NHL 13 Puts Some Major Changes Into An Already Strong Formula
NHL 13 prides itself on simulation style gameplay over the 2k series more arcade style and the EA Hockey series has always been the top dog. This year NHL 13: Lockout Edition as some are calling it, is one of the most challenging installments yet. Skating is authentic where a 90 rated skater blows away the 75 rated skaters and a new momentum system has been implemented to get away from players unrealistically turning on a dime. The biggest change to the gameplay hands down is the goaltending. I've played nearly every game in the NHL series and these goalies are by far the best. Of course the best of the best are going to feel significantly better than an OHL backup goalie but some of the saves border on the out of hand. On the opposite side of the goaltending spectrum, even the best goalies will let in some absolutely ridiculous goals off poke checks and similar slow rollers. But the game never felt unfair which is a major positive.
The skating is the most noticeable player trait that has been edited, no longer can your skaters go all day and turn on a dime to get around the opposition's defence and no longer can a Ukrainian interational keep up with Steven Stamkos or Alex Ovechkin. I appreciate the attempt at realism but on occasion the computer controlled players will turn fully hadicapped and forget how to pivot and skate which makes defending a hastle on occasion.
EA has really put the focus on simulation this year and it shows with the AI opposition. Rarely are they out of position and if you don't have some legitimate real life hockey sense the game will feel complicated and a huge challenge. That being said, people that put their time into the game while using their hockey sense in the games will be successful in both on and offline play.
Speaking of online, it is one of if not the most functional in the NHL series. Previous titles were hampered by lag and it was a toss up who would win the game 8-7. With NHL 13 the quality of player is really distinguished and if an NHL veteren plays a series rookie the score could really get out of hand.
NHL 13 is one of the most frusturating sports games I have ever played which is why the score reflects slightly lower. But the foundation for another solid 10 years of NHL is laid and can only improve on its flaws from here. I recommend this game to any die-hard hockey fans who really understand the game, if you're not a major NHL player and want to score 8 goals a game this title probably isnt for you. 7.5.