Review: NFL 11 vs NHL 11

American sports have always been a mystery to me – Matches being played in quarters or thirds not halves, Rules that are more complicated than applied quantum mechanics and protective gear as opposed to brute, manly collisions.

Granted, this protective gear does have one huge upside; the player knows that he is being protected by all the padding, shoulder pads and helmets as a result he tends to take greater risks, resulting in some insanely hard-core tackles.

Pain – That is what hooked me on NFL and NHL. It didn’t take me long to understand the rules – I may have exaggerated their complexities. After which both of these games became extremely involving and exciting.

Gameplay

If you are not familiar with NFL, National Football League, or NHL, National Hockey League, then neither of the games will have much appeal.

Gameplay in both games is very smooth and precise. The responsiveness of the selected player is instantaneous; with a simple click of a button you “skin” your opponent alive. Stringing together skilled manoeuvres is as simple as putting on your trousers, or skirt, whatever gets you going.

With NHL body checking comes naturally at first and then as you improve you eventually begin to make use of all the skills that are presented in the game. Mostly, the more skilled player is the one who leaves the opponent lying unconscious on the rink.

NFL 11 flatters just the same. With “Gameflow” the experience is elevated. Instead of choosing the plays now “Gameflow” makes the choice according to the situation. Just make the hits and get some touchdowns. And make some hits you will, over and over again it really never gets old.

Graphics

NFL 11 sets the bar high with stellar graphics. The field, players, movement and even the crowd have an almost disturbing realism. Personally, I loved watching a players face when a major hit is made I could just about make out the twinge of pain.

The graphics in NHL 11 are rather disappointing. It makes up for the sub-par graphics by depicting the severity of the game extremely well. So well in fact, that I could almost taste blood in my mouth!

Physics Systems

NFL is awesome but NHL is just so much more brutal! The hits in both these games are unbelievably harsh; every hit results in a ball of laughter and a sadistic, fuzzy warm feeling.

In NFL powerful hits happen on a regular basis and occasionally a mega hit after which you will most probably have to replace the now dead player. That said, that majority of the game consists of regular run stopping tackles.

NHL on the other hand does not have the harshness of NFL but it is by no means gentle; every check is fulfilling and wall-slam is hilarious. If after you wall-slam someone and you feel the need to take it further why not start a fight. Throw off your helmet and gloves and really express your emotions with your fists. Once I mastered fighting, it really became a regular, awesome aspect of the game.

Online characteristics of both games are similar in that you can play with friends or purchase game upgrades like contracts and attributes. The difference then lies in the relative sports aspects.

Both these games are fantastic it really comes down to this; NFL is prettier and more tactical and NHL is more severe and quicker – your choice.

Personally, I would have to go for NFL as more players = more hits

Ratings: NFL 11 8/10 NHL 11 7/10

Josh “Swift” Sack
Games Editor