Metacritic
OpenCritic
Strong
IGDB
OpenCritic Score
Score Distribution
"NHL 17 is a very good hockey simulation game. It’s gameplay works well, it contains a plethora of well executed modes, and has a stable online experience. Sadly, some issues with the menus and on-ice trainer, along with long loading times, can cause frustration, especially when new players are still trying to understand the NHL 17’s controls. While newcomers may be a bit off-put by the game at first if they don’t invest a lot of time with it,those who stick with the game and fans of the series will have a great time, even though there are still a few things that need to be improved on in the future."
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About NHL 12
EA Canada dropped NHL 12 in September 2011 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles. Steven Stamkos graced the cover after EA announced him at the NHL Awards Show earlier that year. This entry focuses on realistic ice hockey simulation rather than arcade chaos. The game features an updated physics engine and interactive goalies who can now fight skaters or block shots with physical contact. Players can relive the 2011 NHL Winter Classic or run through the improved Be a Pro career mode. Gary Thorne and Bill Clement return to handle commentary duties just like they did in the previous year. It remains a pure sport title built for fans who want simulation over fantasy hockey elements.
Gameplay
Skating feels heavy and deliberate when you are controlling players on the ice. You manage puck possession using standard stick handling inputs while dodging defenders. The new goalie system allows you to make contact with the netminder, creating chaotic scrambles in front of the crease that were impossible before. Goalies can even engage skaters in fistfights if tensions rise during a match. Career mode lets you build a single player from scratch through multiple seasons. Multiplayer matches support cooperative play alongside competitive head-to-head battles. The physics engine dictates how players bounce off boards and react to collisions, making every shift feel distinct. You spend most of your time positioning for shots or breaking up opposing plays.
What Players Think
Critics gave this title a solid 86 out of 100 on Metacritic upon release. PlayPile users have logged an average playtime of roughly 24 hours per account, with a completion rate hitting 72 percent for the career mode. Community mood ratings show a strong preference for "competitive" vibes during online matches compared to casual fun. Review snippets frequently mention the improved physics as the biggest reason for replaying the game over older entries. Some users noted that the goalie interactions add a chaotic element they had not seen in prior years. The consensus suggests players stick around longer than the 10 hour mark typical for other sports games. Overall satisfaction remains high among fans of the franchise who value realism above all else.
PlayPile's Take
NHL 12 is worth buying if you want a serious hockey sim on older consoles. The price point sits low now, making it a cheap entry for collectors or new players. You will unlock over 30 achievements by mastering Be a Pro and online modes. This game suits those who care about realistic physics and goalie behavior more than flashy power-ups. It lacks the innovation of modern titles but delivers solid simulation mechanics that still hold up today. Skip this if you prefer fast paced arcade action or need online servers to be active. The career mode alone provides enough content to justify a purchase for dedicated fans.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
IGDB Rating
83.4
RAWG Rating
3.3
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