'NHL 16' news: features detailed, new title exclusive to current-gen consoles

EA Sports website

Fresh from the teasers for the upcoming "Madden NFL 16," Electronic Arts is again focusing the spotlight on their array of sports titles. This time, the publisher is detailing the upcoming "NHL 16" game. 

The most notable new feature for the upcoming hockey sim game is that "NHL 16" is exclusive to current-gen platforms, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. For those waiting for a release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, EA will instead offer another title, "NHL: Legacy Edition." The title will allow players using older-gen consoles to still play with updated schedules and character rosters.

Said Electronic Arts, the title "brings together the most popular modes and award-winning gameplay features from nine years of NHL hockey. Featuring updated rosters and authentic schedules, it's the perfect experience for fans looking to get that complete hockey fix on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3." 

Aside from platform exclusivity, the upcoming "NHL 16" will also focus on providing a more balanced online multiplayer experience via the EA Sports Hockey League. Under the new feature, players and their teams will be sorted into classes, with teams on the same ranks battling each other. EA assures that through this new option, same-class teams will have to duke it out based on talent, skill, and strategies. 

In addition, there will be a new online team play mode, where players can create a six-man team and play against their rivals. 

Electronic Arts is also set to introduce online Couch Co-op with the new "NHL 16." In this feature, players can readily drop in and out of online game sessions without penalties and restrictions in terms of unnecessary menus. 

There is still no exact date on when the upcoming hockey title will hit the market, but it seems that Electronic Arts is gearing up for a major announcement in the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo event in June.