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. 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
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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!
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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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