NHL 16 News Post

NHL 16 Trial Available Now For EA Access Subscribers, Get 10 Hours of Gamplay

05:00 PM - September 9, 2015 by Steve_OS

The trial version of NHL 16 is available now (a day early) for EA Access subscribers. To start the download process, open up the EA Access hub, scroll over to NHL 16, click View in Store and download the trial.

For those of you that can download it, play a few games and let us know what you think!

REMINDER: You get 10 hours of gameplay, so make sure you exit out of the game if you are not playing. Don't pause and lose those precious minutes.

Game: NHL 16Reader Score: Vote Now
Platform: PS4 / Xbox OneVotes for game: 0 - View All

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Member Comments

# 161 MizzouRah @ 09/11/15 10:30 PM

I was happy there were a total of 5 penalties my last game.. lol and one was a double minor against the CPU.

Next few games are going to be on superstar because I haven't lost in awhile on all star. There is also a glitch were I set the game speed to 3 before the game and then it goes to 2 during the game and I have to set it back.

I don't know.. seems more like hockey than 15 did.. just don't know how much more to be honest. There are glitches all over the place.. playing vs Detroit and when they showed Jimmy Howard's stat line it didn't show the W-L properly (only showed his wins) and there was no SO stat like the box was cut off.

Players still feel the same except for when they take a shot - bad player miss the net but the speed seems similar.. OTT feels like Backes out there.

# 162 jyoung @ 09/11/15 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Les Paul


	6. Where is Jack Eichel?

Rookies can't be included in the EA NHL games until they've played at least one game in the real NHL.

I'd expect the rookies to be added to the NHL 16 roster about a week after the real NHL season starts.

# 163 Picci @ 09/11/15 11:54 PM

I'd like to extend a big Thank You for the valuable information you all supplied in helping me decide whether to get this game or not.

To all you die-hard and passionate hockey lovers around the globe

# 164 fiddlerpaul @ 09/12/15 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lions67


	that would be a mistake. this place is almost as bad as the EA forums .don't fall for the b.s. piling on that goes on around here. don't believe me?? go take a gander at ALL THE OTHER GAME THREADS. you WILL see a commonality to them. make up your own mind. rent it first if you must, but don't let these guys influence you one way OR the other. most of their complaining is about trivial things anyway.

Totally agree. The little things that are deal breakers tell me that people are like that about everything in life. Get what you deserve if it kills your capacity for fun.

# 165 bwiggy33 @ 09/12/15 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lions67


	that would be a mistake. this place is almost as bad as the EA forums .don't fall for the b.s. piling on that goes on around here. don't believe me?? go take a gander at ALL THE OTHER GAME THREADS. you WILL see a commonality to them. make up your own mind. rent it first if you must, but don't let these guys influence you one way OR the other. most of their complaining is about trivial things anyway.

What are the trivial things you're talking about? Most of what I've read are gameplay related issues that have been a consistent theme in this series for a long long time.

I find the NHL forum much better in regards to people speaking truthfully because there's a lot less people. Nobody honestly gives a crap to come on here and bash the game to ruin it for other people, when they haven't even played it themselves. Madden absolutely but NHL not really. Honestly if someone has the time in their lives to come on here and just bash a bunch of things about the game after not having played it then they need to find something else to do.

# 166 Arrowhead21 @ 09/12/15 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18 eighty 5


	I'll get my hockey fix playing Rocket League.

Alright, now I've heard it all.

# 167 18 eighty 5 @ 09/12/15 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaiman


	I'm not an EA Sports or NHL fanboy, but you can't be serious about comparing Rocket League to an NHL game. Two different animals.

What I am saying is Rocket League gets the organic, unscripted gameplay necessary for a ballistic style sports game. EA NHL had just never got this right. Don't know how long you've been playing the series but this has been an issue for fans for years especially against the AI.

# 168 jake19ny @ 09/12/15 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddlerpaul


	Totally agree. The little things that are deal breakers tell me that people are like that about everything in life. Get what you deserve if it kills your capacity for fun.

While I agree there are some people who will never be happy I think that most of the gripes are legit. Trivial to me would be if the game was solid and guys were bitching that there are no Mascots in the game or playoff beards....oh EA put those in but not season goal totals shown throughout the season. I have maintained all along that I will buy the game because I love playing hockey. I also have said all along that my expectation is NHL 14 next gen. It will be a bit disappointing but I will find a way to enjoy it like I did with 14. That doesn't mean I'm not totally dumbfounded and annoyed that certain things are missing from the game.....again. My gripes:
Lack special teams play - totally not trivial to complain about this. It's almost as important as having pucks in the game lol.
Lack of player separation - totally not trivial to want Colton Orr to not play like Bobby Orr.
Season Goals Shown During BeaGM or Season Mode - totally not trivial since it was in the past 5-6 previous releases until NHL15. As cool as the mascots and beards are I would rather have had this.
Many of the gameplay gripes guys have are legit also. Again I agree there are those that would find something to complain about no matter what but no way are these forums anything like the childish bitch Fest and playground name calling that goes on in the EA forums. Most guys here are respectful and use constructive criticism in the hopes the squeaky wheel get oiled and the moderators are quick to deal with knuckleheads.

# 169 Gerg04 @ 09/12/15 08:56 AM

Sure having impressions are great, but they're just that. There's a reason some of us love sauerkraut and some people hate it. If you only judge by the smell, how would you ever know of you like it!

Most every complaint here is LEGIT, the AI, the penalties etc and so on. Buy guess what, it's the same people complaining about the same things ever year. WHICH IS ALSO OK because we want the best hockey experience possible and expect EA to deliver.

But my MAIN point is you can still have fun with this game, Believe it or not. For its shortcomings and misses I'm still enjoying it!!! Hard to believe I know. That there could be so many people complaining about so many things for so many years, yet the game is still fun!

Try it for yourselves, don't take my word or anyone's word here as gospel. If you play it and don't like it fine. And use the impressions as a guide. You never know, once you play you may completely change your mind.

# 170 s_mkheidze @ 09/12/15 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lions67


	that would be a mistake. this place is almost as bad as the EA forums .don't fall for the b.s. piling on that goes on around here. don't believe me?? go take a gander at ALL THE OTHER GAME THREADS. you WILL see a commonality to them. make up your own mind. rent it first if you must, but don't let these guys influence you one way OR the other. most of their complaining is about trivial things anyway.

Hmm...you must not know what trivial means. Seems to me like CPU AI is an integral part of a sports game's play-ability. Also that frame rate drop issue is pretty distracting and rather inexcusable.
And I suppose to a casual hockey gamer that some of the complaints are trivial, but if you are a hockey sim guy...then there is one word that dictates your level of enjoyment; immersion.
You don't get immersion unless you have the little details and that is where EA falls flat on their collective faces. They just can't get the small things right. Sometimes....those small things have a huge affect on the overall experience.

# 171 MizzouRah @ 09/12/15 09:00 AM

Some positives.. the arenas look incredible. Playing my Blues at home feels like a home game. Each team I've played against on the road has been really neat to see their arena and not just the same arena with home team colors. I love they added the extra Blues stuff after scoring a goal.

The game is no longer a hit fest. You really have to line someone up to get that big hit and players can actually stay on their skates. (best improvement imho)

Puck physics have been improved, some really neat puck physics on goals and tipped pucks.

Goalies have been improved, some really need save animations.

Menus seem to load faster.

I'm going to play some games on SS today.. but overall the game does feel more like hockey as long as you turn the game speed from 4 down to 3. It's not that frantic up and down and teams seem to setup more.

# 172 Ziostilon @ 09/12/15 12:21 PM

Not really getting much pass assist in HUT

When they said you need to aim your pass and angle your player in the direction of the pass

I thought it was just a generalization

Now I'm facing north but because I'm off by 20 degrees North East. My pass is off its mark and it goes to an open space.

Frankly, if it was that easy to directonal aim with the left stick, then we wouldn't have asked for Vision Control all those years

# 173 canucksss @ 09/12/15 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerg04


	But my MAIN point is you can still have fun with this game, Believe it or not. For its shortcomings and misses I'm still enjoying it!!! Hard to believe I know. That there could be so many people complaining about so many things for so many years, yet the game is still fun! Try it for yourselves, don't take my word or anyone's word here as gospel. If you play it and don't like it fine. And use the impressions as a guide. You never know, once you play you may completely change your mind.

Can you enlighten me and those who thinks that the gripes are "little things", how can I enjoy this game, because I am plainly a BaGM offline? If the issues such as No team/player separation, No NZ pressure, EASY to get into the zone, at higher level the AI Play not smart but hitting everywhere, no season goal tracking, etc. are not available in offline BAGM, how can I enjoy my franchise mode? Not to mention that the Stanley Cup celebration is still the same old, stale presentation, no 5 man celebration goal hug, etc.

I am not picky, I really do not mind if the sticks are somehow getting through the wall or passing through the legs of a player. As long as the gameplay is a true reflection of an NHL game.

Better presentation, presence of mascots are great additions, but IMO, thats not the reason why I will buy the game. It is the immersion in the franchise, which it would be impossible if those things I mentioned is not addressed here in 16. Mind you, all these issues existed in previous releases.

# 174 BL8001 @ 09/12/15 12:52 PM

For me, the most balance I can find, playing on sim is to reduce the cpu aggression, hit power, pass intercept, poke check and acceleration to your liking.

Turn on left stick hitting, turn off auto back skate.

And turn off manual passing.

Why?

Because now the cpu isnt just running into you on D to steal the puck which is so dumb because you can hit poke check 97 times while they seem immune to it.

So with the cpu D toned down both O abilities are evened out and you have some time to think and develop plays a bit.

Passing not on manual? Well. The cpu isnt on manual. If you play this long enough you will see some no way in hell is that possible cpu passes. If the cpu isnt on manual and pulling off miracles passes...why do I want to be on manual?

Also it sure seems like the cpu backs off a little with the insane forechecking when they know your passing isnt manual.

# 175 mike24forever @ 09/12/15 01:05 PM

I'm really enjoying the game. I have tuned my settings/sliders to my liking and it is producing game play that I desire. That being said, there are issues I hope and wish will be addressed.

1.) The camera stutter needs to be fixed when playing the game with the "Game Speed" slider below 3. For now I'll play with it at 3 and "Player Acceleration" at 0.
2.) True Broadcast camera is great, however I would like Custom Camera back. If it's there and I missed it, please let me know.
3.) THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE PENALTIES. That being said, I've had the CPU trip me on a breakaway and a penalty shot was called.
4.) I would love to see the CPU cycle the puck more in the offensive zone.

There are issues with this game and for now, I would like to see these issues addressed.

# 176 TDKing @ 09/12/15 01:12 PM

I played one game so far that's all I've had time for. The game is better than 15 but it's not where I thought we should be on a next gen machine. In one game I've seen most of the issues that have been posted in this thread. No penalties at all, the super kick and I think I actually did it instead of the cpu lol and the 3rd period super comeback by the cpu. I will play some more which is more than I can say for 15. I didn't even use my 6 hour trial up for 15. As a positive I'll probably use up my 10 hour trial for this year's game. Oh and one more thing they really need to crank up the volume for the goal songs!!

Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk

# 177 Gerg04 @ 09/12/15 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucksss


	Can you enlighten me and those who thinks that the gripes are "little things", how can I enjoy this game, because I am plainly a BaGM offline? If the issues such as No team/player separation, No NZ pressure, EASY to get into the zone, at higher level the AI Play not smart but hitting everywhere, no season goal tracking, etc. are not available in offline BAGM, how can I enjoy my franchise mode? Not to mention that the Stanley Cup celebration is still the same old, stale presentation, no 5 man celebration goal hug, etc. I am not picky, I really do not mind if the sticks are somehow getting through the wall or passing through the legs of a player. As long as the gameplay is a true reflection of an NHL game. Better presentation, presence of mascots are great additions, but IMO, thats not the reason why I will buy the game. It is the immersion in the franchise, which it would be impossible if those things I mentioned is not addressed here in 16. Mind you, all these issues existed in previous releases.

Can you enlighten me where I said any of the gripes mentioned were "little things" ? You must have missed the other paragraph in my quote.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerg04


	Most every complaint here is LEGIT, the AI, the penalties etc and so on. Buy guess what, it's the same people complaining about the same things ever year. WHICH IS ALSO OK because we want the best hockey experience possible and expect EA to deliver.

I'm not going to re-hash and/or try to justify any of the previous complaints. You know as well as I there are plenty of posts you can go back and find of people having LEGIT gripes, as I've already said.

There are issues with this game. Period. I'm sorry that you find them to be enough to not be able to enjoy the game. We're customers of a product and have a right to be unhappy with unresolved issues that have been present for years.

The point of my post is, with all the issues that still exist, I can find fun in the game. That is all. I'm not saying you should be able to enjoy just because I am. I have the same gripes you do, and they are not minor. I want the best experience possible. What I am saying here is, I can and will still have fun playing. To each their own. I'll never try to tell anyone how to or how to not spend their money. If every single person who hasn't tried the game yet based their purchase of the the ratio of positive to negative comments on this board, nobody would buy the game. Try it for yourselves. Mess with settings and sliders. If all you play is BE A GM and you can't enjoy it don't buy it. But maybe, just maybe, you can still enjoy the game.

# 178 bad_philanthropy @ 09/12/15 02:11 PM

So I just want to illustrate an example about the gameplay seeming too end to end and too pass happy, and maybe a bit basic. There simply isn't enough loose puck play or using the boards to intelligently move the puck. The AI seems a bit situationally dull as well, and simply programmed to receive the puck, and if not in position to skate into open ice make an awkward looking fast pass to whoever is open.

Check out this video and the sequence starting at the 3:45 mark:

Pittsburgh dumps it in, Staal recovers it behind the net, makes a dumb short pass to a player standing still in the circle, who then rifles another defensive zone pass across the ice to a player who turns it over.

What the hell? Three passes to guys standing still in the defensive zone? Also, you have three attacking forwards deep in the zone. Staal needs to get the puck along the boards (outletting along the boards behind the net where the winger crashes down to help or to the short side where a winger should have moved to the boards), and either get it out of the zone, or have a teammate stop the puck and keep working to get it out. This is not a scenario where you want to make three damn passes across the zone to launch an attack.

Compare this to the Legacy Edition. While it's not a perfect comparison. Check out Phil Kessel's play at 2:40. He knows the pressure is on, the defense is not quite in position, so he makes a play the attempts to work the puck out of the zone, while keeping it out of the middle of the ice.

I understand that using the front of the net/middle of the ice for breaking out of the defensive zone is a thing in the NHL today for some teams/coaches, but the scenario in the first video is an absurd example of this. In it, the winger needs to get on the boards, and Staal needs to chip the puck up to him at the very least. Instead, the winger doesn't even react to the fact that Staal has possession of the puck and just buzzes around in the circle marking a Pens player (?).

# 179 Diehardfan @ 09/12/15 02:44 PM

Ok, first actual gameplay I've seen....and they're saying that this is a new game?

Really?

# 180 knich @ 09/12/15 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkharsh33


	not trying to sound critical, but how does the dev team at EA continually miss what we are seeing? it's the SAME GAME year after year... with the same issues each year. I've watched a good deal of videos on this new title - and there's no way I'd buy it. some of it just doesn't even look like real hockey. had higher hopes...just really disappointed. if everyone else is, then hold your money and don't impulse buy. it's too bad...

I think they have made some strides in a nice way. But the poor AI and unusable sliders are unacceptable. They even did an EASHL thing so people could test. Don't see how the AI could be as bad as it continues to be. The NZ problem is the most glaring of all and has been present for years.

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