A crappier NHL 12. EA should have skip this year to develop and re-engineer the game.
First, as soon as you get into the game, a good eye will notice immediately that the framerate is poor and that the menu feels heavy. Heavy in both navigating speed and content. It's slow and too much loading when you get into some features. Also, making the EA Sports Arena the first option to select is quite confusing: you think it's a nice new features and instead, it's meant only for those hardcore gamers that are ready to let their money be sucked in the game by challenging random players for money so that Virgin Games company can own you all for the management you are all about to pay if you read carefully the T&C.
Second, let's talk about the game itself. The new skating system feels awkward at first but you get use to it after a few matches. Is it a positive upgrade? I would say it's a realistic upgrade. I'm still not sure if I like it. The idea is great, but I think there's much more to improve before it works well. Let's say for example, the straight skating animations is ugly and not fluid like it would be in real life. Turns are okay though. Bottom line, it's a partial fail.
Third, the framerate - again - is noticeable as an irritant both in game and in offplay visuals. It's not good at all, my eyes are burning. For a game like NHL, the framerate is one important caracteristic to maintain.
Fourth, the visuals ingame are exactly the same - with lower framerate - as NHL 12. But! The visuals after a period or a whistle are so glitchy it's pathetic. First time i've notice so many glitches... and what's more pathetic, those glitchy animations are exactly the same as NHL 12... and they were not glitchy in NHL 12. What the f*ck EA, can't copy paste code? Players can't sit on their bench because of that sometimes.
In conclusion, i'm not sure what i've paid for. To put it simple, this game feels too heavy. EA tried something as they do every year, but this year feels like they failed it, and make the whole game way to slow both in and off the ice.
I've been playing about 10 games and i've tried most popular modes (i explored the GM, the customization, the EASHL, online versus, etc.. I gave it a chance. I'm so disappointed i'm gonna do what some gamers will do, go back to NHL 12 and tell EA better luck next year. I want my money back.