A big new feature promises to shake things up this year, giving the franchise a new x-factor and its called... well, its called The X-Factor. In it, elite level players including the likes of Maholmes, Gurley, and Donald take the spotlight. The idea is that with these players at the top of their game there is, every now and then, some sort of magic that takes hold of them and makes them unstoppable. EA has tried to capture this by giving 50 players x-factor abilities. Their stats dont suddenly change, but you might see changes like a series of passes suddenly becoming unstoppably accurate. Theyre behaviours, situational outcomes and characteristics that sit alongside ratings without changing them. Beyond this, the features fans have come to love make a comeback with a host of tweaks and improvements. You can run out an entire career, starting as a college player and playing through the College Football National Championship playoffs and the NFL Combine to see if you can make the drafts. Once you make a team, Maddens scenario engine kicks in to throw playable events, scenarios and challenges at you in the story of your personalised NHL career. For more of a birds-eye view, Ultimate Team is back for you to engage in a spot of team-building, with tons of players both past and present at your disposal. Meanwhile, Exhibition allows you to craft your own games both on- and offline, including settings for time of quarters, rules, stadiums, and uniforms.