The puck has dropped on another NHL season, with NHL 27 now available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.
EA Vancouver’s latest hockey offering puts a bigger emphasis on making the 32 NHL teams feel like their real-world counterparts, while also giving players a new way to run their own leagues with friends.
At A Glance
- Game: NHL 27
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
- Deluxe Edition: £99.99 – Available now
- Standard Edition: £69.99 – September 8th
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Developer: EA Vancouver
Every Team Has Its Own Identity
NHL 27 is looking to make the differences between NHL teams more noticeable once the action gets underway. Each of the 32 teams now has its own Team Playbook, powered by NHL EDGE data and designed around how that particular team approaches the game.
That means differences should extend beyond simply swapping one collection of players for another. How teams break out of their own zone, apply pressure and approach special teams can now play a bigger role, while late-game situations can see teams adjust their approach when the score is tight.
Bringing The Arenas To Life
The authenticity push doesn’t stop at gameplay either. NHL 27 features all 32 NHL arenas, with each one designed around the sounds and personality of its home team.
Real-world goal songs, new pregame introductions and an overhauled crowd are joined by a refreshed broadcast presentation. John Buccigross and Darren Pang provide the commentary, with updated graphics and more contextual storytelling helping to give matches a more modern television feel.
Build Your Own League
For groups of friends, Connected Franchise could prove to be one of the most interesting additions. The mode allows players to create their own league and take control of everything from teams and rosters to scheduling and rivalries.
Up to 32 human-controlled teams can take part, while customisation options and commissioner tools give groups plenty of freedom to shape their own online season.
Whether you’re looking to recreate something resembling the real NHL or create a league that bears little resemblance to it, the tools are there to put your own spin on proceedings.
NHL 27 Is Available Now
The NHL 27 Deluxe Edition costs £99.99 and gets players onto the ice seven days ahead of the Standard Edition, alongside a sizeable collection of Hockey Ultimate Team and World of Chel extras.
The Deluxe Edition includes 4600 NHL Points, an HUT Icon Choice Pack, HUT Heroes Choice Pack, HUT NHL Player Pack, HUT Fan Choice Pack and two World of Chel Double XP Tokens. There’s also a Macklin Celebrini WOC Limited Loadout and a HUT New Wave Celebrini Pack.
The Standard Edition arrives on September 8th for £69.99.
Another Year Of Hockey
We gave NHL 26 a 4/5 when we reviewed it last year, finding it to be the sort of sports game capable of providing enough content to last the entire year. The on-ice action remained the star of the show, even for those who don’t necessarily consider themselves huge hockey fans.
NHL 27 now has the job of building on that foundation, with its focus on authentic team identities, refreshed presentation and a more flexible way to play with friends.
Whether you’re here for another year of Hockey Ultimate Team, want to create your own sprawling online league or simply fancy settling down for a few games of hockey, NHL 27 is ready for another season.
Stay tuned for our full review.
