EA has officially released its first Gameplay Deep Dive for NHL 26. The game is slated to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 12. The initial reveal for NHL 26 mentioned the progression of theICE-Qtechnology with 2.0 and the introduction ofNHL EDGEto power the gameplay. This analytics system is familiar to what has been introduced in other sports titles to add more realism to that respective series.This is real NHL data that is taken from 14 infrared cameras at arenas during games. Sensors are in pucks and in jerseys for tracking data points.you may check out the trailer below.
Three Aspects Influencing the Gameplay
With the ICE-Q 2.0 technology teaming up with NHL EDGE data, three major overhauls will come to the gameplay for NHL 26. This includes Attributes & Tendencies, Goalie Crease Control System and a new Presentation Package.NHL 26will offer dynamic skating and shooting attributes as the superstars of the sport will shine the most in the game. The development team mentioned in-game speed and shot speed, so it seems that there will be a greater separation of player attributes than what has been seen in the past. Judging by the fact that the system is taking real world data, and if that is applied to gameplay, there should be some clear separation.
NHL 26 will offer dynamic skating and shooting attributes as the superstars of the sport will shine the most in the game.
Player tendencies focus on signature superstar behavior. It is one thing for having skilled players be better than the unskilled, but the behavioral data that is seen in every game will be present here. If you can imagine the QB DNA in Madden with quarterback tendencies, the behavioral data of each of these superstars will provide an idea on how to strategize against them. If someone is known for consistently setting up a goalscorer, that is how the game will play out.
Goalie Crease Control will overhaul goalie behavior with Save Wall technology, Post Mastery and Advanced AI positioning. Goalie will be smarter than ever and the game will eliminate the dictation of long animations that goalies would get hung up on. The dev team had goalies come in for motion capture and add 81 new animations with a focus on better reaction.This allows for chaining an immediate animation if a shot is blocked including the option to bat the puck in the air behind the back of the goalie. More emotional reactions can be seen from goalies, as well.
The Updated Presentation Package
NHL 26is currently available for pre-order. The Deluxe Edition offers 7-day early access starting on September 5. The Standard Edition includes a HUT NHL Player Pack, World of Chel Battle Pass XP Boost (x2) and a Matthew Tkachuk 99 OVR item (available immediately in NHL 25 with digital pre-order. EA Play members will be granted 10-hour early access on September 5, 10% off pre-orders, NHL Points and more, Monthly World of Chel Pack for six months, Season Pass XP Multiplier Tokens and 3,000 World of Chel Coins. The details for the Deluxe Edition pre-order is below.
