Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. Sep 26, 2018
    90
    Besides some of the same nagging issues with the franchise, the portions that got upgraded truly shine. RPM Technology is no joke as the results are seen on the ice. Gameplay is fast and fun and the AI helps complete the experience. CEHL is extremely fun with a good bit of variety, but could use some more depth when compared to The ONE in NBA Live 19. The unified progression system that is here is quick and allows styles to be easily adjusted. Having 200 NHL Legends is fantastic if they were included in other ways outside of Ultimate Team. All the nitpicking gets thrown out the window once you hop on the ice, though, as NHL 19 is fun and exciting in action.
  2. 90
    With newly added modes like World of CHEL and the inclusion of Real Player Motion, NHL 19 adds a new layer of polish onto last year's advancements in stick control and shooting. The end result is one of the best hockey games ever.
  3. Sep 21, 2018
    90
    With every passing year, I’m consistently impressed how EA are able to improve on an already winning formula, making each new release of NHL a must own title, rather than a glorified roster update.
  4. 90
    Virtually everything about NHL 19 is a genuine step forward in quality. While some modes received the lion’s share of the attention, it feels like damn near everything received SOME love. If you have been on the fence, now is the time to lace up and hit the ice. We’ll see you between the pipes.
  5. 90
    NHL 19 continues to refine its beloved sports title to a sheen. Game play feels fluid and responsive with next to nothing getting in its own way. NHL 19 sets a standard that most sports titles could learn from: fundamentals before flair.
  6. Sep 13, 2018
    90
    You will find yourself fully immersed in your gameplay.
  7. Sep 14, 2018
    89
    NHL 19 has something for everyone, packing tons of quality into its many fun and diverse modes.
  8. CD-Action
    Feb 13, 2019
    85
    Kaleidoscope of available modes guarantees that everyone interested in hockey will easily find a way to enjoy NHL 19, whether they crave 15 minutes of accessible fun or prefer to dig into statistics and play whole seasons. Learning basics is easy, but if you want more (e.g. success in online modes) you will need patience and a lot of practice, as controls are deep and some tricks require uncommon skill. [12/2018, p.72]
  9. Oct 4, 2018
    85
    For one of the first times in recent years, the NHL series feels much more improved, with the World of CHEL mode proving to be a resounding success.
  10. Oct 1, 2018
    85
    With all the new additions and expansions this year's version is one of the best in the entire series. It's even more than you've come to expect. This could very well become the ultimate ice hockey franchise next year if EA improves the dull commentary and ups the ante in the graphics department.
  11. Sep 17, 2018
    85
    NHL 19 still has its share of legacy issues that need attention, but the vastly improved skating and physics make this the best playing hockey game of the generation. The scouting system gives franchise mode a much-needed makeover, and while World of Chel feels like a half-built theme park right now, I’m excited about its future prospects. If you haven’t played an NHL game in a while, this is the year to jump back over the boards.
  12. Sep 17, 2018
    85
    In sum, another year and another solid NHL release; it might not have enough to stir series veterans, although the inclusion of the World of CHEL and the Legends is certainly cool. Furthermore, the investment EA Canada has made to those who have long sat out on the series or always wanted to give it a shot is quite strong, so if you’re in that boat, NHL 19 may be what you’ve been waiting for.
  13. Sep 13, 2018
    85
    By revamping its multiplayer efforts and focusing it in a hub that promotes creative expression (both cosmetically and through gameplay preferences), NHL 19 marks the best representation of simulation hockey video games this generation.
  14. Sep 27, 2018
    82
    NHL 19 is a great new chapter in the already glorious history of the EA IP. It succeeds in reinvigorating the gameplay on the ice, but something more could have been done off the rink (gameplay modes, matchmaking).
  15. 80
    NHL 19 is not a perfect game - but for hockey fans it is pretty darned close.
  16. Sep 25, 2018
    80
    NHL 19 is no longer a party for a small audience, but a big event for all fans of hockey.
  17. Sep 24, 2018
    80
    Generous content is the great strength of NHL 19. Unfortunately, it's not sufficient to overcome the lack of new gameplay mechanics or the graphic render and animation system, that would gain a lot from a switch to the Frostbite engine.
  18. Sep 24, 2018
    80
    Its inclusion of a myriad of different modes and customization add a depth that past installments were missing.
  19. Sep 13, 2018
    80
    There are still things that need addressing, but NHL 19 is the best hockey experience I’ve had with the NHL franchise in the PS4 era.
  20. Sep 23, 2018
    79
    Ice with style. NHL 19 is actually a very good sports game, but the microtransactions for the HUT mode are a scandal.
  21. Sep 27, 2018
    75
    If you haven’t picked up an NHL game in years or play mainly for the online experience, you will really like NHL 19.
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 120 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 120
  2. Negative: 49 out of 120
  1. Sep 21, 2018
    0
    I remember when I can pop in a disc and play a game, those days are long gone... I remember after i waited hours to install a game then a bitI remember when I can pop in a disc and play a game, those days are long gone... I remember after i waited hours to install a game then a bit longer from updates, I could jump into a (team) game. No I'm forced to play this offline sweater wearing hippie bull****! WTF happened man? Matchmaking is screwed 23 + 46 ways to sunday monday and saturday. Ive never considered it before, even with the horrendous debut of nhl 15 on xb1 / ps4. I didnt get this impulse to want to trade it in and lose $40. Fix, god please, fix team play matchmatching and forced tutorials chel so i can just ******** get my $60 worth. BRING BACK LOBBY'S YOU ******* PILE OF DONKEY **** SNIFFING *** ****** **** TARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Full Review »
  2. Sep 22, 2018
    0
    November 2020 the est. release of ps5 and next xbox. So another 3 (2 if new gen release earlier) before EA Canada might start AI from scratchNovember 2020 the est. release of ps5 and next xbox. So another 3 (2 if new gen release earlier) before EA Canada might start AI from scratch introduce new overall gameplay mechanics and physics as the current one cheats too win, trolls the gamer, uses ice tilt (same as NHL 94). NHL22 (or 21? could be unfinished as NHL15). The game is too stressful, mediocre fun factor, unfair, unbalanced, pointless, mentally draining, frustrating and tedious. (eg Madden, Fifa). If your playing it right now, aren't you somewhat embarrassed (funding something that's broken and unrepairable) and exploiting you for your money. Full Review »
  3. Sep 22, 2018
    1
    Pretty much the same garbage it's been since 09 sold with some marketing lies - I hope you know that false advertizing is normally consideredPretty much the same garbage it's been since 09 sold with some marketing lies - I hope you know that false advertizing is normally considered illegal, but no-one cares about upholding the law in that regard when it's about video games companies scamming millions of people. Not worth a single cent if you have any EA NHL-game between 09-18, maybe 5 bucks if you don't. Full Review »