User Score
2.6

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 56 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 56
  2. Negative: 42 out of 56
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  1. Oct 14, 2022
    0
    The worst NHL game to date. That’s right, NHLPA 93 on the SEGA, NHL 04 on the GameCube, even NHL 07 on the PSP are all more enjoyable hockey games than NHL23 on todays modern consoles. There’s nothing good added this year whatsoever, just more recycled trash. Devs 20 years ago had way more passion and creativity, hockey games are just dead now.
  2. Oct 14, 2022
    4
    NHL 23 is not a bad game. None of them are. I and many paid 100$ for a slight upgrade. If you're a offline player like me, do not buy, there's isn't enough content to even be considered a new game from 22. The new features are just improvements. The last ditch shot is rarely used as well as the new Zegras flip. It's not even funny anymore. If you own NHL 22, I strongly recommend for theNHL 23 is not a bad game. None of them are. I and many paid 100$ for a slight upgrade. If you're a offline player like me, do not buy, there's isn't enough content to even be considered a new game from 22. The new features are just improvements. The last ditch shot is rarely used as well as the new Zegras flip. It's not even funny anymore. If you own NHL 22, I strongly recommend for the best experience to go download some UGC rosters.

    pros and cons

    ✅ You can Customize franchise mode teams and add up to 48 teams.

    ✅ Some bugs are fixed from 22

    ✅ Women Players can be used in Hut

    ✅ New X Factors notably the Trevor Zegras Flip

    ✅ Last ditch shot

    ✅New Crowd

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  3. Oct 14, 2022
    4
    I have owned every NHL game ever made. Since 2015 the NHL series has removed all that was good and started to implement new and fresh ideas that really doesn't compare to the quality of years past. The BAP bugs are still present, completely unchanged and boring now that you get to hear the same crap in a new year. Franchise mode has a cool new customization feature but largely prettyI have owned every NHL game ever made. Since 2015 the NHL series has removed all that was good and started to implement new and fresh ideas that really doesn't compare to the quality of years past. The BAP bugs are still present, completely unchanged and boring now that you get to hear the same crap in a new year. Franchise mode has a cool new customization feature but largely pretty vanilla and not any better than last year. I hate HUT and think it should be scrapped for GM Connected.

    I don't understand why EA can't do a 2-year game release with big updates throughout or a fairly inexpensive DLC to add new things. This would greatly improve the product and its playability.

    For the first time in 29 years, I may not buy an NHL game but wait for it to be sold on a used website for a fraction of the cost so EA doesn't get any of my money.

    Pure laziness and blatant robbery of our hard-earned money. I wish 2K would return to the NHL franchise. They always made the better games out of the two companies.
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  4. Oct 14, 2022
    2
    Disappointing implementation of cross-play, suppose to be the big new feature this year, i mean come on, you can't even play WITH a friend that have the opposite console and the market in HUT is not crossplatform.

    Almost no graphical and gameplay update, really feel like i paid a full priced game for something that could have been a patch. The game itself is not bad, but im still
    Disappointing implementation of cross-play, suppose to be the big new feature this year, i mean come on, you can't even play WITH a friend that have the opposite console and the market in HUT is not crossplatform.

    Almost no graphical and gameplay update, really feel like i paid a full priced game for something that could have been a patch.

    The game itself is not bad, but im still looking for that usual leap between console generation.

    If you are not a serious HUT player and you just love hockey and play casually, i strongly advise to wait at least a price drop.

    If you skipped last year, i guess it's ok...
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  5. Jan 6, 2023
    0
    Game is such garbage. Game hasn't been good since 2014. As sales figures indicate a lack of care about their product by the company.
  6. Oct 15, 2022
    0
    Blatant false advertising. They made a whole trailer advertising updated intros but forgot to mention they only exist for six teams and only occur once every eight games for the teams they included. Removed the the broadcast experience and only give you a quick play option. This is no longer a simulation experience, missing the 2k games now more than ever.
  7. Nov 11, 2022
    0
    Unplayable buggy mess, don’t bother. Did I mention that it’s also a fraud, you can’t advertise a game a pull out the featured content.
  8. Oct 27, 2022
    0
    The fact that one 23 people have put in reviews for this, shows how dead the game is already. In a copy paste game EA has some how made the game worse. It's almost impossible for most people to play online due to input lag, cant even switch players online because they will freeze slightly. We have the same menus as NHL 23, game modes are a mess in hut, they will advertise a game mode isThe fact that one 23 people have put in reviews for this, shows how dead the game is already. In a copy paste game EA has some how made the game worse. It's almost impossible for most people to play online due to input lag, cant even switch players online because they will freeze slightly. We have the same menus as NHL 23, game modes are a mess in hut, they will advertise a game mode is coming out and change it soon as it's due. The AI... what ai they basically let players state around them and disengage soon as someone uses L2 beside them. This game has more flaws and game breaking issues that you can't even play it, hut squad battles gives you a black screen that won't go away and you have to quit in a good chunk of games. If you purchase this game you are in for disappointment. Expand
  9. Oct 23, 2022
    0
    Worst hockey game I’ve ever played and I truly mean that. Save your money and if you want to play a 1080p nhl game just go back to the 360. How are we still playing this game in 1080p and not 4k or sixty frames per second is astonishing. Copy and paste as last year and if you want proof look at the players that went to new teams wearing their old jerseys. The AI is so bad, you can’t pass,Worst hockey game I’ve ever played and I truly mean that. Save your money and if you want to play a 1080p nhl game just go back to the 360. How are we still playing this game in 1080p and not 4k or sixty frames per second is astonishing. Copy and paste as last year and if you want proof look at the players that went to new teams wearing their old jerseys. The AI is so bad, you can’t pass, you can’t play defense it seems like opposing teams just bounce right off of you. The puck is constantly taken away from you and thats from the front side or back. You try to get back on defense and the players look like their stuck in the ice. Great false advertising by the way on presentation and something like intros before games because I haven’t seen one. I’m sure they will fix things with the three hundred updates this year but with the PlayStation 5 and you would think we should be seeing the greatest sports games ever with the power at their disposal but nope. Just take a year or two off and try again. EA sticking to their motto screw you give me money. Best at legalized bank robbery in the business Expand
  10. Oct 23, 2022
    1
    I've said it before, and I'll say it again Frostbite engine is a cross platform FPS engine. Not a fast paced sport engine. A passionate game developer would take a year off to improve the game in all aspects (like 2k with it's WWE games), but this is EA. They release unfinished games for full price, but we keep falling for it because it's the only mainstream hockey game in town.
  11. Jan 7, 2023
    5
    Honestly, HUT is garbage. The matchmaking is way unfair. My 84 ovr team got matched with a 95 ovr team in division 5…. World of CHEL is kinda fun, but very raging at times. They haven’t done anything new to the Pro Career. Still feels like NHL 22 and 21 tbh, it’s fun in the pro career, but everything else is garbage.
  12. Jan 6, 2023
    0
    This game is pathetic. Charging anything more then $20 is robbery. Feels worse in almost every way then NHL 22. Removing presentation features is just plain stupidity. First time buying a game and feeling like I've been robbed, and I bought this for 50% off. Selling it instantly and never buying another EA sports game.
  13. Nov 11, 2022
    4
    It used to be the highlight of the year when NHL was released, I´ve bought every game since 1995, but it all stops after NHL23.

    The past three games have been a disapointment. Bugs, glitches and many other thing that never gets fixed, We pay the price for a full game that should have been a DLC. Thats how bad this is. The promises of the game this year where many but the failure was
    It used to be the highlight of the year when NHL was released, I´ve bought every game since 1995, but it all stops after NHL23.

    The past three games have been a disapointment. Bugs, glitches and many other thing that never gets fixed, We pay the price for a full game that should have been a DLC. Thats how bad this is.

    The promises of the game this year where many but the failure was bigger.

    HUT is not what it used to be. Its all about the money for EA.
    The Franshise mode that was so hyped is the biggest dissapontment of all.

    What is the point of a Custom leauge when you can replace a NHL team with a Euopean team but you are not able to change the AHL team, Here is HC Davos with an OVR of 65 and thier AHL team Eagles with a OVR of 75. Makes no sense. And hey, HC Davos home arena is Wells Fargo and their fans cheer for HV71 in the SHL,,,

    This is the end, I will not buy NHL 24, I´ve uninstalled NHL 23 and it won´t be installed again.

    I hope another company gets the license for NHL in the future. EA destroyed it.
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  14. Oct 17, 2022
    0
    There is no excuse for the state of this game and complete reluctance towards improving any mode other than HUT.

    The only solution I can see is to take the pay-to-win micro-transaction cancer that is HUT and make it a free to download entity on it's own. They could then completely separate the development team who works on the actual NHL game from those who work on the absolute PoS mode
    There is no excuse for the state of this game and complete reluctance towards improving any mode other than HUT.

    The only solution I can see is to take the pay-to-win micro-transaction cancer that is HUT and make it a free to download entity on it's own. They could then completely separate the development team who works on the actual NHL game from those who work on the absolute PoS mode known as HUT; which only exists because of the profit it generates from morons who are actually dumb enough to spend real money on intangible pieces of code who's value immediately becomes zero when the next game is released. I have purchased every NHL game from 2001-2023, but I will be boycotting this franchise until HUT is removed.

    Do not buy this game if you care at all about EA's complete negligence towards any mode other than HUT, or about combating micro-transactions in gaming. If you're one of the useful morons who continues to play HUT despite how it was patient zero in the pay-to-win pandemic, has destroyed the real NHL game that millions loved, and has spread the infection that is it's valueless model of micro-transactions to nearly the entirety of the gaming community, then this game is for you.

    I miss the days when hearing "EA sports, it's in the game" made me excited every October, rather than make me cringe.
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  15. Oct 22, 2022
    0
    Same exact copy and paste of NHL 22 or should I say NHL 15. Added small cosmetics yet no matter how much make up you put on this pig it continues to be a pig. Takes hours to find opponents and when you do it's lopsided and continues to match you against the same teams over and over. The bugs have been around for almost a decade and still not patched. Menus are buggy. Players have to leaveSame exact copy and paste of NHL 22 or should I say NHL 15. Added small cosmetics yet no matter how much make up you put on this pig it continues to be a pig. Takes hours to find opponents and when you do it's lopsided and continues to match you against the same teams over and over. The bugs have been around for almost a decade and still not patched. Menus are buggy. Players have to leave lobbies and rejoin if players are readied up. All issues these devs know about yet think FREE COSMETICS is what the people want. Flashy metal! OOOOO. Let's not try to fix gameplay that makes people break their controllers due to how frustrating and stupid this engine is. Next gen as well. Still feels as choppy as PS2. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS GAME! WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME. YOULL BE IN LOBBIES 95% OF PLAYING THIS GAME. Expand
  16. Jan 21, 2023
    0
    this is the most regret ive felt for buying a game in a long time. even at 60% off this feels like a terrible deal. this year it plays worse than ever. please NHL sell your rights to a new company, EA is ruining the brand with these garbage unpolished games year after year. its like they dont even know the sport or what makes it fun. maybe find someone who likes hockey to work on a game.this is the most regret ive felt for buying a game in a long time. even at 60% off this feels like a terrible deal. this year it plays worse than ever. please NHL sell your rights to a new company, EA is ruining the brand with these garbage unpolished games year after year. its like they dont even know the sport or what makes it fun. maybe find someone who likes hockey to work on a game. the game is broken and full of constant crashes ive mostly experienced them in be a pro during sims while youre on the bench. most of the modes arent fun. so many things havent worked for years and yet the same mechanics just get pushed into the next version time after time ex. fighting sucks and has been awful since it was changed from the old style and yet its never been adjusted to make it feel good or even fun its just jam the sticks until someone wins. if HUT didnt exist EA would not even make these games anymore they just exist to take money from the whales who buy packs. every year they ruin skating and hitting a little bit more and add some new bs dekes or celebrations slap a new year on it and ask for more money. sports games at this point should be live service games with one version per generation and then yearly roster updates. im over EA sports games, i'll dig out an old NHL or NFL 2k5 next time i need a fix. Expand
  17. Dec 18, 2022
    0
    poke checks don’t work, ice tilt stronger than ever, everyone runs the trap, in the last minute of every game the odds to score multiply by 3, back checking is no longer existent, zero changes to eashl ofc, rebound goals are worse than ever, cross crease akways just as bad. the only thing i give ea props for is making it easy to get coins in hut. the core gameplay is the worst it’s everpoke checks don’t work, ice tilt stronger than ever, everyone runs the trap, in the last minute of every game the odds to score multiply by 3, back checking is no longer existent, zero changes to eashl ofc, rebound goals are worse than ever, cross crease akways just as bad. the only thing i give ea props for is making it easy to get coins in hut. the core gameplay is the worst it’s ever been and everyone agrees as it’s the lowest rated on here. don’t have any idea what to do on offense? no problem, just fire off redirects from the point, which u sometimes cannot block for some reason bc they go in and there’s nothing you can do about it! Expand
  18. Jan 3, 2023
    2
    This game has too many mistakes. I mean their “Be A Pro” alone makes my want to send this game back. And one problem is their lack of information they give you on an injury you get and then just say you’re injured for 40+ games. But then still hold you to all your promises you made at the beginning of the season like “finish top of your division” or “Finish top of the league” and whileThis game has too many mistakes. I mean their “Be A Pro” alone makes my want to send this game back. And one problem is their lack of information they give you on an injury you get and then just say you’re injured for 40+ games. But then still hold you to all your promises you made at the beginning of the season like “finish top of your division” or “Finish top of the league” and while it’s simulating it seems to always “simulate” losses. Like how wtf am I gonna lead the league/division with 35 loses and only 5 wins from my injury. Not to mention all the glitches this has in be a pro. How’s about EA stops spitting out a mid game every year and take your time and build and actual good game. This is just getting worse. Be loyal and helpful to the people who make your business run and stop giving them garbage. Give them a good game. Expand
  19. Nov 6, 2022
    10
    There are too many EA haters on this page. It’s a very good hockey game.
  20. Oct 18, 2022
    0
    This game is the exact same garbage as the last. All the lazy developers did in this game is slapped the number 23 on the cover and called it a day. When it comes to physics, NHL games have the worst physics out of any EA sports game. The developers heavily advertised the presentations, but it is only available for 6 teams. It only last for less than 10 seconds. Are you freaking kiddingThis game is the exact same garbage as the last. All the lazy developers did in this game is slapped the number 23 on the cover and called it a day. When it comes to physics, NHL games have the worst physics out of any EA sports game. The developers heavily advertised the presentations, but it is only available for 6 teams. It only last for less than 10 seconds. Are you freaking kidding me? It just goes to show how lazy these developers are. This is clearly an unfinished game. And the greedy developers have the audacity to charge $70 for this pile of garbage.

    The multiplayer is trash as always. For goodness sake, why are developers so obsessed with adding one male and one female in the cover of sports games? Enough already. I don't recommend this poor excuse of a game at all.
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  21. Jan 1, 2023
    0
    Another uninspired "update" with no real changes from previous years.......
  22. Jan 3, 2023
    9
    It’s a very good Hockeygame but all this EA Hater don’t understand it. Don’t buy the X - Factor Edition if you don’t play online modes like Hut or something but for £70 it’s a good game.
  23. Dec 26, 2022
    10
    hickey a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
  24. Oct 25, 2022
    9
    Just a few innovation, but still good hockey! And EA, trust us, nobody cares about women hockey…
  25. Oct 15, 2022
    8
    While I still don't like that the Superstar X-Factors are returning and found the Frostbite engine to be a bad fit, the improvements on the gameplay and other features make NHL 23 a very good ice hockey game.
  26. Jan 25, 2023
    0
    Anyone rating this game high has never played it, or are not paying any attention. It looks the exact same as NHL 22 but it's actually twice as broken, goalies don't work at all, they won't go into butterfly or hug the post at times, so any shot you take from anywhere will go in at random times. The moment engine is completely broken a game that ends like 6-5, is basically a 5-0 lead thatAnyone rating this game high has never played it, or are not paying any attention. It looks the exact same as NHL 22 but it's actually twice as broken, goalies don't work at all, they won't go into butterfly or hug the post at times, so any shot you take from anywhere will go in at random times. The moment engine is completely broken a game that ends like 6-5, is basically a 5-0 lead that will let the other team have a great chance of coming back in the third. They marketed stick in physics, they don't work at all this year, after working last year. Users can't accept passes when controlling defense most the time so defense online is basically camp out in front when your opponent just sits behind the net, because that's how most people play this game due to a glitch wrap around. There are just so many bugs and issues, the fast that this game is 80 dollars when it comes out is criminal. Expand
  27. Nov 7, 2022
    10
    There are too many EA haters on this page. It’s a very good hockey game. Best NHL i have played since NHL 14
  28. Mar 24, 2023
    8
    It’s A good game I’m my opinion ignore the haters or just don’t buy it it’s your Opinion
  29. Feb 10, 2023
    5
    The addition of cross-platform gameplay is a very welcome addition to the franchise, but that is essentially the extent of meaningful changes made from NHL 22. While gameplay can sometimes be smooth and satisfying, there are still way too many bugs needing a fix. This game is the epitome of a yearly sports game being a glorified roster update.
  30. Jan 25, 2023
    0
    Copy and paste of the last 3 years absolutely a money grab,i just cancelled me and my sons account along with friends we played with ,this game is a absolute joke ,the trolling and hacking by players is now about 80% of the time,you cant report these people at all as there is no reporting on harassment or any other vulgar or bad language,the glitches in the game on entering areCopy and paste of the last 3 years absolutely a money grab,i just cancelled me and my sons account along with friends we played with ,this game is a absolute joke ,the trolling and hacking by players is now about 80% of the time,you cant report these people at all as there is no reporting on harassment or any other vulgar or bad language,the glitches in the game on entering are unbelievable,it takes 30 minutes to find a lobby that actually loads properly,and then when you do by the end of 1st perioud it ends up everyone quits and leaves you playing a bunch of compys,oh and how bought this a goalie thats a troll gets away with letting in 10 to 12 goals before he gets kicked out ,so realistic to the real game ,thia game is a joke dont be tooken in with there phoney write ups on line trust me this game is a completely negative experience,when more people cancel there online subscription maybe they will finally do something about this abortion of a game ,iam so happy ive toook a stance and got 5 others to quit there subscription. Expand
  31. Oup
    Apr 6, 2023
    0
    This disgusting tragedy of EA ad coquettes is an absolute farce and the only game in the world that can piss you off online in such a way that it shortens your life by 10 years. Not only that the **** dicks who take care of their official forum discriminate against any comment against their game, they can't help with anything, but they ban you for absolutely no reason. He plays? TheThis disgusting tragedy of EA ad coquettes is an absolute farce and the only game in the world that can piss you off online in such a way that it shortens your life by 10 years. Not only that the **** dicks who take care of their official forum discriminate against any comment against their game, they can't help with anything, but they ban you for absolutely no reason. He plays? The game is absolute garbage. There was a time when I bought the ultimate edition every year and played hut until last year when ice tilt reached the peak of such degeneration and the random win generator fell to a better connection. Connection is 80% to win, then ice tilt and 1% skill. Sometimes your players play like gods, other times they ignore the laws of physics, the puck and the opponents. The only thing they are interested in is skating in a graceful movement. Many times you go to the goalie with two players and he send pass on defense, players often take the puck away with a miracle from behind the back and an invisible force like the gedai in star wars. All you have to do is move to Finland and you have a 90% chance of winning even if you are retarded. The same glitches every year plus always some new ones and never any solved ones. The only ones who like this game are the losers in life who play the first division without any creativity, because they just spin like mentals in the corner of the rink and can only do two or three glitches in the whole match. I regret buying that game for £27, I could have had a good steak and a beer and not be convinced of what a twisted tragic piece of **** EA is. Buttons for lift oponent stick do not use, is 90% slash, wtf? And goalie passing? WTF? Why EA do from goalie retards? They can send puck to there teammates in real life. Is not so hard move by hand on ice to to your team play. Yes, and change player without puck is dislogical and terrible. And cover of free person that can score do not work. Expand
  32. Apr 14, 2023
    2
    Really hard to find a good thing to say about this hunk of crap. Graphics are ok I guess lol
  33. Feb 21, 2023
    0
    EA ist wieder einmal das Allerletzte

    Ich kann NICHT online spielen, da automatisch mit einem alten Account eingeloggt wird. Ich werde aufgefordert mein Passwort über einen durch QR Code generierten Link zu ändern. Aber das geht nicht, da mein Account wohl deaktiviert wurde, da ich viele Jahre kein EA Game mehr online gespielt habe . Anscheinend hat EA meinen Account deaktiviert und
    EA ist wieder einmal das Allerletzte

    Ich kann NICHT online spielen, da automatisch mit einem alten Account eingeloggt wird.
    Ich werde aufgefordert mein Passwort über einen durch QR Code generierten Link zu ändern.
    Aber das geht nicht, da mein Account wohl deaktiviert wurde, da ich viele Jahre kein EA Game mehr online gespielt habe .

    Anscheinend hat EA meinen Account deaktiviert und die Verknüpfung mit PSN nicht gelöscht.
    Ich kann mich nicht mehr bei EA einloggen und auch bei PSN kann man die Verknüpfung nicht löschen (diese Option gibt es nicht).

    Nach langer Internet Recherche habe ich festgestellt, dass es KEINE Lösung für diese Problem gibt.

    EA ist so geldgierig und so dermaßen technisch inkompetent.

    EA bekommt sicher nie wieder Geld von mir.
    Never ever
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  34. Apr 23, 2023
    1
    I enjoyed this game 15 years ago. Terrible AI, terrible mechanics, and almost zero content make this game hard to play. All cosmetics are the exact same as they were in 2008. The graphics are quite well done, the game is beautiful.
  35. Apr 29, 2023
    0
    EA might be the laziest company on earth. My be a pro is number 19 and plays for the New jersey Devils. We were playing against the rangers and we were away. i noticed something looking at the crowd. The fan was wearing a rangers jersey with my pros last name and number on it... There's no player with that last name or number on the rangers. EA SPORTS back at it again with the CTRL+CEA might be the laziest company on earth. My be a pro is number 19 and plays for the New jersey Devils. We were playing against the rangers and we were away. i noticed something looking at the crowd. The fan was wearing a rangers jersey with my pros last name and number on it... There's no player with that last name or number on the rangers. EA SPORTS back at it again with the CTRL+C CTRL+V formula. Oh and the game plays like absolute garbage. Haven't played since nhl 15 and it seems they still haven't improved their game. SHAME ON EA. Expand
  36. May 13, 2023
    1
    The worst NHL game so far. It look same as 5 previous editions. Game has many glitches and bugs that completely destroy a game feeling and take away any pleasure of playing this game. Don't waste your money and time on that trashy game.
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 25, 2024
    80
    It's getting harder and harder to find revolutionary elements without expanding the NHL itself. But despite these challenges, this year's edition of virtual hockey has something going for it and offers surprisingly great gameplay. [Issue#323]
  2. Nov 29, 2022
    75
    NHL 23 is a good if not revolutionary entry into an already commendable simulation sports game. It might not bring anything new to the ice, but it builds on the already pretty precise gameplay and its additions to the current modes make it a very solid entry to the series.
  3. Nov 28, 2022
    80
    The NHL series really needs some competition. Once again, we get improvements in just one game mode while the others gather dust. This year, however, the amount of joy that has been added feels greater than usual.