NHL 16 had a lot of work during its planning stages. The extra amount of work was due to NHL 15 being such a poor game.

In NHL 16, game modes that disappeared for various reasons in NHL 15 have returned and an on-ice trainer has been added. The welcome changes have lead to very favorable reviews for NHL 16, according to Polygon.

Beginner players will appreciate the on-ice training mode. In this mode, players will be presented with visual cues like arrows showing passing lanes and cones showing shooting lanes. The visual cues will also tell players where they should be positioned on defense.

In gameplay, beginners and veterans will appreciate the improved passing game. Passes that hit teammates right on the tape have a much higher probability of resulting in a goal, and CPU players will position themselves in better areas to increase scoring chances.

Visually, NHL 16 looks great. The members of the crowd have unique outfits, mascots have been given extreme detail and players will have accurate celebrations. The songs heard after a goal for specific teams have also made it to NHL 16.

An online speciality mode was added back to NHL 16 after being removed from last year's game. The EA Sports Hockey League (EASHL) is back this year. In this mode, players can take their created characters and play against online competitors all over the world. These EASHL games offer a competitive way to play the game.

The career mode and franchise mode have been updated to include more choices. In the Be a GM mode, players will have to control every aspect of managing an NHL team, including salaries and teammates' emotions.

EA Sports took some heat for NHL 15, but they made up for it in NHL 16. With a much improved gameplay and all of the popular modes returning, NHL 16 is a game any hockey fan should have.