EA Sports just unveiled the new features for "NHL 24."
The focus this year was on adding new features to the World of Chel, which includes EASHL, 3s Eliminator and more. According to EA, the game has a big emphasis on being “connected,” with it being easier to play with friends on different consoles.
There are also changes to hitting, goaltending, overall presentation and more. The game is set to release on Oct. 6 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.
Here’s a look at some of the new features coming to "NHL 24":
World of Chel
- Instead of opening hockey bags to unlock items at random, users can now directly purchase the items they want with in-game currency. The bag system will still be included to collect the currency.
- A battle pass will be utilized to unlock special items during each season.
- Cross-play is expanded, allowing players to easily join teammates from other game consoles, as long as they are part of the same generation — no crossing over, such as PS5 and PS4.
- Teams can also pick up free agents to fill out their club rosters for a game.
- A new quick-play mode allows for one-period drop-in games. This will be especially useful when trying to level up the battle pass or test new features without worrying about teammates dropping early.
- There’s a new club finals playoff format that resembles more of a Stanley Cup playoff style. It isn’t just about grinding games anymore — there’s a bracket format, with teams being eliminated after losing four games.
New Gameplay Features
- The new Exhaust Engine will see a team that’s dominating puck possession earn extra adrenaline, while slowing down the defending team. Goalies will also be affected after facing a barrage of shots, moving slightly differently as they get worn out over time. This puts a focus on generating chances instead of ragging the puck.
- A goaltending revamp will see a new tethering system utilized. This allows a goalie to easily get back into position after a save, which could especially be useful after clicking the right stick too far in a bad read.
- Hitting will be more physics-based and less about crushing players at full force. The hits are supposed to feel more realistic and, in theory, more rewarding.
Presentation Updates
- New animated boards will be utilized just like in the NHL. It will be used to show stats such as shot information, time remaining in a period or power play, and when a team has full pressure activated.
- Over 75 new goal celebrations have been added, with new camera angles and special effects.
- The glass can be broken from shots and hits, and players can be hit into the bench.
More must-reads: