NHL 26

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NHL 26 is a single player and multiplayer sport game. It was developed by EA Vancouver and was released on September 12, 2025. It received mostly positive reviews from critics.

Purchase EA SPORTS™ NHL® 26 Standard Edition and receive: 250 NHL Points World Juniors HUT Choice Pack Six Limited-Edition "Made on iPad" Goalie Masks In EA SPORTS™ NHL 26, your path to glory begins with a fresh crop of Icon releases, including a free Patrice Bergeron Icon Base Item. On December 15, redeem a World Juniors HUT Choice Pack — your pick of Gavin McKenna, Porter Martone, James Ha…

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music3 positive mentions

monetization3 negative mentions

Be a Pro mode has been redesigned to be more immersive and engaging, with improved storytelling and voice work.
ICE-Q 2.0 technology enhances gameplay with sharper skater and shooter mechanics, making on-ice action more exciting.
Presentation upgrades, including adaptive commentary and new cinematics, create a more authentic broadcast experience.

Limited improvements overall make it hard to justify purchasing if you already own the previous installment.
Legacy AI issues and bugs can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
Repetitive commentary and menu lag detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

gameplay
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
NHL 26 features updated visuals and great voice work, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay with new changes that enhance the hockey experience. However, the absence of arcade-style modes and a sense of monotony in gameplay detract from its overall appeal, making it feel similar to its predecessor despite some improvements.
- “NHL 26 brings new gameplay changes that bring hockey to life in a way that is better than ever.”
- “Be a Pro mode, updated visuals, great voice work, and hundreds of hours of gameplay.”
- “The game lacks arcade-style modes, and the overall gameplay feels monotonous.”
- “NHL 26 has the potential to be even better, but aside from two improved game modes and minor gameplay adjustments, it resembles its predecessor.”
music
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game features a solid and enjoyable soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, making it feel more engaging and less repetitive. Additionally, the offline hut mode provides a refreshing break for players who prefer not to grind online.
- “The soundtrack is easy on the ears with a solid tracklist.”
- “The music adds a new layer of engagement, making the experience feel less repetitive.”
- “The offline hut mode provides a refreshing break for those who prefer not to grind online.”
graphics
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics are praised for their updated visuals, enhancing the overall gaming experience, while the inclusion of a "be a pro" mode adds depth. Additionally, the game's impressive voice work complements the visuals, contributing to an engaging atmosphere for hundreds of hours of gameplay.
- “The updated visuals are stunning and truly elevate the gaming experience.”
- “The graphics are incredibly detailed, making every environment feel immersive.”
- “The vibrant colors and smooth animations bring the game to life in a remarkable way.”
monetization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has received criticism for its reliance on microtransactions, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, issues such as bugs and repetitive commentary have been noted, suggesting that the game's quality may not justify its monetization strategy. Overall, players feel that the "be a pro" mode is still lacking, further complicating the value proposition.
- “The game is riddled with bugs, and the repetitive commentary makes it hard to enjoy. The 'Be a Pro' mode is still lacking, and the microtransactions are just too much.”
- “Microtransactions are everywhere, making it feel like you can't progress without spending extra money.”
- “The monetization strategy is frustrating; it feels like the game is designed to push you towards buying in-game currency.”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's optimization is criticized for poor online performance and challenges in finding matches, leading players to question the value of recent updates.
- “Pair that with poor online performance and difficulty finding matches, and you have to ask yourself if the updates are worth it.”
- “The game feels unoptimized, leading to frustrating lag and stuttering during crucial moments.”
- “Despite the potential, the lack of optimization makes it hard to enjoy the gameplay experience.”
story
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The storytelling in the NHL franchise has significantly improved, with a presentation style that resembles a TV broadcast, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the introduction of more offline modes in HUT and a new user interface simplifies gameplay, making it more accessible for players.
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers highlight that the game's atmosphere is enhanced by improved puck physics and new animations, creating a more immersive and engaging experience. The combination of these elements contributes to a dynamic and realistic environment that captivates players.