Improvement can sometimes be boring. Just look at NHL 16. This year's game is a colossal step forward, pairing superb on-ice action with far-reaching improvements to the overall experience. But when the Zamboni trundles off of the newly smoothed ice, you're still left with what amounts to a slightly better version of fake professional hockey than you had before. Don't take that as a knock. NHL 16 really is a cut above, even if it didn't have a high bar to scale. Last year's disappointing PlayStation 4 and Xbox One debut was rebuilt for the new hardware, but that left EA Sports with precious little time to include features that have been staples for years. The presentation delivered, but everything else felt undercooked.

 

In today's sports video games, ratings matter as much as they ever have. We're past the era where players were simply differentiated by categories such as speed, agility and power. Specialized stats lean more toward advanced statistics than they do the standard skill observations that were once commonplace. NHL 16 adheres to the new way of evaluating players. Thanks to an early edition of the game, we've been able to scope out the player and team ratings. Here's a look at each team's ratings in offense, defense and goaltending. Rounding out the modes is Hockey Ultimate Team, now with improved management and the introduction of single player sessions to allow players to hone their skills before playing for stakes. Having some real, deep modes to sink your teeth into make NHL 16 indeed feel like a full-fledged game and not an overpriced demo.

 

The feature that most fans are clamoring to hear about is EASHL, so let’s begin with the fact that it has indeed returned to the series in NHL 16. The online team mode has been re-imagined to allow players to choose specialized player classes to deliver a balanced on-ice experience. The ability to play as a team as well as outright skill will be the determining factor in who wins. Be a GM mode has also returned and now for the first time each player on an NHL team has a different personality to manage. Trade demands, teammate relationships and more can be managed by adjusting rosters or calling team meetings. Be a Pro also makes an appearance, where on-ice actions directly influence earned attributes, ensuring a Pro reflects the way a player plays. Simming to the next shift and working your way up from a CHL rookie also make a return here. 

 

On the additional mode front, NHL 16 is noticeably more packed than NHL 15. Along with your expected modes of play comes Season Mode, EA Sports Hockey League and Online Team play. Season Mode takes you into the seemingly never ending run to the Stanley Cup. You always have the option to simulate games and play the ones more pertinent to your custom player’s progress. EA Sports Hockey League changes the formula up by offering athletes who’re attached to certain classes. Most of the fun of this mode comes from constructing the right team and paying attention to which player classes need more attention. And finally, the option to play online solo or with another player next to you is a major bright spot.

 

NHL 16 provides players with the most true to life skating mechanics to date. Outside of the missing EASHL and Team Play in NHL 15, the lack of any sort of true practice or training mode was a big problem. While there is nothing anywhere near the equivalent of the Madden Skills Trainer in NHL 16, there has been a big upgrade in that department. Thanks to a day one patch, not only can you do one on one training, but you can also do full team based training. This is very helpful for setting up scenarios that otherwise would be impossible to get good practice on, outside of an actual game.

 

Doc Emrick sounds like a robot and Eddie Olczyk sounds like a moron. Again, perfect simulations. The NHL series continues its unprecedented streak of having the worst music of any sports game. Panic! At the Disco? Skrux? What the Hell. I’m 90% sure EA negotiates real artists for Madden and has to take the record company’s leftovers for the NHL series.