NHL 17 Review

[Steve_OS]

The transition of EA Sports' NHL series to the current generation of consoles has been a storied tale thus far. We arrive at the third iteration in the cycle with NHL 17, and it finds itself in the fortunate position of being born out of a period of stability. Unlike last year, there are no significant wrongs to be righted, and the outpouring of fan unhappiness stemming back to NHL 15 has all but disappeared. It’s because of this that the shackles of the series have finally been let loose, paving the way for future innovations.

And yet, while NHL 17 is packed with an array of brand-new features and upgrades, it doesn’t feel like a revolutionary moment for the series. Instead, it tinkers with an already successful formula to create a sense of déjà vu, but one that feels more satisfying this time around.

Read More - NHL 17 Review (Written by: Fraser Gilbert)

[Quentin32]

What the bleep!!!! This game crept up out of nowhere to me. I don't remember 2k madden Fifa & nhl being this close to each other. I guess 2k f'd everything up by that early release

[Retropyro]

I'll wait until it hits the Vault around May. Be A GM Online needs to be brought back before I drop a dime on NHL again.

[buck135]

On YouTube the Bruins goal horn is correct, but the music is absent. This wasn't an issue last year. Does anyone know if or why it isn't there?

[mike24forever]

This plays a great game of hockey. Loose pucks, sloppy play, errant passes, etc. I'm happy with the on ice improvements.

[Sparkles]

Their marketing team is pretty absent for this release. No hype whatsoever

[franch1se]

Re: NHL 17 Review

On YouTube the Bruins goal horn is correct, but the music is absent. This wasn't an issue last year. Does anyone know if or why it isn't there?

Seems to be the case for many teams. I play as The Kings and its the same. Correct goal horn, but no song.

[slickdtc]

Re: NHL 17 Review

Appreciate the review.

I blew through a season of NHL 16 when I got a PS4 in February, but by the summer the game's flaws were too much to enjoy the game which was a lot of fun the majority of the time.

What I thought the problem was was the lack of full slider customization. I couldn't really open it up as much as I wanted to. I was hoping that the slider adjustments this year would allow me to have a true arcade feel when I wanted that and then switch it up and slow it down when I wanted a more authentic experience.

Sounds like some of the same bang-your-head against the wall moments still occur, which sucks to hear. I know no game can be perfect, so I'm hoping I'll be able to mitigate them with settings sliders and options.

I'm thinking I'll rent this game from Redbox and binge play it for a week or two, then decide whether to buy it outright or sit out another season. Unfortunately, no review can really make that distinction for you besides first hand experience. But it's good to know what to expect going in.

[buck135]

So EA removes the iconic music from each team which is a great part of the hockey experience and they stick garbage songs throughout the menu screens. Terrific.

[Millennium]

So EA removes the iconic music from each team which is a great part of the hockey experience and they stick garbage songs throughout the menu screens. Terrific.

Goal songs are there - seems to be a bug for certain teams.

[OliDegu2008]

I think I will pass this year given the review. Not that I was expecting anything revolutionary but was looking for a little more.

[MizzouRah]

Re: NHL 17 Review

Goal songs are there - seems to be a bug for certain teams.

Yeah.. bug.. the Blues have their song.

[Fraser G.]

Appreciate the review.

I blew through a season of NHL 16 when I got a PS4 in February, but by the summer the game's flaws were too much to enjoy the game which was a lot of fun the majority of the time.

What I thought the problem was was the lack of full slider customization. I couldn't really open it up as much as I wanted to. I was hoping that the slider adjustments this year would allow me to have a true arcade feel when I wanted that and then switch it up and slow it down when I wanted a more authentic experience.

Sounds like some of the same bang-your-head against the wall moments still occur, which sucks to hear. I know no game can be perfect, so I'm hoping I'll be able to mitigate them with settings sliders and options.

I'm thinking I'll rent this game from Redbox and binge play it for a week or two, then decide whether to buy it outright or sit out another season. Unfortunately, no review can really make that distinction for you besides first hand experience. But it's good to know what to expect going in.

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

In regards to your comment about sliders, I'd say this year's game is definitely worth checking out on that basis. If it was your biggest concern with last year's game, you'll be pleasantly surprised at some of the new additions. They've put considerable work into this area.

Whether you can create the exact feel you're hoping to achieve is something only you can determine, however.

[BaylorBearBryant]

This plays a great game of hockey. Loose pucks, sloppy play, errant passes, etc. I'm happy with the on ice improvements.

Agreed. There might not be as many bells and whistles, but the game plays great this year.

[kariya05]

This plays a great game of hockey. Loose pucks, sloppy play, errant passes, etc. I'm happy with the on ice improvements.

NHL 16 already had way too much of that. Played like a beer league hockey game. Setting up plays and scoring chances should be what I'm trying to accomplish, not a cross ice pass.