NHL 14

NHL14
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Publisher: EA
Reviewed On: Xbox 360
Cert: 12A
Available On: Xbox 360,Playstation 3

It's that time of year when all the sports franchises get a refresh. Here's NHL with its 20th anniversary instalment. It feels a little like the games developers are in a holding pattern ahead of the launch of the new consoles. But there are still a few new things to see in NHL 14. The collision physics have been updated so things like the weight and speed of a player affect how they collide with others. The new Live the Life mode forces you into the role of an up-and-coming star and all that brings with it, both on and off the ice. Sponsorships, drafts – you can influence your career with a few choice words and build a reputation for yourself. The NHL 94 mode brings a retro edge to the game, allowing you to play by old-school rules. The presentation may be a bit of a throwback too, but thankfully it doesn't extend quite as far as the player graphics. NHL 14 even manages to replicate that other great interest in hockey – the fighting.

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien

Ciara O'Brien is an Irish Times business and technology journalist