It's been a rough two seasons for the NHL, as hockey fans have had to deal with shortened seasons due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A return to normal is on the horizon, however, as the 2021-22 NHL season is set to begin in October with a full season of games. Anticipation for hockey is building, and Electronic Arts is looking to capitalize with the pending release of NHL 22. It too will be available in October and NHL fans can start getting excited with an all-new NHL 22 trailer.
In its official reveal trailer for NHL 22, EA has confirmed that the hockey game officially launches on October 15. Supported platforms for the new game will include both last-gen and current-gen consoles, so PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S versions of NHL 22 will all be available. This will be the first time an EA NHL game has officially supported both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, as NHL 21 was only available through forward compatibility.
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Given that this will be NHL's first foray on next-gen platforms, fans are understandably expecting some major steps forward in terms of technology and features. With that in mind, EA has confirmed that NHL 22 has officially been upgraded to the company's in-house Frostbite Engine. That means that even before discussing features, NHL 22 will include upgraded player models, improved lighting, rebuilt and improved stadiums, and impressive shadows and reflections simply due to Frostbite's inherent capabilities.
While it isn't a long list, EA has teased a brand new feature for NHL 22 named Superstar X-Factors. These are traits that players can have that will make them perform uniquely on the ice. Only the NHL's top 100 players will have these X-Factors, so they'll be rare and have the potential to be game-changing. Examples provided by EA include "Shock & Awe," which improves power and accuracy when shooting after a deke, and "Tape to Tape," which grants power and accuracy to passes.
Lastly, EA has confirmed that Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs will be this year's cover star. This isn't the first time Matthews has been featured on EA's NHL cover, as he was also on NHL 20's. Detractors of Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs probably won't stress it, because the team has been cursed with first-round exits in the playoffs each year since.
NHL fans can expect much of the same content delivered each year in NHL 22. Features like Franchise, Be a Pro, and Playoff modes are all confirmed to be returning. For those wanting to try the game before buying, EA has also confirmed the game will have a 10-hour trial with EA Play, which is included with Xbox Game Pass. Hockey season is almost back.
NHL 22 releases October 15 on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.