NHL 17 is now available for Xbox One and PS4 in North America. The game will be available worldwide on September 15.
EA Sports said the following about the launch in a press release: “From the crease to the open ice to behind-the-scenes control of an entire franchise, NHL 17 lets you shape your legacy no matter how you play the game. Built with more fan feedback than ever before, players can live out their hockey fantasy in three all-new game modes, enjoy deeper and more customizable experiences in their fan-favorite modes, and own every zone on the ice with new on-ice gameplay features and improvements. Whether you’re a skilled hockey veteran or lacing up the skates for the very first time, the new ‘Semi-Pro’ game difficulty and Visual On-Ice Trainer give fans the experience and coaching needed to elevate their game.”
Sean Ramjagsing, NHL 17’s lead producer, voiced his excitement: “We’re really excited to deliver completely new ways to play the game for our fans. Combined with the new gameplay features and deeper experiences in our fan favorite modes, NHL 17 is the biggest year-over-year release we’ve ever had, and we can’t wait to get it into players’ hands.”
There are three new modes in this year’s edition of EA’s hockey franchise: Draft Champions, Franchise Mode, and the World Cup of Hockey.
Draft Champions allows players to build their own team of superstars through a fantasy draft. Competing in Draft Champions can help you progress through Hockey Ultimate Team mode. This is a great option for players who want the competitive edge of HUT but want to start off with a stacked team.
Franchise mode is an overhauled version of Be a GM mode. Franchise mode allows players to manage the financial aspect of running a hockey club, including managing budgets, arenas, and promotions. Players can even relocate their franchises. Franchise mode tasks players with achieving goals that are unique to each NHL owner, goals that are tailored to the financial and on-ice realities of each team.
World Cup of Hockey mode lets players simulate the best-on-best tournament that is set to get under way in Toronto this Saturday (September 17). World Cup of Hockey is a standalone mode that lets players challenge AI or their friends for international glory.
NHL 17 boasts more responsive gameplay, new authentic goalie styles, Net Battles on offense and defense, and new Collision Physics. Players can also celebrate with dozens of new goal celebrations.
The EA Sports Hockey League has more customization options than ever before.
Hockey Ultimate Team has also been updated to include Synergy—a new mechanic that adds deeper strategic choices to making lines. Putting players together who have similar playstyles can grant perks for that line or the entire team.
NHL 17 players can also sign up for the EA SPORTS™ NHL Rewards program for free. Members can receive hockey rewards, in-game digital content for Hockey Ultimate Team, and other rewards.
EA Access members on Xbox One can play 10 free hours of NHL 17 and receive a 10% discount on a full game purchase.
Our full review of NHL 17 can be found here.
