EA SPORTS has released the first deep dive gameplay trailer of NHL 26 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COInNyhDBo8&t=5s&ab_channel=EASPORTSNHL]. In a five minute breakdown that focuses on ICE-Q 2.0 and the revamped X-Factor system, and a change to the goalie crease control system. NHL 26 Tape To Tape 80 new goalie animations were added that will allow goalies to react faster and more accurately. Goalies will use their stick more effectively and play better in tight. These additions will allow goalies to break out of an animation to respond to the play. They no longer have to complete the original animation before reacting to a tip, rebound, or play. The trailer notes goalie play styles will be adjusted to their sizes, hopefully allowing smaller goalies to perform better than previous games. Forehand backhand dekes and cross crease passes were specifically mentioned as moves that broke previous goaltending systems, this has been fixed. Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f24b4b4f-131a-47ca-b388-60cdac179b93.png] X-Factors have received an overhaul, there are now 28 X-Factors and five categories. An example is pictured above. There are now tiers with three levels of impact. The trailer notes new visual triggers so it will be interesting to see which animations are related to which X-Factors and how they come into effect in different locations on the ice. This will also allow users to see exactly when the X-Factor is being used, a change from NHL 25. As previously discussed, ICE-Q 2.0 will incorporate real NHL EDGE data to impact player AI, attributes, and decisions. Two prominent examples used are Alex Ovechkin's tendency to set up in the face off circle and Leon Draisaitl's shots from the goal line. It will be interesting to see how these tendencies impact the AI and the players skills when being controlled by a user. In welcome news to the community the Vision Control LT/L2 glitch will be patched, as will hip check tuning and reverse hit rebalancing. All mechanics that were overpowered and abused in NHL 25. We will dive into all Gameplay Innovations coming to NHL 26 on Thursday. New Heroes and Icons will be in NHL 26. [https://thehockeynews.com/gaming/latest-news/new-heroes-and-icons-in-nhl-26] NHL 26 is set to release Sept. 12 [https://thehockeynews.com/gaming/latest-news/ea-sports-nhl-26-to-release-sept-12], those who pre-order the deluxe edition get access Sept. 5. For more NHL Gaming news make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site [https://thehockeynews.com/gaming/] or follow our Google News Feed [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMws-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen].
