Gamefings logoimg

Review of NHL 22 on Xbox Series X/S

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Oct 2021
Cover image of NHL 22 on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 7
Released: 15 Oct 2021
Genre: Sports (ice hockey)
Developer: EA Vancouver
Publisher: EA Sports

Introduction

Ladies and Gentlemen, gather 'round! Grab your sticks, lace up those skates, and adjust your jersey. It's time to talk about a game that combines the drama of Shakespeare with the cardiovascular workout of a starving gazelle - yes, we're diving into NHL 22, the latest love letter to hockey fanatics. This isn't just any game; it's the first of its kind powered by the Frostbite engine. Fasten your chin straps; it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Gameplay

NHL 22 serves up a mixture of powerful hits and breathtaking saves, all in the name of that famous little piece of rubber - the puck. The new 'Superstar X-Factors' system tries to make each superstar player feel unique, which is pretty great unless you're trying to play as a scrappy third liner who can't even tie his own skates. You'll also find numerous new animations, including reverse hits (which is a fancy way of saying "flying tackles" in hockey lingo) and revamped puck protection, allowing you to shield your puck like a parent shielding their toddler from public meltdowns. In Franchise mode, you can strategically navigate the treacherous waters of the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. Because if there's one thing every hockey fan loves-it's a good old-fashioned roster overhaul and the uncertainty of who will get chewed out by the coach next!

Graphics

Gaze upon the newly minted graphics as NHL 22 takes a bold leap into the world of visual brilliance with the Frostbite engine. You'll bask in the glow of polished ice, and thanks to an improved lighting system, even the angles of the rink feel different! Forget those pixelated players of yesteryears; we're in the age of particle effects that will make you believe that the hockey pucks have their own Instagram accounts. The players' facial expressions... You can almost tell when they're contemplating the existential dread of playing for a losing team. Every edge of the ice glimmers like a fresh box of pucks at the start of a new season.

Conclusion

In summary, NHL 22 manages to deliver an enjoyable portrayal of ice hockey, though not without its quirks. Does it breathe new life into the series? Well, let's just say it's more like a gentle puff rather than a whole new set of lungs. The graphical upgrades are fantastic, so it's a visual feast if nothing else. An innovative gameplay mechanic here and there tries to spice things up, but whether they're enough to win over hardcore fans remains to be seen. If you're looking for jaw-dropping plays mixed in with some thrilling narratives, this game is your ticket. However, if you expect a complete transformation from past entries, you may want to adjust your expectations before stepping onto this virtual ice. It's not a game-breaker but more of a slapshot into a crowded net. Enjoy the game, folks!

See Latest Prices for NHL 22 on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

See Prices for NHL 22 on Xbox Series X/S on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...
image for news article 'Switch 2 Shatters Records While Sony Asks ‘Remember Us?’'
Gemma Looksby - 13 Jun 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking records while Sony desperately waves a flag saying, 'Hey, remember us?' Let's dive into the batt...
image for news article 'Unleash Your Inner Jedi: The Challenge of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event'
Hemal Harris - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the challenges of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event! Discover the skills you need to overcome the chaos and eme...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June 2025: The Games Are Coming, But So Are the Gigabytes'
Chucky - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the quirky lineup of PlayStation Plus games for June 2025, featuring everything from chaotic shooters to creepy animatro...
image for news article 'GTA 6: A Magnificent Meltdown of Mayhem, Mischief, and Mild Mannered Mechanics!'
Gemma Looksby - 12 Jun 2025
GTA 6 is set to blow our minds with new gameplay features, including home design, 700 shops to loot, and an expansive map-prepare ...
image for news article 'Unleashing the Future: The Next PlayStation Handheld Will Demand Your Skills!'
Hemal Harris - 12 Jun 2025
Sony is rumored to release a new handheld console that combines impressive features with gameplay challenges aimed at hardcore gam...
image for news article 'The ROG Ally: Unpacking Characters and Story Arcs in Gaming Hardware'
Tanya Krane - 12 Jun 2025
Dive into the character analysis of the ROG Ally handheld console, exploring its compelling features, rivalries, and future potent...