Introduction:The Electronic Arts NHL franchise is something gamers can count on even more than the National Hockey League. We don't need real hockey to have hockey on our TV's. Cure your hockey blues and try out simulated hockey with NHL 2005.

The Game:EA's NHL 2005 follows in the footsteps of the much improved NHL 2004. Still keeping arcade-ish action in mind NHL 2005 offers more of the same with a deep dynasty mode. There is allot of hits in this one, so try and stay offensive and nail them before they nail you. If you heard the action is fast, it's true! Although a little arcad-ish in its speed can still offer up a great game involving strategy and great hockey teamwork. If you're not down on how the game plays you can always modify the settings until you find your perfect game.

I must admit I found NHL 2005 harder then last year, and I am not really sure why. It must be the brilliant new AI, or my game just wasn't on. This year's hockey game has a more personal touch and Electronic Arts has tried to add more individuality into the game. They have given many players a "personality" so to speak, which leads to a less generic game when facing different teams. I think it really shows given my poor performance.

NHL 2005 also has some other tweaks, like making two separate buttons for wrist shots and slap shots, and the inclusion of auto or manual aim. The other new features I'll cover in the innovation section of the review. Besides the control tweaks and other special features the game is balanced out a little more. The defensemen don't all huddle around each other and have more space then last years version and the offensive team will also try and have more defined positions to create more opportunities. These are small nuances, but if you spend a little bit of time with last year's version, you will notice the difference.

My favorite part of the NHL series is the 'Dynasty Mode'. This years edition to the dynasty mode has had some cosmetic changes and not for the better. Although it doesn't look bad, I really liked the layout of 2004 better and I think they could do without this Palm PDA interface. Aside from cosmetic chances they added more personality into your GM position, much like the players in the game. When building your profile get little bonuses depending on your personal personality which is a nice touch, like better scouting or leadership abilities. You can also still boost particular areas of your team (training staff, facilities, etc) with the point system, so GM leadership won't totally dictate your team. If you're looking for a simple outing EA just complicated things with this more expansive Dynasty mode. It's great for players who love the entire aspect of hockey, from the game to the managerial headaches.

Overall NHL 2005 keeps with EA's traditional style and offers up some new tweaks to make the game even closer than the real thing. Although with these tweaks added a boost in difficulty into NHL 2005 which is great for under-challenged players. There are some aspects in this year's version that I wasn't too keen on mainly the new dynasty mode which didn't live up to my expectations. They dumped the create a player feature, and lastly the game although more dynamic the gameplay is a little too unbalanced for the average player. Despite the minor flaws NHL 2005 is still fun and will still satisfy hockey enthusiasts.

Graphics & Sound:Again the graphics have received a minor overhaul in NHL 2005. The skating and hit animations are even better then last year, and there is a little layer of polish over the entire game. EA explains that it has used a new motion capture system to get the player likeness into the game and it worked. EA is stepping closer with each version of this game to mimicking exactly what we see on our TV's. There is a little more into the presentation of the game with the addition of more animations for the players and crowd. The graphics are great like always with an EA Sports title and the bumped animations help the game become a little more personal.

The sound of EA NHL 2005 isn't bad, but it has more competition this year because of the excellent sound of ESPN 2k5. I would say EA is just a little behind in the commentary and customizable music then 2k5. The music from 'EA Trax' isn't pretty good and keeps in the rock vein of the hockey stadium. I would of liked more fresh songs, but I can't complain too much because the have the Franz Ferdinand pumping! Overall the sound and graphics are not bad by any means, but for next year they will have to raise the bar to pull of the best sounding and best looking game.

Innovation:One innovation to NHL 2005 is 'Open Ice Support' feature, this works when you use the black or white buttons when in a tight situation either. When activated your teammates will automatically focus on your player and try and help you out by double teaming the opponent while trying to grab the puck. This is a pretty cool innovation and it brings a touch more realism and control into the game. NHL 2005 also has a new feature of letting the player arranged the face off formation at each face off in the game. This little extra feature brings a little more strategy then just shooting the puck. Just like football you can pre-mediate your plays and go into the game with a little bit of brains then just all brawn.

What can you say Xbox Live and Electronic Arts are finally together and now we can play finally enjoy an online game of EA NHL hockey. Unfortunatly I didn't have time to review the online aspect, but I have been hearing positive things about the gameplay, and some minor troubles with the connectivity. This is EA's first year implementing Xbox Live so I'm not too surprised that they are little hiccups. It's great that EA is aboard and look forward to NHL 2006 to have a smoother online component.

Mojo:I gotta tell you I'm always in the mood for some hockey and EA's hockey games always sit nice with what I want and expect out of a hockey game. I was surprised with EA's direct competition and thought they put out a gallant effort as well as EA. There are some great new aspects of this years NHL game which makes the game more complex, but overall rewarding. I wasn't into the dynasty mode as much this year, it could have been the design or it could be my hockey blues because of the real life season. NHL 2005 has the mojo although not as fantastic as last year.

Lowdown:Even though EA NHL 2005 has more competition with ESPN 2k5, there is still enough to warrant a purchase. NHL 2005 put more into their game of hockey which wiill satisfy the gamer looking for little changes, but who still wants that patented EA hockey experience.

Gameplay: 8, Graphics/Sound: 8, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 7. Final: 7.5