NHL 25 Grudge Match Reveal

Listen. I don't want to be a hater. I have played this game loyally for almost 30 years. I think what you do is hard. But why on earth was development time spent on this. This is beyond cringe. Can we not just have presentation representative of what we see in real hockey broadcast? Who is this for?

You're just seeing the intro animation. That's not all that's coming with Grudge Matches. Here are some more details from the blog:

"Hockey is at its best when the competition is fierce. The all-new Grudge Match System tracks the history of matchups between teams across online and offline modes, showing relevant stats from previous meetings to add more context and stakes to the action. Grudge Match also includes Impact Players, who earn special X-Factors related to their standout performance in the previous matchups, along with new contextually driven cinematics and commentary that turn up the heat of rivalry."

The intro animation is immersion breaking on several levels. Several payers in the team-up shot are not handed the correct orientation (Boeser is shooting left, Miller right). Why do the solo shots of the featured players not have sticks? Have you ever seen something like this intro pack on a hockey broadcast? I'm open minded to the new feature. But like... Why? Why this? Of all the things to with presentation and intros? Why can't we just have hockey as it is? Did this test well with some focus group?

For years, fans have been asking for the return of a true broadcast-style presentation after it was removed, and this is what they deliver. No one wants the game to become more arcade-like; this isn’t Fortnite, it’s a hockey simulation. Sure, they can sell their money-grabbing packs—people can choose whether or not to buy them—but at least don’t make the game look like Fortnite, for goodness’ sake. Whoever came up with this idea should be let go, not because it lacks visual appeal, but because they clearly aren’t listening to the fan base. Take a moment to see what your fanbase is saying on X and Reddit. Check out the comments on this post on X.

I don't know what's over the edge. The players standing in front of the screen are more of an inspiration than what the spectator in the stadium sees on the cube. But if there is no demonstration of the goalie on the ice after this intro, the community will be negative again, we simply need a presentation of the goalie like NHL 22.

I like the concept of tracking who you've played before and providing some match-up history before a game.  But the execution of that idea on display here is obviously not geared towards me.   I get that EA wants to bring in new players and grow the game, but I'm not sure this style of presentation is the way to go.  But I'm old, and this is obviously something designed to appeal to a younger audience.

I'm curious about what game modes this applies to.  The blog is vague.  Does this apply to WOC modes?  If so, does it track only clubs or does it track match-ups at a player level?  At a club level does it differentiate between game modes?

I wouldn't agree that only the younger players are going to enjoy this. I'm certainly not one of those and the first time I saw it I didn't mind it. Kinda got me excited for the upcoming rematch. Regardless, appreciate the feedback. We'll have more news on the Grudge Match system as we get closer to release.

Pretty barebones for being one of the "notable" additions this year. As others have said, why can't we just have a normal hockey intro and just throw in h2h stats?

I think we all know where this is really headed. I bet they create some custom “grudge match” intros and then try to sell them. Just like they did with the gear and Fortnite looking goal celebrations from last year. It’s why they took away the option to wear club jerseys in there’s eliminator, to force you to wear the clown gear. They are trying to make the game more like Fortnite and less like hockey. 

I like the look of it and I'm 49 😁

Should add a bit more edge to competitive online games.