NHL 20

 PlayStation 4
User Score
3.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 156
  3. Negative: 92 out of 156

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  1. jason2123
    Sep 30, 2019
    3
    Don’t like the commentary.
    Why get rid of eddy o. and doc Emrick?
    Chelsea Dagger is still not in the game.

    Fans and players want to feel like their really at that game and scoring a goal hearing that song makes it seem more realistic.

    NHL 19 and 20 both are disappointing Ea sports should consider cutting some of the bs out of these games and give fans and players what they want!
  2. Zante34
    Sep 26, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I feel like I paid $90 CAD for what other game companies would call a downloadable update. The graphics have been largely the same for 5 years of this game. Instead we pay almost $100 for a roster update with minor tweaks. I wish I could return this game. Not surprising from EA though.… Expand
  3. Fetta
    Sep 30, 2019
    0
    Same game! Adding things that no one cares about, be a pro not even touched again. Only HUT for money making purposes is focused on
  4. 1_Jones_10x
    Oct 24, 2019
    0
    Pathetic. Just Pathetic by EA. Graphics are still **** Everything looks plasticky and glossy. The ice looks like nhl 94. Most notably the crease. Players bodies look skinny. Graphics have gotten worse since nhl 16. EA is lazy enough to bring back be a pro untouched, and make world of Chels new eliminators mode worse bc you have to keep playing to stay in your tier. They Can't even add allPathetic. Just Pathetic by EA. Graphics are still **** Everything looks plasticky and glossy. The ice looks like nhl 94. Most notably the crease. Players bodies look skinny. Graphics have gotten worse since nhl 16. EA is lazy enough to bring back be a pro untouched, and make world of Chels new eliminators mode worse bc you have to keep playing to stay in your tier. They Can't even add all the equipment players wear like the bauer re akt 95 and 150 helmet. All they did was change animations for goaltenders and shooting. Goal scoring is basically cross crease cheese or spamming one timers from the point. Skating is no longer physics based and there is no momentum in strides. Deking is still horrible. You can't do c cuts or 45 degrees or stride dekes like before. Old gen deking was the best. Playing online isn't fun at all. Glitchy and Hut is pay to win again. Facescans have gotten worse. Last year, every new player had their faces scanned had messed up helmets with their hair glitching and it tilting up on their heads. Now everyones head is tiny. Franchise mode is a fail, slow as hell, and is so unrealistic. We can't even upload custom rosters or game strategies.The entire game is an arcadic mess with unrealistic goals, penalties, and AI. yet people call it a realistic game. Having a penalty every poke check and stick lift attempt isn't realistic. It's garbage. AI is horrible. Especially on the special teams. Everyone just runs the 1 3 1 trap because your own ai will just skate into them instead of swinging to get open for a breakout. The camera angles suck. Theres no custom camera options. This game was hardly innovated at all. I want EA to see why we despise them as a company. Their greed for just a simple game update is beyond despicable. I live and die for hockey, and what they have done is create a game for the beginners who don't know hockey and just cheese the game.… Expand
  5. ThisGameIsAwful
    Nov 24, 2019
    0
    EA has once again managed to make an awful game worse. They clearly have no clue what they’re doing with the series. The gameplay is worse than last years, and has been consistently getting worse since nhl 17. They keep adding features to the gameplay to try to make it more like real hockey that don’t work. I find it hard to believe that such an incomplete team can still have a job. TheyEA has once again managed to make an awful game worse. They clearly have no clue what they’re doing with the series. The gameplay is worse than last years, and has been consistently getting worse since nhl 17. They keep adding features to the gameplay to try to make it more like real hockey that don’t work. I find it hard to believe that such an incomplete team can still have a job. They all should be fired. The series is directionless, their quality is worse than the 2k games that got ran out.… Expand
  6. ayrten
    Dec 13, 2019
    0
    Legend says that there are 50 people in Canada that are very poor at gamedev and knows nothing about the hockey. All of them works for EA.
    Yes, the've managed somehow to add new animations, introduced defensive skill stick but it's not helping. And they did it because you have to do SOMETHING to resell same game every year.
    If you are an hockey fan then you'll play it - because there's    Legend says that there are 50 people in Canada that are very poor at gamedev and knows nothing about the hockey. All of them works for EA.
    Yes, the've managed somehow to add new animations, introduced defensive skill stick but it's not helping. And they did it because you have to do SOMETHING to resell same game every year.
    If you are an hockey fan then you'll play it - because there's no way to go.
    And thats whats this game is about - rip some money from desperate hockey fans. Once by buying almost the same game every year, and second from ingame store.
    Yest, that game is pretty much Pay-To-Win nowdays - if you want to be competetive in HUT you have to pay extra. And pay for almost every new event or youl'l have to do a lot of heavy grinding.
    Pretty example: one objective is to earn 1000000 squad battle points, for each win on highest difficulty you can earn around 2000 points - if you win and if you win by 5 or more goals an small little extra. Each match is taking at minimum of 20 minutes. So, you need to spend 1666 hours of battling hardest CPU to get 4 collectible.
    And you need to spend 9 of collectibles to get card with good stats like 89+ OVR.
    Yes - almost 70 days of constant grinding and you still can't buy single best card.
    Don't forget that you will spend a lot of time in auction house. So HAVE FUN.
    Thats for HUT. Outside HUT there's still plenty of bad thins.
    Still, for years, 30% of time in game you'll be watching cutscenes - and most of them can't be skipped. Watching the same crowd every single faceoff makes mi sick.
    Pass Assistant should be be named "random pass disruption", learning how its works was an disaster when i was learning. I play mostly without them because sometimes closest player is one on the bench and you'll be passing nowhere.
    A lot of gamepley is directly connected to the animation system - even passing and changing players - and it's very unnatural.
    Yupe, the game is extremly unfriendly to all new players. Controls are instane if you play for fist time, ingame tutorial teach you almost nothing. Matchmaking sux as hell. I'm getting bored after scoring 5 in first period but most thinks "lets see if i can make 20:0", because 80% of players are playing this game for decades.
    I've started with NHL 15 and NHL 20 is last for me, unless game will be totally redesigned.    … Expand
  7. frazzefraz
    Dec 13, 2019
    1
    Nhl19 when its was new. Why not listen to the gamers. EA will nerver learn about there misstakes. I think they hate there customers.
  8. TakemymoneyEA
    Jul 3, 2020
    5
    The same game as previous. I love this game but please do smth. I think you need upgrade franchise mode
  9. Jay_Maple_Leafs
    Sep 26, 2019
    0
    EA puts little effort in improving the NHL series mainly because they don't need to because there is no competition and they know you'll buy it anyways since they are the only hockey game on the market.
  10. Mark7173
    Nov 2, 2019
    0
    Game is ridiculously stupid now. **** goals , blow outs... horrible . And please put it back to team play with the pro teams not like this stupid pond hockey crap !!!!
  11. MrDoom1986
    Nov 17, 2019
    0
    Same old stuff... ea making this a bs game as always. Skipped the last 3 years of hockey hoping they'd actually make it fun. Just a stupid pay to win game for HUT. Yay!!
  12. Zach_22
    Dec 18, 2019
    2
    Same old **** copy paste cash grab. For the love of god ea please give us connected franchise back. But since you guys dont listen to the community I doubt itll be back next year.
  13. Nixsonbee
    Dec 21, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I would like to say that this year nhl20 is beyond no good due to give and always and lack of the player being in the spot I set up and passes and 90%of the time gives it up to the opposite teams player and with saying that I am u happy and will not be buying my more of these games from ea sports
    Hope u find the tuen up you guys need to fix these **** game **** you ea sports    … Expand
  14. Muckedu
    Dec 26, 2019
    2
    Games slower then last year with passing and skating with noticable downgrades. Last year was actually good. It's a dont buy. Stupid game.
  15. Astar1
    Oct 1, 2019
    0
    The exact same game as last year and the year before and the year before. Come on EA!!!!
  16. Killstrike
    Sep 14, 2019
    4
    Avoid this game. I’ve put 12 hours into it and I’m going to switch back to playing NHL 19. The new scoreboard is terrible, the new play by play is terrible, and the new franchise mode is terrible. It’s just all around terrible.
  17. Lurch80
    Sep 27, 2019
    0
    A lot of things wrong with the game for one if you played one nhl game you've played them all only thing different is the roster .....penalties are one sided if a team is on a losing streak they are 100% going to beat you no matter what the dynamics of the game is absolutely **** zero is my rating for this hunk of junk
  18. Froudes
    Sep 11, 2019
    0
    Not much has changed from 19 few new menus new scoreboard. Goalies are a little better. Would like to see EA put more effort into improving the gameplay
  19. mikas
    Sep 13, 2019
    4
    Are you serious? Its NHL 19 with another color menu, new useless score line in the bottom of the screen and new voice of commentary. Nothing else. The same ugly menu and interface, same ugly jersey choice and ridiculous camera view after referee stops the game. I am so dissapointed, this is a spit to face of old NHL fans. GTFY EA.
  20. DrummBumm
    Oct 26, 2019
    2
    Very much like last years with a few new features added in. Again, the NHL 20 community is one of the cringiest out of any game community. The lack of common sense has dropped down to an alarming rate when playing drop-ins. If there was some sort of matchmaking system where I could play along with people that are capable of making normal decisions, this game would probably be rated an 8.Very much like last years with a few new features added in. Again, the NHL 20 community is one of the cringiest out of any game community. The lack of common sense has dropped down to an alarming rate when playing drop-ins. If there was some sort of matchmaking system where I could play along with people that are capable of making normal decisions, this game would probably be rated an 8. But, nope. Faceless selfish, cowards ruin this one.… Expand
  21. kaitgamer
    Sep 13, 2019
    9
    The gameplay is MUCH smoother and much better than last year. It's difficult to see it when others are playing and the graphics in general are not improved. But when you play the game you can feel it.. Shooting and receiving passes are the most improved. It feels much more solid on the puck and there are a huge number of new animations that make the gameplay feel better than last year.The gameplay is MUCH smoother and much better than last year. It's difficult to see it when others are playing and the graphics in general are not improved. But when you play the game you can feel it.. Shooting and receiving passes are the most improved. It feels much more solid on the puck and there are a huge number of new animations that make the gameplay feel better than last year. The modes havent changed much. The CHEL mode is just as much fun and the HUT mode seems to give you more packs without spending actual money. Be a Pro mode is boring, and franchise mode is pretty dry too but its better than last year as trading is easier and you can see what other teams will do. The gameplay is the thing here and it plays a great game of hockey.… Expand
  22. JazzieJeff1975
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    Gameplay is much improved compared to last year’s game. New announcers are far from perfect, but a nice change. If you play EA NHL yearly, you should enjoy this latest edition.
  23. SaydaNeen
    Sep 13, 2019
    8
    The additions to '20 are good. It's not a brand new game that's has been in development for 5 years but the additions they have added are noticeable.
    PROS
    - Franchise + Legends; A little love to for the offline community with the additions to Franchise and Alumni teams. They dug deep in to the coaches, brought back a line chemistry system and seeing former players behind the bench as a    The additions to '20 are good. It's not a brand new game that's has been in development for 5 years but the additions they have added are noticeable.
    PROS
    - Franchise + Legends; A little love to for the offline community with the additions to Franchise and Alumni teams. They dug deep in to the coaches, brought back a line chemistry system and seeing former players behind the bench as a coach is much more immersive.
    - Goalies are smarter with their rebounds, haven't seen much wrist shots from a straight angle go in much.
    - I also noticed AI has slightly been improved, especially defense. Defense no longer takes their time when retrieving the puck behind the net, moves the puck a bit faster to get it out of the zone.
    - Puck pickups are definitely smoother, and definitely have noticed winning loose puck battles with the AI.
    CONS
    - As i said the D AI is better at moving the puck, well the Offensive AI when in the neutral zone likes to hold on to the puck while there is a clear path in front.
    - Goalies still have trouble with keeping a good save%. In offline I've almost maxed the goalie sliders to combat the issue.
    - Penalties have also been very common, not much different from '19, 4min/period game saw 12 penalties.
    - End result 8/10
    All in all I'm pretty satisfied with NHL 20. Not perfect, more can always be added, but with the work on puck pickups, Defense AI working a little harder (big pet-peeve in '19), goalie rebound control, loose puck battles being more even (big pet-peeve for the past 5 years), new additions to Franchise and finally bringing in Alumni Teams even though on the majority of them they are missing key franchise players it's a decent game, and fun. A little less frustration towards AI. I can support EA Vancouver for the work they've done this year, but more to be done!    … Expand
  24. SScholder1
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    I've played enough of this game to know that there is a rating that can be given for people who actually want to know how the game is. These people who have brains that allow only two ratings ruin it for everyone else who can think and use their brain in a way that makes them seem older than 2 years old. To balance out the zeroes it's necessary to say the game is perfect for now . ButI've played enough of this game to know that there is a rating that can be given for people who actually want to know how the game is. These people who have brains that allow only two ratings ruin it for everyone else who can think and use their brain in a way that makes them seem older than 2 years old. To balance out the zeroes it's necessary to say the game is perfect for now . But maybe some other people can give a real review instead of explaining to everyone that they are a low iq keyboard user.… Expand
  25. Xavierdarche
    Sep 24, 2019
    0
    It SUCKS ass tbh
    Not worth the buy gameplay is horrible and glitchy and has been since NHL 15 I'd say
  26. Holeinmysoul
    Sep 12, 2019
    10
    This is far from a perfect game, but It's better than 19. Gameplay has improved quite a lot if you have been playing every year. The 10 is to balance every a****le that wants to review bomb and destroy what this plataform used to be.
  27. Kover4
    Sep 14, 2019
    10
    Giving a ten to offset all the zero and ones. Is the game perfect? No, but it has made enough improvements this year. Game seems faster, better presentation, better goalies, love but squad battles. I give it an 8.5
  28. slauka_omsk
    Sep 25, 2019
    7
    I took EA access subscription on PS4 to play 10 hours. For the network, I also took a ps4 subscription for a month. 4,5 thousand rubles per game is expensive for me, already burned at the ambiguous NHL19. I remember NHL14 took a new one for 2 thousand rubles. Would sell more copies at that price. About the ultimate team. First impressions are positive. You can play, your opponents turnI took EA access subscription on PS4 to play 10 hours. For the network, I also took a ps4 subscription for a month. 4,5 thousand rubles per game is expensive for me, already burned at the ambiguous NHL19. I remember NHL14 took a new one for 2 thousand rubles. Would sell more copies at that price. About the ultimate team. First impressions are positive. You can play, your opponents turn around. The compositions of the weather do not, although I was late with the release of the week by two. The gameplay is more interesting than at 19, the pucks finally fly into my net. In general, nhl is like nhl, nothing changes, as before on the PC from 06 to 09. It is good that they generally release something, so I would be bored. I am a fan of the game with NHL2003 (RHL-mod). But since now there is a subscription, I will tolerate it until the discount (in the 18th I did it on xbox one). Regards, (PSNprofiles slauka_omsk)

    Взял подписку ЕА access на PS4, чтобы поиграть 10 часов. Для сети так-же взял подписку ps4 на месяц. 4,5 тысячи рублей за игру для меня дорого, уже обжегся на неоднозначной NHL19. Помню NHL14 брал новый за 2 тысячи рублей. Продали бы больше копий за такую цену. По поводу ultimate team. Первые впечатления позитивные. Играть можно, соперники дают развернуться. Составы погоды не делают, хотя я опоздал с релизом недели на две. Геймплей поинтереснее, чем в 19, шайбы наконец у меня залетают в сетку. В общем нхл как нхл, ничего не меняется, как раньше на пк с 06 по 09. Хорошо, что вообще что-то выпускают, так мне было бы скучно. Я фанат игры с NHL2003 (RHL-mod). Но раз теперь есть подписка, то потерплю уж до скидки (в 18-й так и делал на xbox one). С уважением, (PSNprofiles slauka_omsk)    … Expand
  29. DemonShadow00
    Oct 3, 2019
    10
    Easily the best Hockey video game of this generation and its not even close.. The animations make the feel so smooth and realistic, HUT is engaging this year with all type's if different offline gamemodes you can build your team off of, and various other gameplay mechanics that make the experience the best of the franchise
  30. mr_jhnzn
    Sep 26, 2019
    7
    Picked up the '20 edition after staying away from the series for 6 years. Not really sure if it's a positive thing you can't immediately tell the difference between 2014 and 2020. Yes, you can jump right in, but also, is this all that has happened?

    The single player modes are still almost completely neglected - my favourite mode is be a pro and it gets new menu graphics every year,    Picked up the '20 edition after staying away from the series for 6 years. Not really sure if it's a positive thing you can't immediately tell the difference between 2014 and 2020. Yes, you can jump right in, but also, is this all that has happened?

    The single player modes are still almost completely neglected - my favourite mode is be a pro and it gets new menu graphics every year, that's about it. It's still painfully slow to play trough. There are weird freezes where the game is pending simulation between shifts. If you dare to simulate any games your team will lose them pretty regularly and your player will not be scoring anything. You can't start, build up a lead and then simulate the last periods. They've added some RPG-like elements but you still feel like it's the same game you have been playing for the last 10 or so years - it feels kind of like a household chore and I keep wondering why I play it. Can't really comment on the multiplayer elements as I'm simply not interested in online gaming but I'd suspect thats where the money is and also the development happens.

    Long story short; if you're looking for a hockey game, this is the only one, but I'm pretty sure I'm covered for the next 5 years again.    … Expand
  31. avrahamdiallo
    Oct 28, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The gameplay is alot smoother than NHL 19. Franchise Mode got alot more fun. The presentation is better than it has ever been. This game is a must-play.… Expand
  32. aspentitan
    Oct 4, 2019
    2
    I only play hut and this is the same garbage as every other year again we have a small cut and paste of changes and no fix to the mess of a game that's this is still from 2016. They keep advertising full control of players which is still a massive lie as the gameplay is tuned and balanced in batch not per individual stat. So again you will have games where you get an advantage and gamesI only play hut and this is the same garbage as every other year again we have a small cut and paste of changes and no fix to the mess of a game that's this is still from 2016. They keep advertising full control of players which is still a massive lie as the gameplay is tuned and balanced in batch not per individual stat. So again you will have games where you get an advantage and games where your players are complete dorks. Online is filled with gamers who love all the loopholes of poor design and are happy to exploit them to nausea and call that skill. In a game with so much control taken away from you by momentum harvesting you are pretty much helpless to play anything that resembles hockey. Apparently exploitable cheats are what these gamers think is skill. I cant see why EA cant just let the stats be the stats and stop having sliders easily manipulated by exploits ruin the game. It's sickening and can't wait for a rebuild of this mess or a new software company, hopefully a kickstarter group to make a game worth playing. Expect to buy the only product available and have these problems its clear the model is cut and paste and the game designers have an overwhelming sense their game is not as godawful as it is. In my opinion you cant get a worse gaming experience. The game is so broken there are constant tuner changes all disrespectful that they are practicing attempts at software on your dime. This game is so bad I'd even hint they at times take out Nhl 20 and replace it with an earlier version maybe even NHL 16-18 while they'd attempt to make changes to the real NHL 20. Current tuner is NHL 20 1.20 suggesting this may be Nhl 16 with 20 updates. Feedback on the forum is useless they have place forum terms which does not allow qualitative constructive criticism. No customer service numbers either. Do yourself a favour and stay clear.… Expand
  33. SuomiSoldat
    Oct 14, 2019
    1
    I really really think this is a good game. Best NHL game since NHL 14. Actually even better than that. I love the new shooting and puck pickup system, maybe it could be tweaked a bit but it’s best it has ever been. I also love the improvements done on franchise mode. Finally even the past stats view has been renewed! The mode could do a bit better explaining the new features, but anywaysI really really think this is a good game. Best NHL game since NHL 14. Actually even better than that. I love the new shooting and puck pickup system, maybe it could be tweaked a bit but it’s best it has ever been. I also love the improvements done on franchise mode. Finally even the past stats view has been renewed! The mode could do a bit better explaining the new features, but anyways great improvement. Main disappointment I have is that be a pro didn’t get an overhaul, maybe next year...


    Update...
    And surprise, surprise, they broke it. Don’t know what the hell was tweaked in the updates, but single player is now basically unplayable. Great job EA 1/10

    .    … Expand
  34. MaxPayneIsGod
    Oct 22, 2020
    8
    A pretty good sports sim limited by precisely what it is, a sports sim.
    I enjoyed NHL 20, it has plenty of modes, I only dabbled in a couple of them.
    The constant need to release these games annually is hugely detrimental to them. Developers and gamers need to understand that there is only so much you can do simulating a sport. Maybe its time for these games to take a couple of years    A pretty good sports sim limited by precisely what it is, a sports sim.
    I enjoyed NHL 20, it has plenty of modes, I only dabbled in a couple of them.
    The constant need to release these games annually is hugely detrimental to them.
    Developers and gamers need to understand that there is only so much you can do simulating a sport.
    Maybe its time for these games to take a couple of years off so they can thoroughly refresh.
    I really enjoyed what I played of it, its easy to play, looks good and the controls are intuitive but its just a repetitive and kinda hollow experience after a while.
    I had to pick something to remove from my hard-drive and this was purged without a second thought.    … Expand
  35. myersjosh17
    Mar 13, 2020
    0
    I'll admit I made a mistake buying this game. Why did I think it would be any different. Growing up I used to love hockey games but lost interest because of how the difficulty is adjusted in these games. For this one, it's worse than its ever been. Skip this even on a sale. Never again. The opposition AI runs a trap while still playing ultra aggressive somehow. The enemy makes a pass everyI'll admit I made a mistake buying this game. Why did I think it would be any different. Growing up I used to love hockey games but lost interest because of how the difficulty is adjusted in these games. For this one, it's worse than its ever been. Skip this even on a sale. Never again. The opposition AI runs a trap while still playing ultra aggressive somehow. The enemy makes a pass every time you hit or pole check. If I am losing I would rather not feel like I am being cheated. Which is how I feel after buying this game. Now you couldn't pay me to own it.… Expand
  36. Syl20
    Dec 27, 2019
    8
    I'd say the game is great about 80% of the time!
    Overall, I love the pace of the game, you have to play better, overall gameplay is a little slower but there's more turnovers so more "mid-ice" play, more blocked shot, more deflections to corners so your D man can catch it and begin a counter-attack!
    Entering the offensive zone seems harder and that is a good thing! You can't just blast    I'd say the game is great about 80% of the time!
    Overall, I love the pace of the game, you have to play better, overall gameplay is a little slower but there's more turnovers so more "mid-ice" play, more blocked shot, more deflections to corners so your D man can catch it and begin a counter-attack!
    Entering the offensive zone seems harder and that is a good thing!
    You can't just blast past every D man along the boards and cut to the net anymore.

    The only thing that pisses me off is that sometimes, despite the fact that you are extra careful with the direction of your passes, it will do a weak stupid pass to an AI forechecking forward will be which will intercept it and score 99% of the time.

    I first tought it was a bad play of mine but it happened so many times that I know it's bound to happen a lot.
    It seems like most of the goals the AI score against me are on glitch plays where controls don't do what I ask them to and it feels a bit cheap!    … Expand
  37. EA_Bad
    Jun 14, 2020
    0
    This game will manipulate you, disappoint you, and leave you raging mad. Imagine playing golf, you sink a hole in one, but then EA decides you did it too quick into the game, removes the hole in one, then proceeds to build a 200ft wall in front of you and the hole. That’s what playing this dumpster fire feels like, and it’s been that way since NHL 15. Idc how much money EA makes in packThis game will manipulate you, disappoint you, and leave you raging mad. Imagine playing golf, you sink a hole in one, but then EA decides you did it too quick into the game, removes the hole in one, then proceeds to build a 200ft wall in front of you and the hole. That’s what playing this dumpster fire feels like, and it’s been that way since NHL 15. Idc how much money EA makes in pack sales (from you jerks that keep handing them your wallets), they DO NOT reinvest in this game to make it better. Unrealistic, overpriced, and guaranteed to ruin your day. WHY DO WE PAY MONEY FOR THIS?!… Expand
  38. ozon671games3
    Oct 27, 2019
    3
    This game I did not like ,do not have Russian hockey League.And so all the same .The columnist is the first in Russia.Good game
  39. Lasker45
    Nov 5, 2019
    2
    I’m not complaining about the game being the same and if your not expecting that from Ea by now then you should be but this year they out did themselves and I’m about list a lot of problems with the game. The menu haven’t changed in 2 years, franchise mode is the same with some morale changes, be a pro has skills you can unlock but nothing else changed, ultimate team as two packs that youI’m not complaining about the game being the same and if your not expecting that from Ea by now then you should be but this year they out did themselves and I’m about list a lot of problems with the game. The menu haven’t changed in 2 years, franchise mode is the same with some morale changes, be a pro has skills you can unlock but nothing else changed, ultimate team as two packs that you can buy that are not special packs, in world of chel mode Is pretty much the same, the sets are pretty bad in ultimate team. Why do sets though when you can buy packs right? Overall nhl wise it’s pretty much the same as a game though it’s a piece of garbage and you definitely should not buy it.… Expand
  40. Goges
    Nov 11, 2019
    3
    EA has still yet to figure out how to scale difficulty modes in a way other than increasing the AI speed and stick checking ability. Players with 95 speed should not be caught from behind by players with 78 speed on ANY difficulty, only to get stick checked. It's lazy and pathetic that they have yet to figure out a way to make AI smarter.
  41. Scorbett
    Nov 28, 2019
    5
    Confused by the ratings higher than a 5. Maybe in comparison to the previous 4 or 5 games that have been pretty awful. The gameplay is frustratingly inaccurate. Basic plays are impossible and you’re forced to use super skill moves that are overly effective. There’s no fluidity to the gameplay, unrealistic plays that happen countless times a game, same old glitches. I personally don’t careConfused by the ratings higher than a 5. Maybe in comparison to the previous 4 or 5 games that have been pretty awful. The gameplay is frustratingly inaccurate. Basic plays are impossible and you’re forced to use super skill moves that are overly effective. There’s no fluidity to the gameplay, unrealistic plays that happen countless times a game, same old glitches. I personally don’t care at all about the “Ones” and “Threes Now” etc modes. Franchise mode has made strides since they stripped it down to the bones about 6 years ago. All in all, wasn’t worth the $40 I paid.… Expand
  42. Kevin61987
    Dec 20, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. NHL 20 has all of the things that I like about NHL video games okay so please raise the Playstation 4 Metacritic Score Of NHL 20 On The Playstation 4 higher than the XBOX Score Okay.… Expand
  43. RangerMak
    Dec 21, 2019
    0
    Control is awful. Players can do not what you pressed. For example player can make high-sticking instead of one-timer slap-shot.
    AI looks like cheater. If he decide that you shouldn't make goal than you can to forget it. If he decide to hit your goal he'll did it anyway.
    And as usual we have loot-boxes in HUT. Cost a lot, drop is small. Graphics and game-play like NHL 19. Looks like    Control is awful. Players can do not what you pressed. For example player can make high-sticking instead of one-timer slap-shot.
    AI looks like cheater. If he decide that you shouldn't make goal than you can to forget it. If he decide to hit your goal he'll did it anyway.
    And as usual we have loot-boxes in HUT. Cost a lot, drop is small.

    Graphics and game-play like NHL 19.
    Looks like EA just set new number in name of game and sells it.    … Expand
  44. Bloodnes
    Feb 16, 2020
    5
    Для фанатов, не залетела после фифы никак, управление тяжелое, привыкнуть сложно, вообщем 5/10 моя оценка, не понравилась от слова совсем.
  45. 89iogre9up
    Jan 1, 2020
    7
    i like the game, but its way too much like NHL 19, im pretty new to NHL game so as the years go on, if nothing changes, the game will slowly start to get worse and worse for me, smooth gameplay, but make some changes, these ratings of 3s and 4s are understandable, not worth anything better than an 8
  46. jtobin
    Feb 5, 2020
    3
    I have never written a review for anything ever. This is a first and I am writing this because I am angry. Offline is fine but playing online like World of Chel for example is god awful. This game will give you the worst cpu possible. My friend and I will outshoot teams 35 to 12 and will loose 6-5 somehow. This game is just purely awful. And Goalies are awful as well. they can not play theI have never written a review for anything ever. This is a first and I am writing this because I am angry. Offline is fine but playing online like World of Chel for example is god awful. This game will give you the worst cpu possible. My friend and I will outshoot teams 35 to 12 and will loose 6-5 somehow. This game is just purely awful. And Goalies are awful as well. they can not play the puck at all.… Expand
  47. Cody0913
    Mar 9, 2020
    0
    This **** game is the worst piece of **** I have ever wasted money on. EA you all **** suck. You are just repackaging the same piece of **** nhl games. I will never buy an ea game again. **** you.
  48. Thegoon8884
    Mar 27, 2020
    1
    I started playing NHL back in 2015 and I thought the game was getting better every year... until now. This game introduced some excellent new modes for HUT such as squad battles (a single player competitive mode with good prizes) and rivals (the online equivalent). However, these new modes are squandered by the absolutely God awful gameplay. Multiple times, and by multiple I mean like atI started playing NHL back in 2015 and I thought the game was getting better every year... until now. This game introduced some excellent new modes for HUT such as squad battles (a single player competitive mode with good prizes) and rivals (the online equivalent). However, these new modes are squandered by the absolutely God awful gameplay. Multiple times, and by multiple I mean like at least 40 times I would be playing and holding a significant lead… Expand
  49. calixguo
    May 21, 2020
    0
    This is a good game.nice graphis. But we need better career mode, more gameplay style
  50. kjdemaio
    May 7, 2020
    0
    This game is so bad. EA doesn’t give a **** about any of us and just releases the same game ever year. It doesn’t matter what game mode you play, GM Mode has glitches every single game EASHL has the worst AI ever created online versus or any other online mode is a glitch fest. This is a disgrace. If everyone could just agree to not buy the next nhl that would be great because that wayThis game is so bad. EA doesn’t give a **** about any of us and just releases the same game ever year. It doesn’t matter what game mode you play, GM Mode has glitches every single game EASHL has the worst AI ever created online versus or any other online mode is a glitch fest. This is a disgrace. If everyone could just agree to not buy the next nhl that would be great because that way everyone could still play online and EA wouldn’t make money off the same garbage they put out every year. **** you EA… Expand
  51. Decka
    Apr 28, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. **** game same as last year just go 2 on 1 pas and it is immediately a goal… Expand
  52. Jackfraney
    May 15, 2020
    1
    Terrible menus. Not so great AI. EA servers are often unplayable in the Spring as they lower the amount of servers nhl gets to use. If there were a competitive company who could make a better version of this game then itd be so much fun.
  53. Murkina38
    Jul 4, 2020
    0
    At this point, you would think that EA would put a little effort to the product that they make, but no. I haven't seen this broken game in my life. It is almost time to Nhl 21 and Ps5 and still this game has some simple bugs that they didn't fix. It is the same as 19 and 18 basically. Sad to see that they have killed this game serie so bad
  54. Kluco
    Jun 21, 2020
    2
    Another year, another roster update, still no major improvement from previous games. Main focus is again just on Pay to win ultimate team.
  55. Lifestream87
    Jun 27, 2020
    0
    This game is absolute trash. It plays more like NHL Hitz than a real hockey game. It makes no sense that a poke check always leads to a trip and a tripping call. How are you supposed to fight for the puck? Easy, check the ever living **** out of other players. The mechanics are dull and seem like a major step backward. In previous games if you adjusted coaching strategy you would actuallyThis game is absolute trash. It plays more like NHL Hitz than a real hockey game. It makes no sense that a poke check always leads to a trip and a tripping call. How are you supposed to fight for the puck? Easy, check the ever living **** out of other players. The mechanics are dull and seem like a major step backward. In previous games if you adjusted coaching strategy you would actually see what that strategy looked like. Now you have just a wall of text. You need a visual! As well there are so many modes that the system is super clunky. It's also terrible at matching skill level. In HUT I have a modest team and just wanted to start playing. After my first game I was matched against a team that had Gordie Howe, Gretzky, Lemieux, Lafleur, Sundin, Coffey and more. What kind of matchup is that when my best centre is Mika Zibanejad? Also, in EASHL mode where you create your own player, the algorithm never matches my character to any drop in match no matter the parameters. This is an atrocious game on all levels. EA should be ashamed.of themselves for releasing such a trash product. I used to buy ever iteration of NHL for years from 07-14 and took a break. Seeing how far they destroyed one of the best sports game franchises makes me want to vomit.… Expand
  56. Gav612
    Jul 2, 2020
    0
    Game has made strides and added alot of content. The truth is the engine needs a transformation. Online play is inconsistent and the patches have made the game worse. EA continues to produce poor results and is not held accountable.
  57. Rralph4
    Jul 19, 2020
    2
    nothing about this game makes sense. It "coaches you" to press a button that gives you a penalty.
  58. n11n1st0
    Jul 27, 2020
    2
    NHL 20 is proof that when there is no competition, EA couldn't care less about providing a hockey experience that is worth its price. From disgusting presentation to horrendous AI and lack of game modes from last-gen installments, the list of frustrating issues goes on and on.

    It's both sad and revealing that there isn't a single aspect in this game that is on the level of NHL 14.    NHL 20 is proof that when there is no competition, EA couldn't care less about providing a hockey experience that is worth its price. From disgusting presentation to horrendous AI and lack of game modes from last-gen installments, the list of frustrating issues goes on and on.

    It's both sad and revealing that there isn't a single aspect in this game that is on the level of NHL 14. Instead of adding face scans for players, overhauling the game event presentation or giving players eyesight in post-whistle situations, their big addition of the year is Snoop Dogg.    … Expand
  59. Fox94
    Aug 29, 2020
    7
    solid gameplay, AI needs some improvements and animations could be improved, but overall solid game (i've played consistently since NHL 11 and a majority of the older nhl games, skipped 15 for obvious reasons) this game is way better than a game like 18 and better than 19
  60. fearlessprice
    Aug 31, 2020
    1
    ea with the same game every year only focusing on HUT. I dont want to play hut. Put some effort into franchise mode
  61. Sportsfpsadv
    Oct 13, 2020
    1
    I give it a 1 because its still playable and you can still enjoy playing hockey on your console. I take 9 away due to EA sports neglect to fixing the game and even adding to the list of things wrong with this title. I get it, there's no money in fixing whats been wrong with your game for years... then why would people buy new? Typical greedy business tactics. Well thank you metacritic forI give it a 1 because its still playable and you can still enjoy playing hockey on your console. I take 9 away due to EA sports neglect to fixing the game and even adding to the list of things wrong with this title. I get it, there's no money in fixing whats been wrong with your game for years... then why would people buy new? Typical greedy business tactics. Well thank you metacritic for letting us users do something (albeit small) about it. If you're okay with spending 80+CAD for new rosters then by all means but otherwise your current copy will do just fine.… Expand
  62. ichibiryak
    Oct 14, 2020
    0
    Same game as year ago. Basically you can still play NHL 17 and have the same fun. Another update for full price. Little improvements. By the way, I still have PS4 for only playing NHL. This year I will probably skip NHL 21. Next year probably there will be "next gen version" for PS5. And I don't wanna buy ps5 for only crap like this! The question is: will we see the PC version some daySame game as year ago. Basically you can still play NHL 17 and have the same fun. Another update for full price. Little improvements. By the way, I still have PS4 for only playing NHL. This year I will probably skip NHL 21. Next year probably there will be "next gen version" for PS5. And I don't wanna buy ps5 for only crap like this! The question is: will we see the PC version some day ever??? Come on EA, for how long?… Expand
  63. 2KsniperStud
    Mar 9, 2021
    10
    The skating is flawless. The passing is precise and so much fun especially when pulling off successful one timers. I highly recommend this hockey game. I feel in complete control of my character. The game is well polished and I love the commentary. The Franchise mode is where this game shines and it is greatly well improved from Past NHL games. Checking and stick lifting are well timed.The skating is flawless. The passing is precise and so much fun especially when pulling off successful one timers. I highly recommend this hockey game. I feel in complete control of my character. The game is well polished and I love the commentary. The Franchise mode is where this game shines and it is greatly well improved from Past NHL games. Checking and stick lifting are well timed. The game flows like real hockey. The in game presentation is sweet they display career and season point totals. When a player scores 50 goals in a franchise home game the entire building goes ballistic the crowd erupts. I may not buy another hockey game in years this game is so good.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

90
#90 Best PS4 Game of 2019
54
#54 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 28, 2020
    80
    Don’t expect a revolution. Yet, it is a very good episode with a lot of improvements, which will be noticed when playing regularly. Whether it's a better puck shooting model, a more detailed manager mode or arcade gaming in CHEL mode. [Issue#300]
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 25, 2019
    85
    In terms of technical achievements, the game is almost flawless. Animations are fluid and natural, without the small stutters from the NHL 19 edition. Nevertheless all the new modes and details are not a revolution or even major changes. [12/2019, p.69]
  3. 4P.de
    Oct 8, 2019
    70
    At its core this is still a good hockey game. But it is streamlined too much towards arcade-action while offering basically the same content as last year.
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