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Reviewed by Drew Hallenbeck | 11.15.05

Introduction:If you were looking for next gen of Hockey, this is not your game. If you are looking for the great NHL 2K6 we have come to expect every year, you have your game. Do not expect any huge differences from the 360 to the original Xbox version.

The Game:To not repeat ourselves, this review will be more directed at the changes and upgrades to the 360 version vs. the original Xbox version. The game is basically identical from menu to game play. To get a full review on game check the side links, after you check out the differences on the 360.

Overall you may not notice any differences at all, but if you look closely. sometimes very closely there are some subtle changes to the 360 version. Once in the game the first striking difference is the ice texture. It looks damn near real! You can even see the skate lines carve into the ice which is very cool. The wear on the ice as the period progresses looks more natural and the shadows and reflections seem more realistic as well. They did not do much to the character models, but they do seem a little more crisp looking than the original Xbox. When you body check into the boards, the way the glass moves and bends also adds to the realism of the rink. It isn't until you view a replay do you see some marked improvement on the character modeling. It is more what you would expect from a high end PC. But given the time constraints on release, it was hard to expect any major upgrades. On a side note, the crowd animation during game play has improved. The crowd seems to be more natural rather than all doing some very cult like movements in unison?!? You can see them walking around up and down the stairs and reacting to different aspects of the game in expected manners.

As far as game play is concerned, it seems a little smoother on the 360 for some reason. I am not sure if it is how the controller reacts to the console or if it is in my head but it just felt more flowing between hand and eye. There is a new goalie control feature which is quite innovative but hard to master. As with the other review of this game, goalie control is for the most daring of players and there is not enough time to worry about controlling the goalie with everything else going on! Where you had the black and white buttons on the old controller you now have the bumpers. This takes getting used as I had a habit of accidentally hitting them and setting off an errant pass. This will take some getting used to like any new controller.

Lowdown:So if you just have to have a Hockey game for the 360, this is your only choice. Is it worth the investment at it's hefty price if you owned it for the original Xbox? That is a hard question to answer, depends if you want to be going back and forth between old Xbox and new to get your fix. In the end it is still the great NHL experience you have come to expect from 2K sports!

Gameplay: 9, Graphics/Sound: 8.5, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 8. Final: 8.5 / 10

FEATURES:

  • Breathtaking Next-Gen Visuals - Featuring incredible ice reflections, realistic net physics, and high resolution player models.
  • Crease Control - Marty Turco's breakthrough goaltending interface redefines the experience between the pipes.
  • The NHL Experience - Fully 3-D crowd and highly detailed arenas re-create the intensity of a true NHL game.
  • Rosters & Rules - All the new NHL rules and the most current rosters available with the latest big transaction players and hot new rookies.
  • Feature Complete - The complete set of 2K6 features including Franchise Mode, ProControlT, On-The-Fly Coaching, Enforcer System, and more!
  • ProControl T - Play like the pros with our revolutionary icon-based passing system. All-new combo passing and shooting controls let you queue up give-and-go attacks, tic-tac-toe passing, puck cycling, behind the net plays and more!
  • On-The-Fly Coaching - Play your style of hockey at both ends of the ice by calling team strategy during the action. Crash the net, screen the goalie and pinch defensemen on offense. Then, counter the attack by clearing the crease, clearing the zone, or setting up a break out for an offensive rush.
  • Enforcer SystemT - Throw opponents off their game by bringing out your checking line. Now, bigger and more aggressive players weigh into the outcome of a game as much as your leading goal scorers, as physical play will lower opponents' performance ratings.
  • Maximum GoaltendingT - Take matters into your own hands by swapping into the cage and utilizing your right analog stick to make quick, intuitive saves when it counts the most.
  • PureMotionT Animations - Hundreds of new NHL-caliber animations to feast your eyes on including spectacular saves in goal by Marty Turco.
  • Franchise Perfection - An unsurpassed franchise experience hinges a team's success on your ability to schedule workouts, scrimmages and manage team chemistry.
  • Gold Standard Presentation - Immerse yourself in the impeccable presentation system with all-new commentary featuring Bob Cole and Harry Neale, broadcast standard overlays, innovative camera angles, new cut-scenes and more.
  • The Online Experience - 2K Sports continues to lead the online gaming revolution as NHL® 2K6 brings you seamless online play and the most comprehensive online feature set anywhere including completely online stat tracking, buddy lists management, and online leagues.



NHL 2K6

 
Publisher
2K Sports
 
Developer
Visual Concepts
 
Genre
Sports
 
Released
Nov 2005
 
ESRB
Teen



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