NHL 26’s ICE 2.0 Demonstrates its Power In New Deep Dive
EA Sports have revealed a new deep dive into the powerful ICE-Q 2.0, a new gameplay intelligence system that enhances player movement. You can watch the full deep dive video below;
ICE 2.0 focuses on four fundamental cores in NHL 16;
Attributes: The NHL EDGE data that powers ICE-Q 2.0 is used to inform player attributes like skating acceleration, top speed, slap shot power and wrist shot power. This provides authentic differentiation for in-game superstars and offers players exciting strategic advantages.
Tendencies: NHL EDGE data helps pinpoint the unique traits and intangible behaviours that set superstars apart, and incorporate them, alongside signature moves, into the game – like Draisaitl’s low shooting spot on the goal line and Trouba’s style of laying the body. Twenty-two distinct offensive and defensive tendencies make those in-game NHL players perform in lifelike fashion in NHL 26.
Goalie Crease System: This new system gives players more control than ever between the posts, with goalies adapting seamlessly, focusing on angles and depth for more consistent saves. Featuring 81 new animations for close-range stops and poke checks, goalies now respond with greater awareness, tracking changes in puck direction even after an initial save attempt, and delivering dynamic, real-time reactions when the puck gets too close.
ICE-Q 2.0 Presentation: In addition to feeling the difference with ICE-Q 2.0, players will see the gameplay system’s impact instantly with a host of all-new presentation elements that deliver detailed, visualized breakdowns of superstars’ feats. Extended replays now show expanded data insights – from shot and skating speeds to threat analyses on scoring chances, expected goals, and save zones.. New multi-story visual and audio replay packages highlight sequential game narratives, while faceoff comparisons and new camera angles deepen the immersion and storytelling of in-game broadcasts.
EDGE powered by ICE 2.0 also powers the X-Factor mechanic, which has received a full overhaul in NHL 26 including tactical gameplay outcomes for superstar players – speed, accuracy and power – along with new animations thanks to 28 (count em’) refined and enhanced ‘X-Factors’ across the five categories, creating meaningful gameplay effects for each and ensuring strategic differences are provided each game.
Gosh, NHL 26 is sounding more like the real game than ever before. Look out for the full release on September 12 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Source [Press Release]
