NHL 18

 Xbox One
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. IGN
    Sep 14, 2017
    74
    I'm glad that, in NHL 18, EA continues to seek out new players for the NHL series with smart upgrades to the training system and the exciting and accessible NHL Threes mode. Those are positive strides, but the rest of the modes and features are starting to feel too familiar. If you're someone who's been following the NHL series for years, you aren't getting anything drastically new here to alter the balance or restore excitement. The EASHL is still enjoyable with a great group of buddies, and the other offline modes are decent, but this series is in need of some new approaches to gameplay and refreshes of older modes.
  2. GameCritics
    Oct 3, 2017
    70
    Though NHL 18 is a solid, enjoyable title that will likely appeal to old and new hockey game fans alike, there’s little innovation on display — the developers only deliver minor improvements and necessary tweaks. In order to make the series relevant again, EA needs to find a way to revolutionize the gameplay. It pains me to say, but it’s not 1994 anymore and expectations have changed. As much as I enjoyed my time with NHL 18, I would rather see the series get benched for a few years and come back with something truly new rather than another installment of more-of-the-same.
  3. Sporting News
    Sep 14, 2017
    70
    It may be surprising that it would take an "arcade" mode to round out a simulation-based product, but NHL Threes does just that for NHL 18. While the series is still lacking in some aspects of gameplay and presentation this year, "NHL" achieved something important, by becoming the most appealing edition of the series for an audience that extends beyond just the fanatics of the sport in a very long time.
  5. Polygon
    Sep 13, 2017
    65
    Although EA Vancouver planned a three-year rejuvenation of their hockey series, NHL 18 seems like it’s on the downside of generational sports games. While Threes adds some zest and significant features, that’s the only notable addition to the game. When the introduction menu pops up and What’s New offers only three choices (one being a tutorial), 2017 is not a good year. NHL 18 is (as always for this series) more than competent, but for the first time in a while, it’s a wait for next year revision.

Awards & Rankings

76
#76 Best Xbox One Game of 2017
37
#37 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2017
21
#21 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.3

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 53
  3. Negative: 26 out of 53
  1. SRK001
    Mar 2, 2018
    0
    How does EA get away with ignoring everyone?
    What is the logic behind continually releasing new NHL titles each year having not addressed    How does EA get away with ignoring everyone?
    What is the logic behind continually releasing new NHL titles each year having not addressed lingering issues from years passed?
    Greed, greed and more greed.
    I don't have the words ... shame on you Eectronic Arts    … Full Review »
  2. jmerker
    Jan 4, 2018
    3
    EA Sports has continued to focus on money generating, micro-transaction based game modes like ultimate team. By doing so, they have made noEA Sports has continued to focus on money generating, micro-transaction based game modes like ultimate team. By doing so, they have made no real improvements to my personal two favourite game modes: Be a GM and Be a Pro. The gameplay has not really changed since last year with the exception of a few minor deking and defensive mechanics added to the game. NHL Threes is a good a change but the excitement wears out quickly. My favourite addition to this game is the ability to create an expansion team in Be a GM. However, this feature is rather basic and is the only real change from year to year in the Be a Gm game mode. I have purchased an EA NHL game since NHL 98 on PS1. Unfortunately, until I see efforts to make offline game modes more engaging and immersive, I will not be purchasing anymore EA NHL games.… Full Review »
  3. Stiss89
    Nov 5, 2017
    0
    New moves, more things that goes wrong. All you need to do i use the poke check as much as you can and shoot when you get in the zone. NothingNew moves, more things that goes wrong. All you need to do i use the poke check as much as you can and shoot when you get in the zone. Nothing has changed the last years in this franchise… Full Review »
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