NHL 24 Aims to Deliver Authentic Hockey Experience Like Never Before
The NHL development team at EA Sports is determined to capture the excitement and intensity of professional hockey in their video game series. While recent iterations have had mixed success, EA Sports is dedicated to improving NHL 24 with various updates to make it feel more true to the real-life sport.
Exhaust Engine Enhances Player Performance
One of the key features in NHL 24 is the Exhaust Engine, a system that governs player performance based on stamina. This engine rewards players for aggressive offensive play, while also factoring in player fatigue. The new Goalie Fatigue system ensures that goalies are not as effective on the first shot of a power play, but their performance gradually improves with each subsequent shot. This mechanic adds a new dynamic to goal-scoring strategies, as tiring actions such as multiple shots on goal or extended time in the offensive zone can drain the goalie’s stamina and make it more challenging for them to save the puck.
Enhancements for Goalies
Goalies in NHL 24 also receive several updates to improve their gameplay experience. They now have a visible stamina bar, allowing players to gauge their performance levels. Additionally, goalies have new highlight-reel save animations that help them stop more pucks. Player-lock modes as the goalie feature newly updated controls for a more intuitive playing experience. The addition of an auto-return to the center mechanic reduces the likelihood of being out of position for the next shot. The game also introduces a new Instinct minigame, which allows goalies to guess the direction of the shot, enhancing their ability to make saves.
Sustained Pressure System Rewards Offensive Play
NHL 24 introduces the Sustained Pressure system, which rewards offensive teams for spending prolonged periods of time attacking in the offensive zone. Teams can build up a sustained pressure meter through actions such as puck possession, key hits, and shots on goal. To balance this out, defensive players have access to revamped checking mechanics that carry less penalty risk and have a reduced impact on stamina. Exciting new checking animations and ragdoll physics enhance the overall gameplay experience.
Total Control Layout and Vision Passing
NHL 24 offers players an all-new control refresh option called Total Control layout. This layout simplifies the execution of highlight-reel moves in a more accessible and intuitive manner. It allows players to execute fake passes or dekes with ease. For players who prefer the traditional controls, the legacy control scheme remains available. The game also introduces the Vision Passing system, enabling simple one-touch passing to facilitate rapid puck movement on the ice.
Enhancements to Game Modes
NHL 24 introduces several updates to its game modes for a more engaging and enjoyable experience. World of Chel now features a Battle Pass with free and premium levels, offering a collection of vanity and utility items. The creation zone has been streamlined to improve user experience. The storefront allows players to directly purchase desired gear instead of depending on loot boxes. In EASHL, players can engage in a 16-game path to the playoffs using a do-or-die format, with progress earning points and losses resulting in elimination. Ultimate Team mode now includes HUT Moments, where players can recreate historic and modern hockey moments. Multiple objectives and difficulty levels provide varied gameplay experiences.
Upgraded Presentation and Cross-Platform Play
NHL 24 enhances its in-game presentation with more than 75 new goal celebrations, improved camera angles, lighting effects, and dynamic rink boards that can be personalized with player banners. Crowd atmosphere has also been upgraded, with various events and actions generating realistic fan reactions. Notably, Cheryl Pounder joins the broadcast booth, adding her expertise to the game’s commentary. NHL 24 also supports cross-platform play in HUT, World of Chel, and EASHL across PlayStation and Xbox consoles. This feature allows players to invite friends or join clubs regardless of the platform. EA Sports anticipates that crossplay will enhance matchmaking quality and decrease wait times.
Cover Athlete and Release Date
The cover athlete for NHL 24 is Cale Makar from the Colorado Avalanche. The game is set to release on October 6 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The X-Factor Edition includes exclusive bonuses such as a Cale Makar player item, HUT Power Up Icon Choice Pack, extra NHL points, Dual Entitlement for both last-gen and current-gen versions of the game, and three days of early access.