The NHL 16 EASHL beta starts on July 30 and runs through August 6 for those that own NHL 15 on Xbox One and PS4. Today EA also revealed what the strengths and weaknesses will be of all the playable classes.
Again, the big change this year will be that all the classes will have baked-in attributes that are locked and can't be leveled up. So this beta will serve as another way to test the classes and provide feedback (when it opens) to the NHL development team before NHL 16 launches in September.
Below you can find the strengths and weaknesses of the assorted classes:
SNIPER
Strengths:
- The perfect class for when you need some scoring touch inserted into your lineup. Snipers have strong shooting abilities.
Weaknesses:
- Lack physical strength and will depend on teammates to create space and scoring chances.
- Below average defensive skill.
POWER FORWARD
Strengths
- Excellent balance and strong on the puck. An effective player class for those who use the cycle game.
- A physical player that uses strength to open space for other teammates.
- Heavy slap shot.
Weaknesses:
- Average shot accuracy.
PLAYMAKER
Strengths:
- Top-end passing skill. The best choice for the EASHL player who likes to set up their teammates and create scoring chances.
- Good puck control helps this class keep possession of the puck while teammates look to get open for a scoring chance.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks physical strength and can get knocked off the puck by stronger opponents.
- Average shot accuracy. This class should always look to make the pass before shooting.
- Average defensive skills.
GRINDER
Strengths:
- High rated physical skills. This class works well for players who like to engage in the physical side of the game – including puck battles, shot blocking or deliver crushing hits.
- With a strong hand-eye rating, this class will have a higher chance at deflections in front of opposing goalies.
Weaknesses:
- Below average shooting and puck skills. Needs to keep things simple on the offensive side of the puck.
ENFORCER
Strengths:
- An imposing force with top rated physical skills. Can easily knock the puck off opponents by using checking skills.
- Top rated fighting skills that can help energize the team.
Weaknesses:
- Poor shooting and puck skills.
- Strong but not skilled.
TWO-WAY FORWARD
Strengths:
- Has elements of both a playmaker and a grinder. An excellent player class for those who deploy a balanced attack strategy.
- Uses defensive skills to win puck battles and create turnovers which help the team in the transition game.
- Good passing skills which allow this class to set up teammates.
Weaknesses:
- Good transition game but doesn’t excel on the offensive side of the puck compared to other classes.
- This class needs to keep their play simple on offense as they lack deking ability.
TWO-WAY DEFENSEMAN
Strengths:
- This class provides a good balance of offense and defense from the blue line. They are an excellent player class for those who deploy a balanced attack strategy.
- Good at the transition game causing turnovers and getting a solid first pass out of the defensive zone.
Weaknesses:
- Average shooting.
- Average puck control.
OFFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN
Strengths:
- A good choice for those who want to generate offense from the back-end or are looking for a power play quarterback.
- Great shooting accuracy from the point.
- Great passing in all situations.
Weaknesses:
- Lack physical skills on offense and can get knocked off the puck more easily than the average player class.
- Lacks physical skill on defense and will have trouble stopping opponents along the boards or in front of the net.
DEFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN
Strengths:
- The perfect choice for when you want to shut down your opponent.
- High rated physical and checking attributes.
- Heavy shot from the point.
Weaknesses:
- Average puck skills. This class can make simple breakout passes, but don’t expect them to act as a playmaker.
- Low shooting accuracy.
BUTTERFLY GOALIE
Strengths:
- Covers the bottom part of the net utilizing the popular butterfly style.
- Strong rebound control.
Weaknesses:
- More vulnerable to high shots going into the top corners.
STAND-UP GOALIE
Strengths:
- A style that might be rare in today’s game, but could be extremely effective in EASHL. Covers the top part of the net more effectively.
- Can see over screens with a higher vision rating.
- Strong passing and puck playing ability that can help your team breakout of the defensive zone.
Weaknesses:
- More susceptible to low shots that go along the ice.
HYBRID GOALIE
Strengths:
- Average goalie skill across the board. This goalie class is perfect for the player that like to mix up their playing style as the game goes on.
Weaknesses:
- No major weaknesses.
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