NHL 12 vs NHL 14
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
NHL 12 brings the intensity of professional ice hockey to your living room with authentic player models, lifelike physics, and deep franchise management. Play solo, team up with friends, or compete online in a variety of modes that capture the excitement of the NHL. Developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports, the game offers a polished experience with robust online features, customizable rosters, and a dynamic AI that adapts to your play style. With a PEGI 16 and ESRB E10+ rating, it’s suitable for a wide range of hockey fans.
NHL 14 brings the most aggressive, fast‑paced hockey action to your console, featuring the new NHL Collision Physics built from FIFA’s Player Impact Engine. Deliver bone‑crunching hits, drop gloves with the Enforcer Engine, and out‑maneuver opponents using One‑Touch Dekes. The game also introduces the second season of True Performance Skating for enhanced speed and control, plus robust single‑player, multiplayer, and co‑operative modes. Developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports, it delivers a deep simulation experience for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 gamers.
- Highly realistic gameplay and physics
- Deep franchise management options
- Robust online multiplayer modes
- Extensive customization for rosters and teams
- Highly realistic hit and collision system
- Dedicated fighting mechanics add depth
- Improved skating physics for smoother gameplay
- Robust multiplayer options including co‑op
- Limited platform availability (PS3, Xbox 360 only)
- Occasional online matchmaking lag
- Learning curve for new players
- Limited to older console generation (PS3, Xbox 360)
- Online servers may experience latency
- Roster updates are not as frequent as newer titles
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to NHL 12
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Alternatives to NHL 14
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNHL 12 offers higher overall critical acclaim and deeper franchise management, while NHL 14 adds newer collision, fighting and skating physics but scores lower.
Key differences
- •Critic score: 87/100 (NHL 12) vs 78/100 (NHL 14)
- •Collision & fighting: NHL 14 adds dedicated Enforcer fighting system and updated collision physics
- •Skating physics: NHL 14 advertises True Performance Skating for smoother speed and acceleration
- •Release date: NHL 12 (2011) is older, NHL 14 (2013) is newer with slightly newer roster updates
- •Age rating: PEGI 16 (NHL 12) vs PEGI 12 (NHL 14)
Gameplay & fun factor
NHL 14 adds fighting and enhanced skating, providing more varied on‑ice actions.
Platform availability
Both are limited to PS3 and Xbox 360 only.
Price & value
Both retail at $59.99, one‑time purchase.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both support single‑player, multiplayer and co‑op modes on the same consoles.
Content & replayability
NHL 12’s deeper franchise mode and extensive roster customization boost long‑term replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
NHL 12’s higher critic score suggests a more polished, balanced difficulty curve for newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Both claim high‑definition graphics; NHL 12’s earlier release had fewer reported performance complaints.
Choose NHL 12 if…
Players who prioritize overall quality, franchise depth, and higher critical reception.
Choose NHL 14 if…
Players who want newer physics, fighting mechanics, and slightly more up‑to‑date rosters.
Common questions
Is there any price difference between the two titles?
Both games are priced the same at $59.99.
Which game has better online multiplayer performance?
Both list online multiplayer support, but neither provides specific performance data; they are comparable.
Do I need a newer console to play either game?
No; both are limited to PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.