Threes Gameplay
Now the downside. While everything surrounding 3s is incredibly polished, the moment-to-moment gameplay leaves a little to be desired. Most notable is the fact that this incredibly unique mode doesn’t differentiate itself enough from the base game.
Sure, there’s more space out on the ice to pull off fancy moves, but at its core, 3s still uses the same mechanics and controls that are in the main game. The complex control scheme makes sense and adds depth to a traditional game type, but in an arcade-y environment, it’s unnecessary, and allows for too much control against players who are simply looking for a simple, pick-up-and-play experience.
While it’s not a death blow to the game mode, the controls and overall feel make it seem a bit too dense.
NHL Expansion
The Vegas Knights, the newest addition to the NHL, have brought with them a number of possibilities not only in real life but also into NHL 18‘s franchise mode. Most notably, in the form of the expansion draft process which the game allows you to take full control over and shape Sin City into whatever your heart’s desire may be.
NHL 18’s franchise mode doesn’t stop there, however, as it allows for a completely customizable second expansion team to be added to the league, over which you can fully control. From mascots, team colors and even the city you choose to play in.
NHL 18 is offering one of the most customizable franchise modes to date, which says a lot about not only EA Canada’s scope in what has always been to sports game hallmark, but also the NHL’s willingness to let the developers play around with their baby.
