EA continues to push the NHL franchise in the right direction. With vast visual, gameplay and player mechanic improvements NHL 20 will please even the most die-hard hockey fans! 

 

RPM Fueled

  One of the more notable additions to the NHL franchise was the RPM Tech. We first saw this introduced in NHL 19 and it was an ice breaker. The fluidity of the way players felt on the ice and with your controller really had you in total control. In NHL 20 EA has managed to overhaul its shooting mechanics by introducing Signature Shots by your favourite NHLers.  With the new overhaul to the shooting, it’s not just limited to your favourite stars of the game. EA has improved shooting animations across the whole game. Players will stretch their sticks to direct pucks to the net, adjust shooting stances and even pull mini spin dekes to try and bury that biscuit where momma keeps the peanut butter.  Below is an in-depth look at the RPM overhaul from EA.   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFeWWVdYhmc[/embedyt]      

Hit The Ice

  With some obvious improvements to the skating and shooting mechanics thanks to RPM Tech. Long time fans will notice a fair bit of difference in the way players control, shoot and adapt to the game. Mind you despite EA’s best efforts to enhance CPU A.I will notice that your CPU skaters lack the ability to pick up the open player backdoor, or better yet the goalies still let obvious weak shots beat them. This has plagued NHL titles for years and quite frankly I don’t think this will ever get resolved. With that being said. Skating and shooting animations improved immensely in NHL 20 which is quite a bit of difference from last years installment. It does have its minor hiccups but its a step in the right direction.    

A Whole New World…of Chel

  World of Chel took us all by storm last year and easily one of my favourite additions to the NHL franchise was NHL Ones in last years NHL 19. Growing up playing pond hockey was a ritual and being able to play this in NHL 19 was amazing. With the success of Ones, EA has managed to kick it up a notch in NHL 20. New in NHL 20s World of Chel are some weekly game events, and challenges across whatever mode tickles your twine. This will help unlock various customization rewards and boatloads of XP for your character. With over 2000 customization options you will be able to create whatever you desire. Four additional rinks have been added to the outdoor gameplay and you will enjoy them all. Some of the most memorable moments in NHL 20 will be played on those outdoor rinks.. trust me!  

Don’t Get Eliminated

  With battle royale taking over anything in gaming over the last few years EA has introduced NHL to BR. Eliminator is a winner-take-all battle to be the king of the rink. You can compete in NHL Ones or also alongside your trusted teammates in NHL Threes. 81 players, 4 wins and the ultimate quest for glory… what more do you need.      

HUT Dynasty

  I have lived and breathed HUT since it was first introduced to this franchise. HUT’s visuals and new pack opening animations are quite something compared to years past. Navigating through HUT menus is easy and everything has been laid out perfectly where you need it to be. Auction House is a breeze… yes this is where I spend a lot of time working the markets!.  With the success of Squad Battles in the FIFA franchise, it’s about time that NHL received this mode. Playing in offline battles against HUT teams built by NHL stars, and some of the biggest music talents are great. The rewards are even better! Opponents are cycled through daily so you will have various teams to try and beat to earn massive rewards. New special player Icon Cards are fantastic and the animation when you bust open your first pack is something special as a hockey fan. I won’t spoil it for you so you will just have to wait and see. Icon players are the best to ever lace up and hit the ice so battle hard and get those packs!  

 

   

 

 

A Side Of Franchise

  With the success of adding in a new scouting system in NHL 19, EA was hoping to build on its momentum in its Franchise Mode. Now I don’t dabble a lot into Franchise mode but for review purposes I did. With the addition of coaches into this year’s Franchise mode you are able to build your team’s line chemistry and also have new scouting reports. As a die-hard fantasy hockey player I liked how EA tied in trade finder to help get the best possible trade for the player you are looking to deal away. I can see how people really enjoy playing in this mode as building a team and having them make a run for Lord Stanley is rewarding. There are a lot of features, tips and tricks to learn in Franchise Mode and below I have a deep dive video from Gurn Sumal the game modes producer for NHL.   [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r89ljQvL_oY[/embedyt]  

Post Game Report

  The improvements NHL 20 delivers with RPM Tech pushing the envelope really excels the NHL series in the right direction. With obvious horrid A.I goalies still plaguing the game I found myself calling for the hockey gods to give me a break. EA’s NHL 20 isn’t perfect but I feel the series is moving forward and that is a great thing for fans. World of Chel is by far my favourite and NHL One’s Eliminator is fantastic and gets your heart racing as you try and take down the last man standing prize. With over 2000 customization options you can create whatever you want. NHL 20’s HUT is one of the best I’ve seen and with new player Icon Cards be sure to complete those sets! NHL 20 is a great hockey game for old school fans like myself or even the newbies looking to dangle and score.   Cheers!