Utilizing assets found in this year's Hockey Ultimate Team mode, users are able to quickly create teams based on several different themes. One of these thoroughly enjoyable additions is Draft Champions. Outside of the actual gameplay, a number of new modes have been added to the mix. It's the little things that constantly pop up to remind users that they are playing a game that have been reoccurring issues for the series, but these hiccups don't deter too much from the game itself. Wonky movements from on-ice figures following a goal are still present, with commentary failing to offer a wholly accurate approach to sportscasting.
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As a result, enhanced puck movement and goaltending tweaks aside, not everything goes of without a hitch. The reality of creating a video game based on the sport of hockey is the almost unfathomable number of variables that pop up during every game. Still, the gameplay itself is a fickle beast, as it's an incredibly smooth experience – until it isn't. While this isn't a complete gameplay overhaul by any means (although new mechanics such as net battles and better goalies only help add to the experience) these mainstays were never the overlying issue – the lack of modes was. The longstanding gameplay foundation of the NHL property is still very much intact this time around, with older additions such as the Skill Stick and physics system still firmly in place. It's been two years since the lacklustre NHL 15 debuted, but it's a relief to report that NHL 17 is the long awaited return to form that the franchise has been building towards. The year following marked a brand new puck physics system that was accompanied by a stripped down experience that left fans scorned.
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Nhl 17 ps4 review series#
Following the immediate jump to new consoles, EA Sports opted to initially and completely ignore bringing its core NHL series to the upgraded hardware.
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It's been a rocky few years for hockey-inclined gamers. The latest hockey video game from EA Sports finally gets the series back on track, with NHL 17 giving fans almost every thing they could ask for from the series.