EA Sports NHL 25 Review – Hit the Showers

NHL 25 Review

Yet another annual installment in the long-running franchise from EA Sports is here. NHL 25 is upon us, once again promising innovative advancements and improvements but falling short of capturing an authentic simulation-hockey experience. The new Sapien and Ice-Q technologies (touted as supposedly groundbreaking) and enhanced franchise mode features were positioned to elevate the franchise in ways yet unseen. However, while these developments bring a fresh coat of paint to an aging series, they ultimately fail to address deeper, systemic issues that have plagued EA Sports NHL games for years.

For starters, let’s talk Sapien. One of the most advertised features of NHL 25 is the introduction of Sapien technology, designed to deliver more realistic player animations. This new tech leverages advanced motion capture techniques to create fluid and lifelike movements, with players no longer appearing as mere mannequins on the ice. In theory, this innovation should facilitate a smoother gameplay experience, allowing for more natural interactions during gameplay.

Sapien Sidelined

However, upon closer inspection, the reality of Sapien’s implementation falls short of expectations. While visually impressive, the animations can sometimes appear overly exaggerated or inconsistent, breaking immersion rather than enhancing it. For example, I’d routinely notice that animations can feel disjointed and comical during a big body check—or moments where player contact is crucial—pulling me out of the simulated experience. This inconsistency raises questions about whether the technology genuinely elevates the gameplay or serves as eye candy that doesn’t translate into substantive improvements.

Meanwhile, the Ice-Q technology, aimed at enhancing arena atmospheres and improving environmental interactions, also has its share of shortcomings. While it attempts to render more complex ice conditions and rink interactions, the execution often feels superficial. The promise of dynamic ice conditions throughout a match goes unrealized during gameplay. I frequently found the ice either slick or gritty without any exhibited transition. Inconsistencies like these fail to provide the strategic depth promised by EA that realistic ice conditions would contribute to the overall feeling of simulation hockey.

Franchise Woes

Another significant selling point of NHL 25 has been the improved franchise mode, which should unequivocally serve as the backbone for all NHL games. Admittedly, I appreciate the attention the mode has seen this year, but it still feels like things fall short. NHL 25 incorporates a host of updated features, such as enhanced scouting and more nuanced player morale systems, alongside greater customization options. And there’s no question that the new draft is a sweet addition. However, as with Sapien and Ice-Q, the adjustments to franchise mode often feel like surface-level fixes rather than substantial overhauls.

For example, the improvements to player morale were positioned as a significant step towards creating more immersive team dynamics. Yet, despite these “advancements,” player reactions and interactions come off as simplistic or deterministic rather than nuanced. Trade requests can arise excessively and often feel uninspired, leading to a cycle of frustration in simulating long-term franchises. In a game that promises to emulate the unpredictable nature of professional hockey management, NHL 25 often settles for mechanical responses that undercut immersion.

Next Year Is Our Year, Right?

What becomes overwhelmingly clear with NHL 25 is that the aesthetic enhancements, from the finely-tuned animations of Sapien technology to the engagingly designed franchise interface, take precedence over the substantive improvements within the core gameplay mechanics. While the graphics are undoubtedly impressive, the game’s beauty should not outweigh the importance of functional gameplay that fosters an engaging and immersive experience. With the backdrop of other sports games, such as Madden 25 and College Football 25, successfully prioritizing gameplay innovations, NHL 25 feels increasingly out of touch with player expectations.

While NHL 25 introduced noteworthy technologies in Sapien and Ice-Q, along with some enhancements in its franchise mode, the overall impact on gameplay leaves much to be desired. The visuals are striking, and the potential exists for a more immersive hockey experience; however, the execution falters as the new technologies do not translate into meaningful gameplay enhancements. The franchise mode, although expanded, remains a convoluted system that does not significantly diversify the management aspect.

It’s time EA Sports pivots towards not just enhancing aesthetics but also developing genuinely impactful gameplay systems that resonate with players across all modes. As it stands, NHL 25 offers a glimpse into the future of gameplay possibilities but remains rooted in familiar flaws that prevent it from achieving its full potential. The hockey community deserves better than a surface-level upgrade; they deserve a game that respects the intricacies of the sport and the dedication of its players.

***A PS5 code was provided for this review***