NHL 14 will launch September 10 in North America and September 13 in Europe, Electronic Arts announced today. The game's debut trailer (below) is also now available.
This year's game--developed by EA Canada--includes collision physics powered by the same core technology behind FIFA's Player Impact Engine. This new technology will allow for "bigger, more thrilling hits, and truer-to-life collisions," EA said.
NHL 14's fighting features have also been expanded. The Enforcer Engine, which powers the Fight Night series, will be used for an all-new third-person presentation to highlight "the anatomy of a fight." The technology allows for true size and strength differentiation between players and new jostling mechanics, the developer said.
Some of NHL 14's other new features include 1,000 new skating animations, as well as "improved" acceleration made possible through the second iteration of the franchise's True Performance Skating system.
NHL 14 will also include a new "more responsive" deking system, whereby players can use just the left stick and one button to juke opponents.
The game's updated Be a Pro career mode will factor in decisions made off the ice to a player's overall legacy. Players can interact with teammates outside the rink and field media interviews, all of which will affect their relationship with fans, teammates, and management.