"Biggest leap since NHL 07"

We caught up with NHL 13 associate producer Andy Agostini at a recent event in Stockholm to learn more about the game that's coming out next week, the improvements made to the mechanics as well as the ambitious GM connected dynasty mode.

EA Canada have been sure to tell us that "This year is the biggest leap that we've had in the game since NHL 07", at every opportunity leading up to the release. And as far as gameplay goes the emphasis has been on a whole new system for skating and a massive overhaul of the strategies employed by the AI ("in one year, we've spent more time on AI than we've done in the last three years combined").

As far as the online dynasty mode goes, 30 general managers can control an NHL club each, and drafting up to 24 friends to help play alongside them on the team - making it possible for up to 750 players to take part in the one and same online dynasty mode. A very ambitious move.

"It really is a matter of having different layers of how you want to play that mode, and from there the general manager has all the same stuff you would see in Be A GM - where there's a salary cap, there's waivers, all the rules you would see in the NHL - so we've kept that level of authenticity and we've also made it so that anyone can join and play. So whether you play one game a month or you play all the games with your friends - it doesn't matter you can still be involved."