By now the gaming public fully understands that the next-generation of NHL 15 by EA Sports is at best a scaled back version of the its last-generation predecessor. Missing modes and poor developer communication has blemished the titles release, and sadly pushed the improvements into the shadows of the internet. NHL 15 next-gen has a few advantages in its corner, but due to the lack of communication about what actually would be included in the title, most will be overlooked.

One of the advantages that the next-gen version of NHL 15 has going for it is the actual gameplay itself, which is a huge plus. While this factor alone may not be enough for even the staunchest of hockey fan to warrant a purchase, those who have taken the plunge have experienced firsthand what is capable on the new systems.

It would be easy for one to generalize in a simplistic fashion and just state that the gameplay is better, but what does that mean? For me it means that the AI plays a more competent, competitive style of play on the ice, with less susceptibility to human manipulation. It means that the CPU is capable of properly handling of a 2 on 1 scenario.. It also means the AI is much better at understanding and executing a power play. Checking seems to be toned down a bit, and more organic looking, and the overall play itself seems less rigid. The puck physics are well done and add to the overall natural feel of the game. The same goes for player physics in general, as they seem to mimic what one would see on a real life on the ice. That’s not to say that there isn’t room for improvements in the areas I just listed, but the on-ice gameplay game seems much closer to greatness, than it does to average.

Another positive factor in the next-gen era of NHL is the ability to tune the game, via sliders. Yes, sliders are nothing new to the series, and some still have just a small effect on the attribute they are designed to control, but overall one can really adjust the game to their liking. Think the game plays too fast, you can easily slow it down with a few tweaks. Scoring too many goals? That can toned down. Not scoring enough? This also can be adjusted via settings and sliders.

Another area that has seen some improvement is penalties. I highly suggest that you max almost every single area out, and even than you are not going to see as many as you would in an authentic NHL game, but it is better. Here is to hoping that the developers really focus on this are for NHL 16, but if Madden, FIFA, and NBA Live are any indications, this may be as good as it gets.

While it may not be obvious from my love for this year’s gameplay. You can count me in on the side of being disappointed with the game and its lack of modes and options , but that is where the disappointment stops. For myself the new gameplay enhancements and physics are enough to capture my intention and immerse me into the world of the NHL, even if it’s for only one game at a time.

Obviously there is no excusing or replacing the modes that have gone missing in NHL 15, and I am not trying to do so. While the game may seem shallow on the modes front, that doesn’t diminish the far superior gameplay and physics that EA has created with their newest iteration of NHL. While I always have enjoyed the NHL series, I often equate it to EA’s FIFA series, in that it looks nice, has fun game-play, but doesn’t really resemble in authentic detail as what I would see at the stadium or on a broadcast. I can happily say that that NHL 15’s gameplay for the PS4 and Xbox One is closer to finally doing that than any of its predecessors.

What are your thoughts about the on-ice gameplay in NHL 15 for the PS4/Xbox One?