NHL 17

IGNGlenn Wigmore

8.4/10

NHL 17 offers such variety that it’s easy to recommend to many players. The continued focus on accessibility and on-ice training fits the series well, and added depth to the EASHL keeps long-time fans like me coming back. The franchise mode finally gives the GM/owner mode a reason to be played, and even Draft Champions, while a bit simplistic, provides a motivation to interact with the Ultimate Team ecosystem. Most importantly, the hockey presented on the ice is dynamic and fluid, and it serves up an excellent version of the fastest game around.

COGConnectedPatrick Anderson

83/100

To those who are new to EA’s NHL game series, a bit of background: in 2015, NHL released on the latest-gen consoles to mostly disappointment. Many of the game’s modes had been stripped-out, leaving a lot of longtime fans feeling cheated. Then, last year, NHL 16 represented a comeback of sorts – modes were brought back, new features were added, and EA made a long-term commitment to stay in touch with fans and listen to feedback.

Push SquareKen Barnes

8/10

With NHL 17 being the second version of EA's hockey sim to be released since the shameful PlayStation 4 debut that was NHL 15, fans of puck-based sports were rightfully expecting the good work done in last year's edition to carry on through and be improved upon even further to really bring the franchise into the current generation. There were warning signs suggesting that wouldn't be the case, but though the changes listed in the various pre-launch press releases all sound like standard EA Sports annual update fare, those fans will find that they've been rewarded for their patience.

Worth PlayingBrian Dumlao

8/10

Whether you compete online in a bid for glory, live out your ultimate hockey fantasy in single player modes, or simply lace up and jump over the boards for exciting and innovative hockey gameplay - NHL 17 gives you the chance to Shape Your Legacy on and off the ice.

GamingBoltAndy Brice

8/10

The best hockey series ever gets even better. More to see and more to do – and it’s all great fun thanks to solid gameplay and attention to detail

Attack of the FanboyDean James

While last year’s game was coming off its very disappointingly bare bones predecessor, NHL 17 already had a very solid foundation to build upon at the start and is one that will be enjoyed by most any fan of the sport.

Game SkinnyRobotsFightingDinosaurs

8/10

NHL 17 continues in NHL 16's tradition, providing a solid and customizable hockey sim experience, but not all of the new changes work as well as promised.

Game RantGR Staff

8/10

NHL 17 isn't leaps and bounds better than last year's NHL 16, but it's evident upon even a glance that EA Sports has been listening to its fan base. The end result of this leaves glimmers of unrealized potential, but the realization that this is the best installment that the series has seen thus far. It's been a rough trek for gamers, but NHL is back and it's better than ever.

DualShockersTomas Franzese

7.5/10

NHL 17 is a very good hockey simulation game. It's gameplay works well, it contains a plethora of well executed modes, and has a stable online experience. Sadly, some issues with the menus and on-ice trainer, along with long loading times, can cause frustration, especially when new players are still trying to understand the NHL 17's controls. While newcomers may be a bit off-put by the game at first if they don't invest a lot of time with it,those who stick with the game and fans of the series will have a great time, even though there are still a few things that need to be improved on in the f...

Playstation LifestyleTyler Treese

7/10

After the NHL lockout in 2005, I began to lose some interest in what used to be my favorite sport and started to watch it less often. Now over 10 years later, I haven’t been to a professional hockey game in years, and only really pay attention to the playoffs. I might be lapsed (because it used to be better), but I always remember why I fell in love with the sport whenever I play an NHL video game.

NHL 17 is a very good game of hockey that has not really grown much since last year. Tweaks and improvements are there, certainly nothing feels worse about the title than last season, but there is still room to innovate. The different modes gave me a ridiculous amount to do, but I think new players or those who have taken a couple of years off will get more out of this release than those who laced up their skates and played last season’s offering.

Checkpoint GamingTom Morgan

Unscored

Things might be starting to warm up on this side of the world, but in the US and Canada the National Hockey League season is just around the corner, and with it the release of NHL 17.