EA Sports has announced the latest iteration of its hockey video game series, NHL 23.
Set for release on PS5, Xbox Series S/X, Playstation 4 and Xbox One on Oct. 14, 2022, the game will feature a split cover for the first time with Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras and Olympic MVP Sarah Nurse.
The game focuses on smaller, quality-of-life details instead of new feature overhauls. Here’s what you need to know:
Crossplay
About time.
Finally, after splitting the series under four different player bases last year, the NHL series is getting crossplay.
PS4 and Xbox One players can play each other, while PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players can also face off, but you can’t play with different generations, and the mode is only for World of Chel and Hockey Ultimate Team.
Crossplay is planned to be implemented in November.
The development team is hoping to see crossplay evolve to allow more options down the line.
Hockey Ultimate Team
– For the first time ever, women’s hockey players will be included in HUT as part of the IIHF license. Additionally, national team plays will have both base and master items as part of in-game events.
– In HUT Rivals, three additional tiers of rewards will be available based on wins or win streaks.
– HUT migration allows you to transfer your NHL 23 HUT teams from previous generation systems up to PS5 or Xbox Series X if you upgrade at some point. Players can protect 20 player items and a coach and transfer it over.
Last Chance Puck Movement
One of the better additions to NHL 23 is the last-chance puck movement animations, allowing players to create desperation plays while falling. After receiving a hit, your player can still attempt to make a pass or take a shot instead of losing balance and puck control. Also, by double-tapping pass or shoot, your player can dive for the puck to make a play.
Miscellaneous
– Russia/Belarus will not be in the game.
– With the addition of the Frostbite engine last year, the game experience will have new celebrations and louder and more reactive crowds.
– X-Factors have been adjusted, with new X-Factors, to be announced later, being introduced into the game.
– Users that buy the X-Factor special edition of NHL 23 will be able to play the game three days early.
