NHL 12

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 61
  3. Negative: 7 out of 61
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  1. Cynical_Whiskey
    Feb 16, 2012
    5
    If the glitches would've prevent me from playing the game, I possibly could give a better review. However, considering how glitch-free NHL 09, 10 and 11 were, I am extremely upset with the product EA put out for 2012. I just can't see how they thought they could put out a game like this. I gave the game a 5 in belief that other people did not experience all the glitches and are able toIf the glitches would've prevent me from playing the game, I possibly could give a better review. However, considering how glitch-free NHL 09, 10 and 11 were, I am extremely upset with the product EA put out for 2012. I just can't see how they thought they could put out a game like this. I gave the game a 5 in belief that other people did not experience all the glitches and are able to enjoy the game for what it is. As me, if I can't play it, it isn't worth it's salt.… Expand
  2. aspentitan
    Oct 27, 2011
    6
    I've given lots of thought as to why I rate this game only 6 when it's presentation is so stunning. But to sum up that is its best feature as there are countless problems associated with the gameplay itself. If you have not picked up an NHL game for 5 to 10 years sure I highly recommend this game for a year or two,but if you are familiar with the NHL series than you will find someI've given lots of thought as to why I rate this game only 6 when it's presentation is so stunning. But to sum up that is its best feature as there are countless problems associated with the gameplay itself. If you have not picked up an NHL game for 5 to 10 years sure I highly recommend this game for a year or two,but if you are familiar with the NHL series than you will find some entertainment here but more than likely become turned off and frustrated by many gameplay features that are not well implemented. My complaint with this game is it isn't tuned by the statistics of each player as one would deduce. Instead it is tuned by momentum which pretty much for the most part negates the true statistics of the players. In single player mode it is more often the case that a 65-70 rated team will play better than a 85-90 rated team. The reason for this is there are multiple levels of adjustments to make a fair game both online and offline but this degrades the whole realism of the simulation. Further there are tons of glitches and freezing problems with this game. In addition too much focus has been put into animation and artificial fantasy moves your players make such as falling to the ice or having sticks break which you have no control over. If momentum is set high your entire team acts like Gretzky and shots go in despite your skill. If your momentum is low your entire team can fall to the ice endlessly. When momentum is high shots go in pretty much no matter what because your shot accuracy goes through the roof negating your own player skill and whether you deserve the goal based on your own player accuracy. Likewise when your momentum is low you can have pretty much 5-10 % shot accuracy even if as a player you nailed the accuracy of the shot. Even in front of open nets you can whiff a shot with a silly animation or nail a slapshot over the net in a low momentum situation. So, in sum this game is a toggle of momentum rather than a decent similation of individual player skills. To a new person playing this game I would highly recommend this disc but for those who already played NHL i do not recommend. The focus is too high on presentation and selling consumables and not enough on the actual tactical nature of hockey that is left in the player full control. I want to reiterate full control. Just way too much fantasy stuff controlling the big picture. Further with the momentum engine in place it is easily able to be pimped by those online who want to play cheap and take advantage of engaging the momentum features of this game in their favor. EA has done a very poor job balancing the game and so online play is extremely cheap. Players play a few of the weaker aspects of the game and control momentum and of course destroy you. This is all fine if you are that style of player but for those of us like myself who want to play a game of hockey by position and tactics solely this game is a complete bust in that respect. It's strictly video game in that respect, expect immature people taking advantage of the game then trying to persuade you that you know nothing about hockey. Also, It seems like the online and EA forums are a boys club. All around the presentation of the game is stunning but the rest of this games features screams immaturity.… Expand
  3. Miltstar
    Sep 14, 2011
    7
    Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love this game. And the fact that The Maple Leafs are awesome in it just makes me love it even more. What's disappointing me is how little work they've put into some of the features. Buying a jumbo pack and getting 3 contract cards and a coach as your rares just makes you want to quit playing it. Then getting to the finals in an HUT tournament only toDon't get me wrong, I absolutely love this game. And the fact that The Maple Leafs are awesome in it just makes me love it even more. What's disappointing me is how little work they've put into some of the features. Buying a jumbo pack and getting 3 contract cards and a coach as your rares just makes you want to quit playing it. Then getting to the finals in an HUT tournament only to be up 4-0 and having the game freeze on you resulting in a loss seals the deal. I say play this game for either online vs. be a pro, or be a gm. The new legends are cool but could be waaaay cooler. HUT is a joke unless you want to spend hours upon hours building through trades or forking over a ton of money to buy cards. The goalies need some work still, but overall this is a great game. But then again so was NHL 11. EA has a habit of adding just enough to make people want to buy, but not enough to truly satisfy.… Expand
  4. KamaroZL1
    Mar 30, 2012
    5
    I have never seen a game freeze so much and so often. You have to pretty much save after every game if you don't want to lose your work. It looks awesome and the physics are realistic, but the freezing needs to go away.
  5. Frenchman
    Sep 12, 2014
    7
    Hockey is one of my favorite sports and this game kept me busy for a long time, fun and challenging in the same time, solid online experience, good GM mode, good graphics at the time. I am about to replace it with NHL 14.

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS3 Game of 2011
83
#83 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
67
#67 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. Armchair Empire
    Dec 13, 2011
    80
    The main focus here was to improve the AI and even though some of the additions like the ones I mentioned above are welcomed, overall it just feels more like some tweaks to the veterans of the series rather than something that's completely new and improved.
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  2. Play UK
    Nov 27, 2011
    78
    Absolutely not worth getting if you have any earlier iterations. [Issue#210, p.93]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 19, 2011
    83
    NHL 12 is without a doubt better than last year´s edition. New physics engine reflects that size does matter in hockey and AI´s offensive movement is actually pretty solid. However, there are not any significant innovations that would really change the way the game is played. [Sept 2011]
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