Metacritic
IGDB
Loading critic reviews...
Finding live streams...
About NHL 13
NHL 13 is the twenty-second entry in EA Canada's long-running hockey series released back in September 2012. You can find this title on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 where it serves as a dedicated simulator for ice hockey fans. The game landed with Philadelphia Flyers forward Claude Giroux on the cover after winning a massive fan vote that gathered over 25 million ballots. It brought real-world commentary from Gary Thorne and Bill Clement to the rink while adding playable versions of actual women players like Hayley Wickenheiser and Angela Ruggiero for the first time in the franchise history.
Gameplay
You control a full roster of skaters using standard button layouts to pass, shoot, and check opponents on the ice. The core loop involves managing shifts while trying to outmaneuver defenders to score goals before time runs out. New this year you can select from real female athletes during online or single-player matches rather than just generic created characters. You will cycle through modes like standard seasons or Hockey Ultimate Team where you build a squad using packs containing random players and legend cards. Matches feel faster than previous iterations with improved skating physics that require precise stick handling to maintain control during breakaways.
What Players Think
Players on PlayPile have logged an average of 42 hours per account with a completion rate hovering near 68 percent. Metacritic gave the game an 84 out of 100 which reflects strong critical reception at launch. Community mood data shows 79 percent positive sentiment during peak seasons while negative reviews often cite repetitive AI behavior in later career stages. Achievement hunters have unlocked the "Stanley Cup Champion" trophy on roughly one in five accounts who finish a full season. Sales reports from the time noted this title posted the best first week numbers for any game in the series history before settling into steady online play.
PlayPile's Take
NHL 13 is worth your time if you want a solid annual update to EA Sports hockey without breaking the bank on used copies. The inclusion of real female players adds a fresh layer to roster building that feels genuine rather than tacked on. You should expect to spend money on Hockey Ultimate Team packs if you want those specific legend cards like Wayne Gretzky. This entry does not reinvent the wheel but it tightens the physics enough to satisfy serious fans. Finish your season with a trophy and you will have earned a solid 40 hour experience for a low price point.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
81.9
RAWG Rating
3.0
Deals
Finding deals...
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...