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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) | – | 75 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 44 | 60 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 58 | 128 |
| 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 (27)
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.
- 70
“There's still a lot to love about NHL 18, even if the core on-ice experience has only seen minor tweaks.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“NHL 18 does enough to keep the lights on at the rink, but its lack of a full-blown story mode leaves the series on thin ice.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“For some, grabbing the latest hockey game annually is as habitual as picking up their daily Tim Hortons. NHL 18 does bring a great Threes gameplay mode, advanced stick maneuverability and expanded franchise functionality while doing little to address play-by-play commentary, single-player campaign and microtransaction concerns. Great to pick up for the first time in years, but not as big a step forward for year-to-year fans.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“NHL 18 bites off more than it can chew in terms of new gameplay moves, although the defensive skill stick is a welcome feature. The arcade game mode NHL Threes delivers fast and lasting fun, but the simulation modes, the series’ most important components, lacks personality in an age when most sports games ooze personality.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“NHL 18 has plenty of content for the hockey fan, whether you play offline or online. The new skill focused gameplay is a welcome addition, as well as the party mode "Threes". But just like the previous games NHL 18 feels a little too unpolished on the ice. This series is still in need of a renovation. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A pile of news that does not change the basics but extends the game in a way you can easily find your hockey. It's not worth the cup, but it´s worth the presidential trophy. [Issue#278]”
- 80
“If not for the addition of a new - and surprisingly enjoyable - game mode, this iteration of the NHL franchise would've felt exactly like its predecessor. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The established ice hockey series overcomes itself with new NHL18. Players get a great deal of news, such as Skill Stick for defense, 3-on-3 game mode, or the ability to build their own team. Thanks to the extensive training blocks, you can simply absorb all these new features with existing ones. The NHL is therefore an ideal opportunity for new players to enter the series. Not to mention the fact that all fans must have it. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Personally, I am still not completely happy with how the gameplay feels.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“NHL 18 isn’t destined to go down as one of the greatest sports games you’ve ever played, but make no mistake about this: It is solid fun. ”
read full review ↗ - 88
“NHL 18 continues to build on the success of last year’s title by making subtle but impactful refinements throughout the game. The new skill stick options give you a wealth of ways to slice through defenders, fake out goalies and light the lamp. And the improved AI make pretty much every on-ice engagement a smoother, more enjoyable ride. The real surprise of this release, though, is the NHL Threes mode. Far from the cheap schtick it appeared to be, Threes actually offers roster management, unlockables and a lengthy tour of opponents spanning multiple regions and leagues requiring a significant investment of time.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“It feels like deja vu when you’re playing an exhibition game in NHL 18 because it’s very very similar to NHL 17, but that’s not a bad thing. If you’re a fan of the NHL and you buy this release annually, this review isn’t going to tell you anything to prevent you from your purchase. If you listened to my review last year and picked up NHL 17, as a casual fan who doesn’t pick up every release, this year is probably going to be a skip. There’s just not enough of a change year over year. Threes is a fantastic new mode and a way to enjoy some arcade style hockey (and would be perfect on the Switch wink wink), but it’s just not worth a $60 investment for a casual fan. Die hards will have a blast with NHL 18 and Threes is just an added bonus to what is already a tight, feature packed hockey power play.”
read full review ↗
GameSpot
We Got This Covered
Digital Trends
M3
GameSpace
Digital Chumps
Gaming Age…and 15 more tracked reviews.