Its that time of year again hockey fans, NHL 13 is out. I've been playing this for a week now and I find it is a great improvement over last years game. The biggest additions to the game have been the new dynamic goalies, smarter A.I, and the new skating system which focuses on the players momentum and speed. This review is not of the entire game but the online portion as this wouldn't have been addressed to those with per-release copies. So lets get into it!
Every Stride Matters!
The first thing you will notice when you play NHL 13 is the new skating system that has been implemented this year. In recent years the skating has been more of an arcade style with quick stops and starts and the ability to turn on a dime at full speed. This model was not very realistic to say the least. This year the new skating system is based on momentum and speed of the player. When travelling at a high speed players won't be able to make sharp turns or handle/ shoot the puck very well. If players want to be able to shoot accurately and handle the puck well they will need slow down. Travelling at different speeds allows different advantages. Having high speed can allow you to beat the opponent to the puck or on the outside, but slowing down will allow you to deke better and make sharp cuts to open up new lanes when attacking. This new style takes a bit to get use to but it opens up a new way to play the game instead of just relying in speed itself. The new backwards skating allows those creative players to become more creative and create chances that wouldn't be available in earlier years. I enjoy the new skating model as its adds new dynamics to the game and think it's a step in the right direction.
What a Save!
NHL 13 introduces Dynamic Goalies 2.0. This year the goalies have the ability to make greater saves as their limbs are independent and not stuck in an animation. This makes the goalie make insane saves when it counts,or when its not needed. I've had a couple incidences when the goalie will make a save doing the splits when its not really needed. But I've also seen some crazy saves so it's definitely for the better.
With improved player A.I the goalies are now able to read the entire play and not just the player with the puck. This helps stop the notorious one-timer which was a go to for previous generations of NHL. This doesn't mean that its not possible to score on a one-timer, its just not as easy as before.
I find that the new goalies have made the game better then ever and more realistic. I've pulled some awesome goals off with just simple shots that simply beat the goalie.
No more Pylons
NHL 13 has revamped the player A.I which allows the players to read the entire ice and make decisions based on what the see. The new A.I also allows the addition of new forecheck and defencive systems such as the infamous 1-3-1 used by Tampa last season. I've noticed the players will have better sticks to take away passing lanes and use their abilities to make a play (fast players rush outside to be the defender).
Overall Impression
This year I have found myself enjoying NHL 13 more then any other iteration. Versus provides a better game this year as you can score off almost anything, compared to a few sure fire ways in NHL 12. The EASHL is also back and this for me is where the game is its best. Playing with up to 12 players (6 aside) and using team work to beat your opponents is the best feeling, knowing you out skilled them or just caught a lucky break.
NHL 13 is a refreshing experience and is a no brainer if your a fan of the series. If you haven't picked this up, do so, you won't be disappointed.
NHL 13 gets a 5/5
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