NHL 25 Reviews
There’s no denying that the action on the ice looks better than ever in NHL 25, and it’s nice to see Franchise Mode get some welcome changes that help it feel more authentic for those interested in the sim experience. But when I look at this year's entry as a whole it's quite lackluster.
EA delivers on a truly dynamic, next gen hockey experience in NHL 25, but neglects the modes that bookend the package.
'NHL 25' is a good game. Don't get me wrong. The work and progress that the team has put into this year's release shows itself,,, However, I just don't know if this is enough of a step or leap forward to justify it for the average NHL fan or game player.
It's getting boring! The major game modes of the "NHL" series urgently need a makeover. Yes, something has been done to the franchise mode. And also in other places, such as Hockey Ultimate Team, a careful hand was laid. But if we're honest, that's just a drop in the ocean. Once again, far too little is happening in the big varieties. If you're looking for real changes, you'll have to take a closer look at the presentation, but especially the gameplay. On the ice, however, there are some changes that have a noticeable effect on handling and playability. Improved animations and player behavior provide an overall more rounded experience, and the presentation has also been tweaked again. But as nice as these adjustments may be, they are not enough compared to last year. Even though "NHL 25" is a very good ice hockey game, it is only recommended for all those who have already taken a break in recent years. If you already have "NHL 24" in your game library, you can safely skip "25".
Review in German | Read full review
NHL 25 leaves the previous generation behind and opening the doors on changes and improvements the series is in need of.
NHL 25 is a good game when it focuses on hockey, it’s when microtransactions come into play that things become tacky.
The EA NHL franchise has seen of lot of change in the last few years, both positive and negative. Despite EA throwing terms like ICE-Q at us, it finally seems like big gameplay changes from the last few years are starting to gel with one another. X-Factors plus pressure systems plus smart AI? It’s a literal gamechanger. I’ve had a blast so far and I hope that continues in weeks to come.
NHL 25 supplies a more sim-like experience than past entries thanks to heightened puck control and enhanced AI. As a result, this year's iteration feels more authentic and 'next-gen', but does little else to differentiate itself from prior entries. Game modes in particular remain practically untouched, featuring the same suite of features from NHL 24. This is a solid hockey game bolstered by improved AI and small incremental improvements, but its changes don't feel as substantial as other titles in EA's lineup.