True Broadcast Camera Tips for NHL 13

On the Controls screen, the option labeled “Shooting Controls” allows you to select one of two options: “Camera Relative” or “Always Up.”

 

When using the True Broadcast Camera angle, “Camera Relative” Shooting Controls means that a wrist shot or snap shot will be controlled by pushing the Right Analog Stick in the direction of the goal you are shooting at; moving the puck with dekes will be controlled by pushing up or down on the Right Analog Stick, and slap shots will be controlled by pushing the Right Analog Stick away from the goal, then toward the goal.

 

“Always Up” Shooting Controls is exactly as it sounds; wrist shots or snap shots require you to push up on the Right Analog Stick, regardless of which goal you are shooting on.  Dekes will be controlled by movements left and right on the Right Analog Stick, and slap shots will be controlled by pushing down to wind up, then up on the Right Analog Stick.

 

If you’ve been playing the NHL series for the last few years, chances are you’ve become accustomed to an “Always Up” control scheme; if the “Camera Relative” controls in “True Broadcast” prove too confusing for you to be competitive, the developers at EA SPORTS have given you the option to use “Always Up” and experience this new broadcast presentation without sacrificing your gameplay comfort.

 

Tip #2: Learn how the camera moves through different areas of the ice.

 

An easy way to think about how the True Broadcast Camera works is that it dynamically tracks the location of the puck and the on-ice action while panning left and right across the ice surface.  Depending on where the puck is located, there may be “blind spots” on the ice which you will need to be aware of as you play – just like when watching hockey on TV.

 

For example, in the screenshot above, the Kings are on the power play against the Devils. The three Kings forwards are visible, as are the four New Jersey penalty killers.  Noticeably absent in this view are the defensemen for Los Angeles, who are guarding the blue line and waiting for their opportunity to take a shot from the point.

 

When using the True Broadcast Camera, you will need to keep in mind where your players who aren’t on-screen may be located; an ill-advised pass to the defense may lead to a loose puck and an opportunity for the opposing team to gain possession and counterattack. 

 

You will also need to take care when trying “stretch” passes using the True Broadcast Camera as sometimes you can’t see the whole ice. You may send a pass up ice intended for a streaking winger and end up turning it over and facing an odd man situation in your own end.

 

Tip #3: Use trial-and-error (and the instant replays) to learn where your shots are being aimed.

 

One of the major adjustments to be made when using the True Broadcast Camera is getting a sense of where your shots are being aimed relative to the goalie and the goal itself.  When using the default camera, it’s easy to understand where the puck is going to go relative to the net.  As you experience the “True Broadcast” perspective, you will want to take the time to watch the replays of shots on goal—even if they were stopped by the opposing netminder—to understand where you’re actually targeting when you’re putting the puck on net.  If you’re finding that most of your shots are hitting the middle of the goalie’s chest protector, you’ll want to start adjusting your aim accordingly to make sure that your scoring opportunities aren’t just boosting the confidence of the guy trying to keep you off the scoreboard.

 

These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you decide whether or not the “True Broadcast” camera angle is right for you when you play NHL 13 this year; do you have any other tips to help ease the transition for your fellow hockey gamers?  Be sure to let us know in the comments below!