With the start of the NHL season just over a month away, EA Sports has begun to unveil everything coming toNHL 23in October. EA Sports officially released thefirst trailer for the upcomingNHLgameearlier this week, teasing new gameplay mechanics like “last chance puck movement” and an overhaul to the game’s strategy system. EA had also previously revealed the cover athletes forNHL 23, starring Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras and Canadian Olympian Sarah Nurse. Now, the newest hockey trailer gives players a closer look at the new on-ice mechanics.
NHL 23’s official gameplay trailer released Tuesday morning with EA Sports taking an in-depth look at several new gameplay elements coming in the new game. The trailer shows off the previously revealed last chance puck movement, with players able to shoot and pass the puck after being hit. EA cites the changes as focused on “keeping the flow of the game moving,” as well as offering “more dynamic plays.” The new puck movement mechanics will also be available to defensive players, along with good positioning allowing players to stop desperation attempts.
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The second segment of the gameplay trailer focuses in on the variety of changes being made toNHL23’sstrategy system. EA Sports revealed several adjustments made to pre-existing strategies within the game alongside adding the new 1-3-1 powerplay positioning as well as the corresponding 1-1-2 formation for the penalty kill. Powerplays will feature a new mechanic as well, allowing players to assign certain in-game players to specific roles based on their strengths.NHL 23also introduces the “assisted strategy” system with automated suggestions for changing strategies and positioning mid-game.
Among the most notable changes covered throughout the trailer were several improvements being made toNHL 23’s AI. Goalies are a focus ofEA’s newly revamped AIwithinNHL 23with computer-controlled goalies receiving increased intelligence, as well as a variety of new movement and reactions for different situations. AI skaters have also received several new gestures to help players, including pointing sticks towards players who are open for a pass and raising their stick to signal a line change.
While EA Sports has just begun to reveal details aboutNHL 23, many fans are hoping EA Sports will continue improving on its female representation. Sarah Nurse became the first female player to star as a cover athlete on anNHLgame with the reveal ofNHL 23’s cover.NHL 22previously introduced several Women’s National Teams to the game while competitor2K Sports is heavily featuring the WNBAinNBA 2K23. EA Sports will look to appeal to hockey fans everywhere as it continues to roll out more details aboutNHL 23in the coming weeks.
NHL 23is scheduled to release on October 14th, 2022 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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