Besides some of the same nagging issues with the franchise, the portions that got upgraded truly shine. RPM Technology is no joke as the results are seen on the ice. Gameplay is fast and fun and the AI helps complete the experience. CEHL is extremely fun with a good bit of variety, but could use some more depth when compared to The ONE in NBA Live 19. The unified progression system that is here is quick and allows styles to be easily adjusted. Having 200 NHL Legends is fantastic if they were included in other ways outside of Ultimate Team. All the nitpicking gets thrown out the window once you hop on the ice, though, as NHL 19 is fun and exciting in action.
full improvement on last year. best hockey game on the market. satisfies online and offline modes. the only negative is the slow updates on new rosters as players transfer.
With all the new additions and expansions this year's version is one of the best in the entire series. It's even more than you've come to expect. This could very well become the ultimate ice hockey franchise next year if EA improves the dull commentary and ups the ante in the graphics department.
At its core this is first class hockey. But the virtual standstill in almost all areas while focusing more on arcade aspects makes me go back to last years’ version.
Don’t let NHL 19's slick menus and new skating animations fool you: the same NHL game you’ve been playing for five years is still here. If you already know the series well, this is unquestionably the best iteration of the title, but it comes with the added caveat that it’s hindered by many of the same problems from years past. The reduced significance of poke check, and smaller changes like new skating animations, definitely help elevate the general presentation of the title – but it could and should be so much better than it is.
Love it!
The updated skating system in this year's edition is the most noticeable new feature, and it brings a massive upgrade to gameplay.
One of the coolest additions to this year's game is "World of Chel." Although I still cringe at the name, the new hub brings a bit of freshness to game modes in NHL 19. To enter World of Chel, you create a playable character that can be dropped into a variety of game modes, the popular EASHL online team play mode, the arcade-style NHL Threes mode that was introduced last year, and an awesome new mode called NHL Ones.Playing Ones ( 1v1v1 free-for-all where you race to outscore your other two opponents on the ice ) may bring experienced NHL gamers back to the days of NHL 2006 and the very similar "Free For All" game mode. Either way, it's very welcome addition to NHL's collection of game modes, as it's an addictive and fun way to hone your one-on-one game.Along with World of Chel comes pond hockey venues and a massive upgrade in the player customization department. Users can outfit their playable characters in a wide variety of clothing and equipment, ranging from wacky jackets, sweatshirts and pants to NHL team-branded merchandise and jerseys. You'll rarely see two online characters take to the ice in the same loadout.
The customization and breadth of drop-in options brings a bit more depth to the gameplay options and that's a good thing.
For offline players, Franchise Mode appears to be largely similar to the product rolled out last year, but with one exception.
EA Sports has overhauled the mode's scouting system from top-to-bottom. When you take over a franchise, you're tasked with assembling a team of 20 scouts that will evaluate both pro and amateur talent, meaning the quality of your scouting will likely affect the quality of drafting, trading, and free agency decisions. I didn't get too much of a chance to play around with it (at least not over a long period of time ), but it's something that may be valued by those who invest enough time into franchise mode to play across multiple seasons.
Last NHL game I've played before this one was NHL 15 on a PS3.
That means, I could really spot the difference between the generations. Let's start with gameplay then. NHL 19 is definitely more realistic, more sophisticated. However, I can't help myself but to say that it seems to me that you could have more fun in 15. Some features just don't have to be that realistic even though I understand it's supposed to be a simulation.
Regarding the game modes, apart from online, I've always spent a lot of hours playing Be a GM - now franchise mode. In there, it's a huge improvement, I really like playing it. The new scouting system seems more realistic and is more reliable - you have much more control over the scouting. I just feel like it takes a huge amount of time. There are some things which I absolutely don't understand - f.e. why EA can't allow you to change your jersey number in Be a Pro. Such a simple feature, that was included in the previous gen.
Online modes - I really like the CHEL, it's a really good competitive feature.
Overall, it's a good hockey game, there are few bugs, for which is EA known for as well as in FIFA, but I'd recommend it to every hockey fan. Maybe apart from those who have NHL 18 at home.
I don't even know how to start without some profanity... ... ...how have they ruined the game in so short a period?! Ok, the initial release had some issues, but how they have tried to address those HAS JUST MADE THE GAME WORSE!
Seems that every time they try to adjust the game mechanics they ruin the game more and more:
It was refreshing that the poke-check spamming was finally addressed -- But no that is gone now.
At the beginning the game felt extremely responsive, even if a bit fast -- Now that is gone also. The players sure pivot a lot faster now, but other than that you're once again trying to skate in tar. I'm not sure if it is just that, but the game sure feels WAY LESS responsive than it did
Tackling was back for a while -- Then it went away again. I dare you to try and tackle an AI player when it is crossing the blue line... You can't, there is once again some invisible barrier between you and the puck carrier, and you're just pushing him on..
The sound track has a few awful songs which DO PLAY OFTEN so I've been forced to turn the music of in-game.
They updated the menus... They're somewhat faster now, but other than that hell-of-a-lot worse. How can you waste so much screen estate and hide all the relevant and interesting information!?!?
And the commentary is still the same. I mean EXACTLY THE SAME. It's not that it is extremely bad. It's just that I'm extremely fed up with it.
Also as I've read Be A Pro is still a dead game form...
...aaand HUT is even more money-grabbing than ever. The players you currently can get are pretty much max 85ovr, average being something like 80...
SummaryPlay on outdoor rinks and journey from the ponds to the pros in new game modes. Compete with and against 200 of the greatest hockey legends to ever hit the ice, highlighted by Wayne Gretzky. Powered by cutting-edge new gameplay technology, experience explosive-edge skating that delivers more acceleration, speed and responsiveness.