NHL 14 Review

There’s nothing glaringly wrong with EA’s suite of sports games this year. In fact, for the most part, they’re as solid as ever. It’s just that it seems as if the developers are sort of limping into the new generation, and they’re having difficulty keeping the annual releases fresh. NHL 14 is the perfect example of a game that likely won’t disappoint hockey fans due to its decent on-ice simulation and gameplay mechanics. It may, however, be seen as a ho-hum production by those fans who expected something more; i.e., a significant upgrade from last year’s iteration.

The graphics aren’t that much different, although there are more animations and a bit more detail in the character models and gameplay effects. There are more camera views than ever before, too, so hockey followers will appreciate this dynamic visual presentation. NHL 14 looks more like hockey on television than any series installment before it, and that’s a definite bonus. But some of those animations still come across as forced and awkward, and the laggy, uninspired online menus tend to detract from the overall production. There are some definite enhancements when comparing to last year’s title, but those updates are relatively minor.

On the audio front, things are a touch better, as I like the soundtrack selections and the gameplay effects are crisp and authentic. However, as was the case with this year’s Madden , I’m not impressed with the commentary, although it is a little better than the inaccurate, repetitive color men in EA’s football effort. The good news is that with hockey, it’s more a nonstop sport, so you’re more focused on the action throughout. And when you’re focused, you appreciate the solid effects and the commentary sort of blends into the background. All in all, the technical presentation of NHL 14 isn’t a big step up, but at least it maintains some appeal.

In terms of gameplay, this title has something else in common with Madden NFL 25 : Both have lingering drawbacks that have yet to be fixed by the designers. I can’t tell if they’re waiting for better hardware or they’re simply being lazy. Either that, or they don’t identify such issues as flaws. On the plus side, such shortcomings are – much like the upgrades – indeed minor, so they shouldn’t greatly impact your enjoyment. Besides, there are a few new mechanics that you might really embrace, and the return of the True Performance Skating engine makes the game feel physically accurate. The pace of each game feels just about right, although some may find the skating speed to be too slow.

Above all else, though, EA never skimps on the depth, detail and player involvement. That part is always great, as hardcore NHL fans should be able to do whatever they wish. The most attractive feature is undoubtedly Live the Life (formerly entitled Be a Pro), which chronicles a promising hockey career. You manage every aspect of your player’s advancement and this goes well beyond the on-screen performance; you must also attend social events and press conferences, and you have to nail down some advertising deals, too. It’s a robust, engaging mode that makes you feel like a true professional athlete, even if some of the elements are somewhat tedious.

They’ve also upgraded the collision physics, as players respond more accurately to big-time hits, and you have even more control over your high-speed assault. Slamming an opposing skater into the boards has never been more satisfying and if you do it enough, you might get involved in a scuffle. Obviously, fighting has always been a part of hockey, and EA isn’t shying away from that fact. No longer do you have to go to certain lengths to initiate a fight; tick off someone with enough annoying hits, and they’ll come after you. The designers even implemented the Fight Night engine to deal with the fighting, so it’s game on when fisticuffs break out.