I'm glad that, in NHL 18, EA continues to seek out new players for the NHL series with smart upgrades to the training system and the exciting and accessible NHL Threes mode. Those are positive strides, but the rest of the modes and features are starting to feel too familiar.
The Signal From Tölva serves up a promising sci-fi concept, one that is made more intriguing by the ability to manipulate robot factions and some occasional awe-inspiring sights and sounds. But sometimes a slow burn can be a bit too slow thanks to its plodding movement speed, and that's the case here. If you're willing to wade through some deliberate pacing and lots of walking between repetitious shootouts with similar robot enemies, there are some intriguing bursts of action and sci-fi lore waiting for you on the hills of Tolva.
NHL 17 offers such variety that it’s easy to recommend to many players. The continued focus on accessibility and on-ice training fits the series well, and added depth to the EASHL keeps long-time fans like me coming back. The franchise mode finally gives the GM/owner mode a reason to be played, and even Draft Champions, while a bit simplistic, provides a motivation to interact with the Ultimate Team ecosystem. Most importantly, the hockey presented on the ice is dynamic and fluid, and it serves up an excellent version of the fastest game around.
Stikbold! is quite limited, but it has its heart in the right place.
Putting aside the familiar career mode, EA Sports UFC 2 is a worthy upgrade.
NHL 16 has done enough to fix the damage of last year, and it's worth checking out.
Rocket League is pure fun.
Even if you're a diehard rugby fan, this is one to avoid.
FIFA 15 is a game that any fan of the sport, casual or hardcore, should check out.
NHL 15 is missing too much to recommend to anyone but the most ardent diehards.
If you come into the game with some knowledge of the sport, you'll likely have a good time, especially with the online play.
If you can stomach the price tag and a few other issues, there are some minigames worth your time.
If you find yourself grabbing a new console and don't own the game on current-gen, check out FIFA 14 on next-gen.