It’s that time again, NHL is going into the next round. EA Sports NHL 25 was officially presented today, including cover athletes and some of the new features.
Electronic Arts announces that EA SPORTS NHL 25 will be released worldwide for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on October 4. With brothers Quinn, Jack and Luke Hughes, siblings will grace an EA Sports cover together for the first time.
The main feature is apparently a new logic-based animation system called ICE-Q, which is intended to make ongoing events in the game more realistic, especially in CHEL. The description in the announcement sounds promising:
“Next-Gen Vision Control Skating allows players to cross the blue line, get close to the puck carrier, keep an eye on the goal and more. Empowered AI helps execute authentic plays with a revamped playbook, improving power plays and opening up the ice for better positioning and offensive opportunities.”
“The new ICE-Q gameplay system represents a fundamental shift in the way fans will experience the game, as its deep intelligence gives them complete control of the ice,” said Mike Inglehart, Senior Game Design Director at EA Vancouver.
NHL 25 includes gameplay changes, skill-based one-timers, a new structure for WOC live events, HUT Wildcard mode, and a simplified, unified XP progression in HUT. The new Grudge Match system tracks the history of matches between teams in all major online and offline modes and enriches the series with special X-factors earned in previous matches against rival teams. Franchise mode is also set to receive some long-overdue overhauls, but these seem to be mostly related to navigation. Doesn’t exactly sound like a real modernization.
The EA Sports NHL 25 Deluxe Edition includes seven days of Early Access, 4,600 NHL Points, HUT NHL Player Pack, HUT “Hockey is Family” Objectives Choice Pack (x2, 82 OVR), HUT Cover Athlete Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 8), HUT Wildcard Starter Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 6), WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2), Exclusive WOC Player Set and Instant Reward in NHL 24 (Jack, Quinn or Luke Hughes at 99 OVR). Fans who pre-order the NHL 25 Deluxe Edition by September 13 will also receive a HUT Hughes Brothers Choice Pack (84 OVR). Additionally, pre-orderers can secure a loyalty offer that will give them 10% off the pre-order of the NHL 25 Deluxe Edition.
EA Play members receive a 10-hour trial starting seven days before launch, as well as NHL 25 in-game rewards and discounts throughout the season.
EA has released the first trailer for the new ice hockey simulation NHL 25.
