A POSITIVE message to the devs
I just wanted to drop a quick positive note for the devs and the whole team.
There’s always been a lot of hate and criticism around EA and the past NHL editions, but honestly—it feels like something really changed with NHL 26. I’m not exaggerating when I say I put in around 2,000 hours a year, almost entirely on Be A Pro, and this is hands down the best version we’ve ever had.
The AI finally makes smart decisions and actually defends well. The overall feel of the game. The pacing, the stick sounds, puck physics, the posts ringing sounds, and the stunning visuals (especially on PS5 Pro) all come together to make this feel like a genuinely next-level experience.
Pulling off a deke actually gives me a rush now because it’s not just handed to you. The AI forces you to earn it. Goalies move in a way that feels straight out of a real broadcast, and speaking of broadcasts, the replay work adds a whole new layer of immersion.
If I had one piece of feedback, it’s that the gameplay deep dive videos didn’t really do it justice. The quality was low and the overhead camera angles just couldn’t capture how good the animations and details really are once you’re in the game.
All in all, this one deserves a serious round of applause.
