Keep Your Head Up
This year, players can expect bigger, more realistic hits. Players used to fall to the ice in a similar ragdoll-like fashion. This time around we see more variety in the types of hits you’ll see on the ice. You really notice these changes in Ones mode where the hits are fast and furious. You’ll see players getting clipped and flung around like a helicopter. You’ll also see big players paste smaller players against the boards. It can also make for some awkward collisions which just makes the game a little more unpredictable and feel less scripted. In the games I played, I found myself relying on hits more so than poke checking as I found I was getting penalized for being careless with the stick far too often. So in some ways, NHL 19 encourages players to smash other players. What’s not to love about that?
More Customizations Than Ever
NHL 19 features more customizations than ever before as you have millions of different possible clothing combinations at your disposal. The game apparently features over 900 new items including hoodies, jackets, parkas, knits, and more. There is NHL apparel that is inspired by pond hockey lifestyle, and other outfits that are completely outrageous. This hockey game will let you express yourself and beat your opponent in style.
Legends Are Here
NHL legends have appeared in previous modes like Hockey Ultimate Team before. Now, thanks to an agreement with the NHL Alumni Association, EA Sports is bringing legends back to the franchise. It was not announced who all the legends would be; however, The Great One Wayne Gretzky was confirmed. We fully expect to see legends from every era so it will certainly be cool to play with players like Guy Lafleur or Pavel Bure, if they are in the game of course.
NHL 19 is available to hockey fans worldwide on September 14, 2018 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4. Be first in line to compete from the pond to the pros, unlocking the full game three days early on September 11, 2018 when you pre-order the NHL 19 Legend Edition or the NHL 19 Ultimate Edition.