NHL 22 is set to finally be revealed on August 19, but that hasn’t stopped information from leaking out early. A keen-eyed Reddit user was able to spot an accidental upload on the game’s website that confirmed a couple new features coming to this year’s game: Frostbite and Superstar X-Factors.
The first is the game’s transition to the Frostbite engine on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series X.
“Powered by Frostbite, EA SPORTS NHL 22 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S gets the superstar treatment,” the site reads. “For the first time ever, experience EA SPORTS NHL on one of the industry’s most powerful game engines bringing unrivaled visual detail to every hit, deke and shot.”
It’s been rumored, and later confirmed independently by SGO, that the game was set to finally make the jump to the Frostbite engine after seven years on the Ignite Engine. That said, only the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S were mentioned as using the Frostbite engine. There was no mention of NHL 22 moving to the new engine on last-gen PS4 and Xbox One.
Also not mentioned was the game’s return to PC which, with the next-gen moving to Frostbite, would’ve likely been mentioned in the leaked posting.
The other feature confirmed is the appearance of Superstar X-Factors in NHL 22.
“Superstar X-Factors lets you feel the personality and power of NHL superstars with an all-new ability system that unlocks the unique skills of the league’s most elite players,” the page said. “Authentic to real player skill and style, the stars of the NHL truly come to life in EA SPORTS NHL 22 making their time on ice more influential than ever.
“From HUT to World of Chel, Superstar X-Factors brings new class-based strategy to every game mode. EA SPORTS NHL 22 is an all-new game for a new generation, giving you more ways to play and compete than ever before. This is breakthrough hockey.”
The NHL 22 Superstar X-Factors seem to be based on what EA Sports has done with Madden NFL the past couple years. While the reception has been mixed from Madden fans, it appears that EA Sports is hoping NHL fans have a warmer reception to the feature.
One thing that is sure to make fans happy, however, is seeing the World of Chel mentioned. That appears to signal that NHL 22 on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S will be fully featured right away. That’s a far cry from what players got the last time there was a generation shift with NHL 15 on PS4 and Xbox One.
What do you think of the NHL 22 features that were revealed? Let us know in the comment section below, and stick with Sports Gamers Online for more NHL 22 as it becomes available.