NHL 22
- October 14, 2021
- EA Vancouver
‘NHL 22’ really takes a big stride forward in the franchise.
Get on Xbox Games StorePowered by Frostbite, EA SPORTS NHL 22 gets the superstar treatment. For the first time ever, experience EA SPORTS NHL on one of the industry’s most powerful game engines bringing unrivaled visual detail to every hit, deke and shot. Superstar X-Factors lets you feel the personality and power of NHL superstars with an all-new ability system that unlocks the unique skills of the league’s most elite …
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Xbox Game Pass
Reviews
- NHL 22 features improved visuals thanks to the Frostbite engine, enhancing the overall presentation.
- The core gameplay is engaging and blends old arcade mechanics with modern simulation quality effectively.
- Superstar X-Factor abilities add a new layer to player progression and gameplay strategy.
- Many game modes feel stale and lack significant updates compared to previous installments.
- The game suffers from bugs and inconsistent visuals, detracting from the overall experience.
- Despite the new engine, the gameplay feels too similar to NHL 21, leading to a lack of innovation.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
NHL 22 successfully combines nostalgic arcade mechanics with modern simulation elements, resulting in engaging core gameplay that reflects the series' growth. While visual improvements and a steady learning curve in modes like Be a Pro are appreciated, some players feel that the overall experience remains largely unchanged and could benefit from further updates. Despite its strengths, inconsistencies in presentation and gameplay prevent it from fully realizing its potential on the new generation of consoles.
“NHL 22 does an excellent job at bringing back old arcade mechanics and blending them with today's simulation-quality presentation in a way that works together rather than against itself.”
“Frostbite delivers some much-needed visual improvements; relatively engaging gameplay; Be a Pro offers a steady learning curve; great announcer performances.”
“A new generation should have meant an explosive debut for NHL 22, but inconsistencies in the presentation and gameplay hardly make the case for the game.”
“Some modes could still use a refresh, but the core gameplay of NHL 22 shows that the NHL series is really hitting its stride with this release.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with some users noting buggy and inconsistent visuals, while others appreciate the new-gen graphics despite occasional hiccups. Overall, the graphical improvements are overshadowed by ongoing issues with depth and quality in gameplay features.
“The new-gen graphics are stunning and truly elevate the gaming experience.”
“The visuals are incredibly detailed, making every environment feel immersive.”
“The art style is unique and beautifully crafted, adding a lot of character to the game.”
“New visuals are buggy and inconsistent.”
“Some graphical hiccups here and there.”
“The franchise still needs a lot of attention.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been criticized for its buggy and inconsistent visuals, lack of depth in the narrative, and stagnant modes that have not seen significant improvements. Additionally, players express frustration over outdated features and a perceived lack of attention to the franchise's overall quality.
“The new visuals are buggy and inconsistent.”
“The franchise still needs a lot of attention.”
“One mode hasn't improved whatsoever.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is highlighted by significant visual improvements thanks to the Frostbite engine, alongside engaging gameplay and a well-paced learning curve in the "Be a Pro" mode. Additionally, the announcer performances contribute positively to the overall experience.
“Frostbite delivers some much-needed visual improvements.”
“Relatively engaging gameplay.”
“Be a Pro offers a steady learning curve.”
Critic Reviews
NHL 22 PS5 Review
The first truly next-gen sport title, the completely overhauled NHL 22 is a near-perfect marriage with the PS5.
90%Time for a rebuild
NHL 22 feels like the end of an era when it should feel fresh on the new consoles.
60%NHL 22 Review - Breaking New Ice In An Old Fashioned Way
NHL 22 does an excellent job at bringing back old arcade-y mechanics and blending it with today's simulation quality presentation in a way that works together rather than against itself. Some modes could still use a refresh, but the core gameplay of NHL 22 shows that the NHL series is really hitting its stride with this release.
80%
