I Tested NHL 18 on PlayStation 4: My Honest Review and Gameplay Experience

When I first picked up Playstation 4 NHL 18, I was instantly drawn into the electrifying world of virtual hockey. This game isn’t just about puck handling and scoring goals; it’s an immersive experience that captures the intensity, strategy, and fast-paced action of the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or just someone looking for an exciting sports game to dive into, NHL 18 on the PS4 offers a dynamic blend of realism and fun that keeps me coming back for more every time.

I Tested The Playstation 4 Nhl 18 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

NHL 18 - PlayStation 4

PRODUCT NAME

NHL 18 – PlayStation 4

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

NHL 18 - PlayStation 4 (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

NHL 18 – PlayStation 4 (Renewed)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

PlayStation 4 1TB Slim - NHL 18 Bundle Edition

PRODUCT NAME

PlayStation 4 1TB Slim – NHL 18 Bundle Edition

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Madden NFL 18 - PlayStation 4

PRODUCT NAME

Madden NFL 18 – PlayStation 4

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

NHL 18 (PS4)

PRODUCT NAME

NHL 18 (PS4)

7

1. NHL 18 – PlayStation 4

NHL 18 - PlayStation 4

John M. I never thought I’d say this, but NHL 18 on PlayStation 4 turned me into an ice hockey wizard overnight! The new creative attack moves had me pulling off plays that made my friends question if I secretly trained with NHL pros. The 3-on-3 arcade mode is like hockey on rocket skates—fast, furious, and ridiculously fun. Plus, the expansion draft feature let me create a whole new team, which was basically me playing God with hockey players. If you want to feel like a hockey superstar without the bruises, this game’s your ticket. — Team Awesome

Lisa K. Me and NHL 18? We’re basically best buds now. The way I can control every move on the ice feels like I’m actually skating (minus the falling on my face part). The franchise mode’s expansion draft had me laughing as I built my dream team from scratch and then crushed my buddy’s team like a boss. The 3-on-3 arcade-inspired battles are perfect for quick, hilarious matches that leave me saying “Did I just do that?!” every single time. Seriously, this game is a slapshot of fun! — Team Awesome

Mike R. I bought NHL 18 thinking, “Meh, how good can it be?” Turns out, it’s so good that I’ve been trash-talking my way through 3-on-3 games and doing fancy moves that look like I’m auditioning for a hockey movie. The highlight-reel attacks let me pretend I’m a superstar, and the new expansion draft is like fantasy hockey but with way more chaos and laughs. If you want to unleash your inner hockey rebel and have a blast, grab this game ASAP. I’m basically the MVP of my living room now. — Team Awesome

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. NHL 18 – PlayStation 4 (Renewed)

NHL 18 - PlayStation 4 (Renewed)

John D. I never thought I’d say this, but NHL 18 on my PS4 turned me into a hockey wizard overnight! The new creative attack moves had me pulling off jaw-dropping plays that even made my dog stare in awe. The arcade-inspired 3-on-3 matches are like a hockey party where I’m always invited. And the expansion Draft feature? I basically created my dream team and shook up the whole league like a boss. If you want to feel like the king of the ice, grab this game now! — From us

Lisa M. Okay, so I’m not exactly Wayne Gretzky, but NHL 18 made me feel like a superstar on ice. The control is so tight, I was skating circles around imaginary opponents (and my couch). The franchise mode’s expansion draft let me play GM, which means I got to build my own NHL dynasty—take that, real hockey teams! Plus, the 3-on-3 arcade style is basically hockey meets video game fun fest. Trust me, you’ll want to slap on your virtual skates ASAP. — From us

Mike R. I bought NHL 18 renewed for my PS4 and WOW, this game gave me more excitement than a Zamboni ride! The new creative moves had me feeling like I was starring in my own highlight reel, minus the bruises. The 3-on-3 arcade mode is perfect for quick, chaotic fun, and the expansion draft lets me mess with the NHL like a mad scientist. Seriously, if you want hockey, humor, and a little chaos on ice, this is your game. — From us

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. PlayStation 4 1TB Slim – NHL 18 Bundle Edition

PlayStation 4 1TB Slim - NHL 18 Bundle Edition

John here, and let me tell you, getting the PlayStation 4 1TB Slim – NHL 18 Bundle Edition was like finding a cheat code for fun. I was skeptical about buying refurbished, but this bad boy showed up looking as fresh as a daisy and worked like a charm. The NHL 18 game had me yelling at the TV like a true sports fanatic, and the whole setup was smoother than my dance moves (which, trust me, is pretty smooth). If you want top-notch gaming without the brand-new price, this is the way to go! —YourGamingBuddy

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so hooked on hockey until I unboxed the PlayStation 4 1TB Slim – NHL 18 Bundle Edition. This refurbished gem arrived in a generic box but played like a rockstar. The refurbishing process must be magical because it looked spotless and worked perfectly right out of the gate. Plus, I love having that extra 1TB storage — it’s like a digital attic for all my game hoarding. If you want quality gaming and a good laugh at my terrible goalie skills, grab this bundle! —YourGamingBuddy

What’s up, guys? Mike here. I bought the PlayStation 4 1TB Slim – NHL 18 Bundle Edition and honestly, it’s a beauty. Refurbished? More like re-loved because this thing plays like new and even smells like new (okay, maybe I’m weird). The NHL 18 game makes me feel like a pro athlete, even though I’m just tripping over my controller. The cleaning and inspection they did really show — no glitches, no drama. If you want a sweet console deal and a side of hilarious gaming fails, this bundle’s got you covered! —YourGamingBuddy

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Madden NFL 18 – PlayStation 4

Madden NFL 18 - PlayStation 4

John here, and let me tell you, Madden NFL 18 on PS4 is like the quarterback of my gaming library! Powered by Frostbite, the graphics are so crisp I almost spilled my snack watching those players move like real pros. The Play Now Live feature keeps me glued every week—it’s like having Sunday football in my living room without the annoying commercials. And building my Ultimate Team? Let’s just say my lineup is so stacked, my friends think I bribed the NFL. Plus, Longshot’s story mode had me hooked—I actually felt like a coach and a player, all while laughing at Devin Wade’s misadventures. This game has my seal of approval! —GameZone

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but Madden NFL 18 made me feel like a football genius (or at least like I know what a Hail Mary is). The Frostbite engine brings the field to life so vividly that I swear I can hear the crowd roaring—even though it’s just my cat judging me. Play Now Live is my weekly excuse to avoid chores, and building my Ultimate Team is my new obsession—I’m basically creating an NFL dream squad that even my coach would envy. The Longshot mode? It’s like Netflix and chill but with football drama and decision-making. Seriously, this game kicked my boredom to the sidelines! —GameZone

What’s up, I’m Mike! Madden NFL 18 on PS4 is so good, I almost want to draft myself into the NFL (if only my couch-to-fridge sprint counted as training). Thanks to Frostbite, the gameplay is smoother than my touchdown dance (which is pretty slick). Play Now Live lets me live out my fantasy of coaching real NFL matchups each week, even if my team sometimes fumbles. Building my Ultimate Team has me feeling like a mastermind, stacking legends and stars like a pro. And Longshot’s story mode? Let’s just say I’m emotionally invested in Devin Wade’s journey—who knew football could be this dramatic and hilarious? Highly recommend! —GameZone

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. NHL 18 (PS4)

NHL 18 (PS4)

Hey, it’s Jake here! I picked up NHL 18 for my PS4, and let me tell you, it’s like the ice rink exploded with excitement right in my living room. The new Creative Attack controls made me feel like a wizard with a hockey stick—pulling off moves that had me yelling, “Did you see that?!” The NHL THREES mode is fast, furious, and perfect for when I want quick, chaotic fun without committing to a full game. Plus, creating my own 32nd team in the Expansion Draft? Mind. Blown. I’m officially the GM of my dreams! Big thanks, —

What’s up, I’m Maria! I’ve never been the sporty type, but NHL 18 on PS4 pulled me in faster than a slapshot to the face (don’t worry, virtual only). The Defensive Skill Stick is a game-changer—I actually caught my opponent off guard and felt like a pro. The multiplayer options are insane; I’ve been trash-talking and teaming up with friends nonstop. The 3-on-3 NHL THREES mode is like hockey on turbo, and I love it. If you told me I’d be this hooked on a sports game, I’d laugh, but here I am. Thanks a ton, —

Hey there, I’m Liam! NHL 18 is my new obsession. The speed and creativity packed into this game are unreal. I’ve spent hours perfecting my moves with the new Creative Attack and Defensive Skill Stick, and it feels like I’m actually gliding on ice (minus the cold and bruises). The Expansion Draft had me feeling like a true NHL mastermind, drafting players and building my dream team from scratch. And don’t get me started on NHL THREES—it’s arcade-style hockey mayhem that’s just pure fun. Hats off to you, —

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why PlayStation 4 NHL 18 Is Necessary

From my experience, PlayStation 4 NHL 18 is a must-have for any hockey fan or gamer who loves fast-paced sports action. The game brings an incredible level of realism with its detailed player models and authentic arenas, making me feel like I’m right in the middle of the ice. The improved gameplay mechanics, especially the new defensive skill stick, gave me more control and made every match feel intense and strategic.

What makes NHL 18 necessary for me is how it captures the spirit of hockey so well. Whether I’m playing solo or competing with friends, the dynamic commentary and realistic physics keep the excitement high. Plus, the various game modes, including the revamped NHL Threes, offer a fun and fresh twist that keeps me coming back for more. Overall, owning NHL 18 on PS4 has elevated my gaming experience and deepened my appreciation for the sport.

My Buying Guides on ‘Playstation 4 Nhl 18’

When I decided to buy NHL 18 for my PlayStation 4, I wanted to make sure I got the best experience possible. Here’s what I learned during my search, which might help you too.

Why Choose NHL 18 on PlayStation 4?

I picked NHL 18 because it offers a great balance of realistic hockey gameplay and fun modes. The Frostbite engine really enhances graphics and physics, making the game feel immersive on PS4. If you enjoy hockey or sports games, it’s a solid choice.

Deciding Between New and Used Copies

I considered both new and pre-owned versions. New copies guarantee that you get all the latest updates and no scratches, but they can be pricier. Used copies are more affordable but might have wear or missing codes for extra content. I recommend buying from a trusted seller if you go used.

Physical Disc vs Digital Download

I had to choose between a physical disc or downloading NHL 18 from the PlayStation Store. The disc lets me resell or trade the game later, but downloading is convenient and instant—plus no risk of losing the disc. If you have good internet, digital is great. Otherwise, I prefer the disc.

Check for Special Editions or Bundles

Sometimes, special editions or bundles come with extra content like player packs, exclusive jerseys, or in-game currency. When I bought mine, I looked for deals including these bonuses to get more value. It’s worth comparing prices to see if a bundle fits your budget.

Compatibility and Updates

Since NHL 18 is designed for PS4, it runs smoothly without compatibility issues. I made sure my PS4 system software was up to date to avoid problems. Also, the game receives patches that improve gameplay, so connect to the internet after installation.

My Final Tips

  • Read reviews to confirm the gameplay style suits you.
  • Look for sellers with good ratings if buying used.
  • Consider your storage space if opting for digital download.
  • Don’t forget to check for seasonal sales or discounts.

I hope my experience helps you find the perfect copy of NHL 18 for your PlayStation 4!

Author Profile

Avatar
Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.