NHL 19 Reviews Praise World of Chel And Gameplay, But Presentation Needs Work

Matt Couden 6 years ago
NHL 19 reviews praise world of chel gameplay
NHL 19 reviews praise world of chel gameplay
Matt Couden 6 years ago

Now that EA Sports’ new game is out, websites are giving their firsthand opinions of the features, modes, and overall gameplay. So far the NHL 19 reviews have been positive on several aspects of the game, although there have been some common criticisms. As with most video games, there may be some early wrinkles that get updated when feedback about NHL 19 pours in. For now, here are some of the positives and negatives that various reviewers have come up with.

NHL 19 Reviews Like New Online Game Features

One aspect of the NHL game receiving praise is the new “World of Chel” online game mode. In this upgraded online hub, gamers design a skater they play with and earn gear or other customizations along the way. Basically, gamers experience the idea of playing hockey outdoors in a recreational way with dreams of making it to the NHL. Games are played on a fictional ski rink which has multiple rinks. The scenery features winter scenes full of snow and shivering spectators in their winter gear.

For example, Polygon’s Samit Sarkar has admitted in his review to spending a “majority of hours in World of Chel.” Sarkar praised the upgraded online hub for adding in “lighthearted, romanticized ideas of hockey fandom.” He says that the NHL Ones is considered simple yet challenging. These are 1v1v1 player battles with each of the three players to score the most goals in three minutes. However, an issue Sarkar points out is network issues or other internet glitches. These can cause one of the three players to fail to load. That leaves it as just a one-on-one game on the ice. Basically, it takes away the fun of the every-man-for-himself experience.

Gamespot also praises the outdoor pond hockey mode, as well as the fun “Threes” games. In their positive review, they also mention that the game’s controls are “superb” and offer “enough depth to play with skill and style.” Issues that Gamespot had with the game include the fact that the pond hockey mode is online only. In addition, they’ve pointed out that veteran players lack new features or content. Nonetheless, they rate the game an 8 of 10, or “Great.”

NHL 19 Needs More Stats, Upgraded Presentation

CBS Sports’ Pete Blackburn feels great aspects in NHL 19 include upgraded skating and hitting, the variety and depth of game modes, as well as more power play opportunities than in the previous version. As far as the “not-so-good” parts of the game, Blackburn says the overall visual aspects haven’t improved much. In addition, “Be-A-Pro” didn’t receive much of an upgrade, and there isn’t a lot of statistical depth. Some gamers enjoy that in their sports simulations.

Over at The Hockey Writers’ two-writer review, Drew Johnson and Brandon Share-Cohen gave the new game an 83.5 score out of a possible 100. They call it “the best installment of the franchise to date,” praising mechanics and replay value. However, they also feel aspects of the presentation of the game could use some work for the next installment.

NHL 19 Reviews Are Mostly Positive, So Far

Overall, the game seems well-received by reviewers. At Metacritic, the game has a cumulative score (so far) of at least 80 out of a possible 100. Out of the six reviews there, three give the game a 90 score. Two other reviews give an 80 or 85, respectively. The worst score there was a 75 via the USGamer website. They feel the game has improved gameplay in many ways. However, they also mention the “presentation” could use more of an upgrade in the future.

The NHL 19 game has only been available for a week for some gamers, or less than a day (Friday) for others. Fans’ celebrations of the game, as well as their biggest criticisms, will be hitting social media or forums. The fans provide a bigger feedback picture for the game developers to take into consideration. Until then, gamers will enjoy their time on the ice whether it’s indoors or outdoors!