We found it a bit odd that NHL 18 wasn’t present at this year’s EA Play event, but Electronic Arts was promising a big reveal for its latest hockey game this evening…and it didn’t disappoint.
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The publisher not only revealed a new trailer for the game, which can be seen above, but also debuted its latest cover star – Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.
“Representing NHL 18 as the cover athlete is an incredible honor,” said Connor McDavid. “I’ve played EA SPORTS NHL every year since I was kid. To appear on the cover, something that has been done previously by so many players that I respect and admire, is very exciting. I can’t wait to play NHL 18.”
Some new features for the game were also revealed, including the ability to set up Creative Attack moves on the net, as well as a new Defensive Skill stick to make epic saves when necessary.
Arcade fans will also dig into the game’s new 3-on-3 NHL Threes mode, introducing arcade-style to the mix alongside the 5-on-five traditional set-up. In fact, the publisher will be launching a beta for this new mode starting next month, on July 25th, and will also let players try out the new EA Sports Hockey League and Online Versus. Those interested can register here.
“There’s a huge shift in the sport of hockey right now, where a new generation of young players are bringing more speed, skill and creativity to the game than we’ve ever seen,” said Sean Ramjagsingh, Lead Producer for NHL 18. “NHL 18 is all about capturing everything that’s great about the new NHL. Creative Attack controls let our players show off all the skill and highlight-reel moves they can imagine, while NHL Threes brings the speed and excitement of 3-on-3 hockey to the game.”
New Creative Attack skill moves give players the control to execute jaw-dropping plays. On offense, creative dekes include between-the-legs moves, one-handed dekes, back-handed toe-drags and much more — like the ability to branch moves together for moment-to-moment decision making. On defense, the new Defensive Skill Stick delivers the tools to counter attacks with poke check targeting, extended pokes, and controlled stick sweeps to cover zones of the ice and take away lanes. New Creative A.I. systems mean teammates now leverage the same tools as the player for intelligent decision-making all over the ice, including board passes and through-passing into space.
Additional features include the new Expansion Draft coming to Franchise Mode, Hockey Ultimate Team Solo Challenges, and a new Hockey Training Camp designed to ensure players have immediate success on the ice, and much more.
The game will release on September 15th for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.
