73
MONSTER
ICE-Q 2.0 utilizes powerful NHL EDGE data so you can think, move, and play like your favorite superstars. X-Factors enhances an arsenal of 28 abilities over five different categories. A revamped Be A Pro mode allows the player to live their hockey journey from rookie to superstar. HUT Seasons is an all-new, dynamic game mode experience where every match-up matters. [Electronic Arts]
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
77
NHL 26's "Be a Pro" mode receives praise for its narrative enhancements and immersive journey, starting from the Junior World Championships. Critics laud the integration of off-ice choices that affect player careers, creating a richer storytelling experience. However, some note it lacks the depth of traditional RPGs and may feel limited in comparison. Overall, there's a positive consensus on the improvements, with hopes for further development in future iterations.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
67%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
33%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
NHL 26's "Be a Pro" mode receives praise for its narrative enhancements and immersive journey, starting from the Junior World Championships. Critics laud the integration of off-ice choices that affect player careers, creating a richer storytelling experience. However, some note it lacks the depth of traditional RPGs and may feel limited in comparison. Overall, there's a positive consensus on the improvements, with hopes for further development in future iterations.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
82
NHL 26 has received strong praise for its gameplay enhancements, particularly the ICE-Q 2.0 system that boosts player uniqueness and realism, and a new AI system that improves movement and CPU behavior. Critics highlight the intense and immersive experience, especially in modes like Be a Pro and Franchise. However, some issues remain, including goalkeeper performance and AI decisions that can detract from the experience. Overall, while not groundbreaking, NHL 26 is deemed enjoyable and accessible for all players, solidifying its place as a commendable entry in the franchise with room for growth.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
82
Positive Reviews (80-100)
73%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
27%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
NHL 26 has received strong praise for its gameplay enhancements, particularly the ICE-Q 2.0 system that boosts player uniqueness and realism, and a new AI system that improves movement and CPU behavior. Critics highlight the intense and immersive experience, especially in modes like Be a Pro and Franchise. However, some issues remain, including goalkeeper performance and AI decisions that can detract from the experience. Overall, while not groundbreaking, NHL 26 is deemed enjoyable and accessible for all players, solidifying its place as a commendable entry in the franchise with room for growth.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
78
NHL 26 impresses with "jaw-droppingly gorgeous" graphics and realistic animations, thanks to the ICE-Q 2.0 engine. However, criticisms about "rough character models" and outdated crowd reactions reveal significant visual inconsistencies. While the game shows promise in arena design and player movements, it falls short of the standards set by other EA Sports titles, highlighting the need for improvements in future releases.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
78
Positive Reviews (80-100)
79%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
14%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
7%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
NHL 26 impresses with "jaw-droppingly gorgeous" graphics and realistic animations, thanks to the ICE-Q 2.0 engine. However, criticisms about "rough character models" and outdated crowd reactions reveal significant visual inconsistencies. While the game shows promise in arena design and player movements, it falls short of the standards set by other EA Sports titles, highlighting the need for improvements in future releases.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
65
NHL 26’s sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise the immersive audio and diverse tracks, with IGN and MondoXbox highlighting the game’s atmospheric enhancement. However, complaints arise over poor voice acting and inconsistent commentary, with some critics like Gamereactor UK and SECTOR.sk noting a decline in soundtrack quality. Overall, while there are standout moments, significant improvements are needed, especially in voice work and commentary consistency.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
65
Positive Reviews (80-100)
45%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
45%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
9%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
NHL 26’s sound design and music receive mixed reviews. Critics praise the immersive audio and diverse tracks, with IGN and MondoXbox highlighting the game’s atmospheric enhancement. However, complaints arise over poor voice acting and inconsistent commentary, with some critics like Gamereactor UK and SECTOR.sk noting a decline in soundtrack quality. Overall, while there are standout moments, significant improvements are needed, especially in voice work and commentary consistency.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
61
NHL 26's voice acting is a mixed bag. While the commentary and character interactions in Be a Pro mode received praise for realism and immersion, critics slammed aspects like emotional depth and consistency, labeling some performances as "subpar." Overall, the game shows promise but still needs significant improvements to deliver a cohesive and engaging voice acting experience.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
61
Positive Reviews (80-100)
38%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
50%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
13%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
NHL 26's voice acting is a mixed bag. While the commentary and character interactions in Be a Pro mode received praise for realism and immersion, critics slammed aspects like emotional depth and consistency, labeling some performances as "subpar." Overall, the game shows promise but still needs significant improvements to deliver a cohesive and engaging voice acting experience.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
65
NHL 26's technical performance is a mixed bag. Xbox Series X players enjoy smooth gameplay but face issues like broken sticks and poor AI. The PlayStation 5 delivers a generally stable experience, though glitches and menu lag persist. Critics agree that while the game has potential, significant flaws remain, particularly in animation and AI, highlighting the need for further refinement to satisfy players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
65
Positive Reviews (80-100)
13%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
88%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
NHL 26's technical performance is a mixed bag. Xbox Series X players enjoy smooth gameplay but face issues like broken sticks and poor AI. The PlayStation 5 delivers a generally stable experience, though glitches and menu lag persist. Critics agree that while the game has potential, significant flaws remain, particularly in animation and AI, highlighting the need for further refinement to satisfy players.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
77
NHL 26 garners positive reviews for its diverse gameplay modes like HUT and Be a Pro, boosting replay value for casual and dedicated players alike. However, criticisms arise over the stagnant Franchise mode, which may limit long-term engagement. While the game excels in variety, it struggles with innovation in certain areas, leading to a mixed reception on overall replayability.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
77
Positive Reviews (80-100)
80%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
20%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
NHL 26 garners positive reviews for its diverse gameplay modes like HUT and Be a Pro, boosting replay value for casual and dedicated players alike. However, criticisms arise over the stagnant Franchise mode, which may limit long-term engagement. While the game excels in variety, it struggles with innovation in certain areas, leading to a mixed reception on overall replayability.
Overall Verdict
73
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
73
Positive Reviews (80-100)
39%
Mixed Reviews (50-79)
61%
Negative Reviews (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
NHL 26 receives mostly positive reviews for its gameplay improvements and accessibility, making it a solid entry point for newcomers and enjoyable for veterans. Critics praise its immersive experience but note significant shortcomings, like technical issues and a lack of innovation in Franchise mode. While it builds on NHL 25, it falls short of being a groundbreaking release, leaving fans wanting more depth. Overall, it's a commendable addition to the franchise but not a revolutionary update.
73
MONSTER
Reviews
44 reviews found86
MeuPlayStation
Sep 25, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is a well-crafted sports game that appeals to both veterans and newcomers, delivering depth and intensity in gameplay.
85
MondoXbox
Sep 14, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is a significant advancement in the series, focusing on realism, gameplay improvements, and engaging modes, making it a must-play for fans.
85
GameBlast
Sep 16, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is praised for its accessibility, gameplay, and variety of modes, making it a great entry point for newcomers to hockey.
80
Finger Guns
Sep 10, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is praised as a solid entry in the sports genre, providing a fun and immersive experience for both new and veteran players.
80
Eurogamer Portugal
Sep 8, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer expresses enjoyment and satisfaction with NHL 26, highlighting its engaging gameplay, graphics, and singleplayer modes, making it a worthwhile experience.
80
But Why Tho?
Sep 11, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 offers significant gameplay improvements and a fun experience for hockey fans, despite some areas needing refinement.
80
Loot Level Chill
Sep 11, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 builds on its predecessor with meaningful improvements in gameplay and presentation, making it a strong entry in the series.
80
GamingBolt
Sep 8, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, with meaningful changes that enhance the overall experience, making it worthy of attention from both casual and hardcore fans.
80
TheXboxHub
Sep 19, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is a fun and engaging return to the franchise, providing thrills for both hockey fans and newcomers, despite not surpassing the reviewer's favorite sports game.
80
TechRadar Gaming
Sep 11, 2025
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
NHL 26 is praised as the best ice hockey game available, offering a realistic experience but may not be suitable for casual players or beginners.