EA Sports' NHL 26 arrives with a mix of familiar thrills and iterative improvements, continuing the series' legacy while also highlighting areas where it needs to evolve. The game generally "nails the elements that make hockey special". However, some critics find that it doesn't stand out significantly from previous years or other sports games.
What Works Well
Authentic Gameplay: The core gameplay remains engaging, with the excitement of scoring goals and making perfect passes still present. The on-ice action is fast-paced and intuitive, a formula refined over years by EA Vancouver. Be a Pro Mode: The most significant changes in NHL 26 are found in the "Be a Pro" mode. A new chapter-based progression system, complete with cutscenes and cinematics, aims to capture the feeling of rising to stardom in the hockey world. The mode emphasizes playing in position, considering line changes, and setting up CPU-controlled teammates, providing an authentic experience for those who enjoy the narrowed focus on an individual player. Franchise Mode: "Franchise mode" allows players to take their chosen team on a season-long quest for the Stanley Cup. It remains a solid and popular mode, though improvements over its predecessor are incremental. NHL EDGE Data Integration: EA has partnered with NHL Edge to incorporate real-life analytics into player behavior. Replays showcase data like shot power and skating speed. The game effectively captures the tendencies of star players, making the experience of playing with different teams feel distinct. Audio Enhancements: Authentic arena sounds, including team-specific cheers and organ music, enhance the atmosphere. Commentary aims to replicate the experience of watching a nationally televised game. Ultimate Team Improvements: There are welcome improvements to the Ultimate Team, such as enjoying collections of ultimate team players offline.
What Doesn’t Work As Well
Visual Stagnation: Despite being on current-generation consoles, NHL 26 struggles to deliver a visually impressive experience. While the ice itself looks good with impressive details like wear and tear, character models appear rough, and crowds often look dated. Repetitive Commentary: While the commentary aims for authenticity, it can become repetitive, although there is an option to toggle it off. Be a Pro Drawbacks: Macklin Celebrini's career advice in "Be a Pro" mode has been criticized, suggesting that not all hockey players are natural actors. Limited Innovation: NHL 26 feels more like an upgrade than a true overhaul. For those who own NHL 25, justifying the purchase may be difficult. Inconsistent Player Likeness: Created players still only appear as grey silhouettes, a feature that has been criticized, especially when other EA titles offer created player likenesses. Input Delay and Bugs: Some users have reported input delay and recurring bugs.
Overall
NHL 26 is a competent and enjoyable hockey game that builds upon the strengths of its predecessors. The refined gameplay, engaging "Be a Pro" mode, and authentic presentation create an immersive experience for hockey fans. However, the visual shortcomings, limited innovation, and lingering issues prevent it from being a truly outstanding sports game. It's a worthwhile purchase for dedicated fans and newcomers, but those who own NHL 25 may want to consider whether the incremental improvements justify the cost.
