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Reviewed by Jimmy | 11.15.05

Introduction:The Gretzky NHL series has returned under one year to help fill the much needed void of hockey games for the handheld. Gretzky NHL 06 is much improved from it's original debut on the PSP which will make many of you happy. I can almost hear a sigh of relief. I'll have a look at the Great One's hockey enterprise on the PSP handheld.

The Game:Gretzky NHL 06 has a lot to live up to because the first edition didn't make stellar reviews with the press, or fans. It's a little different this time around because developer Page 44 has ironed out some issues and hit us up with some new modes. Although there is a lot of possitive in this 06 version I can already tell some people will be complaining about the fast paced arcade feel of the game. Gretzky NHL 06 is an action hockey game which depending on your perspective can be a good or bad thing. For me this was a little much, so much that I had to drastically slow the gameplay right down. I can't imagine the gamer that has to speed things up.

The gameplay is pretty smooth in Gretzky NHL 06 and it's a step up from the first model of this game. They have a cool shot mechanic that lets you pick the spot at the net before you shoot which works extremely well. It can be turned off if it's too overwhelming to control. We also have a chemistry meter for different line-up's like NHL 2K6. The chemistry is a cool feature that has been added in, if it worked properly. Maybe I wasn't attentive enough to notice a change, but it seemed to hardly effect the teams ability to play if they had a low chemistry line on the ice.

The new mode in this years Page 44 offering is called "Wayne vs. Wayne". The Wayne vs. Wayne mode is a nice addition which fits in nicely with The Great One #99 being under the marquee. This mode lets you play against another team with the a team with the ability to call out #99 to come in and score big. Both teams can use Wayne , but only when you earn enough points. Again it's more of an arcade thing and adding a boosted player destroys any hope of real competition, but it could be fun online with other people.

One major downside to Gretzky NHL 06 is that it doesn't have a franchise mode. This could be because of it's portable nature, but if you really loved the game and wanted to spend hours, upon hours creating a perfect dynasty you couldn't. The season mode option just isn't the same, and it's not as rewarding. Another dowside is that you can't download new rosters, or create your own characters. Both of those issues are a downer if you want to keep up to date with the real sport, or if you're into creating your own likeness in the game. Strangely enough the PS2 version of the game has these modes which is a little unfair, but I guess it they had to cut some features to fit on the smaller UMD.

The multiplayer aspect is good in the game including support for WiFi in Ad-Hoc, and Infrastructure mode. I didn't have the chance to hit this one up on multiplayer, but it's nice they through it in. I've heard people complain about it's lag, but I didn't have the chance to test this first hand. To finish up the overview of modes there is a 3 on 3 countdown mode which is fun to run though, it's gives each team 3 players and you have to reach a certain amount of goals to win. Not the most in depth, but for a quick game it's fun enough.

Graphics & Sound:The presentation in Gretzky NHL 06 is done well. Gretzky 06 is bright and colourful, and runs smooth with no lag on the system. The character animation could be spiced up a bit because at times it seems a little too unnatural. The other graphical elements like the reflections, cut scenes and close ups are great and is good as we can expect on the PSP. The presentation really gives the sense that it's a real game and has some angles the consoles developers should be looking at. Although the camera cuts can be a little frustrating when away from the action, but all this can be turned off under the options if it gets to you. If you're like me you have it on for a while, then just want the hockey and shut that puppy down.

Lowdown:Gretzky NHL 06 is your best option for hockey on the PSP, mainly because the only other option is the older version of this game. The game is fast, and more suited for the on the go gamer who doesn't mind their sports games with that arcade feel. Page 44 has one upped their last game and is ruler of the ice until we get another option for the system.

The Good:Great Presentation, Fast Action,
New Wayne vs. Wayne Mode

The Bad:No Franchise Mode , Too Arcadish,
Can't Update Roster

Gameplay: 7, Graphics/Sound: 8, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 7. Final: 7 / 10

FEATURES:

  • New Wayne vs. Wayne Mode - Blur the line between arcade and simulation! Earn "99 Time" by executing big hits and combos, earning a chance to skate with the Great One on the ultimate power play!
  • New Team Chemistry - Earn player and team attribute bonuses by sharing the puck, playing great "D" and lighting the lamp.
  • New NHL® Showdown Mode - Take your favorite NHL® team and play the other 29 teams to see if your squad has the talent to climb the ladder and rise to NHL® supremacy.
  • New 3 0n 3 Mode - With only three skaters per team on the ice take advantage of the open ice in this dynamic, arcade style mode of play with no clock or rules. Set the amount of goals needed for victory with the first team to reach zero being the winner.
  • Gretzky Challenge - Earn points by matching the achievements of The Great One. Use those points to unlock throwback jerseys, hidden teams and even five different playable versions of Gretzky. Wireless NHLT Action - Two different types of wireless gameplay, Ad Hoc and Infrastructure let you play with another PSP user across the room or country.



Gretzky NHL 06

 
Publisher
SCEA
 
Developer
Page 44
 
Genre
Sports
 
Released
Oct 2005
 
ESRB
Everyone




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