EA Sports NHL 25 review: hit the showers

NHL 25 Review

Another annual installment of EA Sports' long-running franchise is here. NHL 25 is here and once again promises innovative advancements and improvements, but fails to capture an authentic hockey simulation experience. New Sapien and Ice-Q technologies (touted as supposedly groundbreaking) and improved Franchise Mode features were positioned to elevate the franchise in ways not yet seen. However, while these developments bring a fresh coat of paint to an outdated series, they ultimately fail to address deeper systemic issues that have plagued EA Sports NHL games for years.

To start, let's talk about Sapien. One of the most hyped features of NHL 25 is the introduction of Sapien technology, designed to deliver more realistic player animations. This new technology leverages advanced motion capture techniques to create fluid, realistic movements, and players no longer appear as mere mannequins on the ice. In theory, this innovation should facilitate a more fluid gaming experience, allowing for more natural interactions during gameplay.

outcast sapien

However, upon closer inspection, the reality of Sapien's implementation falls short of expectations. While visually impressive, the animations can sometimes seem overly exaggerated or inconsistent, breaking immersion rather than enhancing it. For example, I routinely notice that animations can look disjointed and comical during heavy body checking (or moments where contact with the player is crucial), which takes me out of the simulated experience. This inconsistency raises questions about whether the technology truly elevates gameplay or serves as eye candy that doesn't translate into substantial improvements.

Franchise problems

Another major selling point of NHL 25 has been the improved franchise mode, which should undoubtedly serve as the backbone of all NHL games. I certainly appreciate the attention the mode has received this year, but things still seem to fall short. NHL 25 introduces a number of updated features, such as improved scouting and more nuanced player morale systems, along with greater customization options. And there is no doubt that the new draft is a good addition. However, as with Sapien and Ice-Q, the adjustments to Franchise Mode often feel like superficial fixes rather than substantial overhauls.

For example, improvements in player morale were positioned as a significant step toward creating more immersive team dynamics. However, despite these “advances,” player reactions and interactions seem simplistic or deterministic rather than nuanced. Business requests can come up excessively and often seem boring, creating a cycle of frustration when simulating long-term franchises. In a game that promises to emulate the unpredictable nature of professional hockey management, NHL 25 often settles for mechanical responses that undermine immersion.

Next year is our year, right?

What becomes overwhelmingly clear with NHL 25 is that aesthetic improvements, from the finely tuned animations of Sapien technology to the attractively designed franchise interface, take precedence over substantial improvements within the game's core mechanics. While the graphics are undoubtedly impressive, the beauty of the game should not outweigh the importance of functional gameplay that fosters an engaging and immersive experience. Against the backdrop of other sports games, such as Madden 25 and College Football 25, that successfully prioritize gameplay innovations, NHL 25 feels increasingly out of touch with player expectations.

While NHL 25 introduced notable technologies in Sapien and Ice-Q, along with some improvements to its franchise mode, the overall impact on gameplay leaves a lot to be desired. The visuals are stunning and there is the potential for a more immersive hockey experience; However, the execution fails as new technologies do not translate into significant gameplay improvements. The franchise modality, although expanded, remains a complicated system that does not significantly diversify the management aspect.

It's time for EA Sports to pivot not just toward improving aesthetics but also toward developing genuinely impactful gameplay systems that resonate with players across all modes. As it stands, NHL 25 offers a glimpse into the future of gaming possibilities, but remains rooted in familiar flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential. The hockey community deserves better than a surface-level upgrade; They deserve a game that respects the complexities of the sport and the dedication of its players.

***PS5 code provided for this review***