EA Vancouver’s NHL 26 hits the ice, delivering the solid, familiar on-ice thrills that fans have come to anticipate. The satisfaction of a well-executed banked goal and the precision of a slick pass continue to feel great, forming the heart of the game’s appeal. A particularly welcome addition is the long-requested inclusion of offline Ultimate Team collections, a feature that many players will undoubtedly appreciate.

However, while the core gameplay remains robust, the visual aspects of NHL 26 haven’t quite kept pace. Although the rinks themselves boast impressive detail, the player models and crowd animations feel somewhat uninspired, creating a visual contrast that detracts from the overall immersion.

Ultimately, NHL 26 stands as a competent and entertaining installment in the series. It successfully builds on its strong foundations and provides a fun experience for hockey fans, yet it stops short of introducing significant innovation. While enjoyable, there’s a clear sense that future iterations could benefit from more groundbreaking advancements, pushing the franchise forward.