NHL 16

 PlayStation 4
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 175 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 68 out of 175
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 175
  3. Negative: 64 out of 175
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  1. heisenberg771
    Sep 18, 2015
    8
    From a very long time NHL series fan, here is a honest review. This is the best NHL game so far, at least, gameplay wise. The game is not perfect, but a good step in the right direction.

    Let's all be honest and admit that NHL 15 was a big failure and an insult to us, fans of the series. The game felt like an unfinished product, and the huge lack of game modes made the game pointless    From a very long time NHL series fan, here is a honest review. This is the best NHL game so far, at least, gameplay wise. The game is not perfect, but a good step in the right direction.

    Let's all be honest and admit that NHL 15 was a big failure and an insult to us, fans of the series. The game felt like an unfinished product, and the huge lack of game modes made the game pointless unless all you wanted to do was play HUT.

    Obviously, this has changed this year. All the game modes we came to love are back, and the gameplay is better than ever. Here are my pro and cons:

    PROS:
    -The game is the most realistic of the series so far. Gameplay is slower, and you can actually take your time to create your plays and think about what you want to do. No more arcadish fast game where you get destroyed by a hit anywhere on the ice.

    -All the game modes we loved are back. Either you liked be a pro or be a gm (much improved), offline seasons or shootout modes, HUT, EASHL, online team play, they are all back.

    -Hits and collisions are much more realistic.

    -Skating and precision skating is very slick.

    -Graphics are awesome, but can still be improved IMO

    -Arena atmosphere and crowds are simply awesome, even though I didn't care about it at first.

    -Simulations are very very verrrry much faster and the menus also look better.

    -Shots and passes are not as strong as before and are MUCH more realistic.

    -Goalies movements are really nice.

    CONS:

    -There are some frustrating glitches that I am hoping EA will fix in an upcoming patch. For example, when I was playing goalie, my team scored a goal which was disallowed for absolutely no reason at all (they scored of a rebound). Even the commentators said that this goal should never have been reviewed, yet, they did.

    -Doc Emrick has no emotions at all when goals are scored or when a team wins. EA said they improved him, but I couldn't find where. Doc is the best commentator, please give him some life...

    -Goalie cam is way too low and it is very hard to see the action. There doesn't seem to be any way to change the cam when you are playing goalie. At least, I couldn't figure out how. Also, goalie movements are too fast and you get out of position pretty easily.

    -Computer still cheats when you play against them. In all-star mode, they get an acceleration speed advantage, whoever their player is. They score absolutely ridiculous goals when you have the lead. They are not affected by the skating restrictions that a human is, so they have an advantage. They still don't get any penalties whatsoever.

    -On-ice trainer is a good idea and a good addition, however, it does not really give you any good hints. Only the shooting target is useful.

    -No EA soundtracks, and no way to import your own music into the game.

    I can't comment on online play because I didn't get to try it yet. But all I can say is that if you were missing playing a good hockey game on the next gen consoles like I was, please buy NHL 16. It is a good game overall.

    EA can only improve it next year!    … Expand
  2. Bibowski
    Sep 16, 2015
    9
    I held off buying last year's because it was a joke that so many modes were missing.

    This year though, not only are all the modes included again, but the menu is snappier, the graphics are nicer, and the audio sounds better.

    SUCH a great step up. Now let's just hope online is stable.
  3. Sammyy06
    Sep 17, 2015
    10
    This game is such a step up from NHL 15. All the game mode are in with some addition. The gameplay is really nice. The AI is really good. There's still some work to do but, in general, this game is really good.
  4. heatonx23
    Sep 17, 2015
    9
    The NHL series is one of my favorites. Sure, last year's edition was sub-par, but the features you've come to know and expect are back and better in '16. They seem to have improved the quality of the AI (especially goaltending) and overall gameplay (it's a bit faster, more manual, and has far fewer glitches and bugs). People are always going to find things to complain about, but this isThe NHL series is one of my favorites. Sure, last year's edition was sub-par, but the features you've come to know and expect are back and better in '16. They seem to have improved the quality of the AI (especially goaltending) and overall gameplay (it's a bit faster, more manual, and has far fewer glitches and bugs). People are always going to find things to complain about, but this is clearly the best installment in the series.… Expand
  5. Lanceuppercut51
    Sep 15, 2015
    10
    I'm not sure why this isn't trending more towards a 9/10. I've been playing the series since the beginning and this has been the most impressed I've been after playing for the first 10 hours or so. The gameplay is outstanding and is better than the beta by far. If you played the beta, you probably think you have a good idea of the way the game is going to look and feel on the ice. It wasI'm not sure why this isn't trending more towards a 9/10. I've been playing the series since the beginning and this has been the most impressed I've been after playing for the first 10 hours or so. The gameplay is outstanding and is better than the beta by far. If you played the beta, you probably think you have a good idea of the way the game is going to look and feel on the ice. It was good but kind of more of the same thing. Now, it's super clean skating, perfectly crisp 60 fps the entire time. It just feels so comfortable. Anyways, I still haven't played much beyond 6v6 so it's a limited review but take it from me, if you are on the fence with this one, get the game!… Expand
  6. Xandercell
    Sep 15, 2015
    10
    Greatly improved from last year, Be a GM mode is getting better and the game play is fast, fluid and very enjoyable, Those mascots distract me sometimes but its part of the great visuals and presentation that the game offers, overall its a step in the right direction.
  7. MADRICKY97
    Sep 16, 2015
    9
    A big come back for EA Canada, all the great features are back with more game modes ! 9/10 ! BYE BYE NHL 15 , WELCOME NHL 16 !!!! Great graphics, better control and more efficient i.a. !!!!! Bye
  8. MVR005
    Sep 15, 2015
    10
    Its by far the best NHL game of the series, very realist for once. Only downside, the soundtrack is so boring where's my rock n roll? And some minor bug. The next step is probably an update for the goalie.
  9. CrispyLardon
    Sep 15, 2015
    10
    Vast improvement over 15. I would have given it an 9, but I wanted to offset the negative reviews that people are giving for no reason, so I gave it a 10.
  10. porhawj
    Sep 15, 2015
    9
    i am enjoying it. all star difficulty give me little bit frustrated against cpu in Be a GM mode..Gameplay is very good. graphic/visual is great.. atmosphere is amazing.. commentary is good but little bit repetitive.. i expect EA devs should improve more better for NHL 17 next year
  11. prinzmichi
    Sep 19, 2015
    8
    "Eine Eishockey-Simulation, wie man Sie sich seit Jahren gewünscht hat"

    http://igamezone.net/2015/09/nhl-16-im-test-jetzt-hat-ea-sports-es-geschafft/igamezonenet/
  12. krafttho
    Nov 12, 2015
    10
    A critically acclaimed series returns to the days of it's glory. While last years rendition for the new systems was a mere shell of a game, this years release offers one of the most immersive and impressive games to date. Truly a joyful game to play.
  13. Acoomoo
    Feb 25, 2016
    10
    I'm a big fan of this installment. However, i haven't played a new nhl game in a few years, so i can't comment on how 16 compares to 15.

    I've played nhl games since 93, and i experience no difference with the accuracy of shooting or passing. Honestly, if this feature is game breaking enough to warrant a zero rating, i urge users to take advantage of the game sliders in the menus. That    I'm a big fan of this installment. However, i haven't played a new nhl game in a few years, so i can't comment on how 16 compares to 15.

    I've played nhl games since 93, and i experience no difference with the accuracy of shooting or passing. Honestly, if this feature is game breaking enough to warrant a zero rating, i urge users to take advantage of the game sliders in the menus. That control is available to you, so use it to create your ideal hockey experience.

    The feature that makes me enjoy this game as much as i do is the be a pro mode. This feature has been in many prior versions and this is the first time I've enjoyed more than the be a GM mode. They developed a way of progressing your character in a very gratifying manner through constant and detailed categorical improvements. I am hooked!    … Expand
  14. clanky9
    May 14, 2021
    8
    This was my first nhl game that i fell in love with. Career mode was great but ive never played ultimate team because everybody knows EA and their "ultimate team".

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Best PS4 Game of 2015
58
#58 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
42
#42 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 16, 2015
    80
    A very enjoyable game rich with well-designed modes, none of which feels forced or redundant. [12/2015, p.55]
  2. PlaySense
    Nov 23, 2015
    80
    A fun and elaborate hockey game that manages to be both accessible to newcomers and challenging to veterans. Online you'll definitely encounter a couple of hick-ups, but none of them are bad enough to ruin the experience.
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  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 22, 2015
    60
    New and better attempt – NHL 16 is NHL 15 how it should have been. Is this praise or a curse? That's for you to decide - depends what NHL game you purchased last time. [Issue#257]
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