It's different - but it's growing on me. The classes seem different enough but there really isn't a faster class in the game and game fatigue becomes key if you don't want opponents to blow by you.
You're nearly always having to choose between precision or strength with the classes; snipers and playmakers are huge wusses but can score and deke.....grinders and Power forwards can wreck on defense but get the puck taken from them alot; with passing and shooting being really hairy.
I've liked the two way FWD and DEF class the best as they are the only balanced choices.