I’ll start NHL 15 game in the easy way. The new. The improved. The positive. As with every other sports game, there’s a new one every year - NHL 15. Sure you can afford to skip a year, and pick up with still only a minor learning curve with the addition of new mechanics with every iteration. NHL 15 has had the biggest, and I can only assume hardest, development cycle since NHL 7. Yes, the Ovie special that changed the way we play simulation Ice Hockey.
NHL 15 is the most insanely realistic game in the series to date. Anyone walking by could easily mistake it for an actual game. The inclusion of real pre-game footage, upgraded crowd physics and, yes, even the upgrades to the cloth physics, give the game that extra touch of realism. This nails the important aspect of gameplay that too many developers fail to focus on, feeling. How a game feels is just as important as how it plays. It is what makes up the difference between good and great, between great and perfect. NHL feels great. I’ve played others in the franchise before, but NHL 15 was the first NHL that really felt right for me.
NHL is most commonly known for the Xbox and Playstation systems. It has out of this world graphics that make the players feel as if they are in the game. NHL 15 also has a new feature that brings science into the video game. The creators from EA Sports brought physics into the game to create a new hitting feature, allowing the players to look and play as real hockey players. Also, the creators developed new puck mechanics that allows it to move as if it were on the real NHL ice. NHL 15 is the best NHL game that EA Sports has ever made. I believe that it is better than the “all famous” Madden 15 and is more enjoyable. NHL 15 is a great game for all people who love the game of hockey or are looking to get into the game. I highly recommend going to your nearest game store to purchase this amazing video game. You will not be disappointed about NHL 15.
Despite the game is missing significant features, I still fell in love with EA Sports’ NHL 15. A revamped commentary and presentation makes the game unique all its own. Gone are the days of recycled Gary Thorne and Bill Clement commentary. Now it’s the NBC tandem of Mike “Doc” Emrick and Eddie Olczyk. Between the glass is TSN’s Ray Ferraro, providing ice-level insight to the game. If you must play a new hockey game this year, the last-gen versions of the game NHL 15 PS3 and NHL 15 Xbox 360 fares better, as all of the modes excluded from the PS4/Xbox One versions of the game are included. Although you won’t have the impressive presentation age, the fact the new physics system, and all of the missing modes have been included make it a better choice. With only marginal improvements since NHL 14, you’d be better of dusting it off your shelf or finding a cheaper copy online.
Yes, we expected ton from this game. But how couldn’t you when it’s the middle of July and you see a trailer such as this one? In all honesty, the first release on the newest generation of console is always far from smooth. I am hopeful that the gameplay will be ameliorated over the next year or two for this reason. However, tons of missing game modes, such as EASHL, have players up in arms and even caused them to stay away from purchasing the game. Though season-long title updates hopefully will provide enough of a fix, many people have instead chosen to wait and place their bets on NHL 16. Before I end, I’ll share one personal unmet expectation. The EA team did a great job with their “Authentic Arenas” project, but the goal horns are still horrible. In NHL 15 world, Chicago and Winnipeg apparently have New Jersey’s goal horn.
Overall NHL 15 is a visual masterpiece let down by a disappointingly limited single-player and repetitive commentary. If longevity is what you’re after consider the last-gen versions in contrast if you want a fun way to pass time or impress your friends with your new TV - NHL 15 is the one to beat.
