"How do they get worse every year" — Hockey fans react to first look at superstars in NHL 25

NHL 25 is right around the corner, which makes it prime time for EA Sports to start ramping up the marketing. Interest in hockey is building as the season approaches, and the release date is tied to that. EA Sports shared a post on Sept. 11 to give fans a look at some of the hockey superstars featured in the game.

Unsurprisingly, it didn't land that well with fans. Sports games have the advantage of having little competition, so for some hockey gamers, this is their only option. That doesn't lead to contentedness with the game most years, and this year is already shaping up to be the same.

NHL fans sounded off on the game after seeing Sidney Crosby and others.

"That looks nothing like Sidney Crosby?" another asked.

"Unless there's online franchise mode, this is by far one of the most underwhelming releases of NHL I've ever seen," one said.

"Year 10 of Crosby not having his proper helmet lmao," another joked.

"When will you guys figure out that shoulder pads don’t look like 1990 suit jacket shoulder pads," one said.

Most fans, though not all, are not expecting much. Not even the high-definition look at Crosby, Connor Bedard, Filip Forsberg and other NHL superstars was enough to change their minds.

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When does NHL 25 come out?

NHL 25 is slated to release on Oct. 4 for those who buy the normal editions. Those who have pre-ordered the deluxe edition will get one week of early access, so they will be able to play at the end of the month on Sept. 27.

Oct. 4 is also right before the newest hockey season. The 2024-25 season begins on Tuesday, Oct. 8, with several teams, including the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, facing off that day.

Quinn Hughes is on the NHL 25 cover (Imagn)

EA Sports tries to time the release of their sports titles with the start of the season for that sport. Madden 25 came out just before the NFL season, and College Football 25 did the same. NHL's video game is almost as close as it can be to the season — perfect timing for the launch.