After a long wait, spanning more than one console generation and a large part of another, NHL Arcade is back! As such, the follow-up to one of the Xbox 360’s best games — 3-on-3 NHL Arcade — has finally arrived, as part of a planned (and free) update to NHL 25.
Unfortunately, this is listed as being a limited time event, which is really shitty and will hopefully change.
As of now, NHL Arcade can be found in World of CHEL, offering less realistic gameplay than the game it’s part of. It promises a modernized take on 3-on-3 NHL Arcade, featuring stylized gameplay, big heads and multiple power-ups.
Played in the NHL Arcade Arena, a bespoke rink with no glass, rules, or stoppages, the first to five goals or five-minute sudden-death overtime decides the winner. All players have the same OVR rating and height/weight making the power-ups the true difference maker. Players can team up with friends or jump into a game as solo skaters or goalies.
Starting today, Friday, November 15th, at 10am PST, WoC will feature one of three Arcade mode variations over the coming weeks and months, offering players new power-ups and stadium events to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
NHL ARCADE:
A modern take on a classic. Take control of any of the on-rink players, including the goalie. Release power-ups for the team by landing body checks or raining in shots on goal.
Featured Power-Ups:
- Supershot – An unblockable shot that clears a path to the net and knocks down the goalie, creating a mad scramble for the rebound
- Big Player – Become the ultimate defender by growing in size. Land mega checks that can knock opposing players clean out of the rink
- Freeze – Freeze an opponent and gain a brief player advantage. Frozen players can break out of the ice early by smashing buttons.
- Banana – A trio of bananas create havoc with the opportunity to take down opposing skaters
- Super Speed – Strap on a pair of rockets and blast around the ice at blinding speeds
- Double Score – As the name suggests, get double the goals while this power-up is active
- Small Goalie – Shrink the opponent’s goalie to increase chances of scoring, but even tiny goalies can make heroic saves
- Big Goalie – Supersize your goalie for mega saves and stop Supershots! Just remember, big goalies have big “five holes” (between the legs opening).
NHL ARCADE+:
This spiritual sequel features everything from NHL Arcade, plus four additional power-ups to add mayhem on the ice.
Featured Power-Ups:
- Lightning – Lightning strikes add a jolt of electricity to the game and can electrocute anyone – friend, foe or puck – taking them out for a short time
- Curse – A voodoo doll that drops a curse and reverses the controls
- TNT Puck – Turn the puck into an explosive game-changer, knocking down anyone caught in its blast radius
- Angry Mascot – Receive help from your club’s mascot and let them run wild, smashing anyone caught in their way
NHL FRENZY:
NHL action that is literally out of this world. Compete in the hilarious NHL Arcade experience with otherworldly guests who bring a few new surprises.
Featured Power-Ups:
- Abduction Beam – An overhead UFO will blast down a tractor beam onto the ice and any player caught in the beam will be pulled out of play for a certain amount of time
- Laser Attack – An overhead UFO will send down laser beams that zap and split the ice leaving behind trails of fire that will take out any player passing through the area for a period of time