A hard shot could carom off the goalie’s shoulder and pop into the net. The surprises were not always negative, though. Many saves were little more than butterfly positions, where luck intervened to ensure the puck actually hit the goaltender’s body. Moreover, it became evident the change curtailed more flamboyant and acrobatic saves. The puck has a tendency bounce into the goaltender’s body, die by the side of the net, or sit in front of his pads waiting to be picked up. As a result, shooting has become unpredictable. For example, new goalie AI has been tweaked so that those players use their bodies to block more shots. These changes, while generally a good thing, have also led to small but noticeable issues. One of the best things EA did was add a Semi-Pro difficulty setting that bridges between Rookie and Pro. Hitting is entirely satisfying, as it should be, and more emphatic goal celebrations are a welcome sight for instilling some emotion into the game. Passing generally flows smoothly, though one-touch passing can feel imprecise at times. Shooting feels great, and it pays to be creative by finding different ways to generate scoring chances. Players skate with a little more fluidity than before, a result of trimming framerates, according to EA. Publisher Electronic Arts has nipped and tucked in various areas, making gameplay that feels generally smoother and more accurate.

On the ice, NHL 17 generally feels like a smoother version of the hockey game fans know and love. Hardcore fans will rejoice, but even those with a curiosity for hockey will find it much easier to get into this game. Since the series transitioned to the current generation of consoles, however, it has suffered from technical setbacks - forcing developers to clean up the mess and win back fans.ĭespite some annoyances and gaping holes, the franchise has returned to Stanley Cup form in NHL 17.

Since its reinvention 10 years ago, EA’s annual NHL games have been so entertaining that competitors have long ceased any attempts to usurp its mantle as the go-to hockey franchise.

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