The clock is ticking on Electronic Arts to produce a well received NHL game.
Image captured in game on NHL 23NHL 23 was widely received as a disappointment by gamers. All you need to do is look at any of the comments on one of their social media posts to see fans across the globe share their frustrations. From clunky animations, to X Factors that are almost invincible to stop, and even unrealistic goals that involve more bounces than a basketball game, fans were not pleased.
However, just like the 2022-2023 Florida Panthers showed us, it’s possible to bounce back in a big way and rise from the ashes. Is that possible for NHL 24? If Electronic Arts wants to win back the hearts of NHL gamers, the following may help them get on the path to redemption.
Rahil asked the NHL community what they believed the most important aspect the game needed to improve on in order to save the series. You can view the tweet and what some members of the community said below.
Better Gameplay
One of the responses came from Sapsterr_ on twitter, a competitive NHL player and a top 8 finalist at the 2022 NHL GWC in Montreal. “The answer is better gameplay, straight up.” he tweets. “If NHL 24 has some of the best gameplay we’ve seen in years, then suffering through NHL 23 will have been worth it. If the best thing about 24 is a new gamemode, then this will NOT have been worth it.”
Edwards’ opinion is one that almost every single NHL gamer can agree with. This year's version of the game brought with it some of the most confusing and head scratching gameplay we’ve seen. When you see players competing in the NHL World Championship scoring eight goals and still losing? Something’s wrong, and it likely isn’t competitive NHL players suddenly forgetting how to play defense.
Real Cross Platform
Jordan on twitter (@Bish182) brings up a great point by saying “Full cross play/cross gen, we don’t need 4 versions of the game lol”. NHL 23 did see the first step towards cross play, which involved users on the same “generation” being able to play together such as PS5 and Xbox Series X.
While a step in the right direction, there were some huge restrictions. Most notably in the EASHL game mode you could only team up with players on your console, while in other EA games like Apex Legends players can team up from any platform. Having a improved and actual cross play experience would go a long way in pleasing fans.
Bring Back NHL14?
Finally, Aaron Fesh responded with “I ask for NHL 14”. While short and to the point, Aaron’s comment speaks volumes about the state of NHL while offering a hint of optimism. NHL 14 is regarded by many as one of the “golden games” of the NHL series, and many fans would love nothing more than to bring back a similar yet modern version of the fan favourite game. GM Connected, EASHL, Be A Pro, multiple HUT game modes, this game had it all. NHL 14 didn’t have one amazing game mode, instead it had multiple very good game modes, which is likely a huge factor into why it’s loved by so many. It had something for everyone.
The sliver of optimism? It involves the “14” part of the game’s title. NHL 94, 04, and 14 were all fantastic games that each engaged fans in their own unique ways. With NHL 24 being the next installment of the “fours”, perhaps fate will reward fans with a game that lives up to the legend of the fours.