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. ZTGD
    Oct 12, 2017
    90
    NHL 18 will satisfy hockey fans; that goes without saying. Its real achievement though is in its design, which will seamlessly teach and assist a player who knows nothing about hockey. They’re likely to stick around too, because as it turns out, hockey is a blast in videogame form.
  2. EGM
    Sep 14, 2017
    90
    NHL 18 is a nice step forward for the NHL series. New modes and options like NHL Threes, 3-on-3 hockey in EASHL, or creating the 32nd franchise in the NHL are fun additions that give the series a serious shot in the arm. Some minor issues from previous games continue to crop up, and I wish the customization options were deeper, but overall NHL 18 is a must have for any hockey fan.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    Sep 8, 2017
    84
    NHL 18 is fully loaded.
  5. COGconnected
    Sep 11, 2017
    82
    While EA Sports has done a great job deepening fan-favorite modes and giving players a ton of exciting new content to choose from, there are a couple of areas that simply feel outdated. With that said, NHL 18 is still the most innovative hockey game to date, and regardless of your level of experience with the franchise, it will leave you wanting more, coming back for more fun time and time again.
  6. Forbes
    Sep 10, 2017
    82
    NHL 18 is another strong entry from an underrated sports gaming franchise. EA has delivered a more rewarding franchise mode, added new ways to play, while at the minimum, sustaining itself in other modes. That's a formula for success, but the lack of progress in customization, single-player modes and presentation keep it from being a monumental step for the franchise.
  7. TheXboxHub
    Sep 30, 2017
    80
    Is it an improvement on the franchise? Well it has NHL Threes, new additions to the career modes and some nice cosmetic touches. Maybe next year there will be a story mode to help really connect with a new audience, but for now I am having a blast like it was 1993 all over again.
  8. Attack of the Fanboy
    Sep 13, 2017
    80
    Threes is definitely the star of the show in NHL 18 with only marginal improvements made to the rest of the franchise's modes.
  9. Game Informer
    Sep 12, 2017
    80
    NHL 18 may not win every scrum in the corner or go top shelf with every shot it takes, but it still shows enough grit and hustle to earn your respect. The new offensive and defensive tools are welcome additions on the ice, and the entertaining Threes mode could become a party staple for hockey fans.
  10. SomosXbox
    Sep 27, 2017
    79
    NHL 18 is a nice game for everyone who don't known this sport. The gameplay is very easy to understand and the game is fun. It's an interesting game, but there are few improvements for EA NHL fans.
  11. XGN
    Oct 11, 2017
    75
    The new NHL Threes mode is fun and takes up a lot of time without getting boring. The Training Camp also stands out from similar modes in other games. The graphics and weird behavior of the AI sometimes could have been better, but NFL is still a good game.
  12. MondoXbox
    Oct 6, 2017
    75
    NHL 18 introduces some welcome novelties in the Threes and Training Camp mode, but it ultimately feels too similar to the previous game.
  13. Worth Playing
    Sep 13, 2017
    75
    NHL 18 finds itself in a strange spot. On the one hand, there are significant changes to the gameplay modes and basic stick handling. This is especially true of Threes mode, which could've become a stand-alone, downloadable game due to the amount of content it possesses. On the other hand, the AI is flaky and undermines quite a few modes, especially Hockey Ultimate Team. NHL 18 remains a fun title and a good choice for those who are interested in the series but don't want a semi-arcade hockey mode.

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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