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NHL 12 video preview: EA Sports unveils ‘revamped’ Be a Pro mode

stamkosscreenshot

(Want more information about EA Sports’ next hockey game NHL 12? PHT has been all over the latest developments. Here’s a video preview of the game’s “hat trick” of innovations. For a sneak peak at the series’ first ever inclusion of the Winter Classic, click here. Finally, check out an item about Steven Stamkos being the game’s cover star.)

At this point in the summer, the 2011-12 season still seems like it’s far off in the distance. That being said, hockey video games can often be a nice way to satiate that craving for puck-based action. EA Sports is really the only major game in town, so it makes sense that anticipation is building for the September 13 release of NHL ’12, the latest iteration of its series.

The software company is releasing information for the game in a slow but satisfying trickle, but there were certain elements that went without a mention in their latest presentation. While fans will need to wait a bit longer for more information about its online changes (if there are any), EA provided a tantalizing preview of the alterations it made to its well-received Be a Pro Mode.

Here’s the video from GameTrailers.com. (You can view the HD version of this trailer by clicking here.)
[vodpod id=Video.13501619&w=425&h=350&fv=]

If there’s a general theme to the changes featured in that video it is depth. Be a Pro originally dropped a player briefly in the AHL before you worked your way up (sometimes quite quickly) to the NHL level. This career mode goes a lot deeper, giving you the option to start all the way down in the ECHL.

Beyond that, it seems like there are just more steps and things to do. EA claims that there are 18 “levels” for a player, which could be a very rewarding system if it is implemented with grace. One thing that seemed really promising was the “Action Tracker.” We all want to immortalize our own silly triumphs, so that system could be a great way of making trivial video game accomplishments feel more rewarding.

There was also a quick little snippet of information that revealed some specific coaching tasks. That can add some welcome variety to the game as long as those tasks are considered “bonus” features rather than tedious, ultra-specific duties that you’re forced to complete.

More and more, NHL ’12 is looking promising, even if it seems like most of the changes build upon the foundation rather than shaking it up altogether. We’ll keep you updated as news filters through while the September launch date approaches.

(H/T to Sean Leahy. Screenshot via Operation Sports.)