NHL 26 Reviews
Overall, EA Sports NHL 26 delivers very well again this year. The optimizations on the ice with ICE-Q 2.0 and the individual tendencies of the stars are likely to be appreciated primarily by true NHL nerds, but the optimized goalies, the tidied-up menus, and the additional options in Ultimate Team should appeal to a wider audience. The completely revamped Be-A-Pro mode is really nice, shining with stylish sequences, press conferences with sound, challenges, and versatile, influenceable systems. We make decisions, choose dialogue options, and use different activities to influence our player's path. The franchise, on the other hand, is once again very classic and menu-heavy, but as always comes with a lot of management options. A facelift with a little more spectacle would be a nice thing here. The presentation on the ice, on the other hand, is really impressive, whether it's the atmosphere with lots of action off the ice, the optimized graphics, or the dense soundscape. This makes it easy to overlook the somewhat wooden faces and movements in the stands. All in all, NHL 26 is an all-around successful installment in the series, but there is still room for improvement in a few areas.
Review in German | Read full review
NHL 26 is a strong step forward for hockey on PS5. Skaters and shooters feel sharper with ICE-Q 2.0, and the new goalie animations make each save exciting. Be A Pro finally adds stakes, Cup Chase gives offline HUT a meaningful challenge, and presentation upgrades like replays, overlays, and walkouts make the game feel alive. Commentary can repeat, and Franchise hasn’t changed much, but the on-ice improvements, career progression, and broadcast polish combine to deliver a game that’s satisfying, rewarding, and fun to return to again and again.
EA SPORTS NHL 26 is excellent in many ways. Whether you're a newcomer to the rink or someone like me who hasn't touched a title in the series since the first PlayStation, it won't be difficult to adapt to the functionality of the controls and the pace of each match. You'll be supported in the best possible way, and the various game modes further increase the fun and understanding for both laymen and curious players. It's the perfect gateway for those who want to learn about the sport and its various leagues.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
NHL 26 is not a disaster. It is still the same core game that has entertained hockey fans for years, and it will deliver some good nights with friends. That is also the problem. After so many iterations, players deserve more than recycled gameplay, minor presentation updates, and shallow new modes. For diehards like me, NHL 26 will still be worth a few evenings, but it is hard not to feel shortchanged. This is not the bold new chapter EA promised. It is another reminder of how much potential remains untapped in this series.
While EA Sports NHL 26 successfully captures the realistic elements of the sport, there is still room for improvement. The game lacks arcade-style modes, and the overall gameplay feels monotonous. At times, it seems that the franchise gets overshadowed by other EA Sports series. NHL 26 has the potential to be even better, but aside from two improved game modes and minor gameplay adjustments, it resembles its predecessor.
NHL 26 is another enjoyable entry to the long lineage of EA’s flagship hockey franchise. There’s enough content to keep hardcore players hoooked and more game modes that you can shake a stick at. Whereas the game’s accessibility features can tailor the experience to welcome in newcomers with open arms. Long time fans of the series are sure to be quite happy with this latest entry. But Be a Pro mode aside and the addictive Ones Now, there’s isn’t much that justifies buying it if you already have NHL 25 and/or NHL 24; unless you’re OCD and need to complete your collection.
NHL 26 marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, delivering a deeper and more realistic simulation. Thanks to the new ICE-Q 2.0 engine and the integration of real NHL data, gameplay feels more authentic. While minor technical issues persist, the revamped Be a Pro and richer online modes make it a must-have for hockey fans.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NHL 26 brings new gameplay changes that bring hockey to life in a way that is better than ever. There are still some things to be ironed out, a typical issue for yearly sports releases, but there is a lot of fun to be had for hockey fans everywhere.
EA Sports NHL 26 has made some big improvements to gameplay that become more noticeable over time, with a new Be-A-Pro mode that is better than before.
If you already own "NHL 25," you'll get more of a fine-tuning here. Those who've taken a longer break, however, can look forward to a well-rounded, fun hockey experience. "NHL 26" is like a solid power-play goal: It's fun, it scores points—but it's no game-changer!
Review in German | Read full review
NHL 26 faces many of the same problems as EA Sports' other two sports series, such as pleasing both hardcore and casual fans by dividing its focus across multiple modes, but with the expected greater emphasis on the most profitable ones. However, single-player fans are well served, the graphics quality is superb, and the gameplay is fun.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
As someone who’s taken a hiatus from sports titles in general the last few years, stepping back onto the virtual ice with ‘NHL 26’ was a daunting, yet great chance to find my love for the genre yet again.
EA has delivered an edition that balances innovation with respect for the franchise's essence. The gameplay is more realistic and fluid, the modes have received significant changes, and the audiovisual immersion is on a new level.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
NHL 26 feels sharper on the ice with smarter goalies, smoother stick handling, and stars that actually stand out. Be A Pro finally shakes things up with draft pressure and career consequences, while Hockey Ultimate Team adds Cup Chase and a salary cap to keep things balanced. Franchise Mode and presentation still feel behind, but the gameplay and mode updates make this a step forward. It isn’t a huge overhaul, but hockey fans will find plenty to dig into this year.
NHL 26 is a game for ice hockey fans in particular. The slightly more arcade-like modes make the game accessible even for beginners, but you still have to sink your teeth into it to truly enjoy it. Shooting isn't simply a matter of kicking something like in soccer games; no, you really have to use the triggers and aim reasonably well. Dribbling and passing also require a bit more skill. The franchise is no longer the arcade game of yesteryear. However, if you're a fan, or if you really want to sink your teeth into it, this game will blow every other game away
Review in Dutch | Read full review
NHL 26 continues what was started last year. Little by little, EA Sports developers are tackling the different modes while adjusting gameplay. This time around, it was Be a Pro mode's turn for a makeover. It clearly stands out from the crowd and gives players a real reason to dive back in. The game itself is becoming more realistic, the goalies are finally more believable, and the X-Factors add a welcome layer of strategy. Not to mention that HUT mode offers a breath of fresh air. However, if you buy the game every year, it feels like the rest of the experience is stagnating without ever taking it to the next level.
Review in French | Read full review
NHL 26 takes what NHL fans have seen in real-life NHL broadcasts and lets you experience it on your console. You get to feel the intensity of a Stanley Cup final while playing as some of the game's best.