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New York Rangers: Customization in NHL 16, Lacking

By Patrick Comia

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If you’re a video gamer and a fan of Electronic Arts NHL franchise, you know that they produce their hockey gift to fans before the start of the upcoming season.

Through the years, the evolution of the game has come a long way. It’s original debut of NHL 94 on the Sega Genesis allowed gamers the first real opportunity to offer as close to the real game of hockey experience, as possible.

It’s been 21 years since that game helped revamp the sporting and gaming experience.

Now, the next generation gaming consoles (Playstation 4, Xbox One) out on the market are so good, they make you feel you are watching a live game. Only difference, you control the outcome!

New York Rangers
New York Rangers /

New York Rangers

And no doubts EA took advantage of the next generation platforms when making NHL 16.

However, it seems that with this opportunity, they have had to cut things out that made the NHL experience a success.

In this year’s version, EA’s aim is to bring an authentic home game experience to the player. That means unique characteristics of many arenas around the league will be featured in this year’s version.

For example, they’ve included team mascots and additional arena realism. Click on the hyperlinks to get the official details from EA’s website.

The New York Islanders celebrate their win with fans. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Also included is the upgrades for the New York Islanders. Not only will they be playing in a new arena in real life, but they will get a building upgrade in the video game. That’s right, the Barclay’s Center will join the featured arenas. And along with that, the ever-annoying “YES, YES, YES” chant.

So what about Madison Square Garden? There’s a boisterous and distinct chant at Rangers game that lends to the uniqueness of being at the Garden. Yes, I am referring to the ‘whistle chant’ followed by our favorite two words to Islanders fans: “POTVIN S*&(S!” (Rangers fans can fill in the letters).

Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

And, it doesn’t have to be against the Islanders, it can be any of the 29 teams in the league that the chant could be thrust upon.

I mean if you are going to go the authentic route, why not go all the way?

Another omission from the NHL is the arena soundtrack customization. This allowed players to change the soundtrack to songs being played at your home arena. You could add any songs from your console, change the opening song when your team comes out the tunnel onto the ice, or when they score a goal, or when an opponent gets sent to the penalty box.

Here was my customized soundtrack at Madison Square Garden:

Opening Intro: The Game- Motorhead
Home Game Winning Song: Theme from New York, New York- Frank Sinatra or Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z w/ Alicia Keys
Opponents to Penalty Box: Man in the Box- Alice In Chains

New York Rangers are introduced before game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

I liked the ability to create your own atmosphere. There was an infinite amount of possibilities for a player to create their own home atmosphere. Unfortunately, this was taken out of last year’s game and looks to be out of this year’s edition as well.

Why? Who knows. Perhaps to add more realism to the game, or upgrades to their online features (which I am not a big fan of aside from GM Connected).

However, there is a glimmer of hope though. It was revealed yesterday that the ‘Goal Song’ at the Garden, whenever the Rangers score, will be included in this year’s version.

That makes this fan a little more relieved, and believe that EA’s motto holds true: IF IT’S IN THE GAME, IT’S IN THE GAME.

But, if EA offers upgrades to future versions of the NHL franchise, those two features would be a welcome addition for this Rangers fan.

Next: Henrik Lundqvist in NHL 16's Top Goalies

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