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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Rralph4
    Jul 19, 2020
    2
    nothing about this game makes sense. It "coaches you" to press a button that gives you a penalty.
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. calixguo
    May 21, 2020
    0
    This is a good game.nice graphis. But we need better career mode, more gameplay style
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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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