I know what you’re thinking: “Hey, didn’t they just review a lacrosse game?” Well yes we did; it was College Lacrosse 2011, and only two months ago at that. NLL 11 on the other hand, is the sequel to last year’s hit indoor lacrosse title, NLL Lacrosse 2010. This marks the first time publisher Crosse Studio has not teamed up with developer Triple B Games, and instead has chosen to go with Stir Fry Games, whose recent work includes SFG Office Brawlers, SFG Beach Volleyball, and SFG Soccer.
With the license from the National Lacrosse League, NLL 11 offers authentic players and teams to reflect the league’s current rosters. As a reviewer, it is an odd feeling to play a game that features a number of people I’ve played with or against in my lacrosse career, both in high school and in college. As lacrosse fans will surely agree, the ability to see players we’ve grown up watching finally appear in a game heightens the immersion.
At its core, NLL 11 is an arcade-style sports title, reminiscent of hockey games from the previous generation of consoles. That’s not to say there aren’t deeper features present, such as the season mode, but it is missing a number of items found within the College Lacrosse franchise. The ability to sprint is removed, but the fatigue gauge remains and slowly drains as players manuever throughout the field, although it can be turned off in the options menu. Dodges operate a bit differently as well; players use the B button to perform a roll dodge, where previously the right thumbstick performed most of the maneuvers in a given direction. Also missing are unlockables such as new cleats, shafts, and heads that improved player statistics in College Lacrosse 2011. The ability to call plays and sets are removed too, but with the lack of field space I doubt very many players would have found it useful.
A slight cell shade effect is present on textures, which also contrasts to the more life-like approach that College Lacrosse 2011 presented. The animations are sharp as ever though, as players smoothly transition between the motions of running, dodging, and quickly firing off a shot. Additionally, the ball now features a thin trail that follows it for both shots and passes, thereby making it much easier to follow the faster and frenzied pace of indoor lacrosse.
Despite the advances NLL 11 has made over outdoor lacrosse titles, at the same time it takes a step back in other areas, perhaps to separate the two and offer different gameplay experiences. Either way, lacrosse fans undoubtedly will enjoy it. Furthermore, fans of hockey games will instantly feel at ease with its hurried pace and required quick reaction time. As another lacrosse game is in the books, one question lingers: “How much longer will other developers allow Crosse Studio to dominate this fruitful and untapped market?”
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NLL 11 was purchased for 400 MS Points ($5). You can download a free demo on the Xbox Live Marketplace.
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