NHL 22 Reviews
‘NHL 22’ really takes a big stride forward in the franchise. Having it on a PS5 is a big part of what makes the difference in some ways. The haptic feedback really gives the game another level. NHL games have gotten stale in years past (15-18 come to mind in some ways). Over the past few releases, EA Vancouver has taken it to newer heights and this is a leap in a great direction. I haven’t been this excited to try and run a franchise into the ground because I have no idea what I am doing, or go pro and take on the greats for the cup.
If you love the sport and want the best looking and playing a version of it of all-time along with a staggering number of modes and options, then I think NHL 22 is going to make you quite happy.
NHL 22 Makes Successful Transition to Next-Gen Consoles
NHL 22 surprises by making its debut on a new console without removing any of its modes, but those who played NHL 21 may find this version a little too familiar. X-Factors on paper should be a game-changer but are mostly underwhelming. The switch to Frostbite does massively improve the fidelity of the rink – even if character models still look downright demonic – but should that really be the biggest change to the game? The ultimate question is: can the price increase be justified on the PS5? And given how little really has changed from last year to this year, the answer has to be a “no”.
In the grand scheme of things, I’d say that NHL 22 is a skip overall, though long-time hockey fans will certainly find enjoyment. And hey — just like NHL 15 before it, this is one of those years that means double Achievements/Trophies because of its cross-generation release. Quite honestly, though, I’d prefer cross-gen play and one Achievement set instead, and that’s a lot coming from Mr 600,000 Gamescore over here. It’s very likely that the matchmaking problems I’ve encountered have been exacerbated by the lack of current-gen console availability; while the Xbox One version is near identical to Xbox Series X in terms of gameplay, I’ll stick to playing the prettier-looking one.
NHL 22 brings great gameplay improvements, but it lacks new stuff in its content.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
At this point, consumers are likely well aware of whether EA Sports' NHL franchise is something that appeals to them, and NHL 22 won't change that. With that said, for the series faithful or someone that skipped out on NHL 21, there's a lot to enjoy in the current-gen polish that the Frostbite Engine and the more powerful hardware bring with them. At the end of the day, NHL 22 is the de facto hockey gaming experience and the energy that went into refining the current product was not spent in vain.
Hockey games, to me, have the longest appeal and replayability out of all sports games. The default four-minute periods result in more fast-paced, “attention to detail” arcade-style competition. Sure, the games don’t last as long as football or baseball, but I can guarantee you that, unlike them, you’re going to want to play another game or two because of its pace. NHL 22 has that same good old familiar feeling, the only real difference bing the updated roster that corresponds with the year.
NHL 22 on current-generation consoles is the best NHL experience that has released in some time.
NHL 22's various arcade modes have their charms, but it's an uneven installment that puts the focus in the wrong places.
With NHL 22, EA's long-running team finally gets a brand new game engine, providing better physics, graphics, and animations. As usual, we also get a variety of game modes that make most people happy, whether it's realism or party games that attract. What we do not get, however, is a sufficiently refreshed sense of play. The improved physics helps, but does not shake off all the old flaws. That said, NHL 22 is an excellent hockey game, although several long-standing problems still exist.
Review in Swedish | Read full review
NHL 22 delivers some good moment-to-moment hockey along with a needed visual upgrade, but the franchise feels tired and worn out.
I can’t see the NHL franchise reaching the heights of its mid-2000s glory years anytime soon, but at least we have the Frostbite engine in there to start building upon. It took far too long to arrive, though; it’s here now. And while I can see the potential for it to one day have this series feeling exciting again, I don’t see that happening for a long time. But, hey, it’s the only hockey game in town, so I guess I’ll see you on the ice.
On the other hand, HUT, Be a Pro, and Franchise mode don’t look that much different. The lack of changes does bring down this game a bit, but is it worse off than before? Absolutely not, and NHL 22 should give those who might have been worried about a NHL 15-like debacle some comfort.
It probably won’t surprise you to read that NHL 22 has failed to rekindle my love for this series. To put it bluntly, I didn’t have much fun playing NHL 22. And when all is said and done, how much more do you really need to know than that?
NHL 22 offers a new visual experience, but does not offer anything new in the usual modes. If you have already played last year's game, the experience will be more than similar for your wallet, whereas the editions on new-generation consoles are more expensive.
Review in French | Read full review
It's odd that it took EA this long to bring their flagship Frostbite engine to their NHL franchise, but now that it's here in NHL 22, the wait was certainly worth it, as the game has never looked or played better.
NHL 22 may be finding its feet a little bit with its new engine and mechanics, but it’s the one sports-game I’ll definitely keep going back to this year!
Hockey is a sport that’s very confined to skating on a set rink with a standard 5 vs 5 player configuration. NHL 22 brings all the different styles the game can be played with superstar abilities tailored to the different hockey niches all gamers can appreciate.
We finally have a truly next-gen sport title, and it's amazingly NHL 22. A complete overhaul to everything about the game and series makes for the best hockey title in decades. Even with its faults, this is a must-buy for hockey fans.