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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 80 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 56 | 68 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 55 | 188 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 7h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (28)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 50
“Don’t let NHL 19's slick menus and new skating animations fool you: the same NHL game you’ve been playing for five years is still here. If you already know the series well, this is unquestionably the best iteration of the title, but it comes with the added caveat that it’s hindered by many of the same problems from years past. The reduced significance of poke check, and smaller changes like new skating animations, definitely help elevate the general presentation of the title, but it could and should be so much better than it is. ”
read full review ↗ - 70
“NHL 19 is vastly better than its predecessors in terms of value and pushing the franchise forward, but it still falls short of a significant upgrade in many areas. If you haven't purchased an NHL title in a while, this is a good year to jump back in and experience one of the better NHL games in recent memory.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“With newly added modes like World of CHEL and the inclusion of Real Player Motion, NHL 19 adds a new layer of polish onto last year's advancements in stick control and shooting. The end result is one of the best hockey games ever. ”
read full review ↗ - 85
“By revamping its multiplayer efforts and focusing it in a hub that promotes creative expression (both cosmetically and through gameplay preferences), NHL 19 marks the best representation of simulation hockey video games this generation.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“The single player-experience might still be lacking, but improved on-ice-physics and decent new game-modes make for a solid addition to the NHL franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 89
“NHL 19 has something for everyone, packing tons of quality into its many fun and diverse modes.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“NHL 19 is no longer a party for a small audience, but a big event for all fans of hockey. ”
read full review ↗ - 85
“With all the new additions and expansions this year's version is one of the best in the entire series. It's even more than you've come to expect. This could very well become the ultimate ice hockey franchise next year if EA improves the dull commentary and ups the ante in the graphics department.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“If you haven’t picked up an NHL game in years or play mainly for the online experience, you will really like NHL 19.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“You will find yourself fully immersed in your gameplay.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“In sum, another year and another solid NHL release; it might not have enough to stir series veterans, although the inclusion of the World of CHEL and the Legends is certainly cool. Furthermore, the investment EA Canada has made to those who have long sat out on the series or always wanted to give it a shot is quite strong, so if you’re in that boat, NHL 19 may be what you’ve been waiting for.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Virtually everything about NHL 19 is a genuine step forward in quality. While some modes received the lion’s share of the attention, it feels like damn near everything received SOME love. If you have been on the fence, now is the time to lace up and hit the ice. We’ll see you between the pipes.”
read full review ↗
Push Square
Worth Playing
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M3
IGN
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GameSpace
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PlayStation LifeStyle…and 16 more tracked reviews.