A nasty
backhand … a vicious body check … no, this is not a fighting game or the
preamble to pro wrestling match; this is the fastest sport in the world – ice
hockey.
Visual
Concepts and Kush Games are behind NHL 2K6, a dazzling isometric game of puck,
featuring a nice range of new features, fast-paced game play and some terrific
game modes.
You want
options – this game has a host of them. New features? Yep, that is here too.
But let’s
get something straight. ESPN dropped NHL hockey from its lineup of televised
sports – a little matter of money offered to the NHL to broadcast the games
(that is the simplified version). Concurrently, ESPN dropped its name from the
Visual Concepts-published title. Does it make a lot of difference? Not really.
If NHL 2K5 was the top dog in ice hockey games last year, 2K6 builds on that.
Top among
the new features is the Pro Control. Get into the offensive end, press down on
the right analog stick and suddenly all the players have icons by them, defining
passes. Quick passing, snap shots off the pass and a solid chance to beat that
net minder.
But if you
thought that was good, there’s now On-The-Fly coaching, which employs the D-pad
to allow games to make formation changes rapidly. Crash the net on offense or
collapse your defense, or release a player for a breakaway attempt – these are a
few of the new options available.
In the
Franchise mode you must pay attention to team chemistry, which takes into
account player happiness with their contract, player performance and time spent
on the same line as teammates. A player on the other team playing a little too
well? That is what enforcers are for. Lay into him a few times, send the message
that you would rather he be tentative than aggressive.
Ok, so Marty
Turco is on the cover – what does that mean? Means that the keepers have had a
bit of an upgrade from 2K5. Smarter AI, some jaw-dropping saves guaranteed to
leave you cursing under your breath, and the ability to take control of the
keeper to initiate those reflexive saves.
The opposing
team tries to clear the puck and does manage to get it over the blue line before
one of your defensemen picks it up. Can’t dump it back into the offensive zone
because you would have players offsides. By using the L1 button, you can now
skate backwards with the puck, let your forwards clear the zone and then start
the attack anew. Pressure-sensitive dumps, pass and go, wraparounds – all this
is in the game.
And what
that translates to is a game that has much more going for it than ever before.
Bob Cole and Harry Neale handle the play-by-play and do a terrific job. The
music is hit and miss, for the most part, going from driving rock to almost that
elevator Muzak sound. Not too much has been done visually to the game; maybe a
few minor tweaks to the animation, but this is a game that looks very good.
Of course
the game does allow for online play, but the online interface is a bit
cumbersome. Still, you want to play online, you will have little trouble finding
an opponent.
If you are
looking for game modes, there is no shortage here. You can edit teams, trade
players, create teams, and create players. Party mode offers three mini-games
designed to be quick and fun. There are six game modes – exhibition, season,
playoffs, franchise, tournaments, and dream team – and you can work on skills.
The true joy
of this game, though, comes when you launch into the season or franchise and
start working your way through a grueling schedule. The anomalies of the sport,
injuries and team chemistry, make this more than just a reflexive outing, but a
cerebral one as well. Toss in Pro Control and On-The-Fly coaching and you have a
game that sparkles.
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Gameplay:
8.7
The game does
have some load times that slow the momentum in an otherwise well-paced game. The
controls are easy to get a handle on, with a small learning curve.
Graphics:
8.5
Mostly you see
the game from the isometric viewpoint and while not bad, you do no see those
great close-ups available in the screenshots.
Sound:
9.0
The play-by-play
and color commentary is excellent. The music is hit and miss, but the arena
sounds are solid and spot on.
Difficulty: Medium
Five difficulty
settings should allow players to find the right fit easily.
Concept:
9.0
Great additions
have been made to an already solid game. Each of the new features only enhances
the game’s standing as one of the best on the market.
Multiplayer: 8.8
Playing a game
against someone else is always more fun than against the AI, but the online
interface can be frustrating at times.
Overall:
8.9
No lockouts, no
missed seasons, NHL 2K6 is all about the game of the hockey and it delivers
fast-paced and exciting action. The online interface is a little cumbersome, and
the game does have some load times. Get past that and you will be treated to a
wonderful hockey experience that sparkles with smart AI, terrific control
schemes and great action. The options package is just another reason why this
game is Stanley Cup material.
