EA Sport’s NHL 17 could potentially bring new light to its checkered past. Last years NHL 16 had gamers upset about the lack of options left for them. This year it appears EA has heard its fans and decided to get back to its roots. EA has a list of new features and modes on their website which introduce a new style to their NHL series. NHL 17 has also brought back franchise mode in addition to providing new and improved character movements allowing for a better experience.

The first new game mode is World Cup of Hockey, allowing players to experience their national team in a large scale tournament; a first from the NHL series.  The teams in the new mode have up to date players and jerseys to provide the most authentic gameplay experiences.  A second game mode that was added is Draft Champions, adding a more managerial approach to the game. This game mode not only allows players to create their own team through a real world style draft, but also lets them use their created team to become the Draft Champion.

With NHL 17 only a few months away EA released a new trailer showing off some of the new improvements added to the games mechanics. One new gameplay improvement is authentic goalkeeping which was created by utilizing a new motion capture to make goalkeepers movements similar to their real counterparts. Players will also have more control over their movements on the ice by adding more responsive controls. Specifically with the all new net battle physics designed to make battling for the net more exciting and challenging. These additions also contribute to better reactions across the ice when breaking out of the neutral zone. There have also been enhancements added to the hit mechanics allowing players to choose whether to hit, take to the boards, or push opponents off the puck.

EA announced in 2016 that it would have a beta set up. The enrollment for the beta has been closed, but if already signed up you will have access to NHL 17’s HUT, EASHL modes, and Online versus from July 28 to August 4.

NHL 17 is set to be released on PS4 and Xbox One on September 13.