EA's NHL '13 is going to be released September 11th with a brand new skating engine "True Performance Skating" that has improved physics that better reflects the top-speed and momentum players generate. So, hopefully, Ilya Kovalchuck can easily blow past Hal Gill unlike in previous version of the game. Also there an improved A.I:

My guess is this will greatly improve passing. Many a time I'd get frustrated with an intended centering pass to the slot that instead went to the guy just entering the zone.

Right now Amazon is having a pre-order deal where you get a $15 dollar promotional Amazon credit (can't be applied to purchase of Kindle books ) and an Amazon exclusive Bauer boost pack.

They always say that the AI is improved, I'll see it when I believe it...

Im going to buy it this year, I think I got it last year and traded it in within a week. They say this skating thing is the biggest change to the game since the analog stick, pretty cool that they've been working on it for 3-4 years before putting it out, so I'm expecting some big things...

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team Mully & Hanley
team Meatpants

Will it be released if there is a lockout?

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team Mully & Hanley
team Meatpants

LOL at "EA" and "Improved AI" being used in the same sentence.

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Its actually very true to life. During beta testing, they couldn't get Kane to go anywhere near the corners or front of the net. Might be worth taking a look at.

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

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team Mully & Hanley
team Meatpants

Popped it in today and gotta say the skating is much different than previous versions. Still don't have a full understanding of the controls as those have changed a bit too. Played only one game online but quickly noticed poke checking is much easier, more deflections, and passing is more realistic (harder to go tape to tape cross-rink). Still need to really dig in but more or less seems like I paid $60 bucks for a roster update which I don't have an issue with.

They should just issue this review to almost every sports game ever.

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1926-1931-1934-1942-1944-1946-1964-1967-1982-2006-2011

The skating engine is incredible. This is going to consume my free time.

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Team Cutler.

Please elaborate.

-It's much more realistic. The new engine takes momentum into consideration and you can't just go full speed, stop on dime and go full speed the other way.
-The nimbleness of players is more realistic as well. The days of playing online against a guy who controls Datsyuk like he's running back are over (Unrealistic cuts, circling and pivoting like he's running on grass, etc.).
-They've introduced a hustle similar to boost in FIFA or the "puck chase" in last year's version but that can also be used by defenders.
-There are more options when skating with the puck as you can turn your back on defenders, skate backwards and wait for the team to rush into the slot for a pass or whatever.

I'll notice more but only played 3 online games and 1 Be a Pro game.

Demo didn't impress me and I no longer trust EA regarding having GM modes anymore. The "connected careers" bullshit is going to infiltrate and poison all future titles, so NHL 12 suits me just fine, thank you.

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