Introduction

NHL 23 has skated onto consoles, packing in signature moves, new features, and enough ice to give you frostbite if you're not careful. The 32nd installment of the NHL franchise promises to bring more hockey action than a Zamboni on a never-ending loop. I dove into this icy world to see if it was worth taking a slap shot at or if it just shot itself in the foot.

Gameplay

At its core, NHL 23 is an ice hockey simulation game that's as complicated as trying to find your friends during a telepresence call, yet simpler than explaining how to score a hat trick to your grandma. This game introduces 'The Zegras' move, made famous by Trevor Zegras, which allows players to perform a lacrosse-style goal. Yes, now you can embrace your inner hockey trickster if you ever felt aspirational during the Olympics. 'Last Chance Puck Movement' is a new mechanic that lets players continue to play the puck even when they're on the floor or on the receiving end of a body check. Your ability to stand up in the midst of chaos is now mirrored in your gaming skills. Alongside this are new animations, including fancy national anthem presentations and interactive Stanley Cup celebrations that’ll make you feel like a champion even if you play in a rec league with guys named Derek and Chad who wear sweatpants instead of actual uniforms. The game also boasts single-player and multiplayer modes, alongside cross-play functionality. Get ready to see that one friend who always brings up that 'one time' we lost to a team of five-year-olds, because now he can do it online. The modes are extensive enough that even if you're terrible at ice hockey, there's a chance you might still enjoy it. Something about smashing digital players into the boards feels satisfying, even without the fear of getting a penalty in your living room. Online play has its quirks. If your internet connection is anything like my ex's loyalty, you'll find some lag here and there. Don't worry; that’s just the NHL experience coming to life—the drama builds tension between slow pucks and unhappy players across the virtual ice.

Graphics

The visuals are crisp and shiny, like your mom's floor after she discovered Pinterest. Powered by the Frostbite engine, the ice glistens like a sparkling diamond, while the players look like they’ve been knocked off the cover of a fitness magazine. Player animations are fluid, and events during the game can make you feel like you’re watching SportsCenter highlights. The crowd, too, brings a splash of life, though some spectators still look like they stepped straight out of the uncanny valley. Overall, a solid effort that feels like it takes the NHL name and sticks it onto a well-polished indie film.

Conclusion

NHL 23 offers a fresh coat of paint and some new tricks while sticking to its hockey roots. It's not going to change your life or inspire a movie starring Keanu Reeves, but it’s entertaining enough to keep you glued to your controller for hours. It’s a solid 7 out of 10, which leaves enough room for improvement in the next installment—perhaps they can invent a mode where players skate through lava while dodging penguins. Until then, strapping on your virtual skates for some good ol’ hockey fun will surely engage those looking for a solid ice hockey simulation.

See Latest Prices for NHL 23 on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon