It's still the best in the NHL series despite some minor annoyances

Since the 2K series is no more, all we have is an EA monopoly on some sports games. Luckily they treated NHL 12 differently than Madden. We have some nice updated player and puck physics from last years. Checks look more appropriately animated as well as goalie movements. The standard controls have not changed, by means of right stick is the stick movement and left stick is the player control and aiming.The Winter Classic addition is kind of cool. The pin to the boards feature adds a little more nuance to game play, so you can be beaten to the puck but hit the triangle as you approach the boards to pin the player and see if you can poke it out or get help from your team.

There are a few issues that are annoying that never got fixed. The game has a reputation to freeze, for no reason, at any time. The Be a GM mode seems to freeze at load at times and can be stubborn and won't let you in. The menus can be tedious to navigate. They are designed like a smart phone with a layered menu upon sub menu.

Overall a few minor issues still need addressing. There have been 3 updates to the tuners, the game setting sliders that control rules, game play attributes, etc, because they do not apply the setting appropriately. You can choose which tuner setting you would like to use. For example the CPU calls penalties like crazy on you when the slider is at 50% yet a whole game can be played with not one penalty against the opposing team while you see your guys getting interfered with, knocked to their butt when they are not even near the puck or checked from behind near the boards that results in your guy folding to his knees. Using the lift the stick results in an automatic hooking call for you.The game sometimes reminds me of bumper cars when your in Pro or All Star mode. You get in the way of the AI's path or block their angle and you would expect as in real hockey for the player to look for another outlet or change his pattern or more importantly, be subjected to losing control or momentum, yet they bounce right off you, keep control of the puck. AI holds on to the puck much too easily as if it was glued to their stick when you physically either push them backwards or check them and damn if they can make tape to tape passes through multiple defenders while everything you pass is intercepted. Checking or physicality results in the AI being just inconvenienced at times and damn if every player is faster than yours. You have to play with the game sliders, adjusting certain ones in your favor to make it more realistic.The above negativity can be apparent, but they are improved from last year and can be adjusted using the sliders.

The game itself though is a blast and I mean really fun.Goals are rewarding as well as checks.If you adjust the settings and get a feel for them, you will find that sweet spot.

This is an amazing game that's fun for everyone.

NHL 12 is on of the best sports video games out there. Unlike other games it does a really good job of trying not to repackage the same game every year with small tweaks. Yes, it could be argued that there are small changes from 11 to 12 and there is validity to it, but the history of the franchise has been known to make major leaps from year to year. For whatever reason, EA seems to put the most effort into improving this series than others, for example NCAA and Madden.

The game itself is a ton of fun whether you're a hockey fan or not. It's great to have constant action in playing this game unlike having breaks in other games. I bought this game because I enjoy playing it online vs other players and most of all playing against my friends in different states. It truly is a very addicting video game. I would definitely make this purchase again and I plan on buying all EA NHL games to come.

I recommend this game for someone with experience playing the NHL series

This is a lot like 2011 with a few more extras. Now you can play the Winter Classic, but it's not the current Winter Classic it's Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitols at Heinz Field. It does allow you to play as other teams in that mode.

If youre new to the NHL series from EA Sports you might find this game a little overwhelming. A lot of game modes and controls to confuse you with.

great product

great product fun to play. a little slow during start up but game play is great... luv the graphics one of the best sports games on the market..

Great game for some intense NHL action

Great hockey action as usual from EA. Fun,fast paced game with very good graphics. A lot of fun to play!!!