After a highly successful stint on the previous generation of gaming platforms (mainly the XBox 360 and Playstation 3), EA Sports was looking to capitalize on the momentum of the NHL series heading into the next generation consoles (Playstation 4 and XBox One).

With NHL 15, the transition wasn’t as smooth as expected for the developers up in Vancouver. From the lack of popular game modes like GM connected for online gamers to a downgrade from the previous generation in Be a Pro and Be a GM, this year’s version lacks the longevity that gamers were accustomed to from when they first pop in the disc up until the end of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (from September to June).

Still, NHL 15 does deserve some praise in other areas such as a revamped presentation and smooth gameplay. But that wasn’t enough to save the bumpy waters that EA Sports is still riding with their annual hockey game.

Without further adieu, here is the NHL 15 review.

Gameplay (8/10)

From the curl and drag to the one touch deke, NHL 15 provides some unique options with their superstar skill stick. Be sure to choose your moves wisely, though, as the artificial intelligence (AI) in the game is second to none. Long gone are the days where you can skate by a defender with one deke or get by a tough defense with a dump and chase, nor is it easy to score on a wrap around behind the net. Instead, the defenders and goalies are one step ahead making goals harder to come by.

That said, with 12 player collision physics, gamers should look for dirty goals often. It’s actually pretty fun seeing chaos in front of the net on a rebound or a deflection. For tough, grinding teams like the Bruins, this is a strategy that they use often, and having used them on several occasions, NHL 15 does a good job representing their style of play (just a small sample, mind you).

Presentation (8.5/10)

The one improvement that sticks out the most from the previous generation of NHL gaming is the presentation.

After several years of Gary Thorne and Bill Clement, the folks at EA brought in Doc Emerick to do play-by-play along with his fellow real-life broadcast partner Eddie Olczyk as the color commentator. TSN’s Ray Ferraro goes between the benches and completes the new trio.

That wasn’t all from the broadcasting overhaul, though. With NBC Sports integration, NHL 15 gives you a true broadcast feel of the game. From the introduction package to graphics and Doc and Eddie introducing you to the telecast, the game details a true to life presentation that feels like a real broadcast.

Real life arenas and living worlds complete the presentation overhaul in NHL 15. Aside from the benches on opposite sides, TD Garden looks visually stunning. Moreover, the detail of each team fanbases are stunning. Depending on the situation, crowds will react according – from louder moments like a breakaway and fights to the fans going quiet if their team blows a big lead at home or if their getting blown out – and they only intensify come playoff time.

Longevity (5.5/10)

With a lack of game modes and other key features, EA missed a golden opportunity to capitalize on their success from the previous generation. Modes like EA Sports Hockey League and GM Connected were not included for online gamers in the retail version, while Be a Pro and Be a GM were missing several key elements.

In the past, Be a Pro gave you the option of starting your career in the Canadian Hockey League, American Hockey League or the countless other leagues that are featured. Be a GM, meanwhile, gave you the option to control your teams AHL affiliate. The ability to develop players in the is huge for modern sports gaming, and EA swung and missed on its first hockey offering in the new system.

Some missing content will be patched in and available for download down the road. Still, it is not enough for diehard gamers and hockey fans to truly enjoy NHL 15 over a long period of time.

Overall (6.5/10)

The gameplay and presentation are a step up from the previous generation. The lack of modes, however, brings this game down a notch, and fails to live up to the hype surrounding NHL 15.

Hey, at least cover athlete Patrice Bergeron and fellow linemate Brad Marchand got to show off their lighter side, so not all is lost.