TL;DR
NHL 15 marks a significant next-gen leap for EA Sports' hockey franchise, boasting stunning visuals and enhanced physics powered by the Ignite engine. While it streamlines the experience by cutting some beloved modes like EASHL, it delivers an incredibly fun and accessible core gameplay loop, perfect for local multiplayer or quick online matches. The focus on presentation and refined gameplay makes it a compelling entry, even if facial models aren't perfect yet. If you're looking for an enjoyable hockey simulation that prioritizes slick gameplay over a vast array of modes, this is a strong contender. Dive into the full review to see if it's the right fit for your game library!
EA Sports has established itself as a leader in sports game realism, largely due to their extensive licensing agreements securing real team and player names. This often positions their FIFA and NHL series at the forefront of the genre, despite competition from Konami’s PES and 2K’s NHL.
NHL 15 represents a significant transition from older console generations to the current platforms. While also available on Xbox 360 and PS3 to cater to their substantial install base, the PS4 and Xbox One versions are where the advancements are most apparent. NHL visuals and physics have undergone a substantial upgrade, leveraging the Ignite engine to deliver a more realistic and engaging next-gen experience. It’s worth noting that this year’s iteration is somewhat streamlined, making it ideally suited for local multiplayer and single online matches.
The shift to new hardware and technology has led EA Sports in Canada to prioritize certain features, resulting in the removal of several modes previously popular in NHL 14. Specifically, EA Sports Hockey League, Be a Legend, and Online League modes are absent. Hockey Ultimate Team remains, challenging players to build and lead a randomized team to victory through online and offline matches. This reprioritization likely stems from the complexities of mastering the new hardware architectures. Despite the increasing similarities between PS4/Xbox One and traditional PCs, they still represent entirely new platforms requiring significant development effort. The focus appears to have shifted towards enhancing graphics, game physics, and overall presentation, incorporating stylish NBC-branded broadcast elements and commentary to enhance the immersive experience. This emphasis on core gameplay and presentation is a welcome improvement.
From an entertainment perspective, NHL 15 delivers a compelling hockey experience. It offers an accessible entry point for newcomers, with modes ranging from arcade-style gameplay with high scoring to semi-automatic assistance with player changes and aiming. For experienced players, a more realistic simulation awaits, demanding strategic planning, line management, and precise control over shooting mechanics.
The PS4 version, which served as the review platform, demonstrates excellent performance. The textures are visually appealing, and the increased processing power and memory enable more realistic player movements (replicating real-world player models, similar to FIFA), high-definition video, and dynamic crowd reactions. While the facial models exhibit a slightly artificial appearance, it is anticipated that further refinements in NHL 16, with more development time dedicated to the hardware, will address this. The audio component remains largely consistent with previous iterations. The commentary is generally well-executed but can become repetitive, and the soundtrack lacks significant distinction. However, the atmosphere during key moments, such as a game-winning goal, is effectively recreated.
The team found engaging competition in matches, with frequent clashes between favorite teams like the LA Kings and NY Rangers. NHL 15 excels in its playability and smooth gameplay. While the reviewers generally favor football games, NHL 15 rekindled a similar level of enjoyment reminiscent of the NES era or the early NHL 1994 titles. This encapsulates both the charm and potential drawback of NHL 15: it provides an enjoyable hockey experience, ideally suited for local multiplayer or online matches (server stability and opponent connection quality varied), provided one does not require the comprehensive leagues and game modes of previous releases.
If you prioritize features like EASHL, the reduced feature set in NHL 15 compared to its predecessor may be a disappointment. Conversely, the core gameplay experience is arguably the most enjoyable it has been in a long time, coupled with enhanced visual fidelity and engaging presentation. Consider downloading the demo to evaluate its suitability. All major teams from the Elitserien, NHL, and other global hockey leagues are included.
