Every year, hopes are high for EA’s NHL game series to reach its full potential, only to be met with a feeling of familiarity from the previous year’s installment. While there have been some exceptions in the past, it seems that NHL 25 may not break this cycle. These are early impressions after just a few hours of gameplay, but the initial impression is not as optimistic as hoped.
From a visual standpoint, NHL 25 is the first game in the series designed exclusively for current-gen consoles. The graphics are sharp, the animations are smoother, and players look more human-like than ever before. While there may not have been groundbreaking mechanical changes, the improvements in graphics and presentation are noticeable.
One area that has seen significant changes is the Franchise mode. The hub menu has been redesigned for a sleeker look, and gameplay additions like negotiating contracts with free agents and discussing team focus during the offseason with head coaches bring new depth to the mode. These changes add a layer of strategy that fans of the series have been wanting for a while.
In contrast, Be a Pro mode seems to be stuck in the same rut as previous iterations. With minimal changes and lackluster storytelling, the mode feels uninspired and lacking the depth that could make it truly engaging.
While the initial impressions of NHL 25 may not be overwhelmingly positive, there is still more to explore, particularly in online modes. Despite some glitches and crashes, further gameplay in Franchise mode and online play will provide a clearer picture of the game’s overall experience. As the first NHL game for current-gen consoles, it’s disappointing to see that NHL 25 may not have broken free from the limitations of its last-gen counterparts.