70
Being the first sports game exclusive to PS5 and Xbox Series, we should be more demanding with this one. Despite being solid technically, it´s not amazing, but it´s enough to satisfy hockey fans, although its lack of new functions.
60
The new NHL installment once again tests how little it can offer for players to still consider buying it. Innovations are sparse and not always implemented in an effective way. It’s still fun hockey—but unfortunately, it’s the only hockey. So, why try harder?
76
Outside of some subtle AI and graphical tweaks, NHL 25 seemingly took a year off in advancing the series. It looks and plays slightly better, but struggles to cope with its new much slower speed identity. There’s just nothing here screaming ‘first day purchase,’ but – while very similar to NHL 24 – remains a solid offering.
1
Same game EA has released for years. The team lineups aren’t even right for the teams at the beginning of the season even if you download the “latest rosters”. The gameplay is the same as it has been for years despite them throwing these fancy name at it, this year it’s “ice-q”but it’s the same game. Then there’s the bugs. You’d think a dev with this many years development on the game would have fixed most of the bugs, particularly the game breaking ones. A season and a half into my pro career and I can’t play games because the game freezes on the loading screen between periods. Only way I will play NHL 26, and the only reason I am playing 25, is that I got it for free. Won’t pay for EA to release the same game year after year with the same issues and bugs.
4
Kinda disappointed. the gameplay isn’t very fun. The new Ice-Q is a fluke. There’s no improvement in the gameplay from last year except for the scoreboard. Franchise mode is more fun for sure, tho. Be a Pro is fun as well. The game gets boring after a while. Hopefully they make the game better next year, otherwise im not buying it.
0
Fix your **** GOALIES honus wagner cant stop a **** beach ball if his life depended on it in eashl 3v3 Signed from yours truly TEAM NOOTZ
NHL 25
Released On:
Oct 4, 2024
Metascore
Mixed or Average
66
User score
Generally Unfavorable
2.9
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
22% Positive
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
78% Mixed
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Sep 27, 2024
80
NHL 25 returns to form with impressive hockey. Satisfying changes to gameplay and updates to Franchise Mode including the addition of the Grudge Match breathe much-needed life into the series. ICE-Q works well and the changes to AI and being able to square up offensively against the goalie will create different results rather than just going through the motions in games and exploiting. There are still a few legacy issues here that are more personal annoyances including passing and a dated presentation model, but the move to current generation consoles has only allowed the team to create a significant upgrade to the series.
Oct 4, 2024
75
EA delivers on a truly dynamic, next gen hockey experience in NHL 25, but neglects the modes that bookend the package.
User score
Generally Unfavorable
13% Positive
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
16% Mixed
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
71% Negative
54 Ratings
54 Ratings
Oct 7, 2024
10
What is wrong with people that play this game? constantly moaning and giving it 0. How in the world is this game a zero? Incredible graphics, great gameplay and a must for hockey fans. also Metacritic you still haven't added the IMPULSE GAMER review for this game? this site use to be good. they don't even add half the critic reviews anymore. Disappointing.
Oct 6, 2024
10
Best in the history of the franchise, so much depth has been added to Franchise mode with players finally having insight into a players wants and being able to negotiate team friendly deals. Grudge Match adds a great variety to the matches played in the regular season and helps show off the shiny new visuals
Oct 21, 2024
70
For being the first current-gen game in the NHL series, the result is bittersweet: there have been undeniable steps forward in both graphics, simulation and gameplay, but the same cannot be said on the content and mode side. EA Vancouver probably needed more courage and time to come up with something new: for now, NHL 25 still remains a prisoner of its glorious past.
Oct 15, 2024
68
NHL 25 makes some minor strides to improve on last year's game, but will mostly appeal to those interested in team management and being a superstar forward. As a franchise, it continues to wait for a top draft pick that can turn things around in a meaningful way.
Oct 2, 2024
65
NHL 25 is a good game when it focuses on hockey, it’s when microtransactions come into play that things become tacky.
Oct 11, 2024
60
EA Sports NHL 25 fails to deliver on the promises it sets in the new features that EA swears are improvements. It's another example of an entry into an annualized sports game series that doesn't feel like it's doing anything differently from the last year, but at least in this case last year's (and by default this years) game is fun to play.
Oct 22, 2024
50
NHL 25 isn’t great. While there are welcome changes this time, almost all of them are cosmetic, or menu-oriented. Ultimately, that’s what this iteration amounts to: a hyper-fixation on presentational components. Where are the new game modes? Improvements to the controls? Sure the game looks great, but wouldn’t it be awesome if it played great as well?
Dec 19, 2024
9
Loved it. Graphics are beautiful. LT and on timers are gsme changers. Guys set up in face up circles, just like OV. Goalies, passing, AI , everything is better. I'd give it a 10, if we could make custom goalie masks. Go buy it don't listen to the negative. Adding PWHL and 4 Nations Cup. Games incredible.
Oct 6, 2024
6
NHL 25 fails to deliver any notable changes; the franchise is clearly taking a direction to appease the new generation of gamers rather than original fans of the series.
Oct 12, 2024
5
I rarely make a review **** but what a disappointment, i make the impulsive buy mostly for franchise addition, first game exclusive on next generation, addition on the gameplay. the new menu etc...
I love the franchise addition , the problem is with the gameplay.
Smooth, yes ! maybe too smooth, don't feel the impact of a big check anymore, the replay of a big check are atrocious. the goaler for me are a big part of the game and they make big save but on the other side look so stupid another shot, the pass are still not accurate and make pass to another player when you have one scream for a pass. all player are slim , WHY ??? i watch recently a video of nhl 14 and surprisingly the graphic look pretty much the same , I really don't see graphic amelioration ,on the opposite , the color are so bad. the game is buggy on many level.
Sadly i can't recommend that game at more then 20$
Jul 18, 2025
4
Kinda disappointed. the gameplay isn’t very fun. The new Ice-Q is a fluke. There’s no improvement in the gameplay from last year except for the scoreboard. Franchise mode is more fun for sure, tho. Be a Pro is fun as well. The game gets boring after a while. Hopefully they make the game better next year, otherwise im not buying it.
Feb 20, 2025
4
I like some of the new changes. But I would like to see some of the controls come back that were in the old game, like the basic hitting, pressing a to protect the puck.
SummaryA trio of new features gives players more control over the action than ever before, a major upgrade to the reliability and accuracy of CPU players, and a massive new animation set that makes gameplay a more seamless and realistic experience. The all-new Grudge Match System keeps track of the competitive history between teams and the intr... Read More
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date:Oct 4, 2024
Developer:
- EA Vancouver
Publisher:
