Get Early Access To NHL 16’s New EASHL Mode
By Fraser G.
After a one year absence, the popular EA Sports Hockey League mode is on its way back to EA’s NHL franchise. In addition to making its debut on the current generation of consoles, the mode has seen a few changes, and NHL 15 owners will be getting a chance to try it out early in the form of a Beta, beginning on July 30th.
More from News
- Heroes of the Storm North America Spring Regional Recap
- No Man’s Sky Pre-orders Up Thursday…Or Not?
- MLB The Show 16 Highlights 40 Assorted Improvements
- Rock Band 4 May Come To PC Via Fig Campaign
- Play As Quiet In New Metal Gear Solid V DLC
For those who are interested in taking part, you’ll need an Xbox One or PlayStation 4, as well as a copy of NHL 15 in order to access the Beta, which will be available from within the games’ main menu hub.
Xbox One owners who currently have access to the game via the EA Access Vault will also be able to gain entry. For those who owned the game on last-gen, you’ll need to opt-in at this link in order to receive an access code via email. The Beta will run from July 30 – August 6, arriving in the form of a 5GB download.
Players will be able to try out a range of new features, including the new player class system, which emphasizes player skill and game balance, rather than the progression system of old. Each class will offer strengths and weaknesses, and players can choose their preference based on their gameplay style. This is a welcome change to the formula that EA have adopted for the last few years, in which they would focus on upgrading attributes in order to gain an unfair advantage, rather than focusing on player skill.
EASHL will be focused around an Online Seasons mode, which will offer progression across ten online divisions, as well as monthly playoff tournaments. Customization will also be available in the Beta, and although most details will not transfer over to the main game, individual and team skills will be stored and brought over to the full release later this year.
In addition to EASHL, the full game will feature a plethora of improvements across the board. NHL 16 will be available on September 15th for Xbox One and PlayStation 4.