Overall: The 2K series wins again. This game is definitely still the hockey champ on the xbox. The gameplay is stellar and much better for people looking for less of an arcade hockey experience. For only 20 bux american and 30 canadian you can't go wrong with this one. Gameplay: They brang back all the old goodies-- slapper, wristshot, snap shot, fake slapshot, poke check, diving poke check, checking, pinning, etc. That's all the same, for teh most part. However, they've added some new quot; type features:
Pro-Control Passing: In the years before this hockey game, dating back to the very first one, whatever it was, how many of you found passing a game of luck, if you will? Ah... fear no more, my friends! This has been fixed in a big way! Basically, this is the best new feature by far. What it does, is it allows you to bring up player icons, with the click of the right analog stick, and allows you to pass to that respective person with relative ease. Yep, no more guessing or awkwardly adjusting your body, just one click of the button and it's there, barring any interceptions. To remove the icons, simply press down the R analog again. Shuffling the puck just got a WHOLE lot easier!
Skating Backwards: Although you could do this on defense in last years game, you couldn't do it on offense. Now, you can by pressing and holding the R trigger (Xbox). This allows you to make better moves on the puck or keep yourself out of danger, depending on the situation.
Maximum Goaltending: By far the worst idea in the game. Good concept and unique idea, but it just falls short due to many other aspects of the game. Perhaps, if KUSH/2KSports could come up with a better view so you could play the puck better it would be a better idea, but until then, this one's better off in the trash.
Graphics: Obviously not the best in a sports game, but still enough to keep one satisfied. Even though the graphics on a whole probably aren't as good as NHL 06, the player models and body shape seem to fit the bill. Player movements seem as fluid as ever, and now with the enhanced gameplay it shows.
Sound: Although many a folk prefer the ESPN tandem, this year's announcers are famous in Canada. They are the CBC announcers and in my opinion sound much more realistic than the espn announcers. MAJORLY good move by the 2K team. So, you ask "Why such a high score?" Well because the in-game sounds are incredible. The ice sounds nice, especially when players stop on a dime and the ice shoots up. The grunts and impact sounds during checks are the best I've heard, and pad sounds are authentic sounding, also.
Suggestions: Doing awesome. Maybe a bit deeper franchise with more of a storyline or something and it will be STELLAR
Made in Canada