What has always intrigued me about sports titles in general, is the philosophy that every year there needs to be this creative back of the box new feature that is being included. For the most part I look at it as pure marketing gimmicks more so than an enhancement to the game itself. As a gamer that has been at it for 30+ years, I have seen this series go through it's ups and downs. I have to say that NHL 16 is one of the most complete versions of the series to date. It still isn't without it's what's happened here? moments though.
Audio:
- Lack of varied commentary. With only a hand full of games under my belt in this years iteration, I am already growing tired of the same worn out comments being used multiple times in the same games, by the Doc and Eddy O. It is a huge undertaking for any sports title to incorporate commentary into a game. That being said, in hockey, since the action is so fast paced and at times non-stop, moving forward in this series, there needs to be a major emphasis placed on this. (score: 6.5 / 10)
- Stadium sounds: This is where NHL 16 shines. I have to say that the on ice audio is truly amazing. Puck on stick and against the boards, glass, and goal posts are dead on. The sound of a player being checked sounds much more realistic than ever before. Crowd atmosphere is pretty solid. The stadiums erupts when a goal is scored and you hear ooohs!! when there's a near miss on a scoring attempt. (Wish list: on ice player chatter, calling for the puck, goalies talking to the defense, etc.) (score: 8.8 / 10)
Presentation / Modes:
- The overall look and feel has not changed too much. The replay camera angles are pretty sweet. So much so that my wife thought I was watching a real game when she walked by. (score: 8 / 10)
- Menus are still a little clunky, but load times seem to have been improved. Minor gripe is that the same menu and loading screen music from NHL 15 is back. Bad choice in my opinion, but not a big deal. (score: 6 / 10)
- Post Goal celebrating: Needs some work. The attention to detail in most other areas of the game is spot on, but for some reason, we get the same 2 man post goal hugging that we had in NHL 15. Scoring in Hockey, for the most part is one the most climactic events in a game, yet not enough love is given to them here. Watch any hockey game EVER, and you will see for the varied reactions when goals are scored (Wish list:. When a team scores a game tying goal the scoring player gets mobbed by his on ice teammates. On the flip side, score a meaningless goal in a 4 goal rout and the reaction is much more subdued. Nevertheless, 99% of the time you will see all of the on ice teammates gather to congratulate the scorer, not just 1 teammate.(score: 5.5 / 10)
- The leagues are back: The online EASHL coming back to the series is HUGE! Combine it with the stellar Ultimate Team mode and a way more customizable GM/Season mode and you have made a huge leap forward. I feel that I am really getting my money's worth this time around. Be a pro mode is another deep and extremely enjoyable way to play. You will have no trouble finding ways to lose time during the season with all of these fantastic ways to play. (score: 9.5 / 10)
Graphics:
- WOW! From the moment the puck is dropped, the game looks amazing. Skate marks in the ice, the build of ice shavings over the course of a period and the arenas are super detailed. The new player hair and facial hair enhancements look good. There are still some good players that don't resemble their real life counterparts. (a patch down the road can address this, a la Madden 16). Jerseys look sweet and more detailed.(score: 9 / 10)
- Player animations have been improved. I still noticed some clipping and weird physics issues when I crashed the net on a power-play, but overall they look more fluid and less canned. The puck physics are awesome. (score: 8 / 10).
Gameplay:
- The best yet. Player AI has been improved. Computer controlled teammates stay in good position on defense and move into open spaces on offense. Goalies AI seemed a little off at times, but with slider adjustments, this issue could be addressed. The new strafe skating mechanics do help keep pucks alive in the offensive zone and allow for extended scoring chances. The new hustle skate feature I am on the fence on. It feels like a speed burst and I never liked speed bursts in sports games, so I need more time on this one. (score: 8.5 / 10)
- On Ice Trainer: In essence this is a in game version of a tutorial that makes suggestions to you on the fly to help you make the best pass, check, shot, etc. I eventually turned this off because I felt it was making it too easy for me, but it is a cool feature for newcomers to the series. (score: 8 / 10)
- The puck physics in the game make a big difference and really help with making this version feel more realistic. Skaters pick the pucks up in stride versus in NHL 15. This creates more odd man rushes which were definitely lacking last year. (Wish list: More pucks going out of play. I know it slows the game down, but it is what happens in real hockey. Players being tossed out of the faceoff circle. More emphasis on board play. It does happen somewhat in NHL 16, but not nearly enough as it should. (score: 8.5 / 10)
VERDICT: (Final score: 8 / 10)
Although much more improved in several areas over NHL 15, there is still some room for growth The re-introduction of the missing online modes from last year are game changers (no pun intended).. With the improved AI, player skating and animations along with super tight gameplay controls and graphical upgrades, we are seeing the series finally hitting it's stride. After the disappointment of last year, it is great to see the series returning to true form. I can't wait to see where it takes us in years to come!