NHL 16 Reviews
When you come right down to it, NHL 16 is an improvement over last year's release in virtually every department. Unfortunately, that isn't exactly saying a lot.
There's a lot to like about NHL 16. EA Canada has worked diligently to bring back almost all of the features that were missing last year, with Be a Pro and EASHL being notably improved. The presentation has also received a really nice bump, and the gameplay on the ice is smoother and more exciting than ever. While it's more ambitious than it looks, though, the next step remains elusive. For now, we'll just have to settle for a really solid hockey sim.
NHL 16 feels like what NHL 15 should have been. The gameplay remains largely the same, but there is at least some effort to get newcomers more familiar with the mechanics. All of the modes are back and fully intact, while the presentation is solid save for a few hitches here and there. It would be nice to see something that's actually new, but considering how bare the previous entry was, getting these modes back is a good start.
NHL 16 has done enough to fix the damage of last year, and it's worth checking out.
NHL 16 isn't perfect, but it's a substantial improvement over what released last year.
Outside of the fantastic in-game trainer — which, it's worth noting, is similar to what's available in EA's other sports games this year — and the revamped EA Sports Hockey League, NHL 16's updates are incremental. The issues I saw are uncharacteristic of the high EA reached on the previous consoles, and as the series is finding its footing in the new generation, NHL 16 doesn't quite reach that bar.
A competent hockey experience still looking for a game-changing feature
NHL 16 marks what some would call a rebuild year. Most of the content that was inexcusably cut last year is back, but that's about it. The gameplay remains solid, and there is hope that the franchise can finally break away from the past and create something great in the future.
NHL 16 is definitely a return to form the NHL series, now I think I'd like to see them break that form and come up with something different. The features are there, the graphics are amazing, now the gameplay needs to catch up to the rest of the game. Hopefully they can do that next year.
NHL 16 brings the series back up to speed with some great modes and features, but you can't count on its online modes.
NHL 16 is leaps and bounds improved from last year's title. While all of the returning game modes are warmly welcomed, it can come off as a cheap marketing ploy to take them away in the first place, only to reinstate them as a selling point. The feel of the game replicates a more authentic simulation in both look and gameplay.
NHL 16 represents a return to form for the long-running hockey franchise. Those trying to get the bad taste of their mouths from last year's entry should be pleased with EA Canada's effort, which is capable of attracting casual and hardcore fans alike. EASHL is fulfilling and even addictive, shootouts are an absolute blast, the On-Ice Trainer is an excellent addition for newcomers, and the gameplay is smooth in some places, and rugged and powerful where it needs to be (feel that hit?).
NHL 16 is a solid return to form for a beloved sports franchise. For sports fans, every year brings about new hope for their team. Well this year that hope was realised as NHL 16 provides an outstanding experience both on and off of the ice. There is still room for improvement, but now the title is more than a foundation - it is a full game with a great deal for hockey fans to appreciate.
NHL 16 is a triumphant return to form. After the debacle that was the razor-thin NHL 15, EA has restored all of the beloved modes to the game and they're better than ever.
NHL has bounced back
This new iteration of NHL recovers from last year's sizable stumble by reinstating the excised features and making improvements on them which make them more enjoyable and easier to get into.
New aspects in NHL 16 like the on-ice trainer and the Morale system in Be a GM give the game some welcome layers of depth, and the actual gameplay is as good as ever. However, you can't help but get the sense that the biggest additions to this year's game just came from putting back features that were cut from last year's title.
At the same time, NHL 16 represents a nice return to form for the virtual hockey franchise. From its various modes to the more responsive gameplay, NHL 16 addresses many of the issues that scuttled last year's game. If you weighed and measured NHL 15 and it left you wanting, NHL 16 could be the game to get you back on the virtual ice once again.
NHL 16 follows up last year's debacle with a fun, content-packed and beautifully presented hockey experience, that marks the welcomed return of fan favourite modes like EA Sports Hockey League. It is, however, rough around the edges in certain areas, which is what prevents it from being a bonafide classic.
After the disappointment of last season's effort, NHL 16 feels like a solid rebuilding year. It may not go all the way to the Stanley Cup, but it definitely won't miss the playoffs.