NHL 19

The nineteenth part of EA's hockey series is remembered primarily for the return of big names: Wayne Gretzky is on the cover, and the legends of the past are again available in the game. Along with modern stars, figures of the level of Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr appear in the collection modes, which became a pleasant gift for experienced fans. The main innovation is World of CHEL: a separate world of street and amateur hockey, where people skate not in arenas, but on frozen ponds and open areas. There are quick formats for small teams, one-on-one matches, entertainment modes and a separate progression system with equipment and cosmetics. Skating animations have been reworked: turns, braking and jerking have become more responsive, and this is felt both in street games and in the classic simulator. The Franchise Mode received advanced club management tools, including scouting and youth work. For players who are closer to personal history, there are Be A Pro and online teams. Online lives on club matches, where mutual understanding is more important than individual skills, and this is still one of the best parts of the series for playing in a group. Of the little things, the elaboration of the arenas and presentation of the match is pleasing: cameras, replays, sound from the stands and analysis of episodes by commentators are done at the level of television. The menu and navigation have been updated separately, making it easier to delve into modes. For those who like quick meetings, there are online street formats, and for collectors there are seasonal events with rewards and selections of cards for specific tasks. Everything is read and heard like a real broadcast: comments, repetitions, pauses. NHL 19 turned out to be a game with two moods - harsh and fun at the same time, which is perhaps the ideal combination for hockey.