NHL 24 Review: Gameplay Innovations Amidst Unfulfilled Potential

The NHL series, spanning from NHL 20 to NHL 23, can be aptly described as “stale.” Sports franchises often face the challenge of refreshing their formula with each annual release, and EA’s hockey series has been mired in a rut. NHL 24, however, breaks free from this cycle and breathes new life into on-ice action with some noteworthy innovations, particularly in the realm of body checks. Unfortunately, while the gameplay receives a much-needed update, the collection of game modes available remains relatively standard.

One of the standout features in NHL 24 is the introduction of the Sustained Pressure system. This system rewards the offensive team when they maintain pressure in the attacking zone. As they build up a pressure gauge, they gain boosts to passing accuracy and speed, while the defense contends with faster stamina depletion. This dynamic introduces a layer of excitement that the series has been craving for quite some time. Skillfully leveraging this cycle of exhaustion can create moments of urgency during critical plays. However, it’s evident that the new Exhaust Engine strongly favors the offensive team, raising concerns about game balance. While the defense has the opportunity to thwart the offensive pressure, the debuffs they face don’t seem to be adequately balanced. A more even push-pull dynamic in this system is needed.

Another welcomed change in NHL 24 is the revamped contact-based physics system. This system requires more effort to execute body checks, as players need to charge their checks by holding down on the right stick before delivery. This adjustment introduces a genuine sense of weight and momentum, making every check feel satisfying and impactful. Moreover, there’s an element of risk and reward involved, as failing to connect a check can leave a player stumbling on the ice and vulnerable. This seemingly minor change encourages players to adjust their playstyle on the fly, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.

NHL 24 also introduces Vision Passing, which places a face button icon over teammates’ heads to give players more control over their passes from anywhere on the ice. While this is a great concept in theory, it proves challenging in practice. Juggling between holding down the pass button, identifying suitable passing opportunities, and discerning which face button corresponds to the intended teammate becomes a multitasking challenge during fast-paced gameplay. The visual clutter on the screen can lead to confusion and errors, affecting the flow of the game.

One notable addition in NHL 24 is the new game mode, HUT Moments. This mode allows players to relive iconic moments in hockey history, somewhat akin to the Jordan Challenge or Mamba Moments in the NBA 2K series. With over 50 historic moments to recreate at launch, players can experience the thrill of replicating significant hockey plays, from Marie-Philip Poulin’s 100th career goal to Sidney Crosby’s memorable Shootout victory against the Montreal Canadiens. While not groundbreaking, HUT Moments brings hockey history to life in an interactive manner, providing a refreshing addition to the series.

However, NHL 24 still falls short in certain aspects. Most notably, offline game modes remain nearly identical to previous iterations, with the career mode, Be a Pro, remaining notably stagnant. The lack of voice acting and stiff animations in cutscenes make it feel outdated compared to single-player campaigns in other sports games like NBA 2K and FIFA.

World of Chel undergoes a significant change in NHL 24 as it shifts from loot boxes to a battle pass system. While the battle pass offers a different approach to unlocking gear, it may not resonate with all players, and the rewards in the premium battle pass are underwhelming. Some new goal celebrations are charming, but many of the unlockable seasonal gear items come off as unattractive. Server issues have also plagued the game, causing frustratingly long wait times to get into games.

In conclusion, NHL 24 introduces promising gameplay mechanics and improvements, such as the Exhaust Engine and enhanced checking system, along with the addition of HUT Moments. These changes inject fresh energy into the series. However, the game modes largely remain unchanged, and the adoption of a battle pass, along with server issues, leaves room for improvement. While NHL 24 takes strides in the right direction, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential to provide a truly outstanding hockey gaming experience.