NHL 27 Reviews
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Review in Italian | Read full review
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.
NHL 27 is a solid sports title for newcomers, but longtime fans may find it all too familiar. While the new additions bring some welcome changes, their overall impact remains limited, leaving NHL 27 one step short of reaching the level of innovation seen in EA’s other sports titles.
Review in Italian | Read full review
NHL 27 features great gameplay and looks fantastic in every element of its presentation, however, there are few changes to make it stand out from last year.
Overall, NHL 27 delivers a solid and complete hockey experience by refining last year's mechanics, adding depth to existing Franchise Mode, and introducing smarter AI and playbooks. While it lacks revolutionary new modes or a dramatic visual leap, its polished on-ice gameplay, improved presentation, and rich feature set make it the definitive release of the current era.
EA Sports NHL 27 stays true to its formula, focusing less on a major revolution and more on numerous smaller improvements. The new team playbooks, more dynamic team behavior, revamped defenses, and Connected Franchise add depth and variety, while Be a Pro and World of Chel have also been meaningfully expanded.
Review in German | Read full review
NHL 27 doesn't reinvent EA Sports' hockey, but it addresses some of the series' most evident problems: teams that felt too similar, poorly differentiated atmospheres and the lack of a real online league among friends. A familiar technical structure, clumsy menus and an imperfect AI remain, but for anyone interested in online leagues, arena atmospheres and a more tactical portrayal of the teams, this is one of the most interesting editions in years.
Review in Italian | 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.
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.
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.
NHL 27's same old modes feel tired, and the gameplay feels ornery.
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
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.