On the surface, NHL 22 seems mostly similar to NHL 21, but gameplay improvements under the hood will likely make it feel quite different. The new Superstar X-Factor system is a nice touch, but NHL 22's best changes may be its altered puck movement and controls.
Despite being yet another year's NHL game, it will look noticeably different from NHL 21, too. NHL 22's switch to EA's Frostbite engine brings dynamic lighting on the ice and realistic 3D ice spray effects when skaters pivot. Player likenesses should be improved from previous years, and its "augmented reality" interface will likely bring new life to the NHL games' presentation.
According to coming NHL 22 gameplay improvements, gamers can no longer sling the puck with maximum power and accuracy in any direction with every player on the ice. es made to a receiver that is out of the er's field of vision will have significantly less assist, and the same goes for es loaded up on power.
These hurdles can, however, be combatted with NHL 22's Superstar X-Factor abilities. Players like the Maple Leafs' Mitch Marner have the Third Eye ability, which helps them hit seemingly impossible es to teammates outside their vision. Roman Josi from the Nashville Predators has the Send It ability, which helps him fire more accurate stretch es. Another nice touch to ing is that the maximum power will be decreased when ing from the player's backhand or against their momentum.
How Puck Movement Is Better In NHL 22
In opposition to the new ing mechanics, there are new, more realistic ways to defend es. In past NHL games, unless adjusted in the settings, the only outcomes for an on-target were a smooth completion or an interception that clung perfectly to the defender's stick. In NHL 22, there will be more deflected es that don't result in immediate possession for either team. Unique animations have been added to allow defenders to block es with their skates, and top-tier defenders may reach out and stop es with limbs. The Blackhawks' Seth Jones, for example, has the Quick Pick X-Factor ability, which gives him an increased puck interception rate and range.
The new deflection animations in NHL 22 aren't unique to its defensive players; offensive players with good hand-eye coordination can use the new deflection system to keep goaltenders on their toes. A subtle chip or flick of the wrist may knock the puck past the goaltender's glove, or a skillful chop can slide the puck back against the grain of a flowing defense. Gamers can equip the Big Tipper X-Factor ability in the World of Chel mode to make their deflections even more lethal. All of these factors make for an NHL game that could feel significantly more like real hockey than previous years'.
NHL 22 arrives on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S on October 15, 2021.