NHL 25 Review

NHL 25 offers a new level of realism and excitement with enhanced gameplay and stunning graphics. Let’s drop the puck and check out what’s new this year, my full review.

EA Sports’ NHL franchise has been a hockey staple in my life for decades, delivering thrills since the early '90s. I’ve grown up with the series, and it has captured the essence of each hockey season, allowing my family and I to relive iconic moments and extend the on-ice action. With each iteration, new features, gameplay, and graphics help recreate the on-ice action, and NHL 25 is no exception.

"With each iteration, new features, gameplay, and graphics help recreate the on-ice action, and NHL 25 is no exception."

This is especially true in the graphics department, offering a leap in visuals with current-gen exclusivity to the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X|S. Is this enough to warrant stepping onto the ice with NHL 25? Let’s dive into the nitty gritty and see if NHL 25 offers the on-ice magic hockey fans have been hoping for.

NHL 25 Details

Platform(s): PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X

Developer: EA Vancouver

Publisher: EA Sports

Genre: Sports, Simulation

Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer

ESRB Rating: E10+ for Everyone

NHL 25 graphics and presentation

This season's biggest change is undoubtedly the visual upgrade, thanks to current-gen console exclusivity. NHL 25 leverages the extra horsepower of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to deliver better visuals and smoother animations. The “next-gen exclusive” SAPIEN system is a game-changer when it comes to movement, making players look and move way more realistically. The new graphical system allowed the developers to add more detail to player anatomy, hair, and fabric.

"The new graphical system allowed the developers to add more detail to player anatomy, hair, and fabric."

NHL Superstars look great, but some lesser-known players don’t receive the same level of detail. There are still the odd graphical hitches, and the player’s eye movement and facial movements could use some work, but overall, the game looks much better.

On the positive side, the crowds have received a significant upgrade; with more animations and movement, they look and sound more realistic than ever. The ice also shows wear and tear as the game progresses, adding a layer of previously missing immersion. However, while the graphics are impressive, occasional frame rate drops during intense moments can be jarring.

NHL 25 gameplay

When it comes to gameplay, NHL 25 introduces new mechanics that enhance the hockey experience. Building on NHL 24’s Sustained Pressure System and Exhaustion Engine systems, NHL 25 introduces the “ICE-Q system.” This offers more precise control and better AI behaviour, making the game more fluid and responsive. I’m a fan of the new “Skill-Based One-Timers,” which add a layer of strategy to scoring. I’ve been able to pot quite a few slapshots in NHL 25, and I’ve found the fluidity from the pass-to-shot release much faster and more satisfying. However, only some things hit the mark. While the new ICE-Q system provides many improvements, some awkward movements remain, especially in crowded areas or after hits are thrown.

NHL 25’s Next-Gen Vision Control

A more tangible gameplay change you can use moment to moment is the “Next-Gen Vision Control.” It aims to enhance both offensive and defensive gameplay. This system allows players to hold the left trigger to maintain their orientation toward the net while navigating the offensive zone, making it easier to find shooting lanes and set up plays. On the defensive side, it functions similarly to a lock-in feature in basketball games, helping you maintain your positioning and react more effectively to the opposing team’s attack.

"Overall, Next-Gen Vision Control is a promising addition that, when used effectively, can significantly enhance the gameplay experience." 

Overall, Next-Gen Vision Control is a promising addition that, when used effectively, can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. However, its impact may vary depending on your play style and how well players adapt to incorporating it into their game strategy. The gameplay improvements are a step in the right direction, but there’s still room for further refinement and it would be great to see more added in NHL 25.

NHL 25 modes and features

NHL 25 brings back many familiar modes and a few new features. The revamped Franchise Mode offers a more immersive experience with detailed stat tracking, contract negotiations, and player conversations. The UI has also been streamlined, offering more straightforward navigation and providing important data front and centre.

"The UI has also been streamlined, offering more straightforward navigation and providing important data front and centre."

It’s a big improvement over NHL 24 where you needed to go hunting through menus. The new contract negotiation features, including no-trade and no-movement clauses, help to add to the authenticity.

The new Grudge Match System keeps track of rivalries, adding an extra layer of excitement to matchups. Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) introduces Wildcard Mode, which others a new level of strategy and rulesets. Unfortunately, modes like “Be A Pro” haven’t seen much in the way of improvements and remain largely unchanged.

"Unfortunately, modes like “Be A Pro” haven’t seen much in the way of improvements and remain largely unchanged."

This mode has seen little innovation over the years, with very similar cutscenes and conversations, making it feel stale if you are looking for a new career experience.

Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) continues to be a highlight, with the new Wildcard Mode that introduces a fresh twist to the experience. The new mode’s unique rulesets and stipulations for each competition cycle keep gameplay engaging and unpredictable, offering a refreshing change from the standard modes. Additionally, the streamlined XP progression track, which allows players to earn XP across various HUT activities, is a welcome improvement.

"Additionally, the streamlined XP progression track, which allows players to earn XP across various HUT activities, is a welcome improvement."

However, the mode’s reliance on microtransactions can be off-putting, as it often feels like success is tied to spending real money. While HUT Wildcard Mode brings some innovative elements to NHL 25, its execution leaves much to be desired, particularly in balancing player engagement with fair reward system.

NHL 25 Audio and Sound Design

The audio and sound design in NHL 25 is top-notch. The commentators bring the game to life with dynamic and engaging play-by-play, while the crowd effects and goal horns add to the atmosphere. This year’s soundtrack is a banger, featuring 42 tracks from bands like Cage The Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, Green Day, and Alkaline Trio.

"This year’s soundtrack is a banger, featuring 42 tracks from bands like Cage The Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, Green Day, and Alkaline Trio."

There are also hockey staples played between faceoffs, like Darude’s Sandstorm. However, I did find the commentary repetitive after a while, but that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise great audio experience.

Final Thoughts on NHL 25

NHL 25 delivers a solid hockey experience with impressive visual upgrades and refined gameplay mechanics. The Next-Gen Vision Control and ICE-Q system adds depth and realism, making each game more dynamic and engaging. However, NHL 25 is not without its flaws. The reliance on microtransactions in HUT Wildcard Mode and the lack of significant updates to modes like “Be A Pro” are notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, if you’re a fan of the series or just love hockey, NHL 25 is worth checking out, it’s a solid experience on the ice.

NHL 25 Pros

+Stunning graphics and realistic animations

+Enhanced gameplay mechanics with Next-Gen Vision Control and ICE-Q system

+Revamped Franchise Mode with detailed stat tracking and contract negotiations

NHL 25 Cons

-Lack of significant updates to “Be A Pro” mode

-Occasional frame rate drops during gameplay and menus

-Heavy reliance on microtransactions in HUT Wildcard Mode

-Some features feel like incremental updates

Overall Assessment of NHL 25

Gameplay: 7/10

Graphics: 8/10

Sound: 8/10

Replayability: 7/10

Overall Rating: 30/40 (75%)

https://youtu.be/RDHIrnNAWPo?si=QNJGrpxwiXdHYdnG

A copy of the game was provided by Electronics Arts to conduct this review.

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About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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