Improvements to A.I. has been promised many times before in the history of the NHL series, but EA envisions this next-generation installment will be the best improvement yet.
EA states that with 2500 individual points on the ice, players will maintain the correct position within each zone. The offensive capabilities of the A.I. seem to be a focus as EA notes that the CPU will maneuver into open passing lanes in the offensive zone and execute breakouts more efficiently.
You’ll now be able to specify the type of breakout you’d like to the computer controlled players to run. The two options are quick breakout and controlled breakout. The quick breakout promises high-risk fast passes up the boards, while the controlled breakout keeps the focus on maintaining puck control.
The new breakout options promise a much greater variety of offensive rushes.