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NHL 23

NHL 23 is a vast improvement from last year's entry, featuring better control on the ice, the inclusion of women in HUT, and so much more.
NHL 23 Game Cover
35%Game Brain Score
atmosphere
gameplay, graphics
35% User Score Based on 8 reviews
Critic Score 70%Based on 16 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 4Playstation 5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SPlayStationXboxXbox Game Pass
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NHL 23 Game Cover

About

NHL 23 is an ice hockey simulation video game developed by EA Vancouver and published by EA Sports. It is the 32nd instalment in the NHL video game series

Genres & Tags
Play Modes
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot
NHL 23 screenshot

35%
Audience ScoreBased on 8 reviews
atmosphere2 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • NHL 23 features improved graphics and animations, enhancing the overall visual experience.
  • The addition of IIHF Women's teams and improved AI contribute to a more authentic and diverse gameplay.
  • Gameplay mechanics like last-chance puck movements and enhanced crowd behavior create a more immersive atmosphere.
  • Many game modes remain largely unchanged from NHL 22, leading to a lack of innovation.
  • Microtransactions and a limited number of new features make the game feel more like a DLC than a full release.
  • Technical issues, such as visual glitches and sluggish skater movement, detract from the overall experience.
  • gameplay
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay in NHL 23 features minor enhancements, such as improved animations and the inclusion of women players, but overall, it feels similar to the previous year's installment. While the gameplay remains solid and allows for quick matches, the changes are not significant enough to be considered groundbreaking.

    • “The gameplay was clean and the ability to get through games fast is ideal for every type of gamer.”
    • “[Women IIHF players and mixed-gender teams in HUT, improved animations make matches more exciting, gameplay is as strong as ever].”
    • “Despite the addition of women players in HUT and tweaked mechanics like last-chance puck movements, NHL 23 barely feels like it's changed from last year's offering.”
    • “Big goals, small gameplay improvements.”
    • “Stumble actions and loose-puck plays help enhance gameplay, but they remain less than groundbreaking.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the game is enhanced by euphoric crowd behavior and a well-designed arena ambiance, complemented by finely-tuned AI and helpful on-ice tutorial overlays. Recent improvements, including the integration of women into gameplay and an overall overhaul of the rink atmosphere, contribute positively to the immersive experience.

    • “The euphoric crowd behavior and arena atmosphere create an immersive experience that enhances gameplay.”
    • “The overhaul of rink atmosphere is a welcome improvement, adding depth and excitement to the game.”
    • “Despite all that, the overhaul of rink atmosphere is a welcome improvement.”
  • graphics
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics have seen significant improvements, enhancing the overall visual experience with more authentic crowd behavior and the inclusion of female characters. Players appreciate the upgraded visuals and the excitement brought by new last chance plays, contributing to a more immersive gameplay experience.

    • “The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that truly immerse you in the game.”
    • “Much improved graphics and passing make the gameplay feel more fluid and realistic.”
    • “The visuals are breathtaking, enhancing the overall experience and bringing the game world to life.”
    • “The graphics feel outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
    • “Character models are poorly designed and look lifeless.”
    • “The environments are bland and lack the vibrancy that would make the game more immersive.”
  • monetization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect has received criticism for its reliance on microtransactions, with players noting that new animations are too fleeting and infrequent, and there is a lack of updated game modes to enhance the experience.

    • “The new animations are too fleeting and infrequent, and the lack of updated game modes makes the microtransactions feel even more frustrating.”
    • “The monetization strategy is overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without spending extra money.”
    • “I feel like the game is designed to push players towards microtransactions rather than providing a balanced experience.”
  • music
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is praised for its captivating soundtrack that complements the visuals and enhances the overall atmosphere. Reviewers note that the audio quality is high, with well-integrated commentary that adds depth to the gaming experience. Overall, the musical elements significantly contribute to immersion and enjoyment.

    • “The soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals, creating an immersive experience that enhances the overall gameplay.”
    • “The audio design is exceptional, with each track adding depth to the atmosphere and keeping players engaged.”
    • “The combination of music and commentary elevates the game, making every moment feel dynamic and alive.”
    • “The soundtrack feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged during gameplay.”
    • “The audio quality is subpar, with some tracks sounding muffled and poorly mixed.”
    • “The music doesn't match the game's tone, often feeling out of place and detracting from the overall experience.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is generally perceived as lacking, with users noting that it feels similar to NHL 22 and that most modes have not changed. Additionally, there are reports of visual glitches during goal celebrations and sluggish skater movement, which detracts from the overall experience.

    • “Feels similar to NHL 22; most modes remain unchanged. There are some visual glitches during goal celebrations, and the skater movement feels sluggish.”
    • “The game frequently crashes, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
    • “I encountered numerous bugs that disrupted my gameplay experience, including freezing and lagging issues.”

70%Critics’ scoreBased on 16 critic reviews

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