NHL 24 will be released worldwide on 6 October, the Early Access phase via EA Play will start three days earlier. The new ice hockey simulation is supposed to come up trumps with crossplay function – the “Exhaust Engine” holds out the prospect of greater realism.
The Reveal of NHL 24 on Wednesday also brought along the release date: The new ice hockey simulation from EA SPORTS will be released worldwide on 6 October. Those who secure Early Access via EA Play can even play for 10 hours from 3 October.
But back to the innovations: First of all, the developer introduces the cross-play function, which will make it possible to compete against each other across consoles in NHL 24 – but only in the same generation. PlayStation 5 owners will consequently be able to compete with players on the Xbox XS. This applies to both Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) and World of CHEL.
In terms of gameplay, the “Exhaust Engine” stands out. It is supposed to “let you feel the intensity of having an opponent in your own end zone”. This would make strategic decisions necessary: “Puck Possession” or “Attack on the Rush”? The “Exhaust Engine” towers over two sub-functions: the “Sustained Pressure System” and the “Goalie Fatigue System”.
Save value boosts via offensive actions
The “Sustained Pressure System” rewards “advanced offensive actions” according to EA SPORTS. The publisher understands this to mean shots, passes or checks in the attacking zone. If these situations are accumulated, boosts can be earned for the stats of one’s own team. In return, the stats of defenders such as cover star Cale Makar can drop.
The “Goalie Fatigue System”, on the other hand, affects goalkeepers, as the name suggests. First of all, more than 50 new animations for the goalies’ movements will be integrated into NHL 24. These can be activated, for example, when a goalkeeper receives several shots in succession on his goal. This increases the likelihood of him making mistakes, as he simply becomes exhausted.
Checks: Discrepancy between risk and reward grows
The fresh “Physic Based Contact” feature is intended to provide “more physicality, more fun and more authenticity”. According to EA SPORTS, successful checks will trigger new reactions and animations in NHL 24. However, if an attempt misses, the player involved is “out of position”. The discrepancy between risk and reward for the execution of checks is to be increased.
Speaking of physical contact: Fans will also be able to use this to send their opponents to the bench in the upcoming title. In the process, it will even be possible to break the Plexiglas barrier. Finally, the developer presented the “Vision Passing System” and the “One-Touch Passing”. Both are also aimed at faster combination play: Pressing the pass button while the last pass is still on the way triggers direct play on.
