NHL 16 is announced, old modes returning

EA Sports just announced this year's addition to their ongoing hockey series, and it'll surprise absolutely nobody to hear that it's called NHL 16. On the developer's home page they've also shared some information about the upcoming game.

First up we'll find a mode which lets us play 6v6 online. NHL 16 will also include a mode called "Visual On-Ice Training" - here you'll get to practice on your defence as well as your offence. EA Sports has also worked on improving the skating and the handling of the puck.

Last year's NHL 15 from EA Sports was the first hockey game on the new generation of consoles, but sadly it missed some of the most beloved modes and features from the previous entries. The good news is that most these are returning in NHL 16 including EA Sports Hockey League, couch co-op online ("you and up to 3 friends on the same console can compete online against another team of up to 4 players"), and Be A Pro. However, GM Connected won't return (but Be A GM is in there), as EA Canada are examining how to best bring the concept back.

The commentators Doc Emrick, Eddie Olczyk and Ray Ferraro are back to deliver what the devs are hoping will be a more immersive experience. Plus, EA Sports has improved the stadiums by including the mascots, and the supporters will be singing the home team's songs (similar to last year's FIFA offering). A very important tradition has also been included - every player will be able to grow their playoff beard.

"One of the oldest and most iconic traditions in hockey has arrived. With accurate representations of beard patterns, length, thickness, and growth rates for individual players, the road to the Stanley Cup just got hairier," EA Sports writes. Phew, we were worried about the lack of beards.

NHL 16 will be released for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in September. An upgraded version of last year's game will also be released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in the same month, and it's called NHL Legacy Edition.