NHL 20

It’s that time of year where EA is handing you the stick, helmet, skates, and saying ‘hit the ice and show us what you got.’ Overall you’d think that this is just gonna be the normal run of the mill updated roster and maybe some better graphics as well. Honestly, there is way more to it than meets the eye.

Graphically the game looks similar to the previous when it comes to in-game activity. Menus have been updated along with some very nice color palettes. The in-game graphics like the scoreboard are completely different though. Instead of the similar to NHL on NBC’s set up of a scoreboard being on the top corner and taking up a smaller spot, now it takes up the bottom of the screen as a lower third. Honestly, it’s super refreshing to see this new design. They’ve done it in a way that allows it to still be seen, but not totally lost or take away from the in-game play itself. Visually the game is really pleasing to look at, though sometimes it is a little hard to read. A lot of in-game stats for players get lost since the scoreboard is at the bottom of the screen. For someone who enjoys the stats (the nerd that I am), it’s kind of a bummer to have it go unseen or completely miss it at times. Player models have been updated and look incredible. The fact that I can look at the Washington Capitals goalie and think ‘wow Braden Holtby’s beard still looks cool’ shows that there is good progress.

One of the biggest changes from previous games is the new broadcasting crew. Previous years had used the classic duo of Mike Emrick and Eddie Olczyk. They now have since been replaced by James Cybulski and Ray Ferrero. It’s a night and day difference from the old NBC style, but it helps it build its own new, fresh identity to the franchise. It’s refreshing to see something new.

Gameplay-wise it’s really fun. With the new RPM Tech, the games feel as fast as ever. Every motion out on the ice is flowing and it feels natural. You have a sense of speed when a player is streaking up the boards with the puck. It feels phenomenal. When I take Flyers Captian Claude Giroux up the wing and hit a wrist shot it feels thrilling to do. Overall character control is a huge plus now. Everything feels as fast as real life. The shooting and passing feel more natural than ever before as well. Passing has to be well thought out way before you attempt it. Compared to NHL 19, it felt like once you made a pass it was locked in ‘on a rail’ and you didn’t have to worry about it. Now though it isn’t like that at all. Risky up the ice passes for a breakaway now has major consequences and can lead to opponents scoring. The AI is also really fun to play with. They’re skilled and will put up a good challenge for users, but will make it fun to play against. The biggest difference for me was the level of passing. Hitting also feels the best it ever has. The AI isn’t afraid to get into either, in previous games they’d through the occasional hit to knock you down. Now though they aren’t afraid to lay you out if you don’t pay attention.

One of the most fun modes for the game is Ones. A one v one v one situation for you and two other players (AI or Online opponents). You have five minutes to score as much as possible. It’s a game of keep away and offense. It is so much fun to play as your favorite NHL star or mascot (yes you read that right) and go head to head with no rules and just fun. The fact that I can play as Gritty makes the game amazing in of itself.  Eliminator modes add a whole new level to the game modes as well. A battle royale mode and winner takes all for NHL. I know that it sounds totally crazy but it leads to so much fun. Eliminator feels like the ultimate overtime battle every game which if you watch hockey, you know it is phenomenal to be apart of. Eliminator allows you to put your skills on show and survive to the end. You hard pressed on time and puck possession forcing to go full throttle all the time just to survive the first found alone. It’s a similar set up with NHL Threes. A mode dedicated to fast pace three on three action. The goal is to get to as many points with some puck being worth two points (a Money Puck) and some worth one. Fast-paced, high shooting, big-hitting action. What more could a hockey fan ask for?

This year’s edition also sees growth in the world of CHEL. Allowing you to create and customize your character for out or indoor place. CHEL is something that I never really played within NHL 19 and man I was missing out big time. The overall creative ability that you have immense fun. Having your character rock a throwback jersey and hoodie that you might wear yourself in the winter is awesome to me. It’s also just fun to take the game back to the roots of pond hockey and outdoor rinks. With multiple new rinks and gear to unlock you might be grinding away to get the newest gear, but it’s so much fun that you won’t even mind. The fact that you can take your player online or offline to your local outdoor rink (the game also features new rinks) and go hard with friends or practice your skill against AI. CHEL gives you the feeling of hanging out and playing old school outdoor hockey.

So the verdict on NHL 20? It’s worth the price and is a really great game overall. A high tempo, upbeat, and high flying hockey gamed. It’s not all just about a run and gun game though. You need to know your surroundings and have the skills to compete. The sense of speed and movement have been redesigned and give you way more feel for the game. Visually, everything is really good to look at. The menu layout and really well done and the color palette is well-made complements itself well. Overall, people just consider these games a roster update and that’s it. There’s so much more here than meets the eye. With the new Eliminator feature for Ones and NHL Threes, plus the character customization of your own CHEL character NHL 20 is a great game. Some of the graphical changes are hard to get used to at first though and while I like there a new approach to the broadcast in-game, I can tell that it’s going to go through some growing pains. That’s fine though as I feel that it’s a step in a good direction. If you’re a newcomer or someone who has been engulfed into the franchise for a while you’re going to enjoy it.