Electronic Arts is preparing a new surprise for hockey fans around the world: the new NHL 22 - described as an innovative hockey experience for next-gen PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S consoles, as well as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles - will be available starting October 15, 2021.
The first NHL title developed using Frostbite
The game was developed with the help of the Frostbite graphics engine and will have players and arenas with detailed visual details, and the Superstar X-Factors function will bring the biggest stars of the league to a completely new level of authenticity. Superstar Austin Matthews, the star of the Toronto Maple Leafs, returns to the NHL cover after an incredible 2020-21 season, in which he won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy for the most goals scored in the season. Toronto Maple Leafs player Auston Matthews said he is excited to work with EA Sports again and return to the ice in NHL 22 virtual arenas. This year, Superstar X-Factors is rewriting competitiveness and strategy standards, and fans will be able to try his special hit "Shock And Wave" when he sent the puck to the opposing gates.
The Frostbite graphics engine is used for the first time in the EA SPORTS NHL franchise, making NHL 22 the most advanced graphics and gameplay game in the series' history. Players are brought to life through authentic recreations, with detailed animations of equipment and micro-details. In addition to these innovations, virtual players benefit from an improved orientation in space, being able to follow and react better to the action around them. Also, the improved details of the hockey players and the visual fidelity are complemented by the gameplay itself.
X-Factor for superstars
In NHL 22, superstars will faithfully reflect real-life personalities through Superstar X-Factors, a revolutionary system that enables the unique skills of the best professional hockey players, inspired by their real qualities. Superstar X-Factors introduces two key elements that bring competitiveness to an elite level: Zone Abilities and Superstar Abilities. Zone Abilities allows for amazing improvements for the best players, while Superstar Abilities are top-tier skills for athletes at the most advanced level.
Players like Leon Draisaitl, the striker of the Edmonton Oilers, whose ability to "Tape to Tape" reflects his established style of passing, or the goalkeeper Andrei Vailevskiy, of Tampa Bay Lightning, whose ability X-Factor "Contortionist" reflects his way will have a considerable impact on NHL 22 gameplay. SuperStar X-Factors opens up new horizons not only in terms of gameplay, but also in the game modes of Franchise, Be a Pro, Hockey Ultimate Team and World of CHEL.
Hockey brings together a diverse community of fans united by their passion for the sport, NHL 22 adopting this culture through several new features included in the game modes, but also through the generous plan of live, post-launch services. In the coming weeks, more information will be released about the World of CHEL, Hockey Ultimate Team, Be a Pro and Franchise, but also about other features long awaited by the NHL community.
Fans who pre-order NHL 22 will benefit from additional in-game content. EA SPORTS NHL 22 X-Factor Edition includes versions of the game for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 or Xbox One and Xbox Series X | S, priority access three days before launch, and up to 10 HUT Diamond Player Choice packages, one HUT package X-Factor Player Choice, one HUT X-Factor Power-Up Starter Pack, as well as up to four HUT X-Factor Power-Up packages, five World of CHEL X-Factor Zone Ability unlocks, five Unlocked Hockey Bags, two Be A Pro X-Factor Slot Unlocks, XP Boost and Trait Points bonuses.
NHL 22 will be available starting October 15, 2021 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
YouTube Video:
NHL 22 Official Reveal Trailer
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