It may not be the perfect game of hockey, but as the sole hockey title available at launch, it'll make do.
Gretzky NHL for the PSP, much like it's console cousin, isn't the creme de la creme of hockey games. However, being the only title on the PSP this season that let's you put your stick on the ice, this game has the luxury of not needing to worry about being better than the competition. That's not to say this title is bad. Far from it. Gretzky NHL captures the game faithfully in a way that doesn't disappoint. Fast paced and detailed, the game portrays the thrill of the sport in the same way it's console contemporaries NHL 2K5 and EA's NHL 2005 do. However, it's the little things that can bring a title like this down, and Gretzky NHL suffers from more than a few.
The majority of the gameplay is rock solid, however, Gretzky NHL suffers from a few noticable failings that really knock it down a peg. Most noticeably, your teams passing abilities are unreliable at best, leading to far more stray pucks than recieved passes. Scoring, too, is far too much of a chore - both for yourself and the AI. It's not an uncommon sight to see an hour long game come to a scoreless end, making you want to chuck your PSP at a wall.
This title's other major failing is in the game's variety (or lack thereof.) So many sports titles have raised the bar over recent years by providing a variety of high quality gameplay modes. As such, it's a real shame to see this title only offer the standard Exhibition and Season modes.
Gretzky NHL recreates stadiums and uniforms faithfully, and the detail in the player's appearances is more than adequate for a handheld system. However, a lack of available uniform options (available are only the standard Home and Away jerseys) is a pretty big let down. After all, there's nothing more kitschy than seeing a 1920's Leafs uniform on a modern day enforcer like Tie Domi.
This game excels in the sound department. Not for what it brings to the table, but for what it leaves behind. This game features no commentary whatsoever, which I assure you, is a welcome change. I'm sure most people will agree the inane chatter of John Madden in his own title is entertaining for all of a minute before it makes you want to smack him in the head with a goalpost. As such a sports game with no commentary is music to my ears. 989 Studios couldn't have been more right in breaking with this thouroughly irritating tradition.
Other than the lack of commentary, the rest of the sound featured in this game is what one would come to expect from a hockey title. It's all quite well done and sounds fantastic coming out of the PSP's speakers.
All in all, Gretzky NHL isn't a bad game, but it's far from great. If you're looking for a hockey fix on your PSP you'll definitely find something to like about this title. However, this title offers very little variety for the casual gamer. Steer clear of this title unless you're a hockey fan at heart, or a Canadian.