Well, it’s that time again. Can you smell it? That’s the smell of autumn or fall or whatever you want to call it, and that means hockey season is only weeks away. This also means virtual hockey is close at hand, and this time on next-gen consoles. So for those gamers suffering through a long hot summer waiting patiently for the sport played on ice with a frozen chunk of rubber, the time is close at hand. EA Sports is on the cusp of one of the most anticipated titles in its long running NHL series. The franchise is like gold to Canadians, and to some, almost as well loved as the real thing. The NHL 16 franchise is also very popular around the world making it one of the best sports titles within the EA stable.
 
It looks like EA will now focus on the newer consoles, Xbox One and PS4. Both will get the new NHL 16, which will be released with new features and game modes that were not included in NHL 16. The game looks to regain those fans who were unhappy about not getting those features in this year’s game. EA Sports also promises a revamped system in place for offline Be a Pro mode, and while information has been sparse, expect a new player progression system similar to FIFA, where your on ice actions will directly influence the attributes that you increase. If you spend your time throwing big hits and being aggressive, eventually you will earn the “tough guy”or “grinder”roles, while if you play the offensive game, maybe you will lean towards a sniper or a two-way forward. This new system sounds like a lot of fun, and I really look forward to hearing more in the coming months.
 
A new visual on-ice training tool also hopes to help new and returning NHL 16 players improve their offensive and defensive skills, offering shooting targets, advice on passing lanes and more. The NHL 16 E3 2015 trailer shows all gameplay and how passing and precision skating is the keys to being the best team on the ice. EA Sports has also revealed the pre-order deals that you can receive for setting aside the cash for your copy of NHL 16. Now, EA need to win them back. If they can converge all of these features together with last year’s excellent core experience, those fans will finally get the game they have been waiting for. On current-gen, at least.
 
In the first two difficulty levels, the game favors high scores, and goalies are more likely to not cover up as well if you take close shots or one-timers. Even if you get ahead by a wide margin, the game tries to find a way for goals to go through in order to keep the game close. We noticed a few instances where the puck defied the laws of collision and went through a well-covered goalie on to the net. That sort of thing certainly needs to be addressed in future patches. They really went back 2 steps here, and it’s disappointing to say the least.
 
Be a Pro Mode, which puts you in the shoes of an NHLer from the very beginnings. Starting either in the CHL, the Entry Draft or on whichever team you choose. As you play your career there are challenges set by your coach depending on your play style (Grinder, Sniper, Power Forward, etc), your overall, and previous stats. This mode has so much potential but is such a letdown. It’s bare bones, when you play a game you cannot simulate to your next shift (fixed this with a patch, a common theme with this game), so you’re sitting there for 20 minute periods, just to play maybe 6 minutes of game depending on which line you are on, it could even be less. Coach feedback was also patched into the game. Be a Pro mode is such a letdown, in NHL 16 it was actually kind of fun, and had a lot of potential to be great.
 
If leaving out the draft is an issue with Be A Pro, not having it in Be A GM is simply bizarre. You’re the GM of a professional sports team and you have no say in who you draft? Add to this an ‘across the board’ issue with load and simulation times, and you’ll be feeling like you’re sitting in your own private penalty box every time you sim to your next game, let alone waiting for the actual game to start.
 
Be A GM is still (mostly) intact, but there’s still a loss of options in a mode where the whole appeal comes down to your ability to control things. Even basic features, such as Online Team Play, playoff mode, and Tournament Mode have had to be (or will be) patched into the game later on. Of course, Hockey NHL 16 Ultimate Team, which allows you to create your own team with your favorite players and take it online, remains more or less as it was, probably because EA wants you to spend money on it.