NHL19 Gameplay: What's New?

Ever since the NHL series debuted on this generation of consoles, fans have been waiting for the game to take a leap in gameplay. Last generation, NHL 07 was a breakthrough year that changed the course of the series forever. NHL 19 has a similar feel, from a gameplay standpoint. Here are 10 things you should look for when playing NHL 19.

10. New Skating System

When you fire up your first game, you will immediately notice that skating has been re-done. It is much more fluid. Weight matters more than it ever has. In the past, players felt as if they were gliding more than skating across the ice. This has been significantly improved. You will need to pay closer attention to momentum when you’re skating as well. If not, you will be in more danger of losing the puck or having it taken from you via a nicely timed bodycheck.

9. Bodychecking and Contact Physics

I’ll go out on a limb and tell you right now that hitting is excellent this year. It’s never been better. You will still see big hits, but what makes it so good is the subtleties that NHL 19 introduces. This year, you will see more bumps off the puck, more jostling for position and more grinding along the boards. How good a player is at bodychecking, how fast he is skating and where the players involved are situated on the rink all matter when determining the result of body to body interactions. It will take some getting used to, but it is rewarding at the end of the day.

8. World of CHEL

If you’ve been paying attention to the buildup to NHL 19, this new online mode will be familiar to you. EA Vancouver spent most of this year’s development cycle devoted to creating this immersive multiplayer experience. All games are played outdoors on ponds surrounded by beautiful winter landscapes.

7. Character Creation and Customization

Initially, you will create a character, like how you would for Be A Pro mode. Player customization has been upgraded this year and you have a lot of options for how your character will be dressed. Options range from casual attire like parkas and sweatshirts to NHL merchandise. In terms of play style, you have 12 player classes to choose from, which are influenced by the position, height and weight of your character. There are plenty of traits available that you can use to further customize the way your character plays. For more details on the available player classes available, check out this guide. You can use the player you create throughout the World of CHEL hub, as well as in the longstanding flagship online mode, EASHL. This character can be used offline as well in Pro-Am mode.

6. NHL Ones

NHL Ones is the standout mode in the new World of CHEL online hub. It is a 1v1v1 mode in which you take your character and attempt to score as many goals as possible. You must keep the puck away from your two opponents—or get it back as quickly as possible if you don’t have it. It is a fast-paced, free-for-all kind of game. Once you start playing, it will be hard to stop. I promise.

5. Scouting Improvements in Franchise Mode

For the first time in years, EA has revamped its scouting system. When you start your franchise, you will be required to assemble a team of 20 scouts. Scouts will be tasked with evaluating both pro and amateur players. This will affect not only how you assess talent, but the way the AI does as well. You will see the AI making more informed decisions when trading, drafting and signing free agents, depending on the quality of their scouts.

4. Fog of War

If you’ve played Franchise Hockey Manager, you know challenging fog of war is. For the first time, NHL 19 includes the ability to use this feature in franchise mode. With fog of war on, you will be required to scout league-wide, to reveal the attributes of players. This will add an increased layer of realism to the mode. If you scouted a player at the beginning of the season and want to trade for him on deadline day, his attributes may have increased or decreased. If you don’t scout players frequently, you run the risk of overpaying or giving up talent for players in decline, or for players who you didn’t properly assess. It’s a wrinkle casual fans may not use, but I love this addition.

3. Be A Pro

Be-A-Pro returns this year, and little has changed. This is an offline mode in which you take a player, whether created or existing, and guide him through an NHL career. Every game you play is through the eyes of that single player. You can request to be traded at any time and you can begin your journey in the CHL or NHL. Unfortunately, this mode does not contain any cinematic elements, which may disappoint many fans.

2. Presentation

For the fifth year in a row, the NHL series features a full NBC presentation package. Commentary duties are handled by the award-winning duo of Doc Emrick and Eddie Olczyk with Ray Ferraro providing insights from ice level. If you enjoy this duo, you may be disappointed to know that this will likely be their final game providing commentary together for the NHL series.

1. Five-Man Celebrations

This is a small change that fans have been clamoring for over the past few games. Older NHL games had this, but this is the first iteration of the series to include this presentation element on this generation of consoles. It provides a bit more immersion when playing the game and makes scoring goals a little more enjoyable. It’s all about the details, and subtle additions like this go a long way.