Presentation elements are as important to bringing an authentic hockey experience to your favorite console as gameplay. From lighting, to stadiums, to player models, our goal was to ensure that NHL 13 looks as good as it feels. Check it out here:

http://youtu.be/0Yjjw0D9guY

I tried the PS3 demo and man it was solid. The opening face-off was exciting, the fan closeups in the expensive seats were great and the gameplay smooth as silk.

As we head into our sixth year with these formerly next-gen systems the programmers have certainly hit their sweet spot. I think the bad economy has been a plus for gamers, companies have held off new systems, and now the games are giving these systems extended life.

The announcing is a big minus so far. Its slow and behind the action many times. I also noticed that goalies let up a lot of bleeder goals with five-hole saves that they can't fully stop.

NHL 13 launches on September 11, 2012.