NHL 19 takes another skate forward in the right direction by upgrading some much-needed mechanics which has helped NHL 19 become one of the better NHL titles we have seen in years.  

Gameplay & Mechanics

Skating feels a lot better in this years installment which is a great relief, in previous games it felt a little clunky and overall it has improved. With RPM Tech, Explosive-edge skating enables more control over how you generate speed using edge-work and crossovers. With all new animations, you’ll experience more responsiveness in acceleration, high-speed skating, and pin-point turns. This is one of the best features in NHL 19 and you really do have great control over your skater compared to last seasons game. Collision physics in NHL 19 are fantastic and another added treat for fans of the series. Deliver bone crushing hits has never felt more exciting and the animations are fluid and look great. You still have some minor hiccups but overall this is a great improvement to the horrible impact detection in previous games.   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJS4uqcUhoc[/embedyt]   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3X5y3E4CN8[/embedyt]  

World of CHEL

The World of CHEL is a nice upgrade to one of my favorite modes EASHL. In World of CHEL EA brings together a string of game modes which is accompanied by a single player progression system which is NOT pay to win. Collecting XP in this player progression system across various modes such as NHL Threes Drop in, NHL ONES, Pro-Am and of course the club based game mode EASHL will unlock player bags with loot. Earning XP will help build your player your way and have him dominate on the ice. Build your character with the various preset classes like in games past but you can now upgrade your character with specialty traits ranging from a booming slapper to more hitting power. Unlocking these traits and stacking them to your player will increase your likely hood of wining more games and gaining more XP. Over 900 options during customization that vary from awesome NHL team gear to some funky Don Cheery Like clothing to help you stand out on the ice. EA has done a fantastic job at this years customization with many options to choose from.    

Hit The Pond

NHL Ones is one of the most highly addictive game modes in NHL 19. 1v1v1 pond hockey, how can you complain!. As a kid growing up we played a lot of pond hockey and when I found out about this mode I was pumped up. Competing in a king of the hill type game mode you will start you off in one of the lower tier rinks but you can quickly move your way up by stringing some wins together and make your debut at “The Ring” which is where you want to be. Become a daily leader by winning games at “The Ring” and you will see some awesome rewards coming your way, but it won’t be easy because this is where the best players of the day compete and it’s just plain ol’ hockey fun!. This mode shines in NHL 19 and is a great addition if you are looking to have some no rules hockey fun with friends.

 

 

The Legend Continues

 

When we sat down with EA and Creative Director William Ho they let us know about an agreement with the NHL Alumni Association which will benefit all fans of hockey. NHL 19 has over 200 legends! The Great One makes his return along with some of my favorite players while growing up Patrick Roy, Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic!. All legends are playable across all game modes and you will also see Hero Teams that will combine some of the greatest NHL legends with some of the new NHL players today. I am sure HUT fans out are dying to get their hands on some legend cards and work the marketplace.

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Franchise Overhaul

One mode in particular is getting a huge overhaul and if you are a fan of Franchise Mode then you are in a for a treat. The upgraded Scouting System will put you in full control of your dynasty. You will be able to manage up to 20 pro and amateur scouts. Scouting will affect all aspects of your team from drafting to free agency. Detailed below in a video from EA’s Gurn Sumal you will see a deeper look at Franchise Mode. Personally I have not spent too much time with Franchise Mode but for fans of the mode it looks like EA has dug deeper to bring you a full realistic look.   One of the best modes to ever grace the NHL franchise is HUT, well maybe not now after playing Ones but I still love opening packs and building my team. Some great returning bonuses from players who have played previous titles dating back to NHL 16. This gives you a nice start to your team so you can hit the ice right away. Something new this year with HUT are the all new objectives. Completing objectives will help you unlock packs, coins and certain HUT items. You will receive weekly, monthly and event based objectives. Not a bad move on EA’s part to toss this in to give you something else to do in HUT. Returning for HUT as well is your Draft Champions Mode where you can compete with a drafted team of your choice to unlock packs etc. Milestone objectives are gained throughout your NHL 19 HUT career and come with some big payoffs!. Legends can be unlocked, coins can be added and you can even unlock loan players for your team as well. Overall player ratings have dropped in NHL 19 and this is to build a more stable marketplace. Below is the table of how player ratings will be listed. Legends and alumni players of course will come with higher OVR ratings but will be extremely rare during pack unlocks. EA has lowered OVR player ratings to help with the progression of your player card.

• 50-55 OVR = Bronze Common
• 56-61 OVR = Bronze Rare
• 62-67 OVR = Silver Common
• 68-73 OVR = Silver Rare
• 74-79 OVR = Gold Common
• 80+    OVR= Gold Rare

     

Post Game

Overall I am very impressed with NHL 19 as whole. EA has taken some existing modes and made them better. RPM tech and the new Collision Physics is something this franchise has needed for a long time and it really makes this game stand out. World of CHEL is fantastic and the new Ones mode I just can’t stop playing. NHL 19 takes a big leap forward for the franchise and long time fans will be pleased.