NHL 26 Review: Worth It or Not?

When I mentioned to my friends that I was diving into sports game reviews, the reaction was predictable. They’d wait a bit, then ask, “Is it worth it?” It’s like a broken record with low expectations playing in the background. Many gamers seem to think that each annual release is just a rehash, even if it comes in a shiny new package. With NHL 26, the “worth it” question is definitely relevant; it’s an improvement over the already solid NHL 25, though some changes might be subtle enough that they fly under the radar unless you really pay attention.

One of the big features EA has boasted about in NHL 26 is “ICE-Q 2.0,” which promises more realistic player movements. This is somewhat true, but honestly, the differences weren’t as significant as I expected. Sure, the players now mimic their real-life counterparts better, which is nice, but it’s not groundbreaking. You’ve got players like Brad Marchand, who still likes to get physical, puck or not, and then there’s Nathan McKinnon, who excels in tight passes. There are new presentation elements—like shot speed indicators—that are neat, but overall, the improvements feel rather minor compared to what I was hoping for.

Now, where the game shines is in goaltending. The overhaul here is quite impressive. The ICE-Q 2.0 system introduces a wave of new goalie animations and actions. Historically, one of the big issues with the NHL franchise has been the imbalance between goals scored and saves made. It often felt random, like a poorly timed dice roll rather than a display of skill. Sure, the dekes worked well, but ultimately it was about figuring out how to deceive those often unclear goalie animations.

With NHL 26, a change in goaltending mechanics serves as a double-edged sword. Sure, you might miss those exact dekes you’ve mastered, but it opens up fresh scoring opportunities. The goalies aren’t just freezing the puck with every missed shot anymore, nor are they pulling off impossible saves like superheroes. They’re now more proactive, coming out of their creases to cut angles during breakaways and utilizing their sticks for saves. This shift means players might need to rethink their scoring strategies; the controls remain the same, but the timing is definitely different.

If you thrived on old-school attacks, you might find yourself struggling a bit. The learning curve has shifted, and if finding the back of the net often frustrated you, this might feel like a significant leap.

Unfortunately, that’s pretty much where the substantial changes end. While NHL 25 moved the franchise forward, NHL 26 feels more like a continuation than a groundbreaking leap. The presentation is quite similar, and honestly, I wish EA Sports would dive deeper into elements like licensed arena music. I totally get the copyright headache that came from customizable arena music back in NHL 14, but it’s such an iconic part of hockey culture. Missing out on that feels like a lost opportunity.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the expansion of X-Factor abilities. Introduced last year, these abilities are now more impactful. Almost all top-tier players possess at least one, and the benefits can greatly influence gameplay. Take Matthew Tkachuk, for instance; his Big Tipper X-Factor allows for more varied redirection moves, which can really mess with goalie stats. This definitely makes chaotic plays a lot more advantageous.

The PWHL also made its debut in NHL 25 and returns in NHL 26 with noticeable improvements. The commentary has become more aligned with the NHL, and the gameplay feels more fluid, offering a better representation of women’s hockey. The focus is less on grinding and more on open plays, creating an experience that feels a bit more natural, albeit without the kind of depth we see in the NBA 2K series.

Returning modes are back, with “Pro” receiving the most significant updates. It begins with the U20 World Championships, allowing you to work your way up to the NHL Draft. This mode offers a richer player-building experience, emphasizing on-ice performance rather than microtransactions.

While “Pro” is indeed more immersive, it’s not without its quirks. One glaring issue is the overpowered experience of transitioning into the NHL. By the time you play your first preseason game, your player might already be rated 82 overall with multiple X-Factor abilities. This can feel a bit odd, especially since transitioning from the QMJHL to the Philadelphia Flyers seems to disregard the struggles of fitting into a new locker room. Still, the mode does a commendable job of promoting solid gameplay to upgrade characters.

In summary, NHL 26 is a solid hockey title, building upon the excellent foundation laid by NHL 25. If you skipped last year, this version might feel like a refreshing experience. However, for those who play annually, it might seem more like a patch than a whole new installment.

That said, the notable upgrades in goaltending and the refined gameplay overall make it a more enjoyable experience. While the revamped “Be a Pro” mode shows promise with its immersion, there’s still room for improvement. We might be on the brink of something exceptional, but NHL 26 doesn’t quite reach the heights of classics like NHL 04 or NHL 14. Still, it’s a worthwhile pick for die-hard fans who appreciate the incremental changes, while casual players might want to stick with last year’s offering for now.