EA sports hopes to innovate the world of videogame hockey with the release of NHL '13.The game will feature a new artficial intelligence (AI) that will challenge gamers on the ice, and for the first time as a general manager. The new "GM Brain" will drive how the computer handles trades, drafts and more, according to EA sports.
The new AI will feature strongly in multi-season games modes such as Be a Pro, GM Connected and the Be A GM mode. The computer will now make better decisions about non-player controlled franchises. Star players will be resigned by their respective teams depending on potential, team needs and skill set.
One of the first things EA Sports fixed from previous editions of the game was how players evolve during the course of a career. According to the developers, previous NHL titles set every player in the league on an upward trajectory of growth. These increases in player ratings led to too many problems when it came time for the CPU to handle the salary cap.
EA has now implemented a color coded star system of player development. According to EA's website, every player in the league has a growth potential between half a star and 5 full stars. Green, yellow, and red stars are used to track the possibility of potential. For instance if a player has three white stars that means he has stopped growing and has reached his full potential.
The developers have also introduced the concept of Player Roles into NHL '13, creating 25 different possible player roles. The new system allows CPU GMs to have a better understanding of their current roster and across the league.
Hopefully, NHL '13 will deliver some of the same on ice thrills with a new GM experience that can connect hockey fans to the real world of professional hockey.
Here is a list of few of the game's other features:
* True Performance Skating is a new gaming mechanic driven by real-world physics and more than 1,000 new gameplay animations.
* Goalies will now be more athletic scrambling with more versatility and anticipating like never before.
* EA Sports Hockey IQ will make players on the ice smarter, resulting in quicker and more true-to-life decision-making.
* GM connected will allow player to compete in custom leagues with 30 human controlled teams.