Whoa. What a disappointing hockey game. Everyone I talked to would always come down on me for liking the ESPN line of hockey games more. So, with some tepidation, I borrowed this game from a friend to give it a shot. Well, what can I say, I was dead...right. This is perhaps one of the most featureless hockey games (outside of the actual hockey) I've ever played. I really don't want to go into a comparison of 2005 vs. 2K5, so I'm simply going to talk about the features of this game that are not available its competition. The World Cup Of Hockey: Wow. I must say this is perhaps one of the more useless features of the game. Okay, so you can have the option of playing a round-robin tourney with the teams from around the world. Mind you, this could be a lot of fun, but meh. Free-4-All: This is perhaps the only reason to purchase this game. Up to 4 individual players, all on a seperate 'team' trying to score on the same net. Multiplayer fun galore! Season Mode...Or The Lack Thereof: Okay, there is a season mode, but its really poorly set up. For example, you can't choose to play games from the calendar (unlike 2K5). However, it does offer the basic features. And one more thing...you can't play the All-Star Game...WTF? Part of the fun of season mode is to play the skills competitions, but its a no-go from 2005 (unlike 2K5)...okay...I'm getting off this topic because of the comparisons starting to happen. Dynasty Mode: Basically, you take on the role of a team coach. The management of the team wants you to complete certain goals for the season. But be warned, even if you win the Stanley Cup, if you fail to complete the goal for the season, you will fail. Overall, while it does present a good game of hockey, it just doesn't live up to the game presented by ESPN NHL 2K5. Most of the score for this game comes from the Free-4-All and the ability to create fights with goalies. I know, lame, but its really all this game has going for it. Yeap, goalie fights! (By the way, the fighting system is fairly lack-luster as well.)
Comparing this game to NHL 2K5 is an insult to all that is hockey. NHL 2005 has some good points. However, it leaves some things unfixed and creates even more problems. It's basically a rehash of NHL 2004 without the in... Read Full Review
This hockey game is the best ea sports hockey game. It may not be as good as the others but is still fun to play. The graphics are excellent and it is easy to play. The sounds when you check somone into the boards is pre... Read Full Review
