Comprehensive NHL 24 review examining gameplay innovations, HUT grind, and whether this year’s hockey title delivers
Introduction: A Franchise at the Crossroads
The latest installment in EA Sports’ hockey franchise arrives with both promising innovations and familiar frustrations that longtime fans will immediately recognize. NHL 24 represents another attempt to refine the series following last year’s problematic launch, but our analysis reveals significant areas still requiring attention.
While NHL 24 introduces several compelling gameplay features, persistent issues in core mechanics and minimal evolution in game modes prevent it from reaching its full potential as a championship-caliber hockey simulation.
As the new NHL season gains momentum, EA Vancouver delivers their annual hockey offering with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar gracing the cover. Following last year’s troubled release, the development team aimed higher this time around, though our testing reveals they still have considerable ground to cover before reclaiming elite status in sports gaming.
The transition to Frostbite engine several years ago continues to shape the gameplay experience, with this year’s edition focusing on realism through new systems like the Exhaust Engine. However, these additions come with their own set of challenges that impact the overall enjoyment.
For players transitioning from NHL 23, understanding the control modifications proves essential. The development team has eliminated certain exploit mechanics while introducing new systems that demand adjustment periods even for veteran players.
Gameplay Innovations: Steps Forward and Backward
EA Vancouver deserves credit for addressing several longstanding community complaints, particularly the elimination of the LT/L2 pivot spam exploit that previously enabled unrealistic directional changes and zone entries. This correction represents meaningful progress toward authentic hockey simulation.
The new precision passing system, activated by holding RT/R2, provides superior control over puck distribution across the ice. Combined with the refined goaltender anchor mechanics, these improvements offer players enhanced command over fundamental gameplay elements that experienced competitors will appreciate.
However, the positive changes become overshadowed by problematic implementations elsewhere. The Exhaust Engine, designed to replicate high-pressure hockey situations, demonstrates promising concept execution but suffers from inconsistent activation parameters.
EA’s Skate reboot mixes classic gameplay with a questionable live-service model
15 best sports games to play right now
NHL 25 to launch in early October & feature Hughes brothers on covers
The Pressure Meter mechanics, which accumulate through shots, hits, and offensive zone time, frequently trigger questionable goaltender animations even when Full Pressure conditions aren’t active. This creates visual inconsistencies that undermine the system’s intended realism.
Strategic players will notice the system’s flawed logic during standard 5v5 situations, where pressure accumulation feels disproportionately impactful compared to power play scenarios. The resetting of pressure during stoppages further diminishes the mechanic’s credibility as a realistic simulation tool.
Advanced gameplay tip: Master the timing between hustle activation and deke execution to avoid unintended puck protection animations. The window between pressing LS/L3 and using the right stick proves narrower than previous iterations, requiring precise input sequencing.
Common mistake alert: Many players accidentally trigger protect puck when attempting dekes due to the tightened input timing. Practice in free skate mode to develop muscle memory for the revised control scheme before competitive play.
The control modifications affecting puck protection and deking create unnecessary confusion. The decision to blend these mechanics seems questionable given that neither system required significant overhaul, resulting in a solution for problems that didn’t exist.
Hockey Ultimate Team: The Grind Intensifies
Hockey Ultimate Team receives incremental updates rather than transformative changes, with Objectives 2.0 representing the most notable enhancement. This system provides real-time challenge tracking, offering improved visibility into progression requirements for dedicated participants.
The implementation proves particularly useful for completing Moments challenges, though the underlying reward structure continues favoring players willing to invest financially rather than those dedicating time through gameplay alone.
Optimization strategy: Focus your efforts on Squad Battles during weekdays and Rivals during weekends to maximize reward accumulation. The time investment required to complete HUT Rush, Squad Battles, and Rivals reward paths simultaneously proves excessive for most players with limited gaming schedules.
The decision to reduce Rivals rewards during the second week following launch represents a significant disappointment for the community. Replacing Premium Players Packs with inferior Gold Collectibles diminishes the value proposition for competitive players achieving higher division rankings.
Longtime HUT enthusiasts recall more balanced reward structures from earlier franchise entries, where skilled gameplay could compensate for financial investment. The current iteration heavily prioritizes monetization, creating frustration among the dedicated player base that supported the mode through its evolution.
Resource management tip: Prioritize completing daily objectives and weekly challenges before engaging in competitive modes. The cumulative rewards from consistent participation often outweigh the unpredictable returns from high-tier competitive placements, especially following the reward structure adjustments.
Other Game Modes: Stagnant but Functional
Be a Pro mode returns essentially unchanged from previous iterations, reflecting the development focus on HUT and core gameplay mechanics. While functional, the absence of meaningful innovation makes this mode difficult to recommend for players who experienced it in NHL 23.
Franchise Mode maintains its engaging management simulation foundation, though veteran players will notice minimal differentiation from last year’s offering. The mode continues providing satisfying long-term team building experiences despite the lack of substantial updates.
CHEL (World of CHEL) remains the franchise’s most enjoyable social experience, allowing players to develop custom avatars and compete across various casual game types with friends. The addition of purchasable cosmetic items represents a welcome implementation of microtransactions that don’t impact competitive balance.
The confirmation that most cosmetic purchases will transfer to future franchise installments provides valuable reassurance for players investing in their virtual hockey identity. This forward-thinking approach to content preservation sets a positive precedent for annual sports titles.
Mode selection advice: For solo players, Franchise Mode offers the most substantial experience despite its similarities to previous versions. Social players should prioritize CHEL, while HUT remains the primary destination for competitive card collectors despite its monetization emphasis.
Final Verdict: Room for Improvement
Comparing NHL 24 directly with its predecessor proves challenging given NHL 23’s notoriously problematic launch state. While this year’s edition demonstrates measurable improvements, the baseline for comparison remains regrettably low.
The Exhaust Engine concept shows genuine promise for enhancing strategic gameplay, rewarding sustained offensive pressure in a series traditionally dominated by rush-oriented tactics. However, the implementation requires refinement to achieve consistent, believable outcomes.
The limited evolution across most game modes presents another significant concern. While core gameplay receives attention, secondary modes feel neglected, reducing the overall value proposition for players seeking comprehensive hockey experiences beyond competitive online play.
For franchise veterans, NHL 24 represents incremental progress rather than transformative evolution. Newcomers may find more to appreciate, though the learning curve for mastering the revised control scheme shouldn’t be underestimated.
The title ultimately earns a hesitant recommendation for dedicated hockey gaming enthusiasts, with the caveat that patience through the adjustment period proves necessary. Casual players might consider waiting for substantial patches or price reductions before committing.
Reviewed on Xbox Series X
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » NHL 24 review: A clunky skate on the ice Comprehensive NHL 24 review examining gameplay innovations, HUT grind, and whether this year's hockey title delivers