NHL 22 Gameplay Trailer Previews Superstar X-Factors, Enhanced Stick Physics, and More
EA has debuted the new NHL 22 gameplay trailer, featuring the first look at some of the new enhancements coming to the hockey video game. Among them will be the introduction of Superstar X-Factors, something which Madden gamers are familiar with, but those who strictly play NHL may not be aware of. In addition, the new game, built on the Frostbite Engine, will feature Enhanced Stick Physics and an Augmented Reality UI.
NHL 22 gameplay trailer previews game built on Frostbite Engine
Thursday, August 26th brought the NHL 22 gameplay trailer online to various social media platforms including Twitter and YouTube. The new trailer is under four and a half minutes long and features in-game footage along with commentary to preview the new aspects.
It’s made clear from the start of the trailer that NHL 22 is the first game in the franchise built on the Frostbite Engine and “powered by next-generation consoles.”
The previous installment, NHL 21, was playable on next-gen consoles, but unlike EA’s Madden 21 and FIFA 21 titles, there wasn’t an exclusive next-gen edition.
Based on the trailer comments, Frostbite will enhance gameplay with “breakthrough detail in every hit, deke, and shot” in the game. Fans can expect to see the enhancements throughout the game on a “micro and macro level.”
Among the upgrades are player facial animations and likenesses, as well as things like flares or snow that will be more prominent in the visuals.
What are the Superstar X-Factors?
Superstar X-Factors are a brand new addition to NHL 22 gameplay, as these are special unlockable skill boosts that certain star players will have available. Among the players featured in the trailer is cover star Auston Matthews, Connor McDavid, Artemi Panarin, and Leon Draisatl.
Tyson Sawatzki, NHL 22 Gameplay Producer, says these signature player abilities will “elevate the stars of the sport like never before.” The Superstar X-Factors will involve specialized gameplay mechanics that only specific star players can unlock.
There are six categories of Superstar X-Factors with Shooting, Skating, Passing, Hockey IQ, Defense, and Goaltending. There’s also a total of 29 different Superstar X-Factors in NHL 22.
A star player has these assigned in two tiers. The first tier is Premiere Zone Abilities, and the second tier features their Secondary Superstar Abilities.
Some of the Zone Abilities from the trailer include Auston Matthews’ Shock and Awe or Leon Draisaitl’s Tape to Tape. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has a Contortionist ability allowing him to make acrobatic saves.
It’s noted that Superstar X-Factors will span all positions and game modes in NHL 22.
Enhanced Stick Physics, Augmented Reality UI bring more authenticity to gameplay
The NHL 22 gameplay trailer also previewed the Enhanced Stick Physics of EA’s upcoming game. These are being used in an attempt to “realistically simulate stick-on-stick or stick-on-body collisions” in the video game.
An example given in the video is that attacking players can now protect themselves from a defender’s stick and drive to the goal to score. The Enhanced Stick Physics will lead to “more authentic puck battles on both offense and defense.”
Augmented Reality User Interface (UI) will also enhance the gameplay’s look and feel. This will include various visuals that appear on-screen during the game. It could mean a display of stats right on the ice (see below), or a 3D enhancement of a player after a highlight play with a Superstar X-Factor.
Overall these updates should help with in-game strategy and add to the enjoyment of the sports simulation experience. The game is still weeks away, but the trailer seems to showcase some unique changes that could have many players excited for the latest EA hockey sim.
NHL 22’s official release date is October 15, 2021, for PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Check out our NHL 22 pre-orders details for information about the Standard and Dynasty Editions.
Visit VGR’s NHL page to stay updated on more news about EA’s game.