Screenshots & trailers
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) | – | 78 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 59 | 73 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 61 | 115 |
| 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 6h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (26)
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.
- 80
“New modes, impressive tweaks to the AI to make things more competitive, and that stellar in-game presentation that does a darned good job of simulating the real thing mean that there's more than ever for the puck nuts to get their teeth into this time around.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Even if you don’t have a lot of experience with the franchise, the on-ice trainer will help get you up and running quickly. If you’re coming solely for Be a Pro mode though be prepared for a lackluster experience, but with the new franchise mode fleshing out the experience there should be plenty for most sports gamers to like.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“NHL 17 is a great game of hockey, but unlike last year, there isn't a standout mode or feature that makes this game substantially better than its predecessor.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“NHL 17 marks another step forward for the already great franchise, and is easily the best hockey game to date.”
read full review ↗ - 60
“One is tempted to cut & paste last year's verdict, but while the last year was fixing the mess, this one just polishes the well-frozen ice. [Issue#267]”
- 84
“Most importantly, the hockey presented on the ice is dynamic and fluid, and it serves up an excellent version of the fastest game around.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The same thing as last year, with a couple of expected improvements. Nothing special, but enough tweaks to keep the series interesting. ”
read full review ↗ - 80
“NHL keeps doing the same thing every year and that is a good thing. They have a strong formula that works which they keep interesting by adding new game modes and perfecting the game even more.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“At its core, the game delivers. The gameplay, always the most important factor, is as good as it has ever been and the level of depth, customization and replayability makes this one a winner.”
read full review ↗ - 83
“NHL 17 continues the trend EA has been building lately, and it’s another quality title in the franchise. The problem I have with it is, I don’t see the game as an every year investment, unless you're a true diehard hockey fan.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“At the end of the day just playing a few matches in season mode is a lot of fun whether you want that deep experience or just want a simple arcade-like hockey game.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Both player selection and poor teammate AI could be improved by patches, but right now they make every match become frustrating in spots. It’s incredibly disappointing to see a game that gets so much right also proceed to get a few important things dead wrong. There is still fun to be had, especially in the Be A Pro mode, but the action on the ice isn’t nearly as satisfying as it should be.”
read full review ↗
Push Square
ZTGD
GameSpot
We Got This Covered
IGN
Post Arcade (National Post)
Gaming Age
Arcade Sushi
PlayStation LifeStyle…and 14 more tracked reviews.