Early Review
So, played five games in HUT (5-0) and while that's not nearly enough to give a thorough review, I do have an idea about what I like and dislike. Generally, I like the gameplay a lot. Next gen 15 needed a lot of tweaks, there was so much to dislike about that game, but I think, for the most part, they solved the major problems.
Pros -
Deking Vs Stick/body check: The deking is much better, while it is still effective, lose puck dekes are now subject to poke checks. You can still dangle people but a good defender will knock the puck away consistently.
Puck physics vs ability to pick up the puck: To me this was easily the most frustrating part of NHL 15. Players do a much better job of controlling the puck and now rarely miss a puck they should be able to control. Honestly, this is huge. The game flows so much better. Players do occasionally miss bouncing pucks, but it seems much more reasonable
Goalies: Way to early to tell, but through five games I saw much more variety in goals. Goalies also cover the short-side way better. You can still score glitchy wristers from the FO circle and forehand backhands, but they aren't consistent. Also, deflections ,rebounds and low low corner shots are much more consistent than they have been before. I'd say it's more like 40/60 opposed to 90/10 in 15. Looking good!
AI: It's definitely improved. The defensive AI is very solid and offensively forwards will get into position to cylce the puck. The breakout AI is better, but still leaves a lot to be desired.
Cons
AI - special teams: The PP/PK has awful AI. On the PP, it's really easy to get hemmed inside your own zone as all three forwards will float the blueline essentially making it a 2 on 2 play down low. Really easy to score on the PK.
Puck pickups after body checks - This problem perisists from NHL 15. Hit a guy, both players fall down and the knocked down offender often ends up with the puck.
Bouncy puck goals - As in NHL 15, there are too many weird missed plays that go in. It's frustrating for sure.
Game speed - It's slower for sure. Personally, I don't mind this as it's a more accurate representation of how the sport actually plays, but some won't like it
Overall- I'm impressed, my expectations were vastly exceeded. The game feels less arcadey and more like hockey. I think hockey fans will like this one.
8.5/10
