EA Sports’ NHL franchise is a great game that has been under-the-radar since transitioning to next-gen consoles. From realistic on-ice mechanics to NHL on NBC integration, NHL is becoming a stronger title for EA every year.
On Thursday, the NHL held its annual awards ceremony, along with the Expansion Draft for the Vegas Golden Knights. During the festivities, everyone got their first look at NHL 18 and cover of the game. Edmonton Oilers' young superstar and Art Ross Trophy winner (player with the most points in the NHL) Connor McDavid is the new cover athlete for the NHL franchise.
“Representing NHL 18 as the cover athlete is an incredible honor,” said McDavid. “I’ve played EA SPORTS NHL every year since I was a kid. To appear on the cover, something that has been done previously by so many players that I respect and admire is very exciting. I can’t wait to play NHL 18 .”
This year’s NHL 18 features a new mode called NHL Threes. This mode is an arcade 3-on-3 hockey, which means action will be faster with fewer players on the ice. Players can choose to play NHL Threes online or start an offline campaign mode. EA Sports also introduced NHL Threes as an online team play option on EA SPORTS Hockey League. The primary appeal of 3-on-3 hockey is open ice hockey, something that the NHL has been experimenting with over the last few years in overtime periods and at their All-Star Games.
Next, a new Creative Attack will add more explosive moves, not just in NHL Threes, but throughout the rest of the game. On offense, new dekes and the ability to string different moves together will give players “moment-to-moment” control with the puck. On defense, players will have access to new stick and poke checks along with the ability to cut more passing lanes on the ice, something that was lacking in NHL 17 as it was the Wild West when it came to how easy it was to pass on any part of the ice.
“There’s a huge shift in the sport of hockey right now, where a new generation of young players are bringing more speed, skill and creativity to the game than we’ve ever seen,” said Sean Ramjagsingh, Lead Producer, NHL 18. “ NHL 18 is all about capturing everything that’s great about the new NHL. Creative Attack controls let our players show off all the skill and highlight-reel moves they can imagine, while NHL THREES brings the speed and excitement of 3-on-3 hockey to the game.”
Here is one other feature that EA Sports announced for NHL 18:
Expansion Mode
Reshape the entire NHL with the new Expansion Draft feature in Franchise Mode where you get to create and draft a 32nd NHL team and shake up the league. Run an authentic expansion draft where you select the best players from across the league, build a unique roster and take on the front office role to manage the team, the business, and the games. Or if you’re playing as an existing franchise, protect your current team roster in the Expansion Draft by setting your own Protected Player list.
You select the hometown for your 32nd expansion team, from cities all across North America and even in Europe – from Stockholm to Helsinki to Berlin to St. Petersburg. You choose the place and team and compete to bring the Stanley Cup back to your hometown.
Once you’ve drafted a new NHL team, use the new, deeper Creation Zone customization tools to choose your city, build an arena, design a uniform and a logo, and for the first time ever – design your very own custom mascot.
EA Sports also announced that registration has opened for online beta testing of NHL 18. This is the third year that fans will have the opportunity to beta test NHL. EA uses this as a way for fans to play early versions of the game to identify and issues prior to the game’s release.
NHL 18 will be released for the PlayStation 4 and the Xbox One on Sept. 15. Those who purchase the Young Stars edition of the game will be able to play the game three days early on Sept. 12.
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