NHL 23

What it’s like

NHL 23 delivers the definitive annual iteration of professional ice hockey simulation, prioritizing accessibility and roster completeness over radical mechanical innovation. The core experience revolves around high-fidelity on-ice action, enhanced by new desperation moves and contact animations that provide rare, visceral moments of realism amidst familiar gameplay loops. A standout strength is Franchise Mode, offering deep customization for rebuilding leagues with legacy teams, catering to long-term management enthusiasts. The game’s most significant structural advancement is its embrace of inclusivity through the integration of full IIHF women’s teams and tournaments, particularly within the Ultimate Team ecosystem. This creates a more connected and diverse online environment, supported by cross-play features that bridge platform generations. With polished audio immersion and crowd atmosphere, it serves as a robust, albeit incremental, step forward for fans seeking a comprehensive digital hockey hub.

Strong in Co-op / MultiplayerSystems Depth / Build VarietyAtmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicGameplay / MechanicsProgression / ReplayabilitySimulation / ManagementSocial / Relationships

Keep in mind The core gameplay mechanics remain largely unchanged from previous entries, offering little innovation for veterans tired of the annual formula. · Visual fidelity suffers during close-up replays, where animations can appear janky or stilted despite strong distant visuals.

AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, ign.com, gaming.net, opencritic.com, gamecritics.com.