I really have to click on the individuals card to check which leauge he plays for if I forget? Just put it on the top corner of the card :)
BAP is still awesome and if you were addicted last year, you will be again this year. They even display your first career goal during a faceoff break this year, and I have also seen them display career stats on players throughout the game.
NHL 11 is the best online team playing game out there and you dont need to enjoy watching hockey to enjoy this one!
10/10