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
The handful of changes in NHL 27 are mostly welcome – nothing is worse than last year, but very little is better either.
If you weren't able to tell by now, I'm not a fan of NHL 27 in the slightest. Normally, I can still find something that keeps me coming back to weaker sports games. I won't be doing the same with NHL 27.
This caps a full decade of me reviewing the NHL games, and while I believe the gameplay is better in NHL 27 than NHL 26, my position hasn’t changed. Harsh as it may sound, this is an update, not a new game.
NHL 27 takes a step forward from its predecessor, striking an effective balance between old and new. With its presentation polished around the edges and its AI improved, it delivers enjoyable games, albeit with the occasional lapse, while maintaining a more than solid overall experience. The situation is somewhat different when it comes to the game modes: the addition of Connected Franchise stands out in an otherwise largely traditional lineup of options.
Review in Italian | Read full review
'NHL 27' is yet another yearly release of the same installment. The package and presentation are gorgeous and the in-game experience is super immersive. The introduction of Connected Franchise is a big win for players, and returning fans of Be a Pro will be satisfied. But if you are looking for a major overhaul, you'll be disappointed. By no means is this a bad game, in fact, this is a good game with certain aspects of greatness. This video game makes playing hockey feel entertaining and exhilarating, the atmospheres bring an authenticity and really that is all you can ask for.
NHL 27's on-ice action may have become smarter, but the overall product has barely changed at all.
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.
