Just days after revealing a new installment to its FIFA series, EA Sports has taken the veil off NHL 13, which is all set to release this fall for the PS3 and Xbox 360. True Performance Skating is one of the many new traits that will be infused into the title in order to deliver a supposedly new gameplay experience.
EA Sports claims this game will be able to accurately capture the speed, creativity and strategy of NHL hockey. The True Performance Skating feature basically introduces physics-driven skating and more than 1000 new animations. With this, the title is claimed to replicate actions of today’s NHL players. Apart from this, a fresh A.I. system dubbed EA Sports Hockey I.Q. also makes its way into the game, governing the behaviors of players, goalies and team systems.
“The NHL team has been a leader when it comes to innovation in the sports videogame category on this console generation by redefining player control with the introduction of the Skill Stick, creating connected experiences such as the EA SPORTS Hockey League and introducing real world physics to the team sports category. With our feature set in NHL 13, hockey fans and sports gamers have a lot to be excited about as we are again going to deliver major innovations that will change the way you play the game,” shared Dean Richards, General Manager, NHL, EA Sports.
Better explaining the Hockey I.Q. mechanic, the developer has revealed that while in the previous games players were only aware of skaters in their immediate proximity and goalies could only react to those in control of the puck, this time around, all skaters will be fully aware of every other player on the ice. Another new addition is the GM Connected trait which allows gamers to play with or against their friends using their own 30-team NHL. Complementing the GM Connected mode will be a mobile companion app which will enable players to track their progress on the go.
NHL 13 will also introduce a fresh mode called NHL Moments Live. Through this mode, players will be able to jump into some of the most celebrated matches from the ongoing NHL seasons. Moments from the 2011-12 season will be available on disc, whereas new moments from the 2012-13 NHL season will be added when available throughout the season.
Those awaiting NHL 13 will only be able to slide onto its icy rink this fall when it releases on September 14, 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360.