NHL 18 Game Review

Visuals and Presentation

NHL 18 continues to impress with its stunning visuals and realistic physics. The player models are incredibly lifelike, and the arenas are filled with enthusiastic hockey fans, creating an immersive atmosphere. While occasional glitches, such as sticks clipping through the rink or glass, can occur, the overall presentation is nearly flawless. The audio complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the gaming experience.

Menu Systems and Loading Times

The menu systems in NHL 18 are user-friendly and intuitive, making navigation a breeze. However, one downside is the loading times, particularly on the Xbox One. Simulations can feel excessively long, often taking more time than other sports games. This is an area where EA could improve in future iterations.

Gameplay Enhancements

NHL 18 introduces several new moves to enhance both offensive and defensive gameplay. These additions provide players with more creative freedom and control on the ice.

Offensive Moves

The "Creative Attack Dekes" feature allows players to execute a variety of impressive moves, including:

• Between the legs dekes
• Toe and heel drags
• Puck flips
• One-handed moves

These moves can be combined in various ways, thanks to the new gameplay branching deke system, allowing for dynamic and unpredictable offensive plays.

Defensive Moves

On the defensive side, the introduction of the Skill Stick gives players full control over their stick. This feature enables:

• Targeted poke checks
• Extended stick reach to disrupt plays
• Sweeping motions to cover a wide area

These new defensive tools integrate seamlessly with the existing systems, providing a balanced and engaging gameplay experience.

Artificial Intelligence Improvements

EA Canada has made significant improvements to the A.I. in NHL 18. The A.I. players are now more creative and responsive, making the gameplay feel more realistic and challenging. This enhancement ensures that both offensive and defensive plays are more dynamic and engaging.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• NHL 18 features over 200 new gameplay animations, making it one of the most visually diverse hockey games to date. Source: EA Sports
• The game includes a new 3-on-3 mode, which offers a faster-paced and more arcade-like experience compared to traditional 5-on-5 hockey. Source: Polygon
• NHL 18's Franchise Mode allows players to create and manage their own 32nd NHL team, adding a new layer of depth and customization to the game. Source: IGN

Conclusion

NHL 18 is a visually stunning and highly engaging hockey game that offers a wealth of new features and improvements. While the loading times can be a drawback, the enhanced gameplay mechanics and improved A.I. make it a must-play for hockey fans. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the series, NHL 18 provides a rich and immersive gaming experience.

For more information on NHL 18, visit the official EA Sports website.