If you want this game, at least wait to see if they fix their major problems. Just read below
This was supposed to be the renewal of a game that was fun, but was feeling more like 1994 than 2014.
What have come out of the box is quite diseapointing. First of all, so far there were several modes that are still not back. Shootout, Online franchise, etc. Maybe it will come back later with updates.
Lets move to the game.
Visually, the ice just seems like.. washed out. When my girlfriend saw the game first, she said "is that on ps2 or ps4? I thought it was going to be better graphics??" She resumed it all. Yes, replays, closeups are neat and fine. But this game is played on ice. And this ice looks worse than the ice pond at the park after a rainy winter day. If you cant make ice look like ice, at least dont worsen it.
For controls. The new physics is quite weird. Maybe it's me that isnt used to it but hits often just dont happens. You are in position, you hit the button but the player just suddently slow down, looking like a cone and the opponent just pass by easily. Not realistic. Fighting is real bad. You move your buttons as you think you can and you try to do something good. but the players down there just do waltz. Turning around...
The worse part is HUT. This is the game where you play against online players, gain coins, buy packs and try to have a good team. First of all, there is no other mode than solo (where you can play against any team) or multiplayer. Exit tournament modes. For multiplayer, I played 6 games. Ended 2. Twice the game completely crashed (was kicked out to main PS4 screen and asked to send report). Twice game ended between period with a "waiting for opponent" message. That's a big glitch (they have the exact same problem with FIFA World). Worse part? When the game crash, you end with nothing. No gain, no coin, nothing. Only games played for all your roster.
Also, a major thing here. Junior, nhler, same thing. When you play in HUT, even if you have a full packed NHLer team, you wont outrun the worse junior team easily as it should be. Quick NHLers wont outspeed 3rd line junior d-man... that inst fun
The crashing glitch is a good enough reason not to buy the game (unless you dont wanna play HUT). Wait and see if they fixt it before spending your money here. If they just fix the things up here (ice, hits, fights and glitchs) and bring back the other modes, this game could be a fun one.
Until then, play something else.