NHL 16

Critic reviews

• Destructoid

  Brett Makedonski · Oct 06, 2015

  7.5

  NHL 16 isn't perfect, but it's a substantial improvement over what released last year. Mind you, that's not some sheer brilliance; it's just because of general competence. The NHL franchise seems back on track, and it has even introduced the wonderful on-ice trainer. But, that trainer aside, it's tough to shake the feeling that NHL has just caught up instead of innovating. EA Sports spent this iteration making up ground.

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• Push Square

  Graham Banas · Sep 24, 2015

  7.0

  When you come right down to it, NHL 16 is an improvement over last year's release in virtually every department. Unfortunately, that isn't exactly saying a lot. If you like hockey, you will have no trouble enjoying this title, and you may even love it. The changes to movement and playing style allow everything to feel far closer to the real sport. But there are still plenty of problems floating around if you look hard enough, and the title carries with it a feeling of 'good enough' rather than going all out.

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• Polygon

  Samit Sarkar · Sep 22, 2015

  7.5

  Outside of the fantastic in-game trainer — which, it's worth noting, is similar to what's available in EA's other sports games this year — and the revamped EA Sports Hockey League, NHL 16's updates are incremental. The issues I saw are uncharacteristic of the high EA reached on the previous consoles, and as the series is finding its footing in the new generation, NHL 16 doesn't quite reach that bar.

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• COGconnected

  Patrick Anderson · Sep 15, 2015

  8.7

  And now, even the journeyman players, like me, who might have shied away in the past out of fear of getting owned online by the elite players, have no excuse not to play, as there are lots of built-in training features to help you improve. While it may not be perfect, and it still has some kinks to iron out, NHL 16 is the comeback the series needed, and it is a great title for those looking to jump back into the action. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my team is down in the third period, and my shift is coming up.

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• IGN

  Seth Macy · Sep 15, 2015

  7.8

  When played by yourself or with a friend on the couch, NHL 16 is a fast, sharp-looking, and fun hockey sim that includes enough modes to keep veterans happy while doing an admirable job of welcoming newcomers as well. It still suffers technical problems with online play, which is a shame, because outside of noticeably repetitious play-by-play calling and some non-gameplay-affecting framerate issues in cutscenes and replays, NHL 16 is an otherwise excellent game.

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• Game Revolution

  Anthony LaBella · Sep 15, 2015

  8.0

  Despite the draw of the EASHL and the core gameplay in NHL 16, there's a layer of familiarity that might turn away some folks. But after the missteps of last year's series entry, NHL 16 represents a step back in the right direction for EA's virtual hockey franchise and its fanbase. Some of the game modes feel underdeveloped in key areas, namely Be a Pro, but the variety on display and the hook of online multiplayer make NHL 16 an easy recommendation.

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