Video Game Vintage Title: NHL 11

NHL 11

NHL 11 is an ice hockey video game celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the NHL series. The game was developed by EA Canada, published by EA Sports, and released in North America on September 7, 2010, with all other regions receiving the game within two weeks. The game features a physics-based game engine, which replaced the old animation-based system, and was touted by NHL 11 producer Sean Ramjagsingh as "the biggest change in NHL 11". Other significant changes include broken sticks, which means the stick may now break when the player shoots. NHL 11 does not use official International Ice Hockey Federation jerseys, as the game doesn't have the IIHF license. The cover of NHL 11 features Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, who helped the team win their first Stanley Cup title in 49 years in 2010.

NHL 11 received "generally favorable reviews". The Xbox 360 version scored 89% on GameRankings and 88% on Metacritic. The PlayStation 3 version is essentially the same as the Xbox 360 version, and therefore received very similar scores compared to the Xbox 360 version. The game was very well praised for its new "Hockey Ultimate Team" feature, physics-based game engine, gameplay, sound, and its other modes. However, the game was criticized for issues with its artificial intelligence and technical issues such as slow-down issues in the Be a Pro mode, and lack of innovation in the Be a Pro mode itself.

NHL 11 Gameplay

As an ice hockey simulation, the game attempts to emulate the rules and play of the sport as closely as possible. Goals, for example, may be scored from all areas of the ice through a variety of different methods, mirroring play of an ice hockey game in real life. The default control scheme uses the left analog stick to control player movement, while the right stick is used to simulate the movement of the player's hockey stick, performing actions such as dekeing and shooting. Players may choose to use simpler input methods instead, such as the control scheme used in NHL '94, in which pass and shoot are the only buttons.

A physics-based game engine replaced the old animation-based system. Touted as "the biggest change in NHL 11" by producer Sean Ramjagsingh, it took a full year to develop and implement. The new engine allows for more natural plays and puck bounces, and simulates real interactions more accurately and realistically. Each bodycheck and collision is unique, such as glancing blows that spin a player, hip checks that completely upend opponents, or any other possible reactions. Player and puck movement now take momentum into account, and hits can be made high or low, with vastly different results.

Broken sticks were introduced to the series for the first time, as EA claims this was the most requested feature. Players without sticks are able to kick or grab the puck, and teammates may offer their own stick as a replacement. Alternatively, the player may return to the bench for another stick. Discarded sticks remain "live" objects while on the ice; the new physics system allows interaction with skates, other sticks, and the puck. The face-off system was completely overhauled after several years without improvements. Previously, a simple flick of the analog stick at the correct time would win faceoffs. NHL 11 allows players to choose position and grip, tie up opponents or lift their sticks, shoot off the draw, or even immediately deke through the opposing centre's legs.

Other mechanics were reworked in this iteration of the series. Passes are now triggered at the release of the trigger button, instead of the initial pull. The longer the button is held, the stronger the pass will be, giving the player control of the speed of the puck. Dekes are done using the controller's analog stick. There are four different types of dekes that can be made, corresponding to up, down, left, and right on the analog stick. The left and right dekes were retained from previous games but made quicker. The up deke has the player flip the puck up and jump over a prone player, and the down deke has the player put the puck in his feet and kick it back up to his stick. Each of the dekes was made to counter a specific defensive technique. Completely new additions to the game include user-controlled goal celebrations, disallowed goals, playoff beards, and "hustle", a burst of speed that drains stamina quickly.

The general speed of the game is slower than NHL 10, which gives players the time to pull off a variety of the above mentioned dekes and passes.

Reception
NHL 11 was critically received with "generally favorable reviews", garnering aggregated scores of 90% on GameRankings and 89% on Metacritic. NHL 11 was the fourth best-selling title in the United States for September 2010, and opened as the 18th-ranked title in the United Kingdom in its first week of release. However, it had a "weak follow-through" as it did not chart on the top 10 list the following month.

The new physics-based gameplay was well received, with Game Informer describing it as "steady progress" over previous games, and IGN noting it "isn't perfect... but when it works properly the results can be awesome".

The game's artificial intelligence received mixed reviews. 1UP.com takes issue with the offensive AI, criticizing teammates who do not join the puck carrier on a breakaway, yet remarking they show "flashes of brilliance in the defensive zone. GameSpot mentions that the AI has been "noticeably ramped up", with "smart teammates" and "players seem to know what they're doing", while lamenting the fact that "computer players still hold onto the puck a little too long".