Riley Little
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Screen Rant Latest Reviews
The first thing that'll jump out to seasoned NHL veterans out is the new engine. EA Sports has rolled in the Frostbite Engine for NHL 22, which drastically improves things such as lighting. That may not sound like a huge step up, but it adds depth to the atmosphere of every arena. The player models have also been significantly improved, with each digital athlete resembling their real-life counterparts. For example, NHL 22 cover athlete Auston Matthews has made the transition into the game spectacularly with his signature moustache intact. That same attention to detail isn't applied to every player (as there are a lot to incorporate between the various hockey leagues), but the NHL-caliber superstars have never looked better.
In total, there are 100 Cat Shines to collect, with every handful of them unlocking access to the Giga Bell - which will transform Mario into his Giga Cat form - and queue up a fight with Fury Bowser. The mechanic is not unlike the various boss fights staged within Super Mario 64, with each new Bowser encounter becoming available as Stars are rounded up, albeit one explored within one massive, singular world. It's a new twist on a proven concept, but what makes it work so well is the sprawling open-world environment that's ripe for exploring and the powerups that help make traversing it even more interesting. Add in the ability for a second player to take control of Bowser Jr., which is a fun way to rope in a partner as more of an accessory to the experience, and it quickly becomes clear how unique this offering is.