ESPN NHL Hockey Review

[Brevity]

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In addition to these standard modes, there’s also the option to participate in the NHL skills competition. Just as the actual contest tests the abilities of the league’s elite, the virtual version tests your expertise as a gamer. The puck-control relay forces you to be quick but still accurate with the analog stick, while the breakaway challenge determines how well you can pick a goalie’s weak spots. Other events include fastest skater, accuracy shooting and the ever-popular hardest shot competition.

If players tire of regulation hockey, there are four unlockable mini-games that add a little more variety to the experience. The shootout and super speed modes are available from the start, and are quite self-explanatory and straightforward. However, the other two must be unlocked and are the true centerpieces of this section. Pond hockey gives us the game that we played as children, free of icing and offside calls. The more open-ended, offensive style is a result of the playing surface, which appears to be a little larger than regulation NHL arenas, approaching the size of international ice. Finally, for those seeking even less defensive play, there’s the mini-rink mode. The surface is reduced in size, as are the size of the teams, and the result is a very quick two-way game of hockey.

[Heavens Gate]

I have this game and it kicks major a$$. The graphics and gameplay are top-notch and the commentary is outstanding. Pick it up if you don't have it and stay away from EA's game. No online play is enough to snuff it out of your mind. Go SEGA!!!