On Wednesday, EA unveiled the first information about NHL 25, including the cover stars, the release window, and the new features that players can anticipate.
The most notable of the new features is a brand-new system called “Ice-Q,” which EA describes as a complete redesign of NHL games. How players move on the ice has been much improved, enabling them to do things like walk the blue line and square up to the puck carrier.
The AI and emotions have also been improved. A new “Grudge Match System” adds unique X-Factors to heighten the drama and track the history of both online and offline modes.
NHL 25’s cover will feature brothers Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes, who are players for the Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils, respectively. EA stated that the brothers took part in unique motion capture sessions that were utilized to improve the in-game animations and other aspects of the gameplay at a presentation given to the media before the official announcement.
Quinn Hughes stated, “We are tremendously pleased to be on the cover of NHL25.” “It is the kind of thing you fantasize about as a child but could never fathom occurring in real life—to be featured with my brothers.”
With the announcement of NHL 25, EA primarily concentrated on the gameplay, although Franchise mode and the graphics will also get improvements. The official announcement states that the Franchise will undergo a “revamp” that will begin with a new franchise mode that would provide players with “new, relevant, and easy-to-digest information.”
Meanwhile, the graphics will have enhanced clothing, hair, and realistic player skeletons that are reminiscent of those seen in Madden NFL. Throughout September, NHL 25 will provide additional details on the presentation, Franchise updates, and other topics.
After NHL 24, which we gave a 7, NHL 25 will aim to continue the franchise’s upward trajectory, noting at the time that “What is new in NHL 24 shows a lot of potential.” Although the Exhaust Engine adds exciting new features that heighten the intensity of games, its balance has to be improved to maintain the defensive team’s competitiveness. Important additions include the HUT Moments and the enhanced inspection mechanism. But the majority of the game types that are coming back are mostly unchanged from the previous several years, and the battle pass was added, along with some incredibly long wait times.
Makes it more difficult to support during games these periods.
October 4 is presently scheduled for the release of NHL 25. There will be a Deluxe Version that comes with extra Hockey Ultimate Team rewards and seven days of early access. A 10-hour trial will be available to EA Play users starting seven days before launch.