NHL 23 Trial Available Now For EA Play Subscribers

[VeNOM3099]

Quote: Originally Posted by MizzouRah

This is a good review and sums up many of my thoughts. I'll get it because hockey is my favorite sport, but I'll trade some games in for it. https://www.shacknews.com/article/13...3-review-score

I mean it's basically the same review you could make about EA's NHL games of the past 6-7 years (if not more). The real kicker is the things that are touted as improvements, but are really just things they added back after removing them before. The offline modes barely got any improvements (that matter). The online modes are in the same boat. The gameplay is basically the same. The improvements to AI are largely superficial and have more to do with a bigger pool of animations they can chose from rather than actual decision making, which makes it useless (IMHO).

Truth be told, other sport franchises suffer from the same problems, being annual releases. Some do it better (Like NBA 2K and MLB). Others, NHL being the biggest culprit, can't justify charging full AAA prices for what's in all honesty, just an update. Some AAA games charge ZERO dollars for DLC that significantly alters the game (and gameplay) for the better.

Here EA is charging top dollars (again) for changes that should've come as a free update to NHL 16...

[TeeWhy]

Quote: Originally Posted by Therebelyell626

What specifically do you like about it? Do they talk about specific players and teams more? Does it flow more naturally?

Nah, it's just a feel thing.

I feel the same way. On the ice, I'm really enjoying the game, even if I'm missing the full presentation. I'm getting competitive games with nice shot totals. I'm able to pick up more hits this season.

There is no game (FIFA comes close) that can make me stand and pump my fist more enthusiastically than scoring a goal in NHL. I love that I can follow a 3-1 win with a 4-2 loss I was scraping my way back into from 3-0 before the empty netter, and it all feels great.

The neutral zone play is just so much better than it has ever been. But if you are too aggressive, you will give up breakaways.

[centauris]

This game is exactly the same as NHL 22

[toodles2you90]

Is there a built in code that the CPU has to score a goal in the last 5 minutes of a game? I swear I can pretty much guarantee the CPU scoring 1 goal late. Can be the most random shot but it happens just about every game.

[mkharsh33]

23 for the PS5

played one game using my sliders from 22 (ps4).

The only change I've made is lowering CPU poke check accuracy and power by 3 clicks each from my set.

Played last night's ARZ (cpu) at PIT (me) matchup. I won 5-2. The real score was 6-2.

I LOVE the new crowd immersion. Goalies seem more fluid from a realistic movement standpoint. Hits are...different. Hard to explain. Maybe more "organic"??

Like movie genre's I watch - I don't care about reviews. Same thing with video game opinions. I'm 50. I want a fun experience with as much realism I can get. I don't have time for endless franchise games. I play for an hour and then move on with my life.

23 is GREAT for me - I LOVE it. Maybe you won't, and I understand. But for my enjoyment, I'm glad I purchased it. A better version of 22, and that's good for me.

[dubplate]

Quote: Originally Posted by mkharsh33

23 for the PS5 played one game using my sliders from 22 (ps4). The only change I've made is lowering CPU poke check accuracy and power by 3 clicks each from my set. Played last night's ARZ (cpu) at PIT (me) matchup. I won 5-2. The real score was 6-2. I LOVE the new crowd immersion. Goalies seem more fluid from a realistic movement standpoint. Hits are...different. Hard to explain. Maybe more "organic"?? Like movie genre's I watch - I don't care about reviews. Same thing with video game opinions. I'm 50. I want a fun experience with as much realism I can get. I don't have time for endless franchise games. I play for an hour and then move on with my life. 23 is GREAT for me - I LOVE it. Maybe you won't, and I understand. But for my enjoyment, I'm glad I purchased it. A better version of 22, and that's good for me.

Thanks for posting your thoughts. I’m 43 and don’t really follow hockey but want to get back into playing a hockey game. Sounds like I’ll have a good time with this one.


Sent from my iPhone using Operation Sports

[Therebelyell626]

Had enough time with the game where I can finally give impressions…

1) I am super surprised that people I respect on this forum have called the gameplay “good”. Because it’s just bad bad bad. CPU Poe check with impunity. It’s really sad that you can set the defender up be 4 feet in front of them, and they poke check you from behind and jostle the puck. The CPU is just once again granted super powers the user does not have

2) the passing feels awful. No matter how long you hold the pass button, the passes come out like a fart from a weak butt hole. No power, no urgency, just here’s the biscuit

3) the defense is so aggressive. I feel like EA did this to mask the fact that the defensive AI is so bad, that aggressiveness is supposed to feel challenging. It is not. I had almost six 2 and 3 on 1’s that were miraculously saved by a trailing defender who poke check spammed me. It feels unrealistic and the AI defense is compensated with the over powered pole check to save themselves from “themselves”

4) AI offensive team mates still just stand around. Make no effort to get open. Make no effort to support. This game feels like it’s wants to be nba 2k. The AI defense hugs all of your players, and dares you to use the skill stick to beat your one on one match up. It’s so unrealistic

From someone who actually enjoyed NHL 22. This game is just bad. Not fun to play. Not fun to watch. And ultimately just leaves you wanting more.

Terrible effort from EA Vancouver

[onlybygrace]

Quote: Originally Posted by mkharsh33

23 for the PS5 played one game using my sliders from 22 (ps4). The only change I've made is lowering CPU poke check accuracy and power by 3 clicks each from my set. Played last night's ARZ (cpu) at PIT (me) matchup. I won 5-2. The real score was 6-2. I LOVE the new crowd immersion. Goalies seem more fluid from a realistic movement standpoint. Hits are...different. Hard to explain. Maybe more "organic"?? Like movie genre's I watch - I don't care about reviews. Same thing with video game opinions. I'm 50. I want a fun experience with as much realism I can get. I don't have time for endless franchise games. I play for an hour and then move on with my life. 23 is GREAT for me - I LOVE it. Maybe you won't, and I understand. But for my enjoyment, I'm glad I purchased it. A better version of 22, and that's good for me.

I completely agree. Started a 48 game season with Edmonton and Im totally digging it.