S&S; Review: NHL 13

Title: NHL 13
Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: September 11, 2012
Publisher: EA
Developer: EA Canada
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: E

With a looming lockout surrounding the sport,  NHL 13 might be the only outlet for hockey fans.  Luckily, NHL 13 proves to be one of the deepest sports games out there.  
Presentation:The game's overall presentation hasn't really made any drastic changes, NHL 13 looks really similar to 12.  Dragging loading screens are persistent and a bit of menu lag make a return, but other than these minor issues, the game really is really smooth and polished.  It seems like with sports games, you get these years where the development time is heavily focused on gameplay, rather than visuals.  Any hardcore sports gamer knows exactly when they have a game that trades minor graphical improvements for major gameplay improvements, and vice versa.  The NBC inspired broadcasting style is very impressive, with some good but generic commentary from Gary Thorne and Bill Clemente.  The arena sounds are great as well, really making you feel like you're at a Hurricanes game.  Animations have improved thanks to the new True Performance Skating System, making quick cuts appear more natural and less jerky.  The new system does cause a few problems, checking can really go either way.  You'll be expecting a big collision against a player, but you'll end up bouncing right off of him.  Then you'll have the better moments where you completely level someone.  So the new system makes the game feel really authentic, even with a few mishaps with the checking system.
Core Gameplay and Multiplayer:
The True Performance Skating system drastically changed the gameplay as well, providing true realism for the first time on ice.  you won't be able turn on a dime while going full speed, each movement incorporates momentum into every aspect of the game.  It takes the physics improvements from NHL 12, and just pushes it to a whole new level.  The controls are more complex than ever, every button on your controller will be used for something.  Its a little daunting for the first couple of hours, but after you spend some time with it, you'll be pulling off a number of intricate and advanced moves.  Controlling basically everything with the analog sticks proves to be the best choice so far.  A few new modes are introduced in this years iteration.  NHL Moments Live challenges you to relive iconic moments from certain games in the NHL's illustrious past, but sadly most of the challenges are based off last years heroics.  The new GM Connected mode is very similar to Madden's Connected Careers mode, giving you total control over your team.  Its a very robust mode that will provide lots of reason to keep coming back to this mode.  You can play it online with up to a staggering 750 people if you want, which is a truly impressive feat on its own.  Each of the returning modes have all been tweaked to fix all the problems gamers have had with the previous game, giving you an endless number of options for playing the game.
Final Thoughts:
NHL 13 is another good entry from EA Canada, providing one of the deepest sports games out there.  Even though the graphical improvements are minor, the new True Performance Skating system provides a new unparalleled level of realism and gameplay.
S&S Rating: 8.5/10 @whatsPlay