Today we have a few exclusive screenshots showing off the Winter Classic mode.  NHL 2K11 is the only game this year to have a playable Winter Classic, and you can now set it up right from the main menu.  In addition to quick game, franchise mode, online play, tournament and playoffs, you can simply select “Winter Classic” to play a game between Boston and Philadelphia at Fenway Park.

Last year’s Winter Classic is also available — in addition to the 2010 game at Fenway, you may set your quick game options to play Detroit vs. Chicago at Wrigley Field.  Both events feature authentic uniforms and fully-rendered outdoor rinks.

Here’s another CPU-vs-CPU gameplay video, this time at the Winter Classic. I tried changing the sliders up a little:

- Acceleration was turned up… players move quicker as soon as they get the puck
- Speed burst effect is up, but length and recovery are way down… this results in short bursts of speed and it takes a long time for players to recharge (”catch their breath”) before they can go all-out again; this appears to give players an extra step sometimes, while a tired defender is not recharged enough to speed burst to catch up, for better or worse
- Creativity and hitting were turned up a bit

You can see the benefits and some side effects of changing these sliders. Enjoy!

NHL 2K10 Gameplay Video (CPU vs CPU)