Earlier today NHL 15, the first hockey game for the next-generation video game consoles, was released in North America.
EA Sports has generally received positive reviews for every new release in their NHL video game series, but there are always critics no matter how successful a product may be.
Thanks to the next-gen consoles, EA Sports was able to make stunning improvements with the games’ graphics. We’ve seen the gameplay trailers, the screenshots of the authentic looking arenas and the ridiculous jersey movements that make it seem like all games are being played in the middle of a wind tunnel.
But all of that was before the real gamers had the chance to get their hands on the new game. Now that NHL 15 has hit stores, people have had the opportunity to take the shrink-wrap off and give it a test drive.
We took to Twitter to find out what people think the new NHL 15. Here’s what a few gamers had to say.
Positive
NHL 15 for Xbox one is amazing! Yes there was a lot of stuff not included, but it makes up for it with how realistic a game feels and looks
— Dougie All Star (@DougiesHut) September 9, 2014
Negative
NHL 15 is the worst nhl ever. Passing is terrible, and the goals are ridiculous. Terrible job.
— TWhiite (@TheTWhiite) September 9, 2014
If you're on the fence about NHL 15, get off of it. It's terrible, it has as many modes as NHL 94. You've had two years to get this right.
— Bryan Drake (@BDrake52184) September 9, 2014
Thanks @EASPORTSNHL for making the NHL 15 xbox 360 version completely awful. No NBC, no new graphics. What a joke. #waste
— Johnny Lombardi (@jlombarditv) September 10, 2014
Unless they fix the game, NHL 15 is like the San Jose Sharks of NHL games. Hype, flash, but not that good.
— Bobby Mason (@325_Hawks) September 9, 2014
50/50
Ok the graphics for nhl 15 are amazing for the one but ea once again didn't change any gameplay and the hitting is dumb
— Starkky (@Estarkyy) September 9, 2014
NHL 15's graphics are incredible but I'm not impressed with the game play. EA Sports has work to do.
— Nick (@nharma21) September 9, 2014
These were only a few of the tweets we saw on Twitter today. It seems as if majority of players are pleased with the new graphics, which shouldn’t be too much of a surprise since EA Sports now has the capability for better animations on the next-gen consoles. Some like the new gameplay, others aren’t too impressed.
But the most complained about aspect of NHL 15 appears to be the lack of game modes. EASHL, a fan favorite, is not included on next-gen NHL 15 games. That certainly is a major disappointment for players. Online Team Play is noticeably absent as well.
Does the new gameplay and improved graphics make up for the missing game modes? What do you think of the new NHL 15?
Josh Paulisin is an editor for Pucks of a Feather. You can follow him on Twitter. For more Anaheim Ducks coverage, follow Pucks of a Feather on Twitter or like us on Facebook.