Hockey fans were treated to the official reveal of EA Sports NHL 25 this week, with EA confirming his year's game will launch on October 4, 2024. While EA typically targets as many consoles as possible for its sports franchises, EA Sports NHL 25 will only be coming to Xbox Series X|S and PS4.
This year's game is said to be "built different" thanks the the implementation of what EA is calling "ICE-Q." It's really just a fancy buzzword that encompasses all of the new gameplay mechanics and features that help deliver "an authentic experience that replicates the NHL's elite talent."
Summing up ICE-Q, EA wrote in its press release:
Built on an all-new logic-driven animation system, ICE-Q responds to contextual events with unprecedented realism and is the foundation of Chel’s gameplay overhaul. Next-Gen Vision Control skating allows players to walk the blue line, square up to the puck carrier, stay locked on goal and much more. The empowered AI helps players execute authentic plays with a refreshed playbook that improves power plays and opens up the ice for better overall positioning and offensive opportunities. Plus, Reactive Actions utilizes a series of new animations to make skaters more responsive in critical situations, increasing their urgency, collision avoidance and reliability.
Not sure what all of this means? Check out the official reveal trailer below for our first look at EA Sports NHL 25.
“The new ICE-Q gameplay system represents a foundational shift in how players will experience the game, with its deep intelligence giving them complete control of the ice,” said Mike Inglehart, Senior Game Design Director at EA Vancouver. ”Hockey is built different, with NHL 25 delivering greater authenticity, bigger team rivalries and inspired by the sport’s next-generation superstars who continue to redefine the game.”
Serving as this year's cover athletes are brothers Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes. They will grace the covers together, with their play on the ice used as a representation of the evolution in NHL 25's gameplay intelligence.
"While Quinn, Jack, and Luke Hughes each have created impressive careers in their own right with unique skill sets, they are renowned as a family for their exceptional skating ability and hockey IQ," EA wrote. "As the first siblings to grace the cover of an EA SPORTS title, their ability to anticipate the game perfectly matches the way that ICE-Q opens up NHL 25 and gives players time and space to create plays."
More specific details for EA Sports NHL 25 will likely be shared in the coming weeks ahead, but EA also revealed a few of the features that fans can look forward to in this year's game.
NHL 25 includes gameplay changes, skill based one-timers, a new WOC Live Events structure, HUT Wildcard Mode, and a simplified, single-path XP progression shared across HUT. Skill Based One-Timers enhance authentic gameplay and create unique moments. By reading the attacking zone and finding an open teammate, players are rewarded with the impact of a deadly one-timer, leading to heart-pumping scoring possibilities. The all-new Grudge Match System tracks the history of matchups between teams across all major online and offline modes and enhances the series with special X-Factors that are earned in previous matchups against rival teams. Additionally, the introduction of Sapien Technology and the power of our Frostbite Engine on next-gen consoles delivers a visual uplift to character likeness.
Fan-favorite Franchise Mode also gets a revamp, starting with the Franchise Hub, featuring streamlined navigation that gives players access to new, relevant and easy-to-digest information. This elevated Franchise Mode user experience is just one of the many updates coming to the mode, with more announcements coming in the weeks leading up worldwide launch. More details about each of these features will come in deep dive videos ahead of launch.
EA Sports NHL 25 launches on October 4, 2024, with pre-orders now available. Those who pre-order the Deluxe Edition ($99.99) will receive seven days of early access, 4600 NHL Points, HUT NHL Player Pack, HUT “Hockey is Family” Objectives Choice Pack (x2, 82 OVR), HUT Cover Athlete Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 8), HUT Wildcard Starter Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 6), WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2), Exclusive WOC Player Set, and Immediate Reward In NHL 24 (Choice of Jack, Quinn, or Luke Hughes at 99 OVR).