As a seasoned gamer with a lifelong passion for sports games, especially hockey, I must say that NHL 25 has certainly piqued my interest. Having played countless iterations of this franchise since the 16-bit era, I can attest to the fact that this game feels like it’s truly leveraging the power of this generation’s systems.
As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled because it’s time for another round of video game releases, and who better to deliver than Electronic Arts (EA)! Each new year brings updates to their established franchises, but sometimes, in the past, these “new” games feel like they should have been just an upgrade instead of a full-priced title, especially when it comes to NHL.
If you’re a fan of NHL who enjoyed last year’s version and have been following the sport since the 16-bit era, you might want to consider picking up NHL 25 as it strays slightly from its comfort zone, making it worthwhile for an upgrade. The enhancements in gameplay mechanics and overall visual and presentation quality suggest that this is the first NHL title built specifically for the current generation of high-performance systems.
The unique technology called Sapien is used to create ultra-realistic character models for the skating pros in this video game, giving them a badass appearance that’s never been seen before. The new replay system uses what EA calls the Infinity Camera system, which provides some of the most accurate and sports-broadcast style cuts I’ve ever witnessed. The character movements are fluid and impressive, showing players reacting to hits and tackles, or bending and adjusting their bodies as they weave through opponents. Some of these enhancements have been labeled “Reactive Actions,” a fitting name since they make the gameplay feel more realistic and true-to-life than any previous version in the series I’ve played.
In NHL 25, a fresh feature called ICE-Q (Improved Collision Physics and Quantum) has been introduced by EA. This feature aims to provide enhanced control with greater precision and a more user-friendly interface due to advanced hitboxes and skating mechanics. Another exciting development is the rebranded Empowered AI, which improves the intelligence and realism of teammates’ and opponents’ behavior. Lastly, the Next-Gen Vision system has been added, promising an innovative gaming experience.
Manipulating the left trigger essentially directs the player you’re managing towards the puck, whether for defense or offense. This feature greatly simplifies identifying opponents and launching quick counterattacks, provided you play your moves strategically. With all the exciting features here, it feels like there are more options than one can handle! Not to mention, the Strand Hair Technology, which allows for realistic depictions of details like sweat and hair.
Last year’s effective elements, such as persistent player fatigue and the Sustained Pressure system, are still present. Essentially, it’s like a Pep Guardiola team who exhaust the opposition with constant passing, applying intense offensive pressure near the opposing goal can elevate the performance of attacking players and eventually break down their defense.
I was really excited about the numerous enhancements to gameplay in NHL 25, but unfortunately, the selection of game modes didn’t seem to receive the same level of attention. On the positive side, the introduction of the Wildcard option in Hockey Ultimate Team looks promising. Previously, I hadn’t delved too deep into this mode, but now, players can increase their roster’s rank offline by earning XP. This seems like a great addition to me.
Other than Wildcard, HUT appears to be quite similar to last year’s version based on my observation. There’s an event hub called World of Chel that features rotating content throughout the season, which looks like it could be a blast! I’m excited to monitor the live updates, especially the upcoming NHL 94 event that promises a delightful throwback with retro visuals and the nostalgic charm of a classic game from the series.
Additionally, there are appealing visual enhancements and, to be fair, improved user-friendly hubs; however, the Franchise and Be A Pro gameplay modes appear to lack sufficient innovative additions to justify a purchase solely for these types of gameplay.
In my opinion, what makes this game stand out is its on-ice action, offering an enjoyable and significantly enhanced version of the sport. I’ve found the core gameplay more engaging than in a long time due to the groundbreaking technology and breathtaking visuals. Playing with a friend is still the best part of the NHL experience, and nothing beats the thrill of delivering a powerful check or scoring a sly wrist shot past the goalie. However, if you’re looking for a significant overhaul of the other single-player modes, you might find that NHL 25 doesn’t offer much more than its predecessor.
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2024-10-04 19:16