Hitting will be noticeably improved in NHL 19 as a new collisions physics system features under the hood. Check out the trailer for the hard-hitting details.
Hitting is an important part of the game of hockey and an area that past iterations of EA Sports’ NHL series have lacked in. Fortunately, not only has the skating been overhauled in NHL 19, as we reported in our preview of the time we spent with the game at E3, but the collision physics system has also been upgraded.
New Collision Physics System
When P.K. Subban was announced as this year’s cover athlete for NHL 19, it became important to ensure his hitting ability would translate into the experience players would have when lacing up the skates.
Not only did the hitting animations get improved, but each unique limb has tensions settings, and the new physics engine is aware of speed and angles. This leads to more authentic hits on the ice and gives the player a greater feeling of control, not to mention satisfaction.
Part of the variation in hit outcome has to do with unique limb tension and physicality, as NHL 19 Collision Physics allow for accurate distribution of force across the human body. Limbs, muscles, and joints now absorb force in ways you’d expect, as big collisions cause skaters to fold up like they would in real life. This applies to both skaters involved in the collision, as you’ll retain body position while checking your opponent along the boards, as opposed to bouncing right off of them.
Even stamina will play a role in this new system, so if your skater is at the end of his shift, you may want to avoid lining up that big defenceman on your way to the bend. The chances are that you’ll do more harm to yourself than him.
Speaking from experience, the hitting in NHL 19 felt a lot more natural and satisfying than in previous years. You can find more details about this new collision physics system at the NHL 19 blog while we wait for its release on September 14.
