NHL 10 Demo Arrives

by pastapadre
Posted August 20th, 2009 at 6:29 pm

nhl10demo

After several EA Sports releases with demos that either did not do a good job of displaying improvements or being tied into preorders in some manner comes a reversal of sorts with NHL 10. The demo is available to everyone (no preorder requirements) and is now up for the 360 and will be out for the PS3 next Thursday. Not only does the demo offer extended stretches of play but it also has unique scenarios and two different modes of play. Skill level, game style, and camera angles are adjustable. Somehow it comes in at only 765.36 MB despite all the content it offers.

To begin with there is a quick player creation followed by an interactive tutorial. You can get a feel for new features such as the fighting and board play along with basic shooting, skating, and defensive skills.

One portion of the demo allows you to jump into the 3rd period of Game 7 of the Finals in “Battle for the Cup” mode. What happens the first time is you are dropped into it with the Penguins up 2-0 over the Red Wings. Sidney Crosby has been injured and you have to decide whether to play him (at decreased capacity) or sit him. What really makes this unique is that after this first occasion, every time you play the demo it supersims to Game 7 so the injuries, stats, and scores are different providing a new experience each time.

You can also try out the beginnings of “Be a Pro” mode in the 3rd period of the Prospects Game. You can be any player type and try to perform well enough to be drafted by an NHL team.

Hopefully this is a sign of what EA can do with demos going forward rather than providing the abbreviated quarters method that has become so stale and frustrating. This is a really impressive sampling of what the game has to offer and shows supreme confidence in the quality of NHL 10.

Tags:

tyler

Because i looks so fun and parents wont buy any other stations just for that game please please please

tyler

YOU people should make NHL10 for wii

habs_price31

Is the nhl 10 demo out on the ps3?? because I can't find it! help please

xXJoHnnYXx

YA.... im with Subzero

Subzero

I Dont give a rats *** about this rivalry about 360 and Ps3 like holy boys, its just a gaming system we all play to have fun, not 2 fight over... I JUST WANT EA TO SEND OUT THE ******* NHL 10 demo already!!!! ****

Xboxsucks

Yeah the cheaper and more unreliable XBox is better...the only reason why you all think your bullshit xbox is better is because its cheaper and you're all too jewish to buy a PS3...Whatever, enjoy the red lights of death, fags

Mo_Diddley

Sony releases updates on Thursday how many times does Pasta have to say this? Also to correct a previous comment about the YLOD. There is no such thing as a YLOD. The light only turns yellow when the unit gets too hot but the PS3 has a fail-safe method of turning off before it gets to the point of damage. Now the RROD is very real and has a 33-50% chance of happening. The failure rate of the Wii and PS3 is only 1%. The 360 doesn't have a fail-safe method so it just gets to the point where it literally fry's the circuit.

The 360 was rushed to capitalize on being the 1st next generation system while Sony took their time to create a more developed system. Xbox got most of the next generation hardcore gamers because they came out 1st. Sony came out a full year later and put out a highly expensive machine with all of the bells and whistles but unfortunately they out priced the market. Even though the 360 actually cost more to upgrade to equal that of the PlayStation (wi-fi, network subscription etc.) the sticker price detracted a lot of would be gamers from the PS3 to the cheaper 360 and the much cheaper Wii. Another reason that the 360 maintains gamers after the RROD is from gamers not wanting to replace their gaming collection or achievements on that system. So to say that a machine that has a 33%-50% (at least could be higher) failure rate is better than a system that has a 1% failure rate and plays 95% of the same games is asinine.

If a gamer prefers more online users than the 360 is better choice, if a player wants a more media orientated system than PS3 is better and of course if you like playing more family friendly games than the Wii is the better option.

Mo Diddley the put 2&2 together-er!

Skihawks

I have both systems and the 360 gets more play time than my PS3. Partly, I like the 360 controller better and XBox Live, although there is a fee, is much more user friendly than the PSN mess. I also agree that the Gamerscore (achievements) was one of the best additions to the 360. The PS3 trophies, although pretty much the same thing, is not as enticing partly because there is nothing to indicate visually (without searching) what trophies / points you have earned.

With the PS3's game lineup getting stronger (Uncharted 2, Heavy Rain, Gran Turismo 5, not to mention the best console baseball game ever made in MLB: The Show), my PS3 will get some much needed attentional this fall.

If the 360 didn't have the hardware failures, it would be a perfect console. And when Natal ships next year, it is going to be increasingly awesome. I will say that whichever system one owns, you can't go wrong. Both have solid 3rd party support and strong first party titles.

ps34life

PS3 OWNS SHITBOX ANYDAY!! EVEN MICROSOFT ADMITS THIS LOL

Skihawks

This demo is solid. Things that I noticed:

1) The AI moves the puck very well and play smart defense
2) The animations are outstanding (got knocked down and was able to shoot from my knees)
3) The atmosphere is much more realistic
4) The tipped and deflected shots on goal look incredible
5) The gameplay is smooth and the controls as solid as ever

Things that will require tweaking:
1) Too many penalties (definitely will adjust the slider when I get my copy)
2) The speed is a touch slow and it feels like steering the players through mud at times (more attributed to game speed than anything)

Overall, a strong demo. I would rather play a full quarter of Madden rather than four 1 minute quarters. This demo should be used as a template for all future demos....

Tarheelia

The speed can be tweaked, plus it is reflectant upon which game style you play in, Default, Hardcore, etc...

Skihawks

I didn't realize you can tweak the speed in the demo. I changed skill levels and found no difference. Regardless, the game is sweet.

ferris

you could really feel the energy in the battle for the cup game. i actually felt like it was game 7 of the stanley cup and it wound up being the same as the real one for me. i was up by one goal as the pens and with 1 second left the red wings took a shot and fleury made an amazing "buzzer beater" save i guess u could call it. also i played crosby and he wound up playing amazing with great defensive plays. wow it really got me pumped up lol

Mo_Diddley

Does anybody realize that you can not compare Madden to MLB or NHL? There are 22 players, 7 officials, and two full sidelines of players and coaches. On top of all of that they have to generate the largest animated audience. The question should not be about Madden but for MLB and NHL for taking so long to make a great game. As for the basketball titles they should just be ashamed of themselves because both games are trash. People who play them only play them because it's the only game in town. NBA2K and NBA Live=trash. Madden to me right now is a 8.5 but if they can fix some of the coverage issues I will give it an official 9.7 on the "Mo Diddley's Buyer's" scale.

Mo Diddley the voice of reason!

Abdul Ahmad

I don't agree at all. The NHL is the most free form sport out of the big 4. Football is very structured as you only have short bursts of play, perhaps 5-15 seconds and every play is pre-planned. Baseball is even more structured. With the NBA the court isn't that big so usually you set up shop when you get into the offensive zone and run planned plays as well. In hockey you don't have any of that. You may have strategies but there are no set plays and anything can happen.

Mo_Diddley

Abdul Ahmad 29 players & officials on the field with a full sideline of 30+on each vs 14 players & officials with little sideline and a smaller animated audience. I'm not referring to the "flow" of the game just the technical aspects of generating so many images at one time and having each work independently. When you really think about it it's pretty impressive to get each imagine to behave somewhat lifelike.

Mo Diddley the see your point but wasn't really what I was talking about-er!

Mo_Diddley

Sony releases updates on Thursday how many times does Pasta have to say this? Also to correct a previous comment about the YLOD. There is no such thing as a YLOD. The light only turns yellow when the unit gets too hot but the PS3 has a fail-safe method of turning off before it gets to that point. Now the RROD is very real and has a 33-50% chance of happening. The failure rate of the Wii and PS3 is only 1%. The 360 doesn't have a fail-safe method so it just gets to the point where it literally fry's the circuit.

The 360 was rushed to capitalize on being the 1st next generation system while Sony took their time to create a more developed system. Xbox got most of the next generation hardcore gamers because they came out 1st. Sony came out a full year later and put out a highly expensive machine with all of the bells and whistles but unfortunately they out priced the market. Even though the 360 actually cost more to upgrade to equal that of the PlayStation (wi-fi, network subscription etc.) the sticker price detracted a lot of would be gamers from the PS3 to the cheaper 360 and the much cheaper Wii. Another reason that the 360 maintains gamers after the RROD is from gamers not wanting to replace their gaming collection or achievements on that system. So to say that a machine that has a 33%-50% (at least could be higher) failure rate is better than a system that has a 1% failure rate and plays 95% of the same games is asinine.

If a gamer prefers more online users than the 360 is better choice, if a player wants a more media orientated system than PS3 is better and of course if you like playing more family friendly games than the Wii is the better option.

Mo Diddley the factual expert!

r00tabaga

3 things I'm hoping for (but doubt I'll see)
1. pregame national anthems like in NHL 08
2. fixing Buffalo's alternate jersey (completely wrong color)
3. fixing the Sabre's center ice logo (wrong logo all together)

Mo_Diddley

Mo Diddley is starting to seriously question your manhood. Why are you so nit-picky about wristbands and socks stripes?

Mo Diddley the inquisitive mind!

Tarheelia

I've always thought that 2K made a solid interpretation of hockey...until last year when EA finally showed the muscle I know they can show with NHL 09. Only College Hoops 2K8 and All-Star Baseball 2002 have gotten me to play EVERY game of every season I did until NHL 09 was added to that mix because of Be A Pro.

ferris

lol yea i played all 82 games plus all my playoff games( lost in stanley cup) for the first time ever in any sports game other than football cuz theyr only 16+playoffs but in baseball, basketball, and hockey iv never played all 162 or 82 games until last year

Tarheelia

I was hooked on ASB 2002's expansion team feature, so I powered out 162 games before getting burned out lol.

ferris

wow the farthest in a baseball game i ever made it was the end of june on mvp 05 but got bored cuz my ADD started to kick in lol so now i just pick 5 games a month and play them. i can barely even get through a full 16 game football season but i did that in ncaa last year plus the bowl game.

t daley

To be honest Pasta, After playing THE ULTIMATE SPORTS GAME OF 09 in NHL '09, I ask you; What is not to be confident about. NHL 09 was clearly a gem in every way and any additions they add to NHL 10 is just icing on an already scrumptious cake.

Now if only EA Canada can deliver on NBA LIVE like this then all will be well with the world and we can finally put all the 2k drones to rest and maybe, just maybe, 2k can finally pick up there toys and go home.

65South

Not really a hockey fan, but for some reason I can't wait to get home from work to check out this demo. Expanding my horizons I guess you could call it, lol. I've heard often that the NHL series has been the most complete and authentic in the sports genre of games. I followed the inside blogs when they were posting them and I'm really looking forward to checking it out!

Thanks Pasta for posting. Bringing this to the forefront when it probably would have gone by with little notice or fanfare.

t daley

This is one sports game that is so fun to play that you need not be a fan, much like the Tiger Woods Golf franchise. Both these games are just plain fun to play. The secret is that they aren't overly complicated and they are fluid both online and offline. I was so impressed last year at how well NHL 09 played online last year. I live in Hawaii and I routinely played games with a guy from NYC and every game we played, played as if it were an offline game. Smooth as silk.

pastapadre

I agree, though I think FIFA could also fall in that category.

65South

Not really a hockey fan, but for some reason I can't wait to get home from work to check out this demo. Expanding my horizons I guess you could call it, lol. I've heard often that the NHL series has been the most complete and authentic in the sports genre of games. I would keep up with the inside blogs when they were posting them and I'm really looking forward to checking it out!

Thanks Pasta for posting bring this to the forefront when it probably would have gone by with little fanfare.

EAROXyesthatisanX

Why did they release NHL 8.2 and not NHl 10? can some fanboy please tell me this?

Tarheelia

May I ask what the hell you are talking about?

t daley

I think he has been smoking some of that ROX. Dont do Meth EAROX.

r00tabaga

Can't wait to play later...PP, do you think Live's demo will still be 1st week of Sept? I've really been jonesin' for Live 10 lately...LET'S HOPE WE DON'T HAVE TO WATCH THAT MANDATORY 5 MIN TUTORIAL VIDEO AGAIN!!! Does any1 remember that?!?

Tarheelia

I do, it turned me off on the Live demo. I may not be a Live fan, but I wanted to jump in and see what they've added for gameplay last year, but had to sit through that crap.

quiknick

last years game was great, it was one of the best sports games off all time IMO. this year they look to improve on it and i think they did a great job on adding goalie AI and fighting after the whistle. i think the board play is fun but sometimes it just seems a little bit to magnetic when you try to do it, you get like sucked in like blocking on madden. Demo was great its a def. first day buy cant wait.

t daley

Just a minor correction: NHL 09 WAS sports game of the year and IMHO IS the best sports title of all time.

Abdul Ahmad

Change the settings to Hardcore mode, it gets rid of all of the magnetic stuff in all aspects of gameplay

PS3fb

xbox suck sucked and will suck big time !!!!

Last Year, PS3 had the demo earlyer and now shitbox has it :D

t daley

RROD (red ring of death) box's day is coming. With the PS3 price drop, you will see PS3 sales sky rocket through the 4th quarter. IMHO it is only a matter of time til developers make that shift to the PS3 as there lead development console and when they do......Standby crapbox. With Buray technology out sports game will be bigger and badder. MLB 09 shows just how great a sports game can be when you have massive storgage space available. Sports gaming will surely blossom when developers come to their collective senses and use the PS3's superior disc storage space to good use and stop suckling on the Microsoft Teet.

Mo_Diddley

t. daley as long as they are still making good games who really cares

Mo Diddley the place put-er

t daley

My point is that the games we play are being limited by the disc constraints of DVD. Since most developers use the xbox 360 as there primary development platform we will never see the full potential of games, that is why all PS3 exclusive games are far superior to anything being played on an xbox 360. Once the lateral shift occurs and the PS3 becomes the primary development platform, you will see how good the games will become and it will be xbox that is left out in the cold playing inferior stripped down versions of games.

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