The NHL video game franchise from EA SPORTS is quite storied, but has ultimately lacked that level of innovation the series has seen in the past in recent years. Games like NHL 94, NHL 98 and NHL 07 revolutionized not only the series, but sports games as a whole. In its current state, EA SPORTS NHL series has tried some new things and continues to introduce small changes for every release.
For NHL 27, the team at EA Vancouver has reintroduced Connected Franchise and invested more in its NHL EDGE data foundation for gameplay. The team heavily invested in what individual games feel like with a new broadcast package, commentators and different arena atmospheres. There are still legacy issues here as the series heavily trails other EA SPORTS titles, and that gap isn't getting any closer.
Game modes across the board in NHL 27 aren't seeing any major uplifts. There are a few sports titles, much like MLB The Show, that if you haven't played any in a long time, or haven't ever played them, there is a good bit to invest in. This is much the same for NHL 27, as Franchise Mode, Be A Pro, Ultimate Team, the different tournaments, online play and Season Mode are all unchanged outside of maybe a minor tweak here and there. The devs invested in both Franchise and Be A Pro last year, and when this is compared to what Madden NFL 27 Franchise Mode integrated this year, it quickly leaves much more to be desired.
The devs brought back a popular mode with Connected Franchise, albeit it is a rather shortsighted implementation. EA Vancouver had stated this was the base to build on, but it won't come with live updates throughout the year. Yes, players can start a 32-person league that includes free agent bidding and trades, but there are so many limitations that it can hardly be called a Franchise Mode. This is more of a revolving season with no entry draft and no offseason transactions. You can make the bids during the season for players against other players, but that is the extent of it. Custom rosters can be used to start the league.
The Commissioner will reset the season at the end. There are no computer teams and the league has a three-team requirement to start. At least with the regular Franchise Mode, players have the option for the Expansion Draft and a fully customizable league that should really be the template for Connected Franchise.
Roster moves do carry over to each season, but there are no computer-controlled teams like those seen in College Football 27, no statistical carryover and no retiring players. It is the same pool of players, no custom players, and it's in quite a limited state all around at launch. Online Franchise Modes aren't for everyone, either, so returning players are left with the exact same ways to play as last year.
If a player skipped last year, they will be pleasantly surprised at the change to Be A Pro and Franchise Mode. Getting waiver claims and trade requests in a fairly abundant fashion in Franchise Mode is cool. Hockey Ultimate Team introduces authentic coaches and playbooks for a new layer of team-building. Be A Pro does offer some new story content, but the experience is the same. World of Chel will continue to offer seasonal content. If this is the first time a player is diving into a NHL game, there is a lot here to experience.
Yes, players can start a 32-person league that includes free agent bidding and trades, but there are so many limitations that it can hardly be called a Franchise Mode.
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