NHL 11

NHL 11
The North American cover of NHL 11, featuring Jonathan Toews.
Developer(s)	EA Canada
Publisher(s)	EA Sports
Series	NHL series
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 Xbox 360
Release date(s)	NA September 7, 2010 EU September 17, 2010 AUS September 16, 2010
Genre(s)	Sports (ice hockey)
Mode(s)	Single-player, Multiplayer, Online multiplayer
Rating(s)	ACB: PG ESRB: E10+ PEGI: 16
Media/distribution	Blu-ray Disc DVD

NHL 11 is an ice hockey video game celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the NHL series.^[1] 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.^[2] 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 (AI) 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.

Gameplay

As an ice hockey simulation, the game attempts to emulate the rules and play of the sport as closely as possible.^[3] 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.^[4] 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.^[5][6] 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.^[5]

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.^[7] The new engine allows for more natural plays and puck bounces, and simulates real interactions more accurately and realistically.^[4][6][8] 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.^[7] Player and puck movement now take momentum into account, and hits can be made high or low, with vastly different results.^[9][10]

NHL 11 introduces broken sticks to the NHL series.

Broken sticks were introduced to the series for the first time, as EA claims this was the most requested feature.^[6] 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.^[7] Discarded sticks remain "live" objects while on the ice; the new physics system allows interaction with skates, other sticks, and the puck.^[10] The face-off system was completely overhauled after several years without improvements.^[10] 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.^[11][9][10]

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.^[11] 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.^[10] 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.^[12][13][14]

The general speed of the game is slower than NHL 10, which allows players the time to pull off a variety of the above mentioned dekes and passes.^[6]

Modes

NHL 11 features a new "Hockey Ultimate Team" (HUT) mode, similar to the corresponding modes in the FIFA series and the Madden NFL series which existed before NHL 11. In Hockey Ultimate Team, the players receive a pack of cards and use them to build up their own team and make it the best they can. The players will earn "EA Pucks" after each game they've played in the HUT mode, whether they win or lose. They can also choose to play online with another player or play alone with the computer.^[15][16]

New additions in the "Be a GM" (general manager) mode include restricted free agency, including qualifying offers, offer sheets and compensation draft picks; six seasons worth of draft picks available for trades and as RFA compensation (rather than only one season's worth of picks available in the previous games); a revamped "Rookie Generation" system; all-new pre-season games to help the players decide their NHL team; and the ability to trade up to five players/picks, instead of just three.^[17]

Leagues and teams

NHL 11 has the licensed use of several professional leagues around the world: the National Hockey League (NHL), American Hockey League (AHL), Czech Extraliga, SM-liiga, Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL), Elitserien (SEL), and National League A (NLA).^[18] Russia's top professional league, the Kontinental Hockey League, is not represented, nor are the National Collegiate Athletic Association (a college hockey circuit)^[8] and the Canadian Junior Hockey League and the United States Hockey League (two junior hockey circuits).

The amateur Canadian Hockey League (comprising the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and Western Hockey League) is also included for the first time, with all 60 teams, including their players, rinks, logos, and jerseys, being represented. The CHL's Memorial Cup tournament is featured in the game.^[19][4] AIK IF replaced relegated team Rögle BK in the Elitserien for the 2010–11 Elitserien season, thereby earning a spot in the game. The Oklahoma City Barons of the AHL (the recently reactivated minor league franchise of the Edmonton Oilers) are included in their inaugural season.

National teams are included. However, the game does not have the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) license, thereby preventing the use of official jerseys, as well as any international tournaments such as the Winter Olympics or the Ice Hockey World Championships.

Development and marketing

On May 3, 2010, an FAQ was released on the EA Sports website regarding questions users may have asked regarding the gameplay of the game, before the game was released.^[20]

On June 21, 2010, Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks was announced as the cover athlete for NHL 11 in North America, marking the first time teammates were selected in consecutive years. (Chicago winger Patrick Kane was the cover athlete for NHL 10 in North America.) Toews won a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. He captained the Blackhawks to their first Stanley Cup win since 1961, all in 2010.^[1] Identical twins Henrik and Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks were announced as the cover athletes for the Swedish cover of NHL 11, while Mark Streit was featured on the Swiss cover for the third consecutive year.^[21]

The demo was released on August 17, 2010 in North America and on August 18, 2010 in Europe, on both the Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Store. The demo includes a first look at the new Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) feature, which includes a "Starter Pack" of player cards and an HUT tournament where the players have to win their games in order to win the tournament; the Battle for the Cup mode with a five-minute third period of Game 7 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Chicago Blackhawks; and interactive tutorials which also include the new features in face-offs. Players can win new cards by either playing the demo, winning the HUT tournament or inviting friends to download the NHL 11 demo.^[22][16]

A launch event was held in New York City on September 8, 2010, with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane participating in a trick-shot competition and a match of NHL 11, in which Kane knocked Toews out in a virtual fight.^[23][24]

Soundtrack

The songs featured in NHL 11 were chosen to replicate the "feel of a live NHL experience". The game also allows for a custom soundtrack, giving players the ability to add their own music.^[25]

Song title	Artist
Here I Stand	In Whispers
Bottom of the Well	Airbourne
Your Betrayal	Bullet for My Valentine
Dialectic Chaos	Megadeth
Walk	Pantera
Full of Regret	Danko Jones
Twilight Zone	2 Unlimited
Strike It Up	Black Box
Mama Taught Me Better	Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
¡Olé!	Bouncing Souls !The Bouncing Souls
Sandstorm	Darude
I'm Shipping Up to Boston (Live)	Dropkick Murphys
The Final Countdown	Europe
Unstoppable	Foxy Shazam
Blitzkrieg Bop	Ramones
Howlin' for You	Black Keys !The Black Keys

Reception

NHL 11
Aggregate scores
Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	89.88%[26]
Metacritic	88/100 (Xbox 360)[27] 88/100 (PS3)[28]
Review scores
Publication	Score
1UP.com	B+[9]
Game Informer	9.0/10[8]
GameSpot	9.0/10[4]
GameZone	9/10[5]
IGN	8.5/10[6]

NHL 11 was critically received with "generally favorable reviews", garnering aggregated scores of 90% on GameRankings and 89% on Metacritic.^[26][29] NHL 11 was the fourth best-selling title in the United States for September 2010,^[30] and opened as the 18th-ranked title in the United Kingdom in its first week of release.^[31] However, it had a "weak follow-through"^[32] as it did not chart on the top 10 list the following month.^[33]

The new physics-based gameplay was well received, with Game Informer describing it as "steady progress" over previous games,^[8] and IGN noting it "isn't perfect... but when it works properly the results can be awesome".^[6]

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.^[9] GameSpot mentions that the AI has been "noticeably ramped up", with "smart teammates" and "players [who] seem to know what they're doing", while lamenting the fact that "computer players still hold onto the puck a little too long".^[4]

See also

• NHL Slapshot, an ice hockey video game by EA Sports that was released for the Nintendo Wii
• NHL 2K11, an ice hockey video game for the Nintendo Wii, developed by Visual Concepts

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Stanley Cup Champion Jonathan Toews the New Face of EA SPORTS NHL 11" (Press release). EA Sports. 2010-06-21. http://www.ea.com/news/jonathan-toews-the-new-face-of-ea-sports-nhl-11. Retrieved 2010-06-21. 
2. ^ "NHL 11 for PlayStation 3". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/sports/nhl11/similar.html?mode=versions. Retrieved 2010-11-04. 
3. ^ Quinto, Alain (2010-09-16). "NHL 11 Launch Continues at Blackhawks Training Camp Festival this Saturday". NHL 11: In the Crease. EA Sports. http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/nhl-11-launch-continues-at-blackhawks-training-camp-festival-this-saturday. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
4. ^ ^{a b c d e} Todd, Brett (2010-09-07). "NHL 11 Review for Xbox 360". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/sports/nhl11/review.html. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
5. ^ ^{a b c} Workman, Robert. "NHL 11 review". GameZone. http://ps3.gamezone.com/reviews/item/nhl_11_review_xbox_360_playstation_3/. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
6. ^ ^{a b c d e f} Ahearn, Nate (2010-09-03). "NHL 11 Review - Xbox 360 Review at IGN". IGN. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/111/1117242p1.html. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
7. ^ ^{a b c} Ekberg, Brian (2010-06-07). "NHL 11: First Hands On". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/news/6264823.html. Retrieved 2010-06-09. 
8. ^ ^{a b c d} Bertz, Matt (2010-09-03). "NHL 11 Review: A Star Player Starts To Show Some Flaws". Game Informer. http://gameinformer.com/games/nhl_11/b/xbox360/archive/2010/09/03/review.aspx. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
9. ^ ^{a b c d} Nelson, Mike (2010-09-09). "NHL 11 Review for 360". 1UP.com. http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3181266&p=4. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
10. ^ ^{a b c d e} Robinson, Jon (2010-11-09). "Five things to know about 'NHL 11'". ESPN. http://espn.go.com/espn/thelife/videogames/blog/_/name/thegamer/id/5264143/five-things-know-nhl-11?readmore=fullstory. Retrieved 2010-11-09. 
11. ^ ^{a b} Ekberg, Brian (16 June 2010). "E3 2010: NHL 11 Hands On". GameSpot. http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6266343/nhl-11-hands-on. Retrieved 16 June 2010. 
12. ^ Leahy, Sean (2010-06-14). "From Conn Smythe to NHL 11 cover boy for Jonathan Toews". Puck Daddy. Yahoo! Sports. http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/From-Conn-Smythe-to-NHL-11-cover-boy-for-Jonatha?urn=nhl,248357. Retrieved 2010-06-14. 
13. ^ "GamingExcellence's Best of E3 2010". Gaming Excellence. 2010-06-25. http://www.gamingexcellence.com/features/67.shtml?page=3. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
14. ^ Quinto, Alain (2010-07-30). "Quick Clips 6-8 and Introducing the Hustle Feature". NHL 11: In the Crease. EA Sports. http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/quick-clips-6-8-introducing-the-hustle-feature. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
15. ^ Ahearn, Nate (2010-08-03). "NHL 11 Gets the Ultimate Team Treatment". IGN. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/111/1110238p1.html. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
16. ^ ^{a b} Quinto, Alain (2010-08-17). "NHL 11 Demo Now Available on PSN and XBL!". NHL 11: In the Crease. EA Sports. http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/nhl-11-demo-now-available-on-psn-and-xbl. Retrieved 2010-08-18. 
17. ^ O'Brien, James (2010-08-24). "NHL '11 news: GM Mode will feature restricted free agency, offer sheets, qualifying offers". NBC Sports. Pro Hockey Talk. http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/nhl-11-news-gm-mode-will-feature-restricted-free-agency-offer-sheets-qualifying-offers.php. Retrieved 2010-08-24. 
18. ^ Quinto, Alain (2010-09-05). "Game Changer Blog: Inside the Numbers with NHL 11 - Euro Leagues". NHL 11: In the Crease. EA Sports. http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/game-changer-blog-inside-the-numbers-with-nhl-11-euro-leagues. Retrieved 2010-11-19. 
19. ^ Makuch, Eddie (2010-05-24). "NHL 11 scores CHL teams". GameSpot. http://www.gamespot.com/news/6263569.html. Retrieved 2010-06-09. 
20. ^ Quinto, Alain (2010-05-03). "Gameplay Fixes Addressed for NHL 11". NHL 11: In the Crease. EA Sports. http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/gameplay-fixes-to-be-addressed-for-nhl-11. Retrieved 2010-05-30. 
21. ^ Good, Owen (2010-06-24). "The Swiss And The Swedes Get Their Own NHL 11". Kotaku. http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/06/the-swiss-and-the-swedes-get-their-own-nhl-11/. Retrieved 2010-08-04. 
22. ^ "Live Chat: Hockey Ultimate Team and Demo Details". EA Sports. 2010-08-12. http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/template=EASPORTSNHL001/altcast_code=f04c4b8482/width=640/height=800. Retrieved 2010-08-12. 
23. ^ "Toews and Kane participate in NYC EA NHL 11 launch". National Hockey League. 2010-09-07. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=536997. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
24. ^ Rosen, Dan (2010-09-08). "Toews-Kane EA NHL 11 duel? Toews wants rematch". National Hockey League. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=537047. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
25. ^ Alain Quinto. "NHL soundtracks deliver the pure authentic hockey experience". EA Sports. http://www.easports.com/blogs/inthecrease/post/slug/nhl-soundtracks-deliver-the-pure-authentic-hockey-experience. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
26. ^ ^{a b} "NHL 11 for Xbox 360". GameRankings. http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/991752-nhl-11/index.html. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
27. ^ "NHL 11 Critic Reviews for Xbox 360". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/nhl-11/critic-reviews. Retrieved 2011-07-23. 
28. ^ "NHL 11 Critic Reviews for PlayStation 3". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/nhl-11/critic-reviews. Retrieved 2011-07-23. 
29. ^ "NHL 11 Critic Reviews for Xbox 360". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/nhl-11/critic-reviews. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
30. ^ Orland, Kyle (2010-10-14). "NPD Results, September 2010: Industry Down 8 Percent As Halo: Reach Dominates". Gamasutra. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/30991/NPD_Results_September_2010_Industry_Down_8_Percent_As_Halo_Reach_Dominates.php. Retrieved 2010-11-06. 
31. ^ "UK Charts: Reach Sales Outstrips Halo 3's Launch". IGN. http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/112/1122418p1.html. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
32. ^ Alexander, Leigh (2010-11-19). "October Software: Medal of Honor Sells 1M, Tony Hawk A 'Virtual No-Show'". Gamasutra. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31594/October_Software_Medal_of_Honor_Sells_1M_Tony_Hawk_A_Virtual_NoShow.php. Retrieved 2010-11-17. 
33. ^ Orland, Kyle (2010-11-16). "NPD Results, October 2010: Industry Dips 4 Percent On Slow Hardware Sales". Gamasutra. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31493/NPD_Results_October_2010_Industry_Dips_4_Percent_On_Slow_Hardware_Sales.php. Retrieved 2010-11-19. 

External links

• Official website