In addition to the addition of Superstar X-Factors, the EA Sports NHL franchise is getting another major upgrade in NHL 22 with, at long last, the game being built on EA’s vaunted Frostbite engine. Like in the Madden series, Superstar X-Factors will be interspersed throughout all modes of play in NHL 22, including in cards that players pull in Hockey Ultimate Team, the characters you can create in World of CHEL and the Be A Pro mode, as well as franchise mode, where you’ll actually be able to scout for potential X-Factors in prospects.

The difference between the two is that a Zone Ability is described as a “game-breaking enhancement” that only the best players get – such as Matthews’ “Shock and Awe” skill – while Superstar Abilities are skills that more than one player can get and, while powerful, don’t reflect a player’s signature style in real life. These Superstar X-Factor abilities will come in two different flavours: Zone Abilities and Superstar Abilities. “This year, Superstar X-Factors bring a whole new level of elite competition and strategy to the game, and you’ll be able to unleash my ‘Shock and Awe’ ability for exciting shots at the net,” said Matthews in a statement.Īdditionally, Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl has an ability called “Tape to Tape,” which reflects his elite passing skills and will actually modify some of his passing animations and will occasionally automatically saucer passes for players if there’s a stick in the way.Īs well, Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy has an X-Factor ability called “Contortionist,” which speaks to his athletic goaltending style and, in-game, will boost his ability to make highlight-reel body-twisting saves. First revealed in Madden 20, Superstar X-Factors is a new mechanic coming to NHL 22 that adds specific skills and abilities that only the game’s very best players can execute.įor example, in the case of cover boy Matthews, he has an ability called “Shock and Awe” which taps into his signature, quick release wrister that he uses to find the back of the net in real life.

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