New collision physics in NHL 16 mean that multiple players can get involved by a hit and stumble all over each other, even though it does look silly at times. The puck physics have been adjusted to behave more realistically, more like a puck and less like a ball, and goalies are tuned down to be less superhuman. Opponent AI has remained largely the same, making some smart plays and having more variety in their tactics - while still often taking dumb penalties or going offside. Penalties are still rather inconsistent, but at least not as frequent. Finally, most players feel and behave very similarly.

 

Besides some noticeable differences in skating speed, pulling off big hits or complex dekes is just as viable with the pros as it is with the relative rookies, regardless of rating. So while improved, nothing about NHL 16 gameplay screams next-generation. That said, the reason I feel like my Destiny comparison fits so perfectly is because the core game-play of both NHL 16 and Destiny is very solid, but the lack of expected content is very noticeable. In the case of NHL 16 I actually feel like the core game-play is relatively better than the previous year. I would not say that the game-play is drastically different when compared to NHL 15, but the game-play somehow feels much more lifelike.

 

One example is the new puck physics that was programmed, according to the NHL development team, by a software engineer who also worked on the Large Hadron Collider made by CERN. What I found so impressive is that for the first time in all the years I’ve played the NHL games, the puck actually rolled on its side. Playing this opening Stanley Cup Finals rematch really had my hopes high, but sadly those hopes fell rather quickly. I knew it was a bad sign when the already small main menu had a huge part where you could watch the trailer for NHL 16, which seems utterly useless. By scrolling to the right, you see the minimal amount of game modes at your disposal.

 

Visuals are also stellar; playing on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 showcase some fantastic presentation. Live action announcers appear before the game, and the commentary is fantastic. The arenas look better than they ever have, and the new animations and facial captures look great. This is one fine-looking title. There are still some occasional weird animations, but the details are stunning. Flowing jerseys and decent crowds really round out one fine looking hockey title. I am reviewing this game on the PS4. This game looks amazing. They have added dynamic fabric. As the player moves, their jersey will ripple in the wind and flex over their equipment. This gives the game a better sense of realism, but I do think it needs a bit of tweaking.

 

With so much missing, is NHL 16 worth it? Not at $60, no. The framework of a really good hockey game is here but it just feels unfinished. Too many modes, some very popular, are missing to justify a full priced release. It’s a shame because the core of the game is really good and bodes well for the future. The problem is that there’s this thing called NHL 16. It exists, and it makes this fancy new version look like a hollow shell of a game. The code can’t be that hard, it’s in NHL 16 and every NHL game before it! Boggled. Be A GM also suffers from a weird menu system: changing your roster where you alternate being right and left trigger to try to find the lines you want to see.

 

It also has a useless practice mode where you can’t choose the player you’ll try out. Finally, they went back 10 years and decided that quitting a game means you never played it, as opposed to recent NHLs where the computer would simulate the rest of the game. With regards to the presentation, this time the broadcast is under the NBC banner with Doc Emrick and Eddie Olczyk handling the in-game commentary. They are unquestionably an improvement on Gary Thorne and Bill Clement, whose recycled lines had worn thin after 7 years. Annoyingly the commentary trends towards “Hockey 101″ as is more common in American broadcasts. It’s a minor complaint, but it can feel patronizing as a long time hockey fan to have Shots on Goal explained to you.