Just keeps getting better!

The EA Sports NHL series has been outstanding for years. Last years game saw some impressive improvements and was a great game. The only problem with that is there was little to improve on. Yet they found a way. The graphics went from amazing detail to more amazing detail. The best part of the game is still there and that's the artificial intelligence settings. You can control every single aspect of the game. From pass accuracy to puck slide, hitting power and penalty frequency. If it's in the game - It's something you can change. The new breakaway camera, with isolation and the sound of a heartbeat is cool but ultimately may be distracting. Of course, you can turn it off. And for the first time in a long time this is a sports game that doesn't seem to have "a sure thing". There isn't that move or spot that gets you a goal nearly everytime. The games are lower scoring at competitive levels which is more realistic and I love it. The NHL cards is kind of a neat idea but not a huge enhancement to the game, although I like reaching the milestones to earn the points to get the cards. And despite the ongoing terrible announcing and commentary, I've never played a better hockey game.