Sim and arcade fans alike will love EA Sports' latest.
In addition, the GM Connected mode is superb, helping you manage your team to greatness while occasionally making tough decisions that are going to be difficult to come back on, such as key trades and putting all your chips into a player who isn't the hottest prospect. The menus in this mode are easy to use, and the ability to battle against others for key trade folks – and through Online Seasons – is simply awesome.
If you prefer to just play, though, NHL 14 has you covered. The gameplay feels as natural as ever, thanks to great implementation of the Infinity Engine tech. Checks now come across much better than before, shots work like a charm, and the fighting engine is the best it's ever been, avoiding the awkward first-person view in favor of a more distant third-person approach. There are some great control schemes here as well, whether you go all out with the Skill Stick or keep it simple with the two-button NHL 94 approach.
Speaking of NHL 94, the Anniversary Mode is a loving tribute to the classic Genesis/SNES games, doing away with huge changes to the game in favor of simple, fun-to-play hockey. Shame you can't do it online or against players in GM Connected, though. It would've really made a difference.
