Giving this game one star because I was so excited to buy it after I saw all the new features. Almost paid full price on release date for a change I was so stoked. With all the abysmal reviews I read, I won't even buy it at 90% off.
UPDATE****
Ok, so I'm gonna eat some humble pie here. I just had to see for myself so I got the 10 day trial and it's the smartest 5 bucks I ever spent. Yes, it's harder to check and yes learning the new controls is sometimes frustrating but I actually love the updates. Everything about NHL 24 seems more realistic, and ultimately more entertaining. I don't find the goal cut scenes cringy at all, they're hilarious and fun! Also love the improved replays, especially the double replays on goals from different angles. Haven't done face-offs yet and nothing is beyond improvement so I'm giving it a new rating of an optimistic 4 stars...
P.S. EA Sports - bring back Ray Ferraro...
***UPDATE 2 This game is goddam frustrating. CPU has clear advantage regardless of slider settings. I have to play Rookie and they still get the puck back 95% of the time on poke checks and body checks. I can't stand playing this version. The learning curve is too insane with the new controls.
TLDR: too frustrating to learn new defensive controls but overall game is more entertaining and snappier than NHL23. I only play BAP