NHL 14 really wants to be a fighting game

Why do I go to hockey games? Simple, the fights. Hockey is practically the only sport that "allows" fighting during a game. Scratch that, it doesn't just allow it, but encourages it, as evident by the amount of work EA has put into NHL 14's fighting system. Seriously, when is the last time you've been to a hockey game in which a fight hasn't broke out?

In today's trailer, EA Sports highlights the NHL 14 Enforcer Engine which captures the aggression of hockey and produces "real heat-of-the-moment" fights. As you'll see, a lot of work that went into the new fighting system which now offers a third-person presentation powered by Fight Night Technology.

Unlike fights in last year's game, NHL 14 will not feel like a solo cage match. Each player on the ice will interact to what is occurring during the situation, and a new physics-based punch targeting ensure for more realistic fights. Strategy will play a big role as well. Players must utilize their skill, whether it be a push and pull technique, dodge, block, and counter. Should we just classify NHL 14 as a fighting game at this point?

NHL 14 will release on September 10, 2013 in North America for Xbox 360 and PS3.