Hands-onNHL 2K2 DC from Sega Sports Summit 2001

Sega released NHL 2K to mixed reviews on the Dreamcast. Although it was a solid game, most agreed it didn't live up to the precedent set by the NFL 2K and NBA 2K games. To remedy this, Sega enlisted a new development team to create NHL 2K2 for the Dreamcast. Treyarch, the company responsible for the Dreamcast ports of Spider-Man and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2, took the original NHL 2K code and made quite a few changes to create this latest game in the series. The most noticeable change is in the goalie AI. Instead of having superhuman abilities, each goalie now has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, while Dominic Hasek will fly around the goalie crease stopping everything in sight, the Islanders' Tommy Sallo will leave a few more slots exposed and will be easier to beat. Also new to this year's game is a franchise mode, where you can lead your team through multiple seasons and on multiple quests for the Stanley Cup. Options such as the ability to customize season, game, and series lengths have also been included in the game.

In terms of actual gameplay, NHL 2K2 plays at about the same speed and has relatively the same level of control response as the original. Some of the animation has been improved and is a bit smoother in this year's version, however. For example, checking is much more momentum-based, because players need to have a head start to dole out the more vicious hits. The game's control scheme is very much like last year's edition. The A button on the Dreamcast controller controls passing, and the X button is used to shoot--holding it down will let you execute a harder slap shot. Some of the gameplay mechanics have been improved, such as the addition of a variety of new drop passes, but generally the game controls like NHL 2K. Interestingly, we were having a tough time executing one-timers in the game, even when they were set up perfectly. But according to Sega, the one-timer will be in the game and will naturally be an essential part of the gameplay.

In terms of the visuals and presentation, NHL 2K2 has improved on both counts when compared to the original game. The TV-style presentation has been enhanced with new context-sensitive commentary, and the arena crowd reacts directly to in-game events. Visually, the graphics engine has undergone an overhaul, with new animation for each individual player, player-specific facial textures, and ambient elements such as coaches on the bench.

NHL 2K2 is currently set for release in early 2002 for the Dreamcast. It will not be released for other platforms this year. GameSpot will have more on the game in the coming weeks.