NHL 16 is finally here! Whether you’re brand new to the franchise or it’s just been awhile since you last played, here are some useful tips to help you jump into the game and take advantage of everything NHL 16 has to offer.
When you play NHL 16 for the first time, a prompt will appear asking how you want to play. You can select between Easy, Standard, or Custom settings. Players who are playing NHL for the first time should select EASY while players who have played the game previously should select STANDARD.
In NHL 16 you can choose between four different difficulty settings: Rookie, Pro, All-Star, and Superstar. These settings factor in how hard the AI is to play against. The higher the difficulty the bigger the challenge.
Type of Player |
Recommended Difficulty Setting to Start |
Beginner |
Rookie |
Casual |
Pro |
Experienced |
All-Star |
Very Experienced |
Superstar |
You can also adjust your Game Style. This determines how authentic your hockey experience will be.
Game Style |
Gameplay Experience |
Arcade |
Gameplay plays at a higher speeds with harder shots and bigger hits. |
Simulation |
Default setting: Fast paced game with big hits and lots of tape-to-tap passes that can lead to highlight-reel goals. |
Hardcore |
The most authentic hockey experience. Use patience and make smart 'hockey play' decisions to generate scoring chances. |
To change these settings at any time go onto the NHL 16 main menu and select CUSTOMIZE > SETTINGS > GAMEPLAY SETTINGS.
When you first enter NHL 16 you can choose between three different types of control settings. To change your control settings at any time go into the NHL 16 main menu and select CUSTOMIZE > SETTINGS > CONTROLLER SETTINGS.
The NHL 94 Control scheme is the easiest to use and is best for players who want a more casual experience. Use buttons to shoot, pass and hit.
The Hybrid Control scheme gives players more options on the offensive and defensive side of the puck. Buttons are still used to shoot, pass and hit; however you now can control the type of shot you take (wrist shot/slap shot) and whether you want to hit your opponent or poke the puck on defense.
This Skill Stick setting gives you complete control from any position. The Skill Stick allows for complete fluidity, allowing you to shoot and deke using just the right analog stick. For tips on how to deke in NHL 16 using the skill stick, check out our How Deke in NHL 16 Tutorial Video.
This all-new training tool will help sharpen your offensive and defensive skills no matter your talent level. Visual aids project shooting targets, passing lanes, open teammates, and more. To change the On-Ice Trainer settings go to CUSTOMIZE > SETTINGS > ON-ICE TRAINER in the NHL 16 main menu.
Contextual control hints appear above your player, letting you know which action you can do and how to execute them. Beginner settings will only show introductory control hints. Intermediate settings will introduce new control hints as you learn while Expert will only show you controls you don’t use.
When you jump into your first game, the Visual On-Ice Trainer will ask you to do basic commands such as taking a slap shot, making a pass or winning a faceoff. Once you complete these tasks the trainer will ask you to try more advanced controls, such as one-touch dekes or saucer passes. The best thing about the Visual On-Ice Trainer is that it adapts to how you play – as your skill set improves, you will see less Visual On-Ice Trainer hints during gameplay. You can also jump into Practice Mode to test out the trainer in a Free Skate, Team Practice, or Goalie Practice.
There’s more to NHL 16 than just Play Now. Whether you take control of your favorite team as a GM, live out your NHL pro fantasy, or build your ultimate dream team NHL 16 delivers single and multiple modes for every type of hockey fan.
Think you have what it takes to manage your favorite NHL team and lead them to the Promised Land? Prove it! Trade players, sign free agents, and manage player personalities with the all-new player morale system.
Create your own custom character and play through an entire NHL career. Your on-ice actions directly influence attributes earned, ensuring that your pro’s skills show the way you play. your legacy and see if you can lead your favorite team to the Stanley Cup.
Only in HUT can you build and play with a team composed of all your favorite players to create amazing moments and teams that are just not possible anywhere else. New players can play against the AI in Single Player Seasons while more experienced players can face-off against other teams from around the world in HUT Online Seasons.
NHL 16 is in stores everywhere, buy your copy today.
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