NHL 27
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
NHL 27 Media
NHL 27 Gameplay and Presentation Deep Dive
NHL 27 Connected Franchise Deep Dive
NHL 27 Official Reveal Trailer
Critic Reviews for NHL 27
NHL 27 delivers an excellent experience, driven by a fantastic soundtrack, faithfully recreated arenas, highly detailed player models, and top-notch graphics. However, the controller scheme can be somewhat difficult to master, while the AI-controlled players can occasionally feel a little too strong.
Review in French | Read full review
EA NHL 27 may not have delivered some ground-breaking systems that improve the game beyond its previous iterations, but it does present the game through more subtle ways like the playbook system and better goaltending on higher difficulties. Presentation is solid, but glitchy crowds and awkward animations still break through and can ruin your immersion, regardless of the vast improvements made to arenas. However, EA’s NHL has rarely looked or played better despite those annoyances, and if you meet the game on its terms, it’s bound to bounce the puck in your direction one way or another, just be ready to take that shot.
A mostly well-executed presentation overhaul will appeal to certain players, but for everyone else, NHL 27 has very little to offer. And no, Connected Franchise without the franchise and half-baked playbooks just aren't it.
Review in Finnish | Read full review
Once again we’re being charged full admission for the trailer, not the feature film. A Connected Franchise mode without CPU teams is a half-measure, non-NHL leagues remain an afterthought, and the online gameplay loop still invalidates real-world hockey systems. For diehards, there’s just enough here to justify lacing up the skates with the crew, but at $90 CAD, it’s hard not to feel like EA is asking us to pay for the future while delivering another year of compromise.
With a new broadcast package and the most authentic atmosphere the series has to offer, EA Sports NHL 27 feels much of the same. There are minor gameplay enhancements that make the game a little more enjoyable. For the price, we'd suggest waiting for a sale down the road.
NHL 27's same old modes feel tired, and the gameplay feels ornery.
NHL 27 is another solid, highly enjoyable entry in EA’s flagship hockey franchise. The inclusion of Connected Franchise answers a long standing community request, while arena overhauls and tactical playbooks bring much needed authenticity that is genuinely impressive to experience first hand. Plenty of game modes to get into and have a change of pace whether you want something a bit arcade and fast paced or trying to build a super team to lift the Stanley Cup there is enough here to lose countless hours. Accessibility features continue to welcome newcomers with open arms, and hardcore online league fans will be thrilled. Even if you are strictly a single player gamer with little interest in online leagues, you will be glad to know you can play alongside the CPU and still thoroughly enjoy the upgraded experience.
