User Score
3.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 181 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 181
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  1. Sep 15, 2014
    10
    Did someone say this lacks features?Really?Ok, hockey consist of skating,passing,defending and scoring .In real life most would fail miserably but in a game what do you want?Laser beams?It's hockey and guess what it plays like...Hockey!!!
  2. Sep 9, 2014
    10
    The game is a huge improvement from the previous nhl games since 94, although there is a lot of missing features, there is a lot of features to come this month. NHL 15 has no information of 94 mode, which doesn't bother me. Everyone really needs to stop freaking out about the missing features and wait a week or two, you can play 1v1 online, and normal games with improved gameplay, if youThe game is a huge improvement from the previous nhl games since 94, although there is a lot of missing features, there is a lot of features to come this month. NHL 15 has no information of 94 mode, which doesn't bother me. Everyone really needs to stop freaking out about the missing features and wait a week or two, you can play 1v1 online, and normal games with improved gameplay, if you don't think the game is like nhl 14 or 13, then give it a week or so. Overall if you really want an NHL game with right on physics, and improved gameplay, NHL 15 is for you, as the game is missing some features, I still refuse to return the game or give up on it, as it is confirmed for updates in september, and some extra freebies of features will be added in october! Expand
  3. Sep 9, 2014
    10
    Despite the highly publicized lack of features, the latest installment in the NHL series is the best to date. NHL 94 is no big loss, while the 6v6 mode will be added as DLC content at a later date. The visuals are out of this world while the gameplay is flawless. The sound is authentic and the added NBC broadcasting is an added bonus.
  4. Sep 10, 2014
    10
    I don't know why everybody is complaining I absolutely LOVE this game! It's awesome and extremely realistic as well as the broadcasting, arenas and the 12 man physics and more. There are some things missing like eashl but man does the man the actual gameplay makes up for it big time! This is now my favorite NHL game made so far
  5. Sep 17, 2014
    10
    Highly recommend this game to any true hockey fan! Graphics are amazing! New gameplay is amazing! New broadcasting is amazing! Who cares if they didn't include some little game modes in this years game, doesn't undervalue the game at all!
  6. Oct 18, 2014
    9
    NHL 15 is getting a lot of bad press because it launched missing several game modes. These are being patched back in, so it won't be an issue in the near future. The gameplay is fantastic, as are the visuals, audio and presentation. Don't let internet trolls dissuade you from grabbing the first NHL game on current gen platforms. At least try the demo and see for yourself. I have noNHL 15 is getting a lot of bad press because it launched missing several game modes. These are being patched back in, so it won't be an issue in the near future. The gameplay is fantastic, as are the visuals, audio and presentation. Don't let internet trolls dissuade you from grabbing the first NHL game on current gen platforms. At least try the demo and see for yourself. I have no regrets about buying this game. Expand
  7. Nov 9, 2014
    9
    Attention I don't know why everyone hates this game so much when it is one of my favorites.

    PROS-
    -HD Graphics
    -Realistic Gameplay
    -Action
    -Fun game modes

    CONS
    -None
  8. Apr 7, 2015
    9
    I think this game delivers exactly what I expected I just want simple straight forward hockey with better visuals and audio and I feel they came through for sure. I love the NBC commentary and the realistic feel of the players. I think people expect way to much for a sports game when all I expect as a huge hockey fan is just to play some realistic hockey.
  9. Nov 20, 2014
    8
    best gameplay in an nhl but lacking almost all the features that have been in the series for so long and for the others that are still in the game the are stripped down to their bare minimums
  10. Sep 12, 2014
    7
    Okay, is this game of poor value? Yes! But does it deserve 2's 1's and 0's?! HELL NO! I take offence to these morons who haven't played 1/10 and 2/10 games! Play Mindjack, Harry Potter, or Green Lantern! Those games suck ass! This games core is EXCEPTIONAL! Amazing! The skating is fluid, the shooting is accurate, the new sweep dekes are genius, and the commentators are fantastic! Now,Okay, is this game of poor value? Yes! But does it deserve 2's 1's and 0's?! HELL NO! I take offence to these morons who haven't played 1/10 and 2/10 games! Play Mindjack, Harry Potter, or Green Lantern! Those games suck ass! This games core is EXCEPTIONAL! Amazing! The skating is fluid, the shooting is accurate, the new sweep dekes are genius, and the commentators are fantastic! Now, where this where the game falls flat is its value. No Winter Classic, no Live the Life (the best part of NHL 14), No GM connected, a gutted Be a Pro mode, no season mode, no tournament mode, NO PLAYER EDITOR (that one pisses me off), and gutted online modes. EA really only focused on the gameplay and Hockey Ultimate team (which is once again superb). EA has promised more game modes in the upcoming months, but it doesn't excuse the overall value. An unacceptable value in a very polished game. A 7/10, a good game. Expand
  11. Sep 10, 2014
    7
    Ok, here is the thing. If you liked a mode that was taken out then yes do not buy the game. If like me you only really played the GM mode and one on one online play then this game is an improvement over last years. Yes, it is annoying that you cannot draft so maybe wait until October when they patch that. Some of the missing stuff is so overblown anyway. Is it really that big of a dealOk, here is the thing. If you liked a mode that was taken out then yes do not buy the game. If like me you only really played the GM mode and one on one online play then this game is an improvement over last years. Yes, it is annoying that you cannot draft so maybe wait until October when they patch that. Some of the missing stuff is so overblown anyway. Is it really that big of a deal they don't announce 3 stars? Is it really that hard to look at a game and go, he had the game winner and an assist he was the best player? The AI is much better and the game play feels much more like real hockey. Expand
  12. Sep 20, 2014
    7
    Many of people have sayed this is bad game, but i think nhl is getting always better and better. I admit it, they have removed some modes... So what? I enjoy the game and not only the modes. The gm mode is there and hut. So what are you complaining? I think those are the most played modes. And the eashl...... It was fun in the 14, but i think this is enough what i need in this game. Good job EA;)
  13. Sep 16, 2014
    7
    It's funny how when geeks are upset about something, they'll rate it a Zero. This game deserves far more than a Zero. I'd say it's at least a 6, maybe a 7. It gets this score based solely on the incredible gameplay and graphics. It is hard to imagine better gameplay for a hockey video game. I've played hockey all my life and this feels real and it sounds real. Unfortunately the gameplay isIt's funny how when geeks are upset about something, they'll rate it a Zero. This game deserves far more than a Zero. I'd say it's at least a 6, maybe a 7. It gets this score based solely on the incredible gameplay and graphics. It is hard to imagine better gameplay for a hockey video game. I've played hockey all my life and this feels real and it sounds real. Unfortunately the gameplay is pretty much the only decent thing about this game. The commentary is weak at best. I watch the NBC broadcasts regularly and there is no way Doc Emrick is as stupid in real life as he sounds in this game. Ditto for Eddie O and Ray Ferraro. Some of their comments make them sound borderline retarded. I haven't been playing for long and already the repetition is annoying. I haven't played the NHL franchise for the past five years so I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the gameplay here. If I was a more avid player, it might annoy me that much of the game modes have been cut entirely from the game. These modes are, however, supposedly on their way in October. The gameplay is awesome ... if they can bring the missing modes back in and vastly improve the ridiculous commentary, this game just might make for a winning title after all ... worth far more than the embarrassing 2.6 score it owns currently. Expand
  14. Dec 9, 2014
    7
    I think this game is amazing, the graphics are superb, sure its missing the all star game , and live the life, but I like it. very realistic computer ai.
  15. Sep 9, 2014
    6
    I have liked NHL games in the past since the Super Nintendo days and when 1997 came out it blow our minds that being said, NHL 15 is ok, not Great, not terrible. (as a general warning if a game does not have official reviews until Launch Day the Game is not worth buying)

    The Graphics are looking very nice but we seemed to have suffered so much because of them as we learned that Good
    I have liked NHL games in the past since the Super Nintendo days and when 1997 came out it blow our minds that being said, NHL 15 is ok, not Great, not terrible. (as a general warning if a game does not have official reviews until Launch Day the Game is not worth buying)

    The Graphics are looking very nice but we seemed to have suffered so much because of them as we learned that Good Graphics are meaning less if game play and the futures we want are not there. PS4/Xbox1 versions are missing a lot of content that is in the 360/ps3 around online play.

    One of the biggest glaring omissions the lack of players allowed within an online match.

    If you only care about playing an offline standard hockey game, without much of anything else this NHL 15 will meet that, but truth be told if you want a robust online game experience, WAIT and skip Ps4/Xbox1 versions until next year altogether.
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  16. Sep 17, 2014
    6
    I give the game a 6. It has the best gameplay in the history of the series. Problem is, it's missing half the features, and the goalies are absolutely dreadful.
  17. Sep 9, 2014
    6
    So basically all my brother and I did in NHL 14 was play HUT and GM MODE. Hut only lasted about 3 months, boring and not enough offline tournys. GM mode we pretty much turned into a drinking game that we played throughout the year and was great. But basically all offline and we loved it.

    In comes NHL 15 with the initial hope that we would be able to do all the things we did in NHL 14
    So basically all my brother and I did in NHL 14 was play HUT and GM MODE. Hut only lasted about 3 months, boring and not enough offline tournys. GM mode we pretty much turned into a drinking game that we played throughout the year and was great. But basically all offline and we loved it.

    In comes NHL 15 with the initial hope that we would be able to do all the things we did in NHL 14 but with an upgrade to the gameplay as well as the Graphics.

    So you can imagine my disappointment at first, to see that HUT is only single player offline and GM mode is basically a stripped down skeleton of 14's GM mode.

    Commentary already turned off and skipping through cut scenes so meh to the presentation, stale right out the gate. And no Blackhawks Authentic stadium yet...so gah to that.

    But in the end we both really enjoy the gameplay and unfortunately this is the only option we have when it comes to a hockey game so I guess we'll have to deal with the issues it has.

    If I had to give it a review based on a scale of 1-10, I'd give it a 6.9 (LOL) mainly because the gameplay is pretty great, they fixed a lot of things I griped about, although I see they added more and hopefully they're fixed as well.

    Hope this was constructive to whomever reads it =)
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  18. Sep 16, 2014
    6
    Gameplay is fun, and the graphics are good, but the lack of features takes the franchise a step backwards with this iteration. Lack of EASHL is a good example of a major feature left out, but there are also more basic features missing which is hard to excuse. (For example, the game does not autosave between games in offline modes like Be a Pro. So if the game crashes or you lose power andGameplay is fun, and the graphics are good, but the lack of features takes the franchise a step backwards with this iteration. Lack of EASHL is a good example of a major feature left out, but there are also more basic features missing which is hard to excuse. (For example, the game does not autosave between games in offline modes like Be a Pro. So if the game crashes or you lose power and have played several games, expect to lose all that progress. Expand
  19. Sep 11, 2014
    5
    Unfinished product, I don't know how EA even thought about releasing it.

    BAP mode is bare bones. You can't customize much and once you're in game you can't even skip to your next shift. There also is barely any feedback from the GM. You can choose to be drafted or pick a team. I chose to enter the draft and they just show you numbers and tell you you've been select at whatever number it
    Unfinished product, I don't know how EA even thought about releasing it.

    BAP mode is bare bones. You can't customize much and once you're in game you can't even skip to your next shift. There also is barely any feedback from the GM. You can choose to be drafted or pick a team. I chose to enter the draft and they just show you numbers and tell you you've been select at whatever number it stops at.

    The commentary is terrible. NBC broadcasts of NHL are barely watchable and they made it part of the game. Talk about a company not knowing what it's fan's actually want.

    There are just so many missing game modes as well. EA has said some would be "patched-in" which is just ridiculous.

    Don't let EA get away with this by buying this game.
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  20. Sep 9, 2014
    5
    I had such high hopes for this game, and in many ways they've been met (or even exceeded), but in many ways I've been thoroughly dissapointed. When you compare NHL 15 with the likes of Madden 15, in terms of presentation (menus) and game modes, it's lagging massively behind.

    Where NHL 15 really excels is the gameplay. It's bloody fantastic, from the in game presentation, the living
    I had such high hopes for this game, and in many ways they've been met (or even exceeded), but in many ways I've been thoroughly dissapointed. When you compare NHL 15 with the likes of Madden 15, in terms of presentation (menus) and game modes, it's lagging massively behind.

    Where NHL 15 really excels is the gameplay. It's bloody fantastic, from the in game presentation, the living crowds (which ok, they're not important, but they do create an immersive experince) through to the in game physics and fantastic visuals. Playing the game is bloody brilliant!

    However, the reason for my low score is that the game is massively let down by a lack of game modes. Not only that, but the game modes that ARE still there are so watered down compared to previous versions. I understand the reasons, but that doesn't mean I think it's right.

    I won't go into detail because chances are you know about it. EA say that they're releasing content updates in the coming months to add back in some of the features that are missing, which is great.

    I ask myself whether I'd prefer it the other way round (loas of game modes and features but crap gameplay), and the answer is no, so I guess we have to at least consider that.

    What I do know is that the gameplay will provide a solid base for NHL 16 to be an awesome game, assuming they focus on the game modes that support it. For now, I can only rate this 6/10 based on the above. I will play it and I'll enjoy it, but I will always think about what could have been for NHL 15, and hope that all of our expectations are met in NHL 16.
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  21. Oct 29, 2014
    5
    Disappointed about this game. It still play's like the previous games. I mean the game play is solid but they should leave the classic up down view. EA should embrace the broadcast view and build the controls from that angle. Fights aren't that exciting, crowd is not that energetic and dull intermissions. Already thinking of trading it in. They only way you will keep this game if you are aDisappointed about this game. It still play's like the previous games. I mean the game play is solid but they should leave the classic up down view. EA should embrace the broadcast view and build the controls from that angle. Fights aren't that exciting, crowd is not that energetic and dull intermissions. Already thinking of trading it in. They only way you will keep this game if you are a die hard NHL fan. Expand
  22. Dec 3, 2014
    4
    A really disappointing game I even like the XBOX 360 version of this game better. The gameplay is more realistic yes, but the gameplay is boring and less entertaining the recent NHL games. Graphics are pretty solid however that doesn't make the game good. The only game mode they really cared about was HUT even though I do like that game mode I am also a fan of GM mode and would have likeA really disappointing game I even like the XBOX 360 version of this game better. The gameplay is more realistic yes, but the gameplay is boring and less entertaining the recent NHL games. Graphics are pretty solid however that doesn't make the game good. The only game mode they really cared about was HUT even though I do like that game mode I am also a fan of GM mode and would have like more improvement with that game mode. Dumb gameplay leads to a boring game. Expand
  23. Sep 9, 2014
    4
    NHL 15 feels rushed and it is hard to see why; the development team had two years to build the game on next-gen. While EA Canada claimed the reason they took a year off from next-gen was to not cut corners, it seems like that was false hope. While graphics are the best they have ever been, the presentation with 'Doc' Emrick and Eddie Olcyzk doesn't live up to their real life counterpartsNHL 15 feels rushed and it is hard to see why; the development team had two years to build the game on next-gen. While EA Canada claimed the reason they took a year off from next-gen was to not cut corners, it seems like that was false hope. While graphics are the best they have ever been, the presentation with 'Doc' Emrick and Eddie Olcyzk doesn't live up to their real life counterparts and leaves fans wanting more. Offensive gameplay has seen some improvements but not nearly enough to live up to the hype. Add missing game modes and lack of communication with fan-base and the game leaves the consumer feeling lied to and flat out ignored. Maybe next year, EA. Expand
  24. Sep 10, 2014
    4
    Incomplete game, basic features missing. It is completely stupid to produce a game without including stuff like editing players, 3 stars of the game, A DRAFT in be a gm mode and so much more .. Hope the updates will give the game a second chance, but from now, it's the worse 70$ I spent for a game.
  25. Nov 3, 2014
    4
    I have given this game many chances, but I am officially calling it quits.
    The game is essentially un-playable. Browsing menu's is a huge task; changing lines, substituting players - it's all just a hassle. Menu's lag and hold up and the interface is not intuitive. At first I thought the menu design was an improvement compared to the maze of options in the last few games - but at least
    I have given this game many chances, but I am officially calling it quits.
    The game is essentially un-playable. Browsing menu's is a huge task; changing lines, substituting players - it's all just a hassle. Menu's lag and hold up and the interface is not intuitive. At first I thought the menu design was an improvement compared to the maze of options in the last few games - but at least those menus made sense and you could navigate them quickly. Good luck if you want to play "Be a GM" lack of basic features in the mode is astonishing and if you want to make regular line changes or even update a team after injury then be prepared to waste 5 to ten minutes of your life for what should be a 30 second operation. You will be in for a similar experience if you play HUT, but only a moron would waste time and money in the feature.

    Actual gameplay is abysmal. The AI in online games is incoherent, players skate toward nothing, don't try to get open, don't read plays, essentially don't function. Trying to switch to the player you want is a hassle, often if there is frantic action you can expect to get the player that you want the least. I think this is because the game prohibits you from switching to players that are in an animation. The problem is payers do stupid half animations that completely glitch them out. I wish I could upload a video of my goaltender trying to block an icing that bounced off the boards. He started clapping his stick on the ice and let the puck slide in - just crazy, has happened more than once.

    but the absolute worst is not being able to have a guest in online play. This is why I played NHL games. The guys would come over and we play some online modes, being unable to do this is a huge disappointment.

    The updates, which EA labels as free content, are laughable. Thanks for updating the colour of the trainers polo... This game is way off track, a huge disappointment. Can't believe I bought in after reading all the negative reviews.
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  26. Apr 7, 2015
    4
    It looks decent and plays pretty average. It just didnt feel like they added much new or interesting. The bodychecks are lacking that power sounds, the fighting is pretty stupid compared to older games, and for some weird reason they took out the checking after the whistle (something every hockey game should have).

    I think I had more fun playing NHL 94 and other older titles. The
    It looks decent and plays pretty average. It just didnt feel like they added much new or interesting. The bodychecks are lacking that power sounds, the fighting is pretty stupid compared to older games, and for some weird reason they took out the checking after the whistle (something every hockey game should have).

    I think I had more fun playing NHL 94 and other older titles. The best thing about this game is building your own team. The game itself is subpar.

    Another thing that is really frustrating is you can't alter the controls to your liking. They give you 3-4 controller setups, and some of them dont even explain what does what, you just have to figure it out on your own.

    Fail.
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  27. Sep 12, 2014
    3
    Normally going into a next gen console I expect games (sports in particular) to bring something new and fresh to the table, utilizing new hardware should have allowed them to continue building on the promising NHL 14. But this game is a monumental step back, graphics are good on the new consoles and gameplay is as tight as ever but this game should be avoided by anyone who wants somethingNormally going into a next gen console I expect games (sports in particular) to bring something new and fresh to the table, utilizing new hardware should have allowed them to continue building on the promising NHL 14. But this game is a monumental step back, graphics are good on the new consoles and gameplay is as tight as ever but this game should be avoided by anyone who wants something more than on ice play. Be a Pro, Be a GM, EASHL are all gutted or completely gone. I generally played the previous NHL games for the Be a Pro and Be a GM modes, but they are lacking in all departments in NHL 15. I would advise everyone but the die hard hockey sim fans to avoid this and all upcoming NHL games. The only way I will be buying another NHL title will be if it gets stellar, "can't miss" reviews from sources I trust. Expand
  28. Sep 19, 2014
    3
    Graphics are great, gameplay is awful. Most unrealistic actual gameplay since around 2005. Big step forward in graphics, but gameplay is so unrealistic and just poorly executed that the game is almost unplayable.
  29. Oct 1, 2014
    3
    I am disappointed in the fact that they released this game when they only had half of the game modes done. The fact that EASHL will no be on it is one of the biggest upsets, being that I bought the game to play it without knowing they excluded it from the newer generation consoles. If they would add this game mode my score would increase.
  30. Nov 12, 2014
    3
    Game is fun with new physics. Teammate AI is even worse and passing is kind of bad. No game modes whatsoever. Huge step down for franchise. Already traded it back in after a month of nonsense.
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 22
  2. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Nov 12, 2014
    40
    The new engine looks great but while the foundation was successfully rebuilt, many core features are missing. [Issue#246]
  2. X-ONE Magazine UK
    Nov 8, 2014
    60
    Moment-to-moment gameplay is great, making it such a shame that the elements connecting matches is so underwhelming. [Issue#117, p.82]
  3. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Nov 5, 2014
    60
    A jarringly inconsistent first poke at next-gen hockey. Makes bold leaps forward in terms of game day presentation, physics and AI, but large swathes of it seem unfinished. [Dec 2014, p.82]