NHL 21 pushed creativity and control further with a revamped Be a Pro mode that let players shape their careers through choices on and off the ice. Superstar-inspired moves added flash and authenticity, capturing the style of real NHL icons. With an expanded World of Chel, refined mechanics, and slick visuals, it stood out as one of the most polished and content-rich entries in the series. | © EA Sports
NHL 95 took the series up a notch with smoother gameplay, cleaner visuals, and a full season mode that tracked stats and records across an entire campaign. Players could guide teams through realistic schedules while making quick coaching adjustments mid-game. With sharper AI and refined mechanics, it delivered one of the most immersive hockey experiences of the 16-bit era. | © EA Sports
NHL 99 was a true pioneer in hockey gaming, setting new standards with its smooth gameplay and surprisingly detailed player models for the late ’90s. The addition of customizable coaching strategies gave players control over how their teams played on the ice. It even introduced an Expansion Draft mode, allowing fans to build an entirely new franchise and shaping the direction of future NHL titles. | © EA Sports
NHL 19 expanded the series in a big way with the debut of World of Chel, a massive online hub that tied together multiple modes. The upgraded Real Player Motion tech made skating and movement feel smoother and more realistic than ever. With over 200 hockey legends available to play, stunning visuals, and a ton of online variety, it quickly became one of the most beloved entries in the franchise. | © EA Sports
NHL 2002 brought serious flair to the series with its unforgettable Game Breaker mechanic, letting players pull off momentum-shifting, highlight-reel plays once their meter hit full. The visuals got a major boost too, with sharper player models and livelier arenas that made every match pop. Combined with new camera angles and crisp sound design, it became one of the most exciting and polished hockey games of its era. | © EA Sports
NHL 06 stood out for introducing the Realistic Puck Momentum system, giving every pass and shot a true sense of weight and control. The new on-ice visual cues made offensive play smoother and more intuitive, letting players time their moves perfectly. With both Beginner and Advanced modes, plus a killer soundtrack and great atmosphere, it struck the perfect balance between accessibility and depth. | © EA Sports
NHL 11 delivered a huge leap in realism with its real-time physics engine, making every collision and scramble for the puck feel unpredictable and true to life. Broken sticks, revamped face-offs, and other small details pulled players deeper into the action. It also introduced Hockey Ultimate Team, a new mode that mixed card collecting with roster building, adding endless replay value to an already polished experience. | © EA Sports
NHL 09 took the series to another level with refined controls that made every deke, pass, and shot feel effortless. The Be a Pro mode let players live out the dream of climbing from rookie status to NHL legend, one shift at a time. With the debut of the EA Sports Hockey League, the game also redefined online play, turning multiplayer hockey into a full-blown team experience. | © EA Sports
NHL 13 marked a major evolution for the franchise with the introduction of the True Performance Skating system, delivering realistic momentum and precise control like never before. Over a thousand new animations made every stride and stop feel natural and true to life. The addition of GM Connected mode brought online dynasty play to the series, while the inclusion of Olympic icons Hayley Wickenheiser and Angela Ruggiero made history for women in hockey gaming. | © EA Sports
NHL 10 pushed the series forward by adding features fans had been asking for, making every game feel more alive. The new Battle for the Cup mode let players chase multiple championships and craft their own playoff legends. Combined with better physics, visuals, and the gritty Intimidation Tactics system, it delivered one of the most intense and authentic hockey experiences to date. | © EA Sports
NHL 07 changed everything with the introduction of the Skill Stick, a feature that finally made puck control feel natural and fluid. It was a breakthrough that reshaped how players approached every deke, shot, and pass. With improved graphics, realistic arenas, and a deeper Dynasty Mode, this entry marked a turning point for the series and set the tone for modern hockey games. | © EA Sports
NHL 12 brought a tougher, more authentic edge to the ice with its overhauled physics engine that made every hit and collision feel raw. The new puck control system gave players smoother stickhandling, while the “Be a Pro” mode let them live out the rise from rookie to legend. For the first time, fans could even take part in the Winter Classic, capturing the magic of outdoor hockey in a game that felt truly alive. | © EA Sports
NHL 2004 took the series to a new level with the introduction of Dynasty Mode, giving players full control over team management, finances, and long-term success. Improved player animations brought the action to life, making every move and hit feel authentic. With upgraded visuals, detailed arenas, and an atmosphere that truly captured real hockey, it delivered one of the most complete and rewarding experiences of its time. | © EA Sports
Often called one of the greatest sports games ever made, NHL ’94 set the standard for hockey video games. The introduction of the one-timer changed the way players scored and became a defining feature for years to come. With the ability to control both skater and goalie, plus detailed stats and season modes, it laid the groundwork for everything that followed in the series. | © EA Sports
NHL 14 brought major changes to the series, merging the best elements of Fight Night and NHL gameplay into one smooth experience. The new collision physics considered speed, weight, and direction, creating hits that actually felt real on the ice. With improved AI, refined Skill Stick controls, and slick presentation updates, this entry delivered one of the most authentic hockey experiences in the franchise. | © EA Sports
For more than 30 years, the NHL games have been the go-to for hockey fans who want the real thing without leaving the couch. Every generation pushed the series further – new physics, sharper visuals, smarter AI, and features that kept players hooked. Here are the 15 best NHL games ever made, ranked by the ones that truly changed how we play hockey.
