NHL 12 looks great, presentation-wise and on the ice. It all starts with a streamlined menu system that is simultaneously attractive and accessible. For a game that's as densely packed with content as this, that's saying something. And as always, the hockey action itself looks fantastic. EA is touting its better-than-ever Full Contact Physics Engine, which allows for perfect simulations of the mayhem that often ensues on the rink. Animations are fluid and natural, and again, the little things impress. Skaters wobble and improvise to maintain (or regain) their balance, players shatter the glass and knock each other through the boards, and the perfect body check is a thing to be feared. There's not much to complain about, save for framerate hitches during instant replays. But that's a small nitpick for an otherwise beautiful game.
NHL 12 doesn't reinvent the wheel when it comes to sound, but everything is executed to the standard that the rest of the package sets. I found the soundtrack to be a bit better this time around, though (again), NHL 11's didn't bother me at all. I still find myself impressed by the play-by-play and color commentary by Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. Their delivery and accuracy is on point, and I always like it when someone sympathizes with me over a bad penalty call (or lack thereof).
