NHL 14

NHL 14 doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, but then again... it doesn't need to. Deep controls that are both challenging and accessible make for an excellent hockey simulation, strengthened by a large variety of game modes, state-of-the-art visuals and top-notch commentary tracks. If you're into hockey, you owe it to yourself to give NHL 14 a shot.

With the benefit of some great training tutorials, before long anyone can be carrying out line changes, deking with the best of them and carrying out a brilliant selection of slapshots, pivots and, of course, brutal punches to the face.

Accessible controls, beautiful in-game physics and few, but strong game modes make for an overall addictive experience. Perhaps it's the NHL rookie in me talking, but it's hard to believe this isn't the best iteration of the franchise yet.

NHL 14 is a very polished game that takes full advantage of its subject to create an intense, thrilling sports title. Its brutal, energetic nature offers a unique experience that most gaming versions of sports lack, and it’s definitely my favorite sports game of the year.

Mostly the changes are subtle, but they matter. The flow is improved, the game is more tactical and faster, more dynamic.

With much better collisions and a vastly improved fighting minigame, NHL 14 is becoming more gamey and less of a simulation, but that gives it a distinct and interesting flavor compared to its predecessors.

If you’re a true hockey fan I’m sure you’re already playing NHL 14, but if you’ve never played this series or are simply looking for something new to try, then this is worth a look.

One very welcome addition is NHL 94 Anniversary mode. [Nov 2013, p.94]

A solid update to this apex icecapade. Feels like EA's holding back for the next-gen though. [November 2013, p83]

NHL 14 is an enjoyable hockey experience. Aside from the new collision physics, however, there are no major improvements to be found. Live the Life mode is way too superficial, and the enforcer engine turns annoyingly repetitive all too quickly. NHL 94 anniversary mode is only good for shared fun. [Oct 2013]

Add to this one touch dekes, black eyes after losing fights, sticks getting tangled up with arms and skates, a wonderful bogun soundtrack that includes bands like Airbourne and Wolfmother, and you get a deep, great looking, and surprisingly accessible sports game.

The collisions in NHL 14 are huge. Combined with realistic movements is this a game hockey fans would love. The fights are now integrated in a better way, to make everything look more like an actual TV production. The game flows really well, and the steps towards realism are a great plus.

For a casual fan, NHL 14 offers a good time in its main game modes and hours of additional fun with the NHL 94 anniversary modes. However fans of a realistic hockey experience might be a little let down by the big slide into arcade action and the main game modes offering little upgrade over last years version.

The undisputed champ delivers another quality product. It’s a heavy hitting and hard punching game that tilts towards a more arcady experience. The physical game is not the only, but undoubtedly the most entertaining, way to play. Lots of small updates makes it an even more sleek experience off the ice than in previous years.

EA Sports takes its NHL series in a more realistic direction with a new skating system. While it's accompanied by some other authentic hockey features, it may turn off casual fans as they struggle to adapt to a slower game.

NHL 14 won’t be headed to next-gen consoles, which is a shame as it would benefit from improved visuals, but even with the help of a new engine, it’ll be hard for another sports game to beat the sheer fun of this well-executed hockey game.

With its leaky goaltenders, heavy hitters, and eager fighters, NHL 14 may become the most popular hockey game of the generation for casual fans. However, the hardcore contingency looking for a deeper simulation experience may hang up their skates thanks to the arcade-leaning gameplay and dull game modes in desperate need of ­sharpening.

Live The Life sounds great on paper, with emotional problems hampering your player's abilities and possibly determining what team he punches dudes in the face for. But in reality the system is ... undecipherable. [October 2013 p.88]