I have reported in the past that the NHL series of games from EA are the best sports games around, and after trying out NHL 17, that claim only gets stronger.
One of the big highlights this year is customization. Not only can players make their own skater, options this year allow players to go all out, even creating new teams, logos and arenas. Arena creation was a blast, with options for seating color, jumbotron appearance and even the sound played when your team scores a goal.
This arena customization comes into play with the revamped Franchise mode. This mode allows players to control every aspect of the team, from player signings down to hot dog prices. You can even relocate your team, giving them a new name and identity. Finally, you’ll be able to give Wood Buffalo the team it’s been waiting for.
Players can unlock additional customization options by playing in the EASHL. The further a player progresses, the more uniform and arena customization options are unlocked. Starting a team means you have to start small, in a local community rink. The more you play and unlock, the more your team can grow, until you can afford to move into a huge arena to play in the big leagues.
Another way to play will be NHL Draft Champions. This popular mode from the Madden series is now playable in NHL 17. If you are unaware, the mode forces players to quickly make a roster from a collection of cards featuring past and present NHL players. These cards can be collected and traded in to get more powerful cards. Once a team is built, players can compete for the Draft Championship.
The last major new game mode is the World Cup of Hockey, a first for the franchise. This mode includes all of the World Cup of Hockey teams, players and uniforms, so players can compete for international glory.
Aside from new game modes, the actual on-ice gameplay in NHL 17 continues to improve. The Visual On-Ice Trainer comes back, giving real-time advice for what a player should be doing in any given situation. This feature is great, even for advanced players, because it’s always showing new and alternate ways of doing things. Ultimately, following the advice of the Trainer results in you experimenting more with your play style, and finding new moves and strategies to take down any opponent.
Goalies, and the area in front of the goal, have been a major focus for NHL 17. New Net Battle physics make camping out in front of the net much more involved on both the offensive and defensive sides of play. Goalies will feature a new Reactionary Save Intelligence, which helps with making smarter decisions on the fly. Pair the new Reactionary Save Intelligence with new and expanded goalie motion capture, and you’ll be seeing your netminder making dazzling saves you’ve never seen before.
NHL 17 will be coming to PS4 and Xbox One on Sept. 13.
So what do you think? Are you excited to try out this year’s NHL game? Where do you want to move your NHL franchise to start a new team? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
