NHL 24

NHL 24 represents a welcome step forward for the series, with new offensive and defensive game dynamics that raise the simulation level of the series, an excellent implementation of cross-play support, and a very satisfying HUT mode that can be enjoyed even by those who don't want to spend extra money.

A fine game of ice hockey, NHL 24 improves upon last year's instalment, offering some slick new features, and all of the usual modes and other accoutrements you'd expect, all nicely presented.

NHL 24 is a solid improvement on-ice over last year’s title, with the exhaustion engine adding technical depth that the series has lacked. Outside of that, some minor presentation and control improvements are countered by mostly the same overall package of modes. If you love the NHL then this is the best playing game in the series, but if it’s $70 worth or better over last year’s is tough to say.

NHL 24 has arrived on old and new generation consoles with a clear improvement in the gameplay, but it is somewhat repetitive in the game modes, where there are hardly any improvements in the offline mode, and in the online mode it only includes a battle pass in the World of Chel and a moments mode in the Ultimate Team.

In what has become a regular mantra for my closing sections, NHL 24 is a tale of highs and lows. On one hand, the title features the most engaging, authentic hockey sim gameplay yet, and those who choose to stick with the basic modes will likely be enthralled by the slick graphics, realistic player fatigue, and top-tier presentation. On the flipside, the in-game advertising and omnipresent cash grabs — in a title that seems a little too familiar to prior editions — may leave longtime fans wondering if they should ever expect more, no matter how much they’ve already invested in the series.